CULTURE CLUB
GENOMES AT HOME
Celebrating 20 years since the landmark first draft of the complete human genome, Wellcome Genome Campus is launching a series of free online talks called ‘Genome Lates’. The talks – hosted by established science writers and broadcasters via online streaming platform Zoom – aim to teach people more about the far-reaching impact of the Human Genome Project, presenting personal stories and looking back on the incredible advances that have been made in genomic science over the past two decades. “With genomics and biodata featuring ever more in people’s lives, we’re excited to mark the 20th anniversary of the entire human genome’s first draft with five lively events,” says Ken Skeldon, head of the public engagement team at the Wellcome Genome Campus. “Inspired by the groundbreaking science happening at the Wellcome Genome Campus, we hope the series will provoke discussion and invite people to ask questions and share views, particularly on where genomics science might take us in the future.” Genome Lates will enable people to discuss and explore new discoveries in genomics, as well as the impact that these breakthroughs have had on their lives and wider society. Among them will be institute directors, scientists coming up against Covid-19 and those who worked back in the early days of the Human Genome Project. The next talk, on 28 September, is ‘Big Data in Biology’, which gives viewers a chance to meet the man who organised a bet known as the ‘GeneSweep’ for scientists working on the Human Genome Project (he had over 460 bets by the time the draft of the human genome was published in 2003). On 29 October, hear from Dr Jane Loveland, Dr Kerstin Howe and Dr Simon G Gregory on their contributions to the landmark Human Genome Project, looking at the incredible impact it has had on science, medicine and society, and how we apply this knowledge today. Finally, on 26 November, catch ‘Slowing the Spread’, a very topical look at how genomics can help us understand Covid-19 – and the challenges of doing groundbreaking science in times of social distancing. For timings and more details, visit the website. publicengagement.wellcomegenomecampus.org
COMEDY PICKS
We could all use a good laugh after the last few months and luckily for us, there are some fantastic comedians heading to Cambridge to help us on our way. Custard Comedy is hosting an evening of alfresco entertainment at Quy Mill’s Big Garden Bar on 12 September, with TV comedians Paul Sinha and Laura Lexx performing from 5pm until 8pm. Over at the Cambridge Corn Exchange meanwhile, you can hear from Jon Richardson, who brings his whip-smart new show to the venue for a two-night run on 25 and 26 September. Finally, lovers of numbers and weird facts should check out Matt Parker, who brings his Humble Pi show to the Junction on the 30th. A look at the greatest mathematical near-misses and mishaps involving planes and bridges, you’re guaranteed to hear some wild stories and be impressed by Parker’s knack of making maths hilarious.
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