What's Gone - Raw

Science Gallery launches RAW, a monthly event that responds to the hottest science and technology stories in the media.

RAW: Do Anti-Depressants Work?, 3rd April


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A recent study led Professor Irving Kirsch suggested that leading brands of antidepressants worked little better than placebos in all but the most depressed patients. The research covered both published and unpublished clinical trial data. So is this a highly irresponsible study that could jeopardise the lives of people suffering from depression? Or does this in fact question the efficacy of anti-depressants?

Joining Professor Irving Kirsch (University of Hull) to debate the issues were:
Dr Harold Barry, GP & board member of the Irish depression support organisation, AWARE.
Dr Veronica O’Keane, Psychiatrist, St James Hospital, Dublin
Damian Lowry, Clinical Psychologist Mater Hospital, Dublin
Chair: Cormac O’Raifeartaigh

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RAW: The BioFuel Dream is Dead, 13th March


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Debate rages over whether biofuels are a vital part of the range of renewable technologies needed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels or an environmental disaster in the making. Approximately 1% of the world’s arable land is currently devoted to biofuels and that figure is set to grow. But is there enough land to grow energy crops or water to irrigate them, given the demands on global agriculture? Can biofuel really reduce climate change without causing serious damage?

Speakers were:
  • Professor Keith Smith, Institute of Atmospheric and Environmental Science at the University of Edinburgh
  • John Travers, Chief Executive of AER Biofuels
  • Dr Rocio Diaz-Chavez, Centre for Environmental Policy and Technology, Imperial College
  • David Korowicz of Feasta
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