Highlights of this week’s science events in London.

Matt Brown

Seminars
On 24 July, Imperial’s Nagy Habib discusses clinically applicable hydrodynamic gene delivery to the liver. The talk, part of a joint seminar series in cell biology and nanoscience, takes place in the Sir Alexander Fleming Building.

Mark Blows from the University of Queensland is at UCL on 26 July to talk about the genetic limits to evolutionary change. The following day, Nathalie Franc from the MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology is also at UCL to discuss the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells by Drosophila macrophages.

Public talks
The Wellcome Collection brings together a surgeon, a psychologist and an organ transplant recipient on 26 July. Areas of discussion include ways to increase the number of organ donors and what it is like to receive someone else’s heart.

On 23 July, the Natural History Museum looks at the threat to penguins from climate change. Last week, new evidence was published showing that penguin diet has changed markedly in recent centuries because of human activity. NHM scientist Mike Dunn reveals the past, present and future of the flightless birds.

The Dana Centre holds two notable evening events next week. On 24 July, learn what it takes to become an astronaut with a series of psychological and physical challenges. On 26 July, Richard Wiseman from the University of Hertfordshire reveals the chemical secrets of the chili pepper. Tasting opportunities are available for those with iron tongues.

And finally…
Don’t forget the Nature Network London drinks on Wednesday, now in its fifth installment.