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We are now producing audio and/or video files of RSE lectures and conferences. Click here to see a list of those available.
Why bilingualism boosts your mind at all ages 3 February 2010 (Oban High School)
The Invisible Enemy: A Natural History of Viruses 26 January 2010
Views expressed at RSE events do not necessarily represent those of the RSE, nor of its Fellows

Lecture. Wednesday 3 February 2010. 6.30 pm at Oban High School

Why bilingualism boosts your mind at all ages

Professor Antonella Sorace FRSE, Professor of Developmental Linguistics, Univesity of Edinburgh
and Dr Thomas Bak, Human Cognitive Neuroscience Team, University of Edinburgh

bilingualism lecture

The number of bilingual families is rising but there are still many misconceptions about early child bilingualism. Recent research shows that growing up with two languages can enhance specific cognitive skills and bring advantages that may last throughout the lifespan. A panel of cognitive scientists will present these findings and discuss their implications for parents, teachers, and policy makers.

Science and Society Book Discussion. Tuesday 26 January 2010. 7 pm

The Invisible Enemy: A Natural History of Viruses

Professor Dorothy Crawford FRSE OBE, Professor of Medical Microbiology, Basic and Clinical Virology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh

the invisible enemy

‘The Invisible Enemy’ provides a compelling scientific account of microbes, their history, and the dangers they pose – now and in the future. Microbes are disarmingly small and simple. Nevertheless, the smallpox virus killed over 300 million people in the 20th century alone before it was eradicated in 1980. The AIDS virus, HIV, is now the world’s biggest killer infection and the single most common cause of death in Africa. In recent years, the outbreaks of several lethal viruses such as Ebola and Hantavirus have caused great public concern – yet most people remain woefully ill-informed. Professor Crawford illustrates her arguments with vivid and wide-ranging examples.

Image courtesy of bergen.org (Sars) (right)

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