Next Crosstalks (February 28th, 17:00):
Crosstalks is a web talk show where leading professors from top universities in Sweden discuss global topics live with viewers from around the world. Crosstalks is a joint venture between Stockholm University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology
The latest discoveries in the field of particle physics are fascinating. At a seminar in CERN the summer of 2012, it was declared that the HIGGS particle, which explains why particles have mass, probably had been discovered. In media, it has sometimes controversially been described as ”The God particle”. At the same time the understanding about the universe and its dark matter are increasing. What does the scientific community know about the micro- and macrocosmos today? Is it probable that they will find the so called ”Theory about everything?” What happens with our view of reality if it is discovered? Are there dangers involved in knowing to much about how our world and the universe are constructed?
Suggest a talking point or speakerRobots are able to help us more and more in our everyday life but as the development in the field gains pace, some are raising a warning finger that science fiction stories where the human race are being replaced but robots eventually will become true. Should robot evolution be slowed down? The field of articial intelligence has in the recent years reached the broad consumer end with services such as SIRI in Iphones. As AI continues to be more developed, are we about to reach a point when computer programs will become ”self aware”? What will we consider to be human in the future? Is there a limit where the boundaries between man and machine stop to exist?
Suggest a talking point or speakerSince 1948, the average life expectancy has increased by a staggering 20 years on a global basis. However, the geographical differences are enormous, and in a number of countries the a average life expectancy has even decreased. The differences are also increasing within national boundaries: Well off parts of a country show an increasingly healthier population, while poorer regions show the opposite development. Why? What can be done In order to change the negative trend and close the health gap? How can science help? Can we seek solutions in large scale human mapping projects such as ATLAS? Leading professors are also claiming that a lot more can be done today than what is being done. Why are not the responsible authorities and organizations able to do more to solve the problem?
Suggest a talking point or speaker