PINT OF SCIENCE FESTIVAL
13-15 MAY 2024
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Cosmic Cat-tastrophe: Big Bang Revelations and Chemical Curiosities
SOLD OUT! Look at our other events in Leuven
The big bang was not the beginning of the universe! You heard it hear first, join us at Belgaleiro to find out what came before, as well as what cats have to do with chemistry, and how stars affect how animals see.
The lies you've been told about the Big Bang
Joao Melo
Postdoctoral Researcher
KU Leuven
You've all heard that the universe began with a big explosion coming from a single point: the Big Bang. But what if I told you that is wrong? We have known for decades that the Big Bang does not involve a single point, and also, that it is not the beginning of the universe! In this talk I will tell you the real story of the Big Bang and what came before it.
Chemistry with cats
Martistella Alessio
Postdoctoral Researcher
KU Leuven
Drawing inspiration from my mentor Anna's fondness for cats and her insightful work of art titled "Chemistry with Cats,” [1] I am here to delve into the subject of cats! Cats hold a ubiquitous presence in the realm of science and within scientific circles. By examining their shape, their meowing, and even their significance in matters of life and death, we will embark on an exploration of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, particularly as we stand at the forefront of the Second Quantum Revolution. And if you are unfamiliar with the first one, fret not; we will cover it at “Pint of Science 2024”.
Why some animals can see more colours than us—and what that has to do with stars and proteins
Wouter Duverger
PhD Researcher
VIB
How is it that bees can see ultraviolet light and snakes can see infrared, and why would they need to? In this talk, we will look at how light invisible to people can interact with atoms and molecules and how scientists use it to study things from the stars in a galaxy to the proteins in your body.
