Why do we find some people more attractive than others? What makes men look masculine and women look feminine? What can these facial distinctions tell us about our evolution? By drawing on examples from humans, apes and other primates, Dr Eleanor Weston discusses the differences between male and female faces, and the evolution of attractiveness.

How much do we now know about the human genome? What can genes tell us about how we, and other species, evolved? How much of our DNA actually does something, and how much is just non-functional ‘junk’? Join Professor Chris Ponting as he discusses how evolution has shaped our genes, and what we know about our own genetic makeup.

Join author, Ann Lingard, as she discusses her novel, ‘The Embalmer’s Book of Recipes’. From the historical aspects of embalming bodies, to the genetics of achondroplasia (a genetic disorder which causes dwarfism), and from ‘DNA Music’, to the foot-and-mouth crisis – Ann explores the fascinating science and research behind her latest book.

Joining us on the Science Oxford Live sofa will be local chiropractor Finn O’Brien. Together we will examine the effects of bad posture in modern life, explore how chiropractors treat such problems, and ask whether there is any scientific basis for the benefits that people get from such “alternative therapies”.