Friday 27 June 2014

Antibiotics resistance chosen as the winner of the Longitude Prize


Hi Everyone
On Wednesday the BBC announced that antibiotics resistance was the winning area of research after a public vote. Scientists will be tasked with trying to "solve" a specific problem around this issue. Making us 'hopefully' a step closer to the kind of healthcare we see in Star Trek!
The topic won against other serious problems such as:
  1. Flight- How can we fly without damaging the environment?
  2. Food- How can we ensure everyone has nutritious sustainable food?
  3. Paralysis- How can we restore movement to those in paralysis?
  4. Water- How can we ensure everyone has access to safe and clean water?
  5. Dementia- How can we help people with dementia live independently for longer?
Although they didn't get selected, the other topics have been put into the spotlight. They are likely to be researched and studied in more depth, in the hopes of being solved in the near future.

The competition is based on the 'original' Longitude Prize from 1714, which was won by John Harrison (fortunately not Khan Noonien Singh by another name!). Harrison was a clockmaker from Yorkshire, who solved the biggest problem of the 18th century... navigation.
No one was able to determine a ship's longitude at sea, making mistakes a daily occurrence, which put lives at risk. So in response the British Government set up the Longitude Prize in order to find a solution. With a £20,000 pounds prize set aside, the British Government opened the competition to all budding inventors and members of the public.
Navigation in 18th century was quite complicated as sailors required two clocks. One was set each day (using the height of the sun in the sky), while the second clock did the same job back at port.
The problem with this system is that the clock on board the ship, would get damaged due to the conditions at sea. The mechanisms couldn't handle the strain from the humidity and temperature changes at sea, or the pitch and roll of the oceans. John Harrison solved the problem by creating a chronometer that overcame these problems which won him the prize money.

Moving forward to the 2014 Longitude Prize, Nesta and the government funded Technology Strategy Board are looking to award £10 million pounds prize money to anyone who can find a way of producing a cost-effective, accurate, rapid and easy-to-use test for bacterial infections. That will allow health professionals worldwide to administer the right antibiotics at the right time.
Antibiotics resistance is a major problem in today's society, as antibiotics and countless drugs are at the heart of our modern medicine. It's because of that success is why we're in this situation, making it ever more important to create new antibiotics. The World Health Organisation has warned that "many common infections will no longer have a cure and, once again, could kill unabated".

Can you solve one of biggest problems of the 21st century!
Have you got a solution that can save countless lives?
If you have then register your interest at:
http://www.longitudeprize.org/

Tuesday 24 June 2014

Star Trek 'Compendium' set for release!


Hi everyone
Yesterday Paramount announced that they would be releasing a 4-disc Blu-ray set of the two JJ Abrams films on the 9th of September, with retail for a price of $39. You may ask what's so special about this set?!
Well in answer to your question the Star Trek 'Compedium' will include a High Definition copy of Star Trek (2009) and a IMAX version of Star Trek Into Darkness. The set will be also include digital copies of both films.
If that's not enough to get your mouth watering...then the set includes ALL previously released bonus material (that includes contain only available from some retailers) and some new bonus material we haven't seen! Below are the contains of all the discs in the set!!!

STAR TREK: THE COMPENDIUM Four-Disc Blu-ray Set The STAR TREK Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 5.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital with English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles. The STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Blu-ray is presented in 1080p high definition with English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description and English, English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles.

Disc 1
• Star Trek in high definition
• Commentary by J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof and Roberto Orci

Disc 2
• To Boldly Go— Taking on the world’s most beloved science fiction franchise was no small mission. Director J.J. Abrams, writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, producer Damon Lindelof, and executive producer Bryan Burk talk about the many challenges they faced and their strategy for success.
o Branching Pods:
 The Shatner Conundrum
 Red Shirt Guy
 The Green Girl
 Trekker Alert!
• Casting— The producers knew their greatest task was finding the right cast to reprise these epic roles. The cast, for their part, talk about the experience of trying to capture the essence of these mythic characters. The piece concludes with a moving tribute to Leonard Nimoy.
• A New Vision— J.J. Abrams’ vision was not only to create a Star Trek that was a bigger, more action-packed spectacle, but also to make the spectacle feel real. Every aspect of production—from unique locations to the use of classic Hollywood camera tricks—was guided by this overall objective.
o Branching Pods:
 Savage Pressure
• Starships—Abrams and production designer Scott Chambliss were careful to pay tribute to the design of the original Enterprise, but they also wanted to make it futuristic and cool for a modern audience. This chapter focuses on the unique stories behind the creation of the film’s starships.
o Branching Pods:
 Warp Explained
 Paint Job
 Bridge Construction Accelerated
 The Captain’s Chair
 Button Acting 101
 Narada Construction Accelerated
 Shuttle Shuffle
• Aliens— Designers Neville Page and Joel Harlow talk about the hurdles they faced creating new alien species, recreating the Romulans and Vulcans, and designing the terrifying creatures on Delta Vega for the new Star Trek.
o Branching Pods:
 The Alien Paradox
 Big-Eyed Girl
 Big Bro Quinto
 Klingons
 Drakoulias Anatomy 101
• Planets— From the frozen landscape of Delta Vega to the desert plains of Vulcan, Scott Chambliss and the art department had a number of radically different planets to create. Abrams’ desire to shoot on real locations whenever possible led the production team to a number of strange and surprising locations.
o Branching Pods:
 Extra Business
 Confidentiality
• Props and Costumes— Property master Russell Bobbitt had the unique challenge of designing props that were both true to the original series and pertinent to today’s technology. Likewise, costume designer Michael Kaplan talks about how he designed costumes that paid homage to what came before yet were relevant and timeless.
o Branching Pods:
 Klingon Wardrobe
• Ben Burtt and the Sounds of Star Trek— When famed sound designer Ben Burtt was hired to create sounds for the first Star Wars film, he took his inspiration from the original “Star Trek” series. Burtt jumped at the opportunity to pay tribute to the sounds that sparked his career with the sounds he created for the new Star Trek.
• Score— As a fan of the original series, composer Michael Giacchino embraced the challenge of creating new music for Star Trek while preserving the spirit of Alexander Courage’s celebrated theme.
• Gene Roddenberry’s Vision— J.J. Abrams, Leonard Nimoy, previous Star Trek writers and producers, and scientific consultant Carolyn Porco describe and commend the optimistic and enduring vision of Gene Roddenberry.
• Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary
• Starfleet Vessel Simulator—Explore extensive data on the U.S.S. Enterprise and the Romulan ship, the Narada. Submerse yourself in breathtaking 360° views and close-ups and review detailed tech information.
• Gag Reel
• Trailers
 
Disc 3
• Star Trek Into Darkness IMAX Version in high definition
• Enhanced Commentary
 
Disc 4• The Voyage Begins…Again – Go behind-the-scenes as filming begins on the next Star Trek adventure.
• Creating the Red Planet – Experience the creation of a never-before-seen alien world, as featured in the action-packed opening sequence of the film.
• Introducing the Villain
• Rebuilding the Enterprise – See the design and construction of a bigger, interconnected Enterprise set.
• National Ignition Facility: Home of the Core – Location shooting at the National Ignition Facility.
• Attack on Starfleet – Go behind the scenes with the cast and filmmakers and witness the creation of the shocking attack on Starfleet Headquarters.
• Aliens Encountered – The design and application of alien makeup.
• The Klingon Home World – Discover the stunning world of Kronos, and see how the filmmakers reinvented the Klingons for a new generation.
• The Enemy of My Enemy – Find out how, and why, the identity of the film’s true villain was kept a mystery to the very end.
• Vengeance is Coming – A comprehensive look at the design and production surrounding the black ship.
• Ship to Ship – An in-depth and thrilling look at the filming of the iconic space jump sequence, which both defied the laws of physics and pushed the limits of visual effects.
• Mr. Spock and Mr. Spock – Leonard Nimoy makes a cameo appearance and reflects on his history with Trek.
• Down with the Ship – Discover the stunt & VFX work involved to make the Enterprise roll over.
• Kirk and Spock – Explore the dynamic relationship between the film’s heroes.
• Brawl by the Bay – Sit in with Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch as they revisit their intense preparation for the film’s breathtaking climax.
• Continuing the Mission – An inspiring look at the partnership between the film’s crew and the organization that assists returning veterans to find meaningful ways to contribute on the home front.
• Unlocking the Cut – A discussion with the film editors about their monumental task.
• The Sounds of Music (and FX) – A discussion with film composer Michael Giacchino and sound designer Ben Burtt.
• Visual Affection – A comprehensive look at the creation and implementation of visual effects.
• Safety First – A prank pulled on the cast.
• Theatrical Trailers
• Deleted Scenes
• NEW! Gag Reel
• NEW! Fitting the Future—A look at the film’s out-of-this-world costumes.
• NEW! Property of Starfleet—Sourcing and tracking the film’s myriad props.
 
The release of this set is Paramount's attempt to please us after the uproar they received from fans when Star Trek Into Darkness was put on sale. Let's hope Paramount have learnt from their mistakes of the past!!!
If you want to find out more information please visit:
http://trekmovie.com/2014/06/23/new-compendium-blu-ray-set-compiles-star-trek-2009-into-darkness-imax-new-bonus-features/
or
http://www.thetrekcollective.com/2014/06/at-last-into-darkness-bluray-release-we.html

Thursday 19 June 2014

New Star Trek film to be released in 2016!- Updated!!!

Hi everyone
Today Paramount announced that the 3rd film will be releasing in 2016, which is probably due to the highly anticipated 50th anniversary of Star Trek (that first aired back in 1966).

Because JJ Abrams is directing Star Wars VII, the job of directing Star Trek XIII has fallen on producer/writer Roberto Orci to direct this film... although he has a good record with Star Trek as he has previously worked on the other Abrams Star Trek films. I must also say that JJ Abrams won't be out of the picture completely as he is going to help produce the film (possibly as a consultant?)
If you want to find out more information please visit:
http://trekmovie.com/2014/06/18/paramount-confirms-next-star-trek-film-coming-2016/

Update- December 5th 2014
 

Hi guys
As you may have seen over the past few days, Roberto Orci isn't directing Star Trek XIII....although he will have an active role in the film as he will now become the producer.
With Orci now in the producer role there is a chance that Edgar Wright (amongst other names) are on the short list to direct the film. Although his name has been unofficially mentioned a lot of Star Trek are campaigning (#BringInRiker) to get Jonathan Frakes into the directors seat.
if you want to find out more detailed information please visit:
 
 

Update- December 23rd 2014
 

Hi everyone
As you've probably seen announced Justin Lin (director of the Fast & Furious films) has been named as the new director of Star Trek XIII, after all the speculation at the beginning of the month!
Which suggests that he was one of the names on the shortlist to take over the film, after Robert Orci's departure.
This appointment, also suggests that the (#BringInRiker) fan campaign failed to get Jonathan Frakes shortlisted.
 
 
 
 


Monday 16 June 2014

Welcome to The Engage Podcast's blog!


Hi everyone
Welcome to a blog brought to you by the hosts of The Engage Podcast! In this blog we will hope to keep you up to date with all the latest news from the world of Star Trek, along with podcast and interesting science news with our own unique views and opinions!

Along with all that news we will also be writing blog posts to accompany certain episodes of our podcast, in the hopes that you can glim some more information on the topic. While giving you a better understanding of us!
I hope you enjoy reading what we have to say in the weeks and months ahead!!!

Don't forget you can visit us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and our website at:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/theengagepodcast
Twitter- https://twitter.com/TEngagePodcast
YouTube page- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUUJzQloTuMVLs2A-3EqsGQ/
Website- http://www.theengagepodcast.com/

Important podcast dates:

20th February- Simon's Birthday
16th June- The Engage Podcast Blog Birthday
18th July- Phil's Birthday
19th September- Jamie's Birthday
3rd October- The Engage Podcast Birthday

Three guys talking about Trek two centuries early!
Simon, Jamie and Phil
The Engage Podcast