At the first talk [February 5], Body language and mind reading, Dr Harry Witchel will demonstrate, through audience participation, why people believe the often-quoted statistic that less than seven per cent of all communication is in what you actually say.

Causes and prevention of cancer on February 19 will explain what cancer is and give examples of what causes cancer and that cancer in some rare conditions can be inherited.  Christos Paraskeva, Professor of Experimental Oncology, will discuss possible ways of reducing the chance of developing cancer.

The human family have been standing up on two legs for over three millions years, but what is the evidence?  Dr Alice Roberts will reveal all on March 4, Human evolution and anatomy: when, how and why did humans stand up? She will also explain how our bodies have changed in order to allow us to stand upright.

Finally, on March 25, Dr Roberts will give a 'behind-the-scenes' view of the Channel 4 archaeology programme Time Team: skeleton evidence.  She will talk about how skeletons can tell us a lot about the sort of lifestyles people led in the past, with specific examples from Time Team excavations.

The interactive talks, organised by the University's Public Programmes Office, take place on Thursdays in Waddelow Hall, Broadmead Baptist Church, Union Street, Bristol (entrance between Tassa Jara and Tesco Metro) from 1 to 2 pm.

No pre-booking is necessary and members of the audience are welcome to bring their sandwiches.