Expert opinions cover The Meg, hothouse Earth, Space Force, Nairobi, AI doctors and sex work

The Conversation and Think: Leicester talking points: a range of topical issues recently tackled by academics 11 - 31 August

In an article for The Conversation, Dr Tom Fletcher from our School of Geography, Geology and the Environment has discussed how Megalodons are the latest Hollywood monster to leap out of the fossil record - and questions what else is lurking in prehistoric seas.

• Read the full article 'The Meg: the ocean’s fossil record is a treasure trove for potential monster movies' hosted on Think: Leicester here

In an article for The Conversation, Professors Jan Zalasiewicz, Mark Williams and PhD researcher Thomas Hearing from our School of Geography, Geology and the Environment have discussed what can we expect from our future climate after looking at the 'Hothouse Earths' of the past.

• Read the full article ' Hothouse Earth: our planet has been here before – here’s what it looked like' hosted on Think: Leicester here

In an article for The Conversation, Dr Bleddyn Bowen from our School of History, Politics and International Relations has discussed how a new name on a few military badges doesn't imply an escalating arms race.

• Read the full article 'Trump’s Space Force isn’t as new or as dangerous as it seems' hosted on Think: Leicester here

In an article for The Conversation, Dr Sean Avery from our School of Geography, Geology and the Environment has explored how riparian zones are meant to be a vital part of Nairobi's drainage system - but they've been built on.

• Read the full article 'Explainer: what’s driving the demolition of 4000 buildings in Nairobi' hosted on Think: Leicester here

In an article for The Conversation, Dr Leandro Minku (Informatics) and Professor Jeremy Levesley (Mathematics) have explored how Google DeepMind software can diagnose eye conditions as well as human doctors – and why the medical profession should welcome this.

• Read the full article 'AI doctors and engineers are coming – but they won’t be stealing high-skill jobs' hosted on Think: Leicester here

Professor Teela Sanders from our Department of Criminology is involved in creating a skills programme for young women working in the sex industry.

Think: Leicester does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Leicester - it expresses the independent views and opinions of the academic who has authored the piece. If you do not agree with the opinions expressed, and you are a doctoral student/academic at the University of Leicester, you may write a counter opinion for Think: Leicester and send to ap507@le.ac.uk