In a change from our printed programme we are delighted to announce this talk from Prof Chris Spray  (University of Dundee) that will explore the values of our rivers and waterways.

Rivers and wetlands form a vital part of Scotland’s landscape and culture. Indeed, Scotland holds 90% of all Great Britain’s surface water, and some 70% of the volume, and the Tay has the largest discharge of any river in the UK.

However, we rather take this resource for granted and do not value it for all the many benefits it delivers for the environment and for our own well-being.

New research is focusing on what values our wetlands actually provide for communities across Scotland and, indeed globally. Come along to Cafe Science Extra to identify the value of our local waters and wetlands, and to contribute to a wider appreciation of just what they mean to us.

This talk will be hosted in our regular venue, the delightful Infusions Coffee Shop, inside Dundee Science Centre – Sensation.

Doors open at 5.30pm when the cafe will be serving drinks and snacks, and yes, you will be able to treat yourself to a hot chocolate!

This is a FREE event and EVERYONE IS WELCOME. There is no need to book in advance but please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

If you can’t make it be will be tweeting live from the event from the @revealsresearch Twitter account. To view these tweets and to join the online discussion you can use the hashtag #CafeSciDundee.

Why do we age? Why does ageing increase the risk of a variety of human diseases? Why is this trajectory accelerated by metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes? Will it be possible in the future to defer age-related diseases with new ‘anti-ageing’ medicines, or is it just all down to inevitable ‘wear and tear’?

We are always being encouraged to exercise more and eat a balanced diet in order to increase our chances of living a healthy and long life. The benefits of making such lifestyle choices are very clear, yet the biology underlying the links between lifestyle, ageing and age-related disease are much less well understood and are vigorous areas of research.

This talk from Dr Graham Rena from the University of Dundee will discuss an overview on current thinking in these areas.

Join us at the award winning Chambers Coffee House and Restaurant, 34 South Tay Street for this intriguing discussion on Monday 28th May 2012 at 7pm.

Chambers will serve a selection of their delicious HOT MEALS until 6:00pm, followed by snacks and hot drinks during the talk. Please see their website for a menu and more information.

This is a FREE event and EVERYONE IS WELCOME. There is no need to book in advance but arrive early to avoid disappointment.