The Science Show

Lotus Jeffs, a PhD student from Monash University, discusses the intriguing effects of Ozempic on appetite suppression. She explains how GLP-1 agonists, inspired by lizard venom, work in the brain to reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. The conversation dives into the physiological and psychological changes these drugs induce, alongside challenges in drug approvals due to potential health risks. Jeffs also highlights the surprising mental health implications, including concerns about depression and their potential for new therapeutic uses.

The overland telegraph connecting Australia to the world was completed just over 150 years ago. It was built due to the dedication of a public servant, Charles Todd.

It's the size of a sesame seed, but it could cause unfathomable destruction to Australia's forests and urban canopy.A beetle called the polyphagous shot-hole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) is silently spreading through Perth and its surrounds, forcing councils to chop and chip hundreds of trees — even century-old Moreton Bay figs.So how does the tiny pest cause such massive problems?

Roger Short (1930-2021) discusses influences in his early life, and some of his research achievements including melatonin as a controller of circadian rhythms, and aspects of reproductive biology across the animal world.

First they learnt how to flip open wheelie bin lids. Now they're using water fountains.Masters of the urban landscape, sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) are more than capable of some quirky (and sometimes messy) antics.So what do these entertaining exploits tell us about cockie innovation — or even cockie culture?

Get ready for gravitons, dark photons and transition states. Kathryn Zurek takes us on a tour of the bewildering world of quantum physics.

A couple of months ago, a killer started mobilising off the South Australian shore — one that would wipe out marine life, make surfers feel sick, and smother picturesque beaches in thick foam.The culprit? A bloom of tiny organisms called microalgae. We can't see them with the naked eye, but in big enough numbers, they can devastate ecosystems.So what made the South Australian algal bloom so lethal, and can anything be done about blooms like it?

People have been in the Australian wilderness for generations. But can people be considered part of the natural landscape or will they always have an impact?

Daswin De Silva, a Professor of AI and Analytics at La Trobe University, dives deep into the revolutionary concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). He discusses how AGI could outperform humans across various tasks, raising questions about its potential to solve global issues like climate change. Daswin emphasizes the significance of regulatory frameworks as the technology evolves and explores the fine line between the benefits and risks of AGI's rapid development. Will it save us or challenge our very existence?

Sharon Carlton, a dedicated science communicator, and Ariane Rod, a brilliant science historian, dive into the life of Mary Somerville, a remarkable 19th-century scientist. They unveil her inspiring journey from limited education to correcting Newton's work and aiding in the discovery of Neptune. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by pioneering women in math and science and how Somerville’s groundbreaking contributions have persevered through time. They also explore the evolution of light theory and Mary’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer for future generations.