The Naked Scientists Podcast

Richard Broadbent, a tour guide at Bairds Malt in Witham, shares his expertise on whisky production. He explores the fascinating journey of barley, detailing the malting process from steeping to kilning. The conversation dives into fermentation, emphasizing temperature control's vital role in flavor development. Broadbent also discusses the intricate art of distillation and how cask selection dramatically influences whisky maturation, highlighting that around 70% of flavor comes from the wood. This episode is a delightful blend of science, tradition, and craft in the world of Scotch whisky.

Maria van Kerkhove, Acting Director at the WHO, reflects on five years since COVID-19, analyzing the pandemic's lingering impact on health, education, and the economy. She emphasizes the urgency for advancements in pandemic preparedness and biotechnology. The discussion also dives into the hunt for a potential hidden Planet X, spotlighting the revolutionary capabilities of the new Vera Rubin Observatory. Insights on xenon gas's potential benefits for Alzheimer's treatment add a fascinating twist, showcasing the intersection of neuroscience and astronomy.

Antje Boetius, a renowned microbiologist and director at the Alfred Wegener Institute, reveals the fascinating relationship between methane-eating seafloor species and its global implications. She reflects on her inspiration for deep-sea research and unique underwater encounters. The discussion turns to deep-sea mining's ecological impacts and the need for urgent research on Antarctic climate change. Boetius emphasizes the critical role of microbes in maintaining marine ecosystems and their potential to combat climate change.

Ed Hutchinson, an expert at the MRC University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, discusses the concerning rise in H5N1 bird flu cases, including its potential for human transmission and historical pandemic risks. He also highlights the importance of monitoring and vaccines. In addition, the podcast reveals exciting findings about vast underground hydrogen reserves for clean energy, as well as groundbreaking advances in prostate cancer treatment. Lastly, the cognitive impacts of lead pollution from Roman mining are compared to modern health concerns.

Trevor Robbins, a leading Cambridge neuroscientist and expert on OCD, delves into the complexities of obsessive-compulsive disorder. He shares impactful insights about the daily struggles faced by those with OCD and emphasizes the importance of early detection. Robbins also discusses the intricate role of frontal lobes in behavior and cognition, innovations in brain stimulation therapies, and the genetic factors influencing OCD. He highlights historical figures whose creativity may have been shaped by their OCD, blending science with a fascinating glimpse into mental health.

Mike Waldridge, a machine learning expert from the University of Oxford, shares insights on the future of artificial intelligence. He discusses the anticipated release of GPT-5 and its implications for generative AI. They explore how AI can intersect with virtual reality and enhance various fields. Additionally, Waldridge touches on the importance of regulations for emerging technologies and dives into the potential advancements in health and space travel expected by 2025. This thought-provoking conversation showcases the exciting trajectory of science and technology.

In this riveting chat, Marc Abrahams, co-founder of the Annals of Improbable Research and emcee of the Ig Nobel Prize, reveals the amusing side of scientific discovery. He discusses how humor can make science more accessible and shares quirky stories like an unconventional hiccup cure. Abrahams highlights the interplay of comedy and serious research, showcasing memorable studies from the Ig Nobel Awards. With anecdotes on collaboration and innovative communication in science, this conversation leaves listeners both entertained and enlightened.

Dive into the ethical debates surrounding the End of Life Bill and the global landscape of assisted dying legislation. Discover how NVIDIA is transforming AI, while astronomers nail down dark matter through the James Webb Space Telescope. Meanwhile, space exploration faces delays, contrasting with Elon Musk’s swift advancements. Learn about the alarming status of sharks alongside ancient cave art discoveries that reshape our understanding of human history. The podcast wraps up by exploring historical health disparities through stress indicators in different populations.

This lively discussion showcases the most thrilling scientific adventures of 2024, from AI advancements to breakthroughs in medicine. Dive into the genetic echoes of the Black Death and their evolutionary impact. Discover giant ichthyosaur fossils shedding light on ancient marine life. There's also a focus on revolutionizing cervical cancer screenings, advocating for accessible prevention methods. Finally, explore how robotics can unlock secrets of extinct species, illustrating the fascinating overlap between technology and natural history.

Our Titans of Science season continues with the man who used AI to create an unprecedented number of custom proteins: Nobel Prize winning biochemist David Baker... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists