The helix
Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.
Preparation
Transcript
I'd like to turn now to the object which is the main point of this talk: the helix. This is a fascinating mathematical object which touches many parts of our lives. Movement, the natural world, the manufactured world and our genetic make-up are all connected to the shape of the helix.
A helix is a type of three-dimensional curve that goes around a central cylindrical shape in the form of a spiral, like a corkscrew or a spiral staircase. The helix is a very popular shape in nature because it is very compact. In fact, helices are sometimes referred to as 'nature's space saver'. In architecture too, the helix shape of a spiral staircase is an attractive option in buildings where space is very restricted.
The most renowned type of helix is probably the double helix of DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is made of two helices that curve around each other, a bit like a twisted ladder. DNA contains the genetic information or 'code' that determines the development and functioning of all known living things. The helix shape is a very efficient way to store a long molecule like DNA in the limited space of a cell.
There are different types of helices. Helices can twist clockwise, right-handed, or anti-clockwise, left-handed. An interesting experiment is to hold a clockwise helix, such as a corkscrew, up to a mirror. The clockwise helix appears to become counterclockwise.
We can perceive examples of helices in many areas of our world. Spiral staircases, cables, screws and ropes can be right-handed or left-handed helices. A helix that goes around a cone is called a conical helix. Examples of conical helices are screws or the famous spiral ramp designed by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the Guggenheim Museum in New York.
Helices are also prevalent in the natural world. The horns of certain animals, viruses, seashells and the structure of plants, flowers and leaves can all contain helices. The human umbilical cord is in fact a triple helix.
With the discovery that the helix is the shape of the DNA molecule, it is not surprising that the helix is found in so many areas. It's one of the most natural shapes in nature.
Let's turn our attention now to the mathematical description of the helix. You'll need a pen and paper for the next part of the talk as I am going to give you some variables to write down. Take your time to notice the different ...
Honestly, I usually don’t watch these types of scientific talks on the internet. Sometimes I like watching content about certain skin conditions, but those topics are not as in-depth as this one. It’s very interesting and fascinating to see how the world can be so perfect in its creations, just like this one!
It is, in fact, marvelously beautiful and breathtaking to see how science and nature find ways to persist, maintain balance, and existence by itself.
This is my sign to stay informed and watch more science-related content and conference talks. We always have something new to learn and new ways to enrich our minds, and it’s even better when the topics are related to life itself!
No, I don’t usually watch scientific lectures or talks like that online, but I do find them very interesting. For example, learning about the helix and how it appears in DNA, architecture, and nature shows how science connects to everyday life. Even though I don’t often spend time on these talks, I think they can be inspiring and a great way to understand the world better.
Yes. I love learning about the universe, stars and galaxies. These are my favourite scientific topics. I often watch online talks or documentaries and read posts about astronomy and space on social media because I find them very interesting.
I do read scientific articles online. This is necessary for my (undergraduate) research. As I now have less scientific work to do, but have to prepare for the C1-level English test, I read scientific stuff mainly in English. I have the feeling that my learning is more successful when I read things that interest me. I feared that I have to confront myself with boring stuff to learn for my C1 certificate but this site surprised me in a very positive way. The exercises and topics are quite interesting and it is not just science. Whether it is about jobs and working life, meeting communication, favorite music, introversion and so on. But I'm getting off topic now. The requirement to learn English for my masters study has made me subscribe to some scientific newsletters and a Nature-podcast. English connects :-)
Yes, due to university I have to read this type or articles, but I have never read them in English as I already find this topics complicated, and I honestly don't want to my learning harder.
I'd love to watch more talks than I usually do online. I tend to watch 30- to 40-minute extracts when I have time, but I often end up watching short clips like this one. Still, I think talks are a great way to go deeper into a subject and improve our listening skills if they are in another language.
Johanatan Valdez
I love watching scientific lectures and talks like this online. I find them super interesting and a great way to learn about topics. I'm curious about or dive deeper into a subject. It's awesome how accessible all that knowledge is now. I often discover new perspectives or get inspiration for projects from them. Guess you could say I'm a bit of fan of expanding my knowledge this way.
Ofc I heard n read lectures like this one. Sometimes is kinda interesting know about this types of topics bc we can have more knowledge n more topics of conversation (also it´s funny to know about different things). Btw I love this site bc is very helpful n easy to understand ;)
Yes definitively. For me it's very common to watch this kind of thing, I'm also love to watch documentaries. These always help me to learn new words and increase my vocabulary. There are a lot of options of documentaries on YouTube for free. I recommend DW channel, there are a lot of video with diverse subjects for different countries, it is pretty nice.
No, I´m not used to this type of lecture. Most of the time online, I see publications on social media about topics like travel, mindfulness, food, and other areas of interest. However, I find stimulating to learn about this diverse subject matter.