Discovery

Dr Chris van Tulleken shares stories from the making of his chart-topping podcast, Fed. In conversation with Leyla Kazim, at Hay Festival 2024.In Fed, Dr Chris van Tulleken, investigated the entangled web of forces that shape what ends up on our plates. And he focused his investigation around one foodstuff in particular. The most widely eaten meat on our planet, a staple of nearly every diet and a global food production phenomenon: the humble chicken, Chris dug into the history of our relationship with this extraordinary animal, to try to get to the truth of why we eat so much of it, and what that means for the birds, for us, and for the planet.In this lively conversation, recorded live at Hay festival 2024, Chris talks to Leyla Kazim about the hidden stories behind the globalised food networks of today. From industrial-scale farming, to food labelling, to ethical dilemmas, environmental quandaries, and the complexities of the world of fast food. Plus tales from the adventure that ran through the whole series: raising his own tiny flock of broiler chickens, in his back garden.

In this enlightening discussion, gerontologist Sarah Harper, muscle physiology expert Georgina Ellison-Hughes, and healthy aging researcher Norman Lazarus share their insights on aging gracefully. They dissect the difference between biological and chronological age, emphasizing the impact of lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and mental health. Listeners learn how social connections can enhance longevity and discover actionable tips for maintaining youthfulness. The conversation also touches on the darker side of the wellness industry and the importance of a positive mindset.

Peter Goadsby, a leading neurologist and professor at King's College London, sheds light on the complexities of migraines, which affect over a billion people, predominantly women. He discusses the historical biases surrounding migraine perceptions and the urgent need for biological understanding. Goadsby shares insights on the innovative treatments emerging from his research, including monoclonal medications and the role of neuropeptides. His journey in medicine, from politics to pioneering migraine research, culminates in receiving the prestigious Brain Prize.

Kip Thorne, Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech and a Nobel laureate, shares his remarkable journey from a Mormon upbringing to groundbreaking work on gravitational waves. He discusses the delicate balance of representing science in Hollywood, particularly in 'Interstellar' and 'Oppenheimer.' Kip reflects on the profound influence of his parents and recounts his passion for discovery that led to the historic detection of gravitational waves. He also explores the exciting future of astrophysics, including wormholes and quantum gravity.

Vicky Tolfrey, Director of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, shares her inspiring journey from aspiring Olympian to a leading sports scientist for para-athletes. She discusses her early influences, including her father's coaching and a pivotal injury. Vicky delves into her research on wheelchair athletes, innovations in training, and the fascinating parallels between para-sports and Formula One. As she prepares for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, her insights on athlete welfare and cutting-edge technology reveal the future of disability sport.

Dawn Bonfield, a Professor of Practice in Engineering for Sustainable Development at King’s College London, champions diversity in engineering. She revitalized the Women in Engineering Society and founded International Women in Engineering Day, tackling the industry's gender gap. Dawn highlights the need for representation and role models. She shares her journey from materials engineer to advocating for inclusive engineering as a means to address pressing global challenges, emphasizing optimism for a more diverse future in the field.

In recent decades, we have taken huge steps forward in treating formerly fatal viruses - with pharmacological breakthroughs revolutionising treatment for conditions such as HIV, hepatitis and herpes. Raymond Schinazi has played a big role in that revolution.Ray was born in Egypt, where his mother’s brush with a potentially deadly illness during his childhood inspired a fascination with medicine. His childhood was scattered; after his family were forced to leave their homeland and travelled to Italy as refugees, Ray ended up on a scholarship to a British boarding school - and subsequently went on to study and flourish in the world of chemistry and biology.Today, Ray is the director of the Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology at Emory University in Atlanta, where he also set up the renowned Center for AIDS Research. His work in the early days of HIV studies led to drugs that many with the virus still take today; while his contribution to developing a cure for Hepatitis C has saved millions of lives around the world.Speaking to Jim al-Khalili, Ray reflects on his route to success and explains why he is confident that more big breakthroughs are on the horizon.

From anorexia nervosa to binge-eating, eating disorders are potentially fatal conditions that are traditionally very difficult to diagnose and treat - not least because those affected often don’t recognise that there’s anything wrong. But also because of the diverse factors that can influence and encourage them.Janet Treasure is a Professor of Psychiatry at King’s College, London - where she's focused on understanding the drivers behind these disorders, to help develop more effective treatments. Her study of twins in the 1980s offered one of the earliest arguments of a genetic link to anorexia, rather than the purely psychological motivations accepted at the time; while her most recent work explores holistic ways to better treat these conditions.Speaking to Jim Al-Khalili, Janet explains the work that's revealed anorexia's roots in both body and mind - as well as how attitudes towards eating disorders are slowly changing.

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that makes renders the body’s connective tissues incredibly fragile; this can weaken the heart, leading to potentially fatal aneurysms. What’s more, anyone with the condition has a 50/50 chance of passing it on to their children.Dr Anne Child is a clinical geneticist who’s dedicated her professional life to finding answers and solutions for people affected by Marfan’s.Born in Canada, she met her British future-husband while working in Montreal in a case she describes as "love at first sight" - and in the 1970s she relocated her life to the UK.There, an encounter with a Marfan patient she was unable to help set Anne on a career path for life. She subsequently established the team that discovered the gene responsible for Marfan's, and founded the Marfan Trust to drive further research. Since then, life expectancy for those with the condition has jumped from 32 years old, to over 70.Speaking to Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Anne shares how she and her team achieved this remarkable turnaround.

Many of us have heard of seismology, the study of earthquakes; but what about asteroseismology, focusing on vibrations in stars?Conny Aerts is a professor of Astrophysics at the University of Leuven in Belgium - and a champion of this information-rich field of celestial research. Her work has broken new ground in helping to improve our understanding of stars and their structures.Conny describes herself as always being “something of an outlier” and she had to fight to follow her dream of working in astronomy. But that determination has paid off - today, Conny is involved in numerous interstellar studies collecting data from thousands of stars, and taking asteroseismology to a whole new level.Recorded at the 2024 Cheltenham Science Festival, Prof Jim Al-Khalili talks to the pioneering Belgian astrophysicist about her lifelong passion for stars, supporting the next generation of scientists, and her determination to tread her own path.