Alzheimer’s Disease: Current State and Hope for the Future
Measured in human suffering, and by statistics, Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) presents a formidable specter: with incidence approaching 30 million worldwide and growing rapidly, it is now the sixth leading cause of death in the US. As life expectancy lengthens, AD is anticipated to triple in prevalence over the next few decades. The
New Frontiers in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder Research
In contrast to cardiovascular disease, few breakthrough remedies for psychiatric illness have emerged in the past half century. Edward Scolnick lays blame for this dismal situation on barriers to understanding the genetic basis behind such illnesses. But the research drought may be over, as the current revolution in
Opening the Mind’s Eye- Learning to See
It’s rare to find research that simultaneously advances basic science and brings good into people’s lives, but Pawan Sinha’s Project Prakash does precisely that. An investigator of human visual processing, Sinha is interested in how these brain mechanisms develop. For his work, Sinha realized the ideal subjects would
Computational Models of Basal Ganglia Function
As a mathematical engineer, Kenji Doya approaches the goal of describing the most intricate brain mechanisms from a computational perspective. He constructs models of reinforcement learning involving the networked structures of the basal ganglia. His efforts are captured and expressed quantitatively as probabilities, regress
Introduction to Studying the History and Politics of China
Dr Rana Mitter talks about his cutting edge research in China and gives an introduction to studying the history and politics of China, a new and exciting field of research within the Humanities division
Breast Cancer: Causes and Prevention
Dr Valerie Beral talks about her research into the causes of breast cancer, looking into the history of the cancer as well as offering ways of reducing the risk of contracting breast cancer
Data Safety Monitoring Boards: Their Place and Role in Trials
Dr Roma Chilengi, Head of Clinical Trials at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya discusses clinical trial data safety monitoring boards (DSMBs). This introduction starts with a definition of a DSMB and discusses their roles and when they are required. DSMS constitutions, charters and considerations for under developed settings are also discussed.
Clinical Trial Protocol Development
Dr Phaik Yeong Cheah, Head of Clinical Trials at the Mahidol-Oxford Research Unit in Bangkok, Thailand discusses clinical trial protocol development. This lecture is an introduction to the topic and gives an overview from initial concept through to GCP requirements, ethical considerations, study drugs and procedures and safety reporting.
Introduction to Research Ethics
Dr Roma Chilengi, Head of Clinical Trials at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya gives an introduction to research ethics. This overview covers the historical origins and landmark events that have influenced current understanding of research ethics. Some of the major ethical codes and fundamental ethical principles are identified and their application in research is discussed. Finally, there is an overview of the role of ethics committe
The Story of ICH-GCP: An introduction for investigators and site staff
Dr Roma Chilengi, Head of Clinical Trials at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya gives an introduction to ICH-GCP. This overview covers the historical background, context and evolution to ICH-GCP, summarises its key principles and describes the role of regulatory authorities. The talk highlights some of the accomplishments of ICH-GCP but also critiques some aspects of GCP application in non-pharmaceutical settings.
Lecture 3: Keep it cool! 38 years of gas-turbine research
Professor Martin Oldfield on 'Keep it cool! 38 years of gas-turbine research'. Unusual short-duration wind-tunnels have been used to research, in a split second, results that normally need expensive hours. The work of one of the most successful thermo-fluid laboratories over the years was illustrated in Professor Oldfield's lecture.
Lecture 6: Hydraulic Engineering - How We Use Hydraulics to Solve Real Life Engineering Problems
Dr Jane Smallman on "Hydraulic Engineering - How We Use Hydraulics to Solve Real Life Engineering Problems". Hydraulics is used extensively to provide solutions to engineering problems. In this presentation the focus was on civil and environmental engineering projects in the maritime sector. A number of illustrations were given of the way in which research is developed into tools that are used to solve practical problems.
Lecture 13: Designing for Strength: A Century of Solid Mechanics Research in Oxford
Professor Carlos Ruiz on "Designing for Strength: A Century of Solid Mechanics Research in Oxford" In 1908 C.W. Jenkin was appointed to the first chair of Engineering Science in Oxford University. He followed in the tradition, established by Hooke, to emphasise the practical application of research to the design of machines and structures. Thanks to his foresight, solid mechanics in Oxford has a strong scientific basis, combining theoretical formulation and exact experimental work to provide ans
Lecture 4: the Pierre Auger Observatory
In the fourth and final lecture in the 'Telescopes Now' series, Professor Alan Watson talks about his work at the Pierre Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory. Professor Alan Watson is Emeritus and Research Professor of Physics at the University of Leeds, and with James Cronin established and led the Pierre Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory in Argentina. In his lecture he touches on some of the practical, political, technical, financial and organisational challenges faced by the team that he worked with to es
Input prices soar in China
China's PMI hits 7-month high as factories ramped up production in November, but input prices post biggest gain, showing inflationary pressures.
The Ethics of Undertaking Research in Other Countries
This paper considers when it is ethical for scientists to do research abroad that is banned at home. The handout, Skene's Barometer, is available at http://www.practicalethics.ox.ac.uk/Events/StX_seminar/Skenes_Barometer.pdf
Audio file: St Cross Special Ethics Seminar - Mark Sheehan
In Defence of Governance: Ethics and Social Research (5 November 2009)
Introduction to Indian Literature in translation
Professor Boehmer gives a short talk on her current research on Indian Literature in English, looking at the Post-Colonial world of literature and gives an introduction to studying World Literature in the Humanities Division
Protecting People in Conflict and Crisis: Plenary 2
This podcast was recorded at the second plenary session of the Protecting People in Conflict and Crisis conference. This podcast was recorded at the second plenary session of the Protecting People in Conflict and Crisis: Responding to the Challenges of a Changing World conference, which was held by the Refugee Studies Centre (in collaboration with the Humanitarian Policy Group) on Wednesday 23rd September 2009 at Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford. Presented by Dr Zonke Majodina, M
Politicizing Law, Judicializing Politics: A Realist Approach to Comparative Constitutionalism
This lecture by Professor Ran Hirschl explores the strengths and weaknesses of studying comparatively the socio-political foundations of constitutions and constitutional institutions worldwide. The past few decades have seen a sweeping convergence to constitutional supremacy and a corresponding increase in the political importance of constitutional courts worldwide. This trend is widely perceived as a reflection of progressive social or political change, or simply as the result of societies' or
