Science Weekly

Discussion on the increasing trend of children using anti-aging skincare products, the potential harm and inappropriate ingredients in these products. Highlighting why skincare products with acids and retinols are unsuitable for young skin. Importance of tailored skincare routines, debunking myths about expensive creams. Promoting healthy skincare habits for teenagers and the role of parental influence.

Prof Lisa Campo-Engelstein and Prof Chris Barratt discuss the challenges in developing a male contraceptive pill, including societal norms, limited funding, and ongoing research. They explore the potential changes in gender norms and trust if men had more contraceptive options. Non-hormonal male pill enters human trials in the UK.

Scientists discuss the spread and impact of bird flu on various animals, including bears, sea lions, and penguins. The potential devastation in Antarctica is explored, raising concerns about one of the largest ecological disasters of modern times. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of close monitoring of the situation.

Neuralink implants its first chip in a human, Elon Musk's vision of telepathy, rare cases of Alzheimer's transmission, Rishi Sunak's unusual fasting routine, and the scientific benefits of fasting.

Discover the secrets of the skin microbiome, including its impact on our immune system, wound healing, and odor production. Explore the effect of Western lifestyles on the skin microbiome and the rise of inflammatory skin disorders. Learn about the complex ecosystems of the skin and the role of the skin microbiome in conditions like eczema and its potential connection to the gut microbiome.

The podcast explores the significance of the vaginal microbiome and its potential implications on fertility, period products, and safe sex. It discusses the composition of a healthy vaginal microbiome, factors influencing it, and associated health issues. The episode also discusses the commercialization of women's body insecurities, hygiene tips, and exciting potential applications of the vaginal microbiome.

They discuss the importance of the microbiome in our bodies, the impact of the microbiome on long-term health and fecal transplantation, the impact of gut microbiome on sex hormones and dating lives, and microbiome research and book mentioned.

Catherine Price, co-writer of Reclaim your brain newsletter, investigates the science behind excessive phone use. Prof Barbara Sahakian explains why we are drawn to bad news on our phones. Topics include app addiction, the impact of smartphones on attention and memory, negative effects of doomscrolling on mental health and brain function, and strategies to stop doomscrolling and redirect attention.

Can flying become guilt-free? In this podcast, they discuss the use of sustainable aviation fuel, the limitations of biofuels, the potential of hydrogen as an alternative fuel, the concept of electrophools, and the environmental impact of flying.

The hosts discuss key science stories from last year and make predictions for 2024, including moon missions and brain-computer interfaces. They also explore advancements in AI and artificial wombs, and the power of computing in climate modeling and material science.