Issue 44

Imperial/44: Spring 2018

In Issue 44, we explore the interesting things that performance does to our brains, take a look back at life at Imperial in the 1950s and 60s, and find out why intangible assets are having an impact on all aspects of economic life. Also in this issue, we learn how helical stents change lives with their inventor, Professor Colin Caro, and get to know the communities of microbes living in our lungs.

Our regular content includes an adventure in the science of fire with Professor Guillermo Rein and a behind-the-scenes look at the Indian Society's preparations for their upcoming theatrical spectacular, as well as some fiendishly tricky puzzles set by our staff and students.

Explore all of the regular stories and features from Issue 44 on our website. You can also download Imperial/44 as a PDF‌‌ or read the magazine online with Issuu.

In this issue

Features

From the President / ‘‘Our focus on prevention, early intervention and mental and physical health is as important locally as it is around the world’’
A brain held on puppet strings

The performing brain / Whether for an audience of one or thousands, performance does interesting things to our brains
Illustration of two students using a computer in 1969

Jolly good fellows / How the Athlone Fellowship of the middle of last century transformed the lives of a generation of Canadian engineers
Graph showing investment in intangible and tangible assets

Capitalism without Capital / Professor Jonathan Haskel charts the rise and rise of intangible assets and why they are having an impact on all aspects of economic life
Straight control stent and stent with 3D helical technology

A crucial curve / Professor Colin Caro explains why helical stents can change lives – and why, at 92, he still has much to do
Illustration of lungs

Under your breath / When Imperial researchers turned decades of research into the way our lungs function on its head, the medical world refused to believe

Regulars

Imperative

Dr Ana Costa-Pereira is on a mission to give students a revolutionary experience.

Research Focus / Policy Agenda

Professor Gary Frost talks nutrition.

Disruptor / Professor James Stirling

Professor James Stirling prepares to sign off after five years as Provost.

Society

East meets West with the Indian Society.

Our Imperial

Three alumni discuss the benefits of Imperial’s experimental mindset.

Dataset

Dr Niamh Nowlan and the unique new data that her in utero studies are offering.

Adventures in... Fire Science

Professor Guillermo Rein’s burning desire to make sense of fire.

My Imperial

Master’s student Elisabeth Mahase and her love of the ‘big baked bean tin’.

Test your brain power

Can you solve our ultimate prize puzzle challenge?

Test tube

Alumnus Nikos Moraitakis tells us what he's working on.

42

According to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 42 is the answer. But what's the question?