Do men and women react differently to risk? Why do we think babies are so cute? What influences sexual attractiveness? How should we approach dyslexia? Can we feed the world more efficiently?

• Take part in the latest Cafe Scientifique talk with Rachael Martin on Wednesday 8 January

These are just some of the key questions tackled by the successful Café Scientifique series in Colchester organised by local people and supported by the University of Essex.

You can now watch a selection of Café Scientifique talks on the University of Essex’s Vimeo channel.

Masculinity, Femininity and their Contradicting Influences on Attractiveness - Cafe Scientifique from University of Essex on Vimeo.

• Watch the University of Essex's Vimeo channel

Café Scientifique is a national network encouraging informal and accessible debate about important scientific issues. In Colchester leading academics and talented PhD students from the University of Essex’s Faculty of Science and Engineering volunteer their time to talk about their research interests and encourage discussion.

The following talks are now available:

• Dr Patrick Nolen, from the Department of Economics, discusses how men and women react differently to risk.
• Dr Gerulf Rieger, from the Department of Psychology, presents his research findings on sexual attractiveness.
• Lorna McAusland, from our School of Biological Sciences, looks at how the University of Essex has responded to the key global challenge of developing crops which use water more efficiently.
• Dean Wybrow, from the Department of Psychology, asks ‘Are all dyslexics the same?’.
• Jen Lewis, from the Department of Psychology, discusses her study of cuteness, how it can be measured and its effects on other people.

All events are hosted by the Minories Café in Colchester.

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