As we clock almost a year since the first lockdown, an upcoming talk will be examining the fall-out of the pandemic on our personal lives.

Sexless and the City is to be the first in a new series of Science Speakeasy debates taking place on Zoom.

Following so many months of restrictions, lockdowns and being unable to hug friends and family, the free talk - being hosted by Life Science Centre in Newcastle - will ask: what's the damage of being denied human touch?

It will examine the physical and emotional effects of social distancing and going so long with limited - or no - human touch and it will discuss the importance of skin-to-skin contact ranging from a simple handshake to sex.

The virtual audience will get a chance to ask the questions and steer the debate but topics are set to include issues such as whether being denied - or limited - physical contact might be an infringement of our human rights and if there can be anything to fill this gap left in people's lives.

It will also question whether we are getting better at communicating our feelings when we are unable to demonstrate them.

Sexless and the City is aimed at those aged 18-plus and will take place on March 11 from 8pm to 9.15pm.

As a cocktail bar is usually in operation at events hosted by Life in normal times, it is encouraging it is virtual visitors to replicate the experience by relaxing with a drink while they tune in.

Capacity for the talk is limited and places will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For those not on Zoom there is an option of a phone dial-in, details of which will be provided in the confirmation email once registered.

To register for the talk see here.