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Science Weekly

Latest episodes

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Jan 25, 2024 • 16min

Secrets of the microbiome: the vagina

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.
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Jan 23, 2024 • 21min

Secrets of the microbiome: the gut

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.
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Jan 18, 2024 • 17min

How to stop doomscrolling and reclaim your brain

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.
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Jan 16, 2024 • 17min

Is guilt-free flying on the horizon?

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.
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Jan 11, 2024 • 17min

Our science predictions for 2024

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.
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Jan 9, 2024 • 16min

What the science says about how to get active (and make it stick)

Martin Gibala, Professor of kinesiology at McMaster University in Canada, discusses the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise, including improved cardiovascular health and muscle efficiency. He explores the concepts of exercise snacks and personalized exercise routines for maximum results. The importance of adapting to specific conditions as we age is highlighted, as well as factors for sticking to an exercise routine such as starting small and having a workout partner. Even a few minutes of physical activity can make a difference.
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Jan 4, 2024 • 35min

Revisited: Weight of the world, the climate scientists who hold out hope

Australian climate scientists Lesley Hughes, Ove Høegh-Guldberg, and Graeme Pearman reflect on their life's work and the burden of knowing about the climate crisis. They discuss the urgent need for action on climate change, the impact on coral reefs, frustrations with politicians' insufficient actions, and the concept of assisted colonization to save species. They also highlight the fear of runaway climate change and the power of renewable energy.
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Jan 3, 2024 • 42min

Weight of the world revisited: the climate scientists who copped it

Three Australian climate scientists, Lesley Hughes, Graeme Pearman, and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, talk about the professional and personal toll of their climate change predictions. They discuss the axing of Australia's Climate Commission, pushback from government and industry, personal attacks and death threats they faced, skepticism towards climate science, the importance of being scientist advocates, and the responsibility to find solutions for climate change.
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Jan 2, 2024 • 36min

Revisited: Weight of the world – the climate scientists who saw the crisis coming

Science Weekly revisits episode one of this 2023 mini-series from Full Story. Pioneering Australian scientists Graeme Pearman, Lesley Hughes and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg saw the climate crisis coming. Pearman predicted the increase of carbon dioxide levels, Hughes foresaw the alarming number of species extinctions and Hoegh-Guldberg forecast the mass coral bleaching events we’re seeing today. All three went on to become some of the country’s most respected experts in their fields, travelling the globe, briefing leaders, and assuming the world would take action having heard their alarming findings. In part one of this three-part series, these climate change scientists reveal the moment they realised the planet was heading for certain catastrophe. What did they do when they found out? How did they think the world would respond? And how do they feel today, looking back on that moment of cognisance?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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Dec 28, 2023 • 27min

Best of 2023, Killing the Skydancer: episode three, An Open Secret

In this final episode, the podcast explores the cultural and economic factors behind bird of prey killings, including an interview with a local resident. They discuss the controversial shooting practice and the economic benefits it brings. The podcast also examines the challenges and lack of convictions in Scotland regarding raptor persecution. The episode investigates the landowner and industry organizations' responses to the incident and discusses tackling raptor persecution within the shooting community. Lastly, they introduce Susie, a bird, and her chicks.

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