Superior science: research, innovation and technology

A fascinating look into the world of solar research and the different avenues being explored to provide sustainable energy in the future. Dr Lars Jeuken is researching redox-active membrane proteins and biological electron transfer as part of the school of biomedical sciences. His research aims to control the interaction between biological macromolecules and inorganic 'solid' surfaces. Practical applications for this research include producing Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC's) and improving their power output through the use of nanotechnology as well as a novel biotechnology that will harness solar energy using a new biological synthetic approach. His research is featured in over 50 publications. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

4.4 billion people around the world still do not have access to the internet. But what would happen if they did? Emma has a great interest in global development and the natural world, in particular conservation. A big fan of the TEDx format, science communication is something she always enjoys getting involved with and she loves sharing her views and the latest fascinating discoveries in her field through her radio show and online blog. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Loyalty cards are one of the many ways that data on individuals is stored and captured. The amount of data on an individual person is relatively tiny but when you look at the big picture, everyone's collective data can provide incredibly deep insights into our daily lives. It is incredibly important for researchers and city planners to be able to access this vital information whilst maintaining an individuals right to privacy to make effective decisions in the future. Professor of Spatial Analysis and Policy, his major interests are in simulating social and demographic change within cities and regions, and in understanding the impact of these changes on the need for services like housing, roads and hospitals, using techniques of microsimulation and agent based modelling. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Repairing a pipe in the 21st century requires us to dig up the road, remove the old pipe, put in a new pipe and then rebuild the road - there has to be a better way. Robots. One day they could even repair the smallest pipes of all - inside the human body. Dr Robert Richardson is the Director of the Institute of Engineering Systems and Design, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds; a research institute of 15 academic staff and over 50 members. He currently holds a prestigious research contract to explore The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt using robotic technology and has discovered writing in the Great Pyramid that was hidden for thousands of years... watch to find out more! This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

The dangers and pitfalls of 'medical' apps - how a lack of regulation is dangerous and what the future of e-health could look like. Jeremy's research is directed at uncovering the generic principles underlying eHealth, so focuses on the design and evaluation of technologies for helping implement research evidence (eg. decision support systems), supporting self-care (eg. telehealth) and helping to prevent long term conditions (eg. smartphone Apps, SMS msgs). He is also concerned about the social impacts of these technologies and contributes to eHealth and innovation policy debates. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

The hidden energy costs of smartphones. How much does it truly take to power your smartphone? No, we're not just talking about the battery. Dr Jonathan Summers is a senior lecturer in the faculty of engineering at the University of Leeds, his research interests include coating flows, dynamic wetting, fluid mechanics, thin films and the thermal management of data centres. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

Can the study of science and thinking about the scientific method help us to take control of our personal lives? Through his study in neuroscience Stefano has recently been investigating computational modelling to replicate motor output with a long term view of doing a PhD in this area. All of this thinking about inputs and outputs changed the way Stefano sees the world. In his spare time Stefano volunteers in the local community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx