Science Weekly

Keon West, a social psychology professor at the University of London and author of "The Science of Racism," dives deep into the mechanics of racial bias and its implications. He discusses significant studies on unintentional racism in education, revealing how biases can distort teacher perceptions of students. The conversation also touches on systemic disadvantages for ethnic minorities and the surprising voting patterns in 'Strictly Come Dancing,' underscoring how racism infiltrates popular culture. West advocates for intergroup contact as a key approach to dismantling these biases.

Chris French, an emeritus professor of psychology at Goldsmiths University and author of "The Science of Weird Shit," dives into the controversial world of telepathy. He discusses how scientists have rigorously tested claims of mind reading, revealing the reliance on nonverbal signals and subconscious cues. Anecdotal evidence is juxtaposed with skepticism from the scientific community. French also addresses why the allure of telepathy persists despite a lack of solid evidence, and what it could mean for beliefs in psychic phenomena.

This discussion dives into bold science predictions for 2025, reflecting on last year's surprises in health and technology. Expect to hear about new developments with Mpox and advancements in malaria vaccines. Innovations in cancer therapy and obesity treatments are on the rise. The conversation also touches on exciting projects in space exploration and the role of AI in scientific breakthroughs. Plus, there's a nod to the future of particle physics and the importance of independent journalism in documenting these changes.

Albert van Dijk, a Professor of water science and management at the Australian National University, delves into the alarming trends of 'weather whiplash' affecting California and beyond. He explains how rising temperatures are causing unpredictable swings between floods and fires, particularly during what should be wet seasons. The conversation highlights the impact of a disrupted water cycle, with extreme rainfall and drought coexisting. Van Dijk emphasizes the need for effective water management strategies to combat these escalating climate challenges.

Gloria Mark, a Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine and author of Attention Span, discusses the alarming decline in our ability to focus, revealing that office workers' attention spans have plummeted from 2.5 minutes to just 47 seconds in two decades. She connects this trend to the pervasive influence of digital distractions. Mark believes we can reclaim our concentration with practical strategies like taking breaks and utilizing visual reminders. She also explores how personality traits shape our attention, advocating for a rethinking of how we approach focus.

Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and sleep physician, dives into the biological underpinnings of what we consider the 'deadly sins.' He discusses how sloth isn't just laziness but a biological response, emphasizing the brain's role in fatigue. The conversation also uncovers the complex links between appetite and envy, revealing genetic influences on gluttony and the impact of social networks on obesity. Leschziner even touches on the controversial 'warrior gene' and its connection to aggression, challenging our notions of morality and free will.

Julian Baggini, a philosopher and author focused on food and philosophy, teams up with Nicola Guess, an academic dietitian from the University of Oxford. They dive into the recent obsession with glucose tracking for personalized nutrition. Discussions revolve around the complexities of blood glucose and its connection to health, challenging the superficiality of nutritionism. They also critique the use of continuous glucose monitors, highlighting their limitations for healthy individuals and advocating for a holistic approach to nutrition that goes beyond just glucose data.

Tim Stockwell, a leading expert on alcohol research at the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, challenges the popular notion that moderate drinking is beneficial. He discusses the flawed methodologies behind studies suggesting health benefits, revealing biases that can distort perceptions. The conversation dives into the dual nature of alcohol—its history as a societal staple and its serious health risks. Stockwell aligns alcohol use with smoking in mortality concerns, urging a reevaluation of how we perceive alcohol's safety and risks.

Josh Davis, a science writer at the Natural History Museum and author of "A Little Gay Natural History," dives into the fascinating realm of sexual diversity in the animal kingdom. He highlights overlooked same-sex behaviors in species like penguins and dolphins. Davis discusses the historical suppression of such findings in science, and how these insights challenge traditional views on human sexuality. By exploring these behaviors, he emphasizes the need to embrace the rich variety of nature as a means to rethink human perspectives on sexual diversity.

Dr. Saul Newman, an interdisciplinary researcher from University College London and Oxford, shares fascinating insights into the complexities of human longevity. He reveals that claims of extraordinary lifespans often originate from areas with inaccurate records and highlights discrepancies in blue zones like Greece. Delving into the impact of poverty on age reporting, he challenges common misconceptions about centenarians. With his Ig Nobel Prize-winning research, Newman emphasizes the need for skepticism in the study of aging, combining humor with serious scientific inquiry.