Pollution, killers and alcohol will all be up for lively discussion

Abertay hosting variety of talks on scientific subjects

The differences between the minds of those who kill and those who do not and the dangers of plastic pollution are among the subjects being explored in a series of science talks.

Neuroscientist Dr Peter Moult is to present his discussion Born To Kill? at Abertay University in April.

Dr Moult will look at how brains are “wired” and discuss whether killer minds are “born” or “made”.

His talk will be one of a series of lectures to be held in the university’s Hannah McLure centre, titled Science in the Cinema.

Recent technological advances in neuro-imaging techniques and genetic sequencing have shown there is compelling evidence people who commit violent crime may be biologically predisposed to do so.

Dr Moult said: “The basis of genetic inheritance and the role genetic mutations play in these brain abnormalities will be considered and we’ll ask the question, if violent criminals really are predisposed to their actions, what does this mean ethically in terms of legal responsibility?”

Kicking off the series will be a lecture from Abertay’s Dr Kimberley Bennett on Thursday March 15.

Dr Bennett will present her talk There’s Something in the Water: Pollution from Plastics, POPs and Pills, exploring how the world is waking up to the devastating effect plastic pollution is having on ocean life.

She said: “I will talk about the harm done by different types of pollutants: from the plastic we can see to the persistent chemicals and pharmaceuticals that we can’t. I will also look at the positive steps we can take to make the oceans cleaner, healthier and safer for humans and wildlife alike.”

The final lecture in the series, Alcohol: Truths, Myths and Legends will see the university’s Dr Peter Maskell explore the old wives’ tales and scientifically provable methods of getting drunk.

The talk will investigate whether myths surrounding alcohol – such as using a straw to get drunk more quickly or whether you can become intoxicated by bathing in Champagne – are scientifically accurate.

Tickets are free and can be booked through eventbrite.co.uk/o/abertayuniversity

I will also look at the positive steps we can take to make the oceans cleaner, healthier and safer. DR KIMBERLEY BENNETT

Picture: Getty. The issue of plastic pollution in our waters is one of the subjects being disussed in the lectures at Abertay University.