Talks / Ideas / Philosophy

Lessons from the Wild Side: What Strange Animals Teach us About Understanding Human Disease

Various venues across London

Sun 11 Oct · 12:00 · £20.25

105m · Talk

About this event

“Lessons from the Wild Side: What Strange Animals Teach us About Understanding Human Disease” with Dr Aidan Michaels Summary: For decades, modern medicine has relied on a handful of traditional lab models, but nature has already solved some of our most complex medical mysteries out in the wild. Join for a fascinating dive into the extreme biology of non-classical animals—from cancer-resistant naked mole-rats and 200-year-old bowhead whales to desert-dwelling camels that defy diabetes. Discover how studying these metabolic marvels is inspiring revolutionary treatments for human aging, cancer, and disease, all while proving that nature is the ultimate biomedical hacker. Grab a drink and find out what we can learn from the wild side! Bio: Dr Aidan Michaels obtained his PhD in cancer research in which he investigated, amongst other things, the role of altered metabolism in disease. As a long term nature obsessive, with a fascination about the weird and wonderful world of animals, Aidan brings his experience in cellular metabolic research to the explore wilderness with you! Aidan is also a keen science communicator, using his instagram channel @am_topscience to share interesting science facts, stories and quizzes with over 10 thousand followers. Venue: BOX, Picadilly Unit B Ground & Basement 21, 23 Shaftesbury Ave, Piccadilly Circus, London W1D 7EF Event Running Time: Doors 12pm Introduction 12:45pm Lecture 12:50pm Q&A 13:30pm Finish 13:45pm FAQs: What is Pints of Knowledge? Pints of Knowledge is a series of public talks where experts, researchers, and big thinkers share fascinating ideas all in the relaxed setting of a pub. We bring brilliant minds and curious audiences together over a pint, covering topics from science and politics to history, art, and beyond. What happens at Pints of Knowledge? At each Pints of Knowledge event, you’ll hear engaging talks (approx. 40 minutes) from expert speakers on fascinating topics — followed by an audience Q&A (approx. 20 minutes). The vibe is informal and social, set in a pub where you can grab a drink, meet interesting people, and enjoy big ideas in a relaxed setting. What if I don't drink alcohol ? No problem at all! Pints of Knowledge is all about the ideas and the community, not the drinks. You’re welcome to enjoy a soft drink, coffee, or whatever you prefer. The focus is on creating a relaxed, social atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Can I attend without a ticket? Tickets must be purchased online prior to the event. With our limited capacity at each venue we can't let people in without a ticket. There is occasionally the option to purchase a ticket on the door for our sold-out events, but we cannot guarantee this. Is there food available? Yes, there is usually the option to purchase food at our events - please see each venue's menu on their website. If you plan on eating at the venue, we recommend arriving as early as possible so the kitchen can get your order out before the talk starts. In the unlikely event the kitchen isn't open, there will typically be an option to order in food from elsewhere or bring your own food. Can I get my ticket refunded? We issue full ticket refunds 24 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser. Can I get my ticket exchanged? We issue full ticket exchanges if you have requested 48 hours before the event. Any requests after will be at the discretion of the event organiser . Is the event pet/baby friendly? Yes, we allow pets and babies to attend but reserve the right to request their removal if they are disruptive. Is the venue accessible? All of our venues are accessible, besides the following: The Old Queen's Head, The Landor, The Alma, and The Morpeth Arms.