Instant Genius

Dr. Marjan Biria, a psychologist and neuroscientist from University College London, sheds light on the complexities of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She clarifies that OCD goes beyond mere cleanliness or order, affecting 2-3% of the population with serious, distressing thoughts. The conversation delves into common obsessions and compulsions, the cultural misconceptions surrounding OCD, and the importance of proper treatment. Dr. Biria emphasizes supporting loved ones through education and professional help, challenging misunderstandings about the condition.

Despite decades of international climate summits, the ongoing work of various campaign groups and open letters signed by some of the world’s most prominent scientists highlighting the crucial need for action, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss and sea level rises are still going up across the globe. So, what are we getting wrong?In this episode, we speak to leading researcher and author Mike Berners-Lee about his latest book A Climate of Truth, Why We Need it and How to Get It.He argues that truth and honesty are key if we are to avert what he refers to as the climate polycrisis. Facts and data need to be reported frankly and clearly, policymakers and business leaders need to be held to higher standards of honesty and when it comes down to it, we can all make a difference by educating ourselves, questioning the information we’re presented with and, ultimately, voting with our wallets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

These days we’re bombarded with information and claims that purport to explain almost every conceivable aspect of our lives, be it down to the bold assertions made by policymakers, the confidence of anonymity afforded by social media or just our natural human inclination to be fooled by a well-spoken know-it-all. But exactly who are the people making these claims, how do they reach their conclusions, and really, can anyone ever actually be certain about anything?In this episode, we catch up with the statistician, epidemiologist and author Adam Kucharski to take about his latest book Proof, The Uncertain Science of Uncertainty.He tells us how Abraham Lincoln’s background as lawyer led him to study the nature of proof beyond reasonable doubt and how it helped him to win his presidency, how picking holes in previous logical thinking enabled Albert Einstein to discover some of his greatest theories, and what the COVID pandemic taught us all about the value of scientific rigour and evidence-based conclusions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Saxe, a computational neuroscientist at University College London, discusses the groundbreaking intersection of AI and neuroscience. He reveals how AI mimics human learning processes, shedding light on the complexities of brain function. The conversation touches on AI's potential in enhancing education and understanding memory formation, particularly the role of the hippocampus. Saxe also highlights future possibilities in treating brain disorders and the exciting discoveries in connecting AI learning mechanisms with human cognitive processes.

In this discussion, writer Matthew Yeomans, author of 'Seascape: Notes from a Changing Coastline', shares insights from his explorations along the Welsh coastline. He highlights how coastlines reveal both our planet's history and its climate change future. Yeomans emphasizes the pressing threat of coastal flooding and advocates for nature-based solutions to protect these vital landscapes. From historical significance to innovative practices like sandscaping, he offers a compelling look at the resilience of our shores.

Join Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, a renowned statistician from the University of Cambridge, as he demystifies the world of numbers. He shares practical tips for deciphering health statistics and emphasizes the importance of understanding relative versus absolute risks. Learn how framing can manipulate perceptions of data and why trustworthiness in reporting is essential. Spiegelhalter also offers guidelines for critical thinking to help navigate through misinformation, making statistics more accessible and less daunting.

The prostate is often misunderstood. And yet, this small part of the body is crucial. However, it is also one of the most common forms of cancer, affecting many men around the world. We spoke to Matthew Hobbs, director of research at Prostate Cancer UK who breaks down the big questions. What is a prostate, what treatments are available for prostate cancer and what does the future of diagnosis look like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever been frustrated when your carefully baked loaves come out of the oven looking more like pancakes? Or wondered why cheese tastes so good even though it’s riddled with mould? Maybe you want to learn more about how fermented foods such as kimchi and kefir are made, and why they’re so good for your gut health.If so, don’t miss the Instant Genius Food Science miniseries, brought to you by the team behind BBC Science Focus. It’s still the same show with the same great guests, we’ll just be going deeper into the science of how the food we eat is produced and what exactly makes it taste so good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Helen Gordon, an expert on meteorites and author of "The Meteorites: Encounters with Outer Space and Deep Time," dives deep into the cosmic rocks that have shaped our understanding of life and the universe. She explains how meteorites serve as vital links to our cosmic history and reveals their role in theories about the origins of Earth’s water. Gordon also explores the cultural significance of meteorites throughout history, their potential to carry extraterrestrial life, and the risks they pose, reminding us of our place in the cosmos.

It can be hard to know what is true and false in a world of disinformation. But there are some tricks that people use to frame what they say and learning how to spot these can help you avoid them. We spoke to Mikael Klintman, author of the new book Framing: The Social Art of Influence to better understand how people frame situations and topics and how to not fall for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices