Last Thursday evening at Laurieton’s School of Arts Hall some three dozen local citizens were treated to amazing talks by Professors Michelle Haber, a biomedical and engineering scientist, and Michelle Simmons, a quantum physicist. Both are leaders in their respective fields and have been honoured with many awards. The lucky audience was held spellbound by their enthusiasm for science and what they had to say.
This extraordinary event was made possible by local Camden High School maths teacher James Langley who has been mentoring Year 7 to 9 students in the science and technology of robotics. The students received an award last year. Enthusiasm among the students is obviously at a very high level because the team now wants to establish a robotics competition for Camden Haven primary school students.
A hearty thank you is extended to James Langley and the Camden Haven High School students who hosted and organised this amazing event. The fact that these two high-flying scientists are women with families is applauded, as well as the fact that girls are represented on the robotics team. Thanks are due also to Dr. Lisa Intemann, recently re-elected councillor, who introduced the speakers on behalf of PMHC.
Whilst Dr Simmons’ research team pursues the ‘holy grail’ of achieving nano-computing at room temperature by 2020, Professor Haber’s research team is involved in researching improved meth-ods for treating ‘strange’ childhood cancers which are unique because they initiate prior to birth. The cause appears to be unknown at this stage.
Could there be a causal linkage with fluoridated water? Fluoride has the capacity to cause such cancers because it is known to interfere with enzymatic processes and DNA at the cellular level.
John Lusk
Dunbogan
