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Series of weird and wonderful talks - The Core

Laughter On The Brain: The Science Behind The Smiles

The award-winning property management and consultancy company Creative Space Management have partnered with a number of academics from Newcastle University and further afield to launch an inspirational series of events in Newcastle. The first in the programme of in depth examinations of the science behind everyday topics is ‘The Science of Laughter’, on Thursday 22nd October at 7pm.

Creative Space Management - which operates workspaces for knowledge-based businesses in the region – has set its sights on this new venture programming a string of thought-provoking talks - but with the emphasis on fun - at The Core, Science Central.

Toby Hyam, Managing Director of Creative Space Management, explains: “One of the aims of Science Central is to bring together academia, business and citizens. This innovative series of talks looks at the science behind everyday topics, such as beer, flight and storytelling, to ensure our programme is both entertaining and accessible.”

We all love a good laugh, but why on earth do we do it? Why do our bellies shake with laughter when we see our favourite comedians on TV deliver a juicy one-liner, and our eyes stream after a giggle with friends?

Attempting to answer some of these questions, Newcastle University researchers and local production company Magic IF Ltd, will build on The Suggestibles’ extensive experience as comedic performers whilst incorporating the scientific research of Dr Kai Alter, Institute of Neuroscience, and Dr Adam Morton, School of History, Classics and Archaeology in this free evening of entertainment.

‘Professor’ Ian McLaughlin from the ‘Institute of Comedy Research’ has promised to take his audience on a rip-roaring and belly aching rollercoaster ride through the current scientific theories about guffaws and giggles.

Ian explains: “Laughter is an instinctive, contagious reaction, often to itself. It’s a universal act of social interaction that can be found not only in humans but other mammals as well. Science is only just starting to unravel the mysteries of mirth and this talk hopes to shed some light on the current scientific thinking behind ha ha ha! Creating comedy off the cuff follows the same rhythms and patterns that stand up comedians use to get you guffawing. It’s a real art that uses psychology and careful timing to create a wave of laughter that the comedian will try to ride for as long as they can. With the help of actual scientists we’ll be putting laughter under the microscope to see just how and why we do it. Expect a lot of laughter and a whoopi cushion or two!”

‘The Science of Laughter’ takes place on Thursday 22nd October 7pm – 8.30pm Doors will open at 6.30pm.

Following this will be ‘The Science of Colour’ on 19th November in collaboration with Colour Group GB.

We all live in a world where at some point, colour will be a part of, and effect us in our every day lives. Colour in everyday life is very diverse, from knowing that a fruit is ripe to eat, to understanding how colour can affect our moods. ‘The Science of Colour’ will see the University of the West of England’s Dr Carinna Parraman deliver a thought-provoking presentation on the alternative approaches that exist to image making and colour printing. From the on-screen representation of images and painting applications, to the physical generation and methods used on 2.5D printing, this talk will be of interest to all art enthusiasts and those with a special interest in modern digitally printed works.

Last in the series for 2015 will be ‘The Science of Beer’ on 3rd December. This much-loved product will be explored with Newcastle University’s award winning StuBrew Society and leading local breweries.

The evening will focus on all aspects of our favourite tipple including its history, brewing methods, how it gets that magical taste and how it’s sold and advertised on a global scale. More importantly, there will plenty of opportunities to sample and purchase local ales from a number of stalls and, if you don’t have work the next morning, audience members will become the experts in shaping new flavours by assisting in some taste tests.

Adam May and Jack Harrison, Co-Presidents of Newcastle University’s StuBrew will be in attendance along with Dr Chris O’Malley, School of Chemical Engineering they will be joined by Tyneside breweries, Northern Alchemy and Wylam Brewery.

Entry to all ‘The Science of’ events is FREE at The Core, Science Central, Bath Lane, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 5TF.

FREE tickets for The Science of Laughter can be booked here: http://thescienceoflaughter.eventbrite.co.uk

The Core has been part-funded through the European Union Regional Development Fund 2007-2013 (ERDF), Regional Growth Fund and Newcastle City Council.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nicky Mckeen .