We need to talk about Physics | Helen Czerski | TEDxManchester

When we hear about physics, we often hear about the weirdness of the tiny quantum world or the bewildering vastness of the cosmos. But there's a lot in the middle, and it's time someone starting talking about it. In this talk, Helen Czerski will take us through some of the little everyday oddities that shed light on some of the most important science and technology of our time. This is the physics that is woven into our lives - it's what makes the cream rise to the top of the milk, it dictates how tall a tree can be and it makes magnets stick to the fridge. But the same principles also explain how the ocean conveyer belt moves, how modern insulin tests work, and they open the door to the technologies that will power our future. Once the patterns are visible, a new perspective on the world beckons.

Dr Helen Czerski is an oceanographer, physicist and broadcaster with an healthy appetite for “everyday” science. She has a degree in natural sciences, a PhD in experimental explosives physics, and has spent several years studying the optics and acoustics of ocean bubbles. She works in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University College London, and is a science presenter for the BBC. She is also a keen supporter of ScienceGrrl, which celebrates women doing great science.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx