Pints, cigarettes and corporation conflict - Pint of Science

For the second night of Pint of Science, I attended the Vice Night at the Greenbank in Bristol. These talks were all focused around vices in our behaviour such as smoking and, ironically given the location, alcohol. First up was David Troy, who I had the pleasure of already seeing speak at the BPS annual conference earlier in the month. Although the content was along the same theme, the presentation had a more relaxed air, bringing science to the public. After a witty opening ('rare to have an Irishman encouraging people to drink less alcohol'), Troy spoke about the David v.s, Goliath style struggle between the government and alcohol industry, with resistance from the later about policies that may reduce drinking behaviour. Glass shape was a method that was discussed, with interesting questions raised by fellow audience members about whether we believe pubs are deliberately using glass shape to make us consume more. A thoroughly interesting talk and well received by the audience also.

Next up was Meryem Grabski, a PHD student studying cigarettes and tobacco withdrawal. Current studies on quitting smoking use animal participants, making results hard to transfer to humans. Also, clinical trials tend to be too expensive and tobacco withdrawal itself is difficult to measure. Grabski's work is seeking a way to measure tobacco withdrawal successfully using human participants, in order to help us test and identity new treatment options. An eloquent and confident presentation. Interesting questions raised about how some people smoke for different reasons than tobacco addition, for example, they may like having something to do with their hands. Grabski agreed with this, saying there is not a one size fits all approach and we need to choose the right therapy for the right person.

During the break, we got to try on some pretty snazzy beer glasses and rate some faces on how attractive we found them! People who'd drank over 1 full drink were given red counters, and people who'd had less were given white counters (me again on the lime and sodas!). This experiment was a nice touch and a great way to encourage the audience to get involved in some science.

Last, but certainly not least on the programme was Professor Marcus Munafo, with an extremely engaging talk about choice and corporations, and how we might not be as in control of our behaviour as we think. Focusing on several vices, I learnt several new things about these products. Burning nicotine, for example, in cigarettes is designed to be as addictive as possible, being inhaled deeply into the lungs, whereas cigar smoke can penetrate through the cheeks. Even cigarettes branded as 'light' and therefore perceived as 'healthier' are smoking in a compensatory way that cancels out the lower tar content. Also, I never realised how much influence the tobacco industry had in research, funding projects that make their product appear more favourable. Munafo also tackled the issue of snacking, which didn't exist until it was introduced by the food industry in the 70's to increase the purchasing of their products. As a result of all this, there is an ongoing tensions between scientists and industry, with a clear conflict of interests. Corporations shape our governments, our research councils and even our science: important facts to remember when working in the behaviour change industry.


I thoroughly enjoyed both evenings I attended for Pint of Science and cannot wait to attend again next year!