Physics World Weekly Podcast
A passion for building instrumentation, and a hint of dark matter in dwarf galaxies
May 23, 2024
Lily Ellis-Gibbings, a higher scientist at the UK’s National Physical Laboratory, shares her passion for building scientific instruments that enhance fields like radiotherapy and astrochemistry. She offers top tips for aspiring physics students. Meanwhile, astrophysicist Alex McDaniel discusses intriguing findings from dwarf galaxies, hinting at dark matter's role through potential gamma-ray emissions. Their conversation highlights the fascinating intersection of advanced technology in scientific research and the quest to unravel cosmic mysteries.
38:25
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Lily Ellis-Gibbings emphasizes the importance of tailored scientific instrumentation in advancing medical therapies, particularly in improving ion therapy for cancer treatment.
- The study on dwarf galaxies offers intriguing evidence of dark matter candidates through gamma-ray signals, potentially enhancing our understanding of the universe's composition.
Deep dives
Lily Ellis Gibbings and Her Instrumentation Journey
Lily Ellis Gibbings, a higher scientist at the UK's National Physical Laboratory, has a diverse background in scientific instrumentation development. Her interest in this field began during her undergraduate studies when she participated in a project focused on atomic and molecular collisions, which involved intricate vacuum equipment. After taking a detour into science communication, she returned to the scientific realm through a PhD in Spain, where she researched ion sources for radiotherapy by combining nanoparticles with ion therapy. This cross-disciplinary approach allowed her to explore how ion therapy could effectively target tumors, demonstrating the importance of developing tailored instrumentation in advancing medical treatment.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
