January 15th Morality Without Gods Crime and Punishment Dr. Nick Tregenza

Nick led a fairly open discussion, questioning where our morality comes from and how we treat those who do not 'live by the rules'. Is our morality 'nature or nurture'? Some people are pressured into doing bad things others seem to do them for pleasure.

February 19th Open Session Open Session Methods of organization Laurie Lewis

We had a detailed discussion on the controversial topic of the best use of our time at the meetings. Our current plan for evening discussion is that, after introductions, we listen to a Speaker, have a period for questions, followed by a business meeting where other activities are discussed. Laurie, among others, feel that the business section impinges on the free flow of the discussion, and that the whole evening should be devoted to discussing the chosen topic. Of course, there are those who consider it important that the business of running the group needs to be addressed. There were suggestions that other matters should be discussed at separate a meeting. This was rejected by the majority. In the end a compromise was reached and agreed upon that business is to be discussed at every other meeting.

March 18th Why we Age Dr. David Hosken (University of Exeter at Tremough)

David Hosken told the group about his research into aging. From his work with fruit flies he has shown that cells do not just "wear out", it is possible by selective breeding to nearly double the life of these flies. He also showed that genetic mutations that cause death late in life are very common & are not detrimental to the breeding programme and therefore are not selected out. Length of life is also not related to the metabolic rate of the organism. David also posed the question as to why human females live long after their reproductive cycle is over. Research in Finland has shown that daughters have a higher reproductive success if their mother is still around.