Instant Genius

Vaclav Smil, a multidisciplinary researcher, dives into the pressing issue of feeding over 8 billion people. He explores how our evolutionary history shapes staple foods and our survival chances. Smil discusses the biological and technological hurdles in food production and warns about the limitations of modern farming methods like organic practices and hydroponics. He emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable agriculture and why technology still struggles to provide viable long-term solutions for global food security.

In this engaging conversation, science writer Tom Lathan shares insights from his new book, ‘Lost Wonders’. He discusses how current extinctions are entwined with personal stories and overall biodiversity. Lathan highlights the emotional impact of losing species like the Christmas Island pipistrelle and stresses the hope brought by conservation efforts. He emphasizes the necessity for proactive measures and innovative approaches in saving threatened species, offering a glimpse of optimism amidst profound loss.

George Bumann, an ecologist and author of "Eavesdropping on Animals," shares insights on deepening our connections with wildlife. He discusses how we can enhance our awareness of animal behaviors by engaging our senses, from the unique sounds of urban wildlife to the powerful influence of scent. Bumann emphasizes the importance of observing animal communication to foster deeper relationships with nature. He also highlights the emotional benefits of connecting with our environment in today's digital world, showcasing the rich conversations happening all around us.

It’s likely that even the most virtuous amongst us has experienced feelings of anger at some point in our lives. But is this simply a failing in our personal moral fabric or does it have more universal biological origins? In this episode, we catch up with Guy Leschziner, a professor of neurology and sleep medicine at King’s College Hospital in London to talk about his latest book Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human. He tells us how activity in the emotional regions of our brains affects our behaviour, talks about the influence of testosterone on our aggressive tendencies and tells us how mutations in specific genes can predispose us to commit violent acts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, many of us find ourselves feeling a little less jolly and a bit more sluggish than usual. But for some of us these feelings can become so severe that they are classed as a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder. This can have a significant impact on our daily habits, relationships and ability to perform at our best.In this episode, we catch up with the founder of The Sleep Scientist Dr Sophie Bostock.She tells us how exposure to daylight affects our mood, why it’s natural to want to hunker down during the colder, darker months and how going on a daily morning walk can help us all to lift our spirits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While being cynical can feel safe, and prepared for the worst outcome, it could actually be harming your health. We spoke to Jamil Zaki, author of the new book Hope for Cynics to better understand the dangers of cynicism and how to break out of it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this enlightening chat, neuroscientist Matt Jones from the University of Bristol dives into the perplexing world of sleep. He explains how our sleep needs evolve throughout life and the cognitive hiccups that arise from sleep deprivation. Matt highlights the emotional toll of poor sleep on our moods and social interactions. He also unveils the surprising link between sleep quality and mental health, discussing remedies like light therapy and the importance of seeking help for ongoing issues. Get ready to rethink your nighttime routine!

Understanding who we are and where we came from is one of the most fascinating questions in science. But it’s also one of the most difficult to answer. Putting all of the pieces together requires research across several different disciplines such as genetics, anthropology and medicine.In this episode, we catch up with Professor of Human Genetics and Evolution at College de France in Paris Lluis Quintana-Murci to talk about his latest book Human Peoples: On the Genetic Traces of Human Evolution Migration and Adaptation.He tells us how the characteristics of different human populations have been shaped by the environments they live in, how our genes can protect us against disease and what we learn can from all of this about our future health and wellbeing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Research over the past few decades has proven that getting a good night’s sleep is essential for our health and wellbeing. But sometimes strange things can happen in our brains while we’re asleep.In this episode, we catch up with Dr Dan Denis, a sleep researcher and lecturer at the University of York’s department of psychology.He tells us what happens in our brains and bodies when we dream, why some of us are prone to sleepwalking and even sleep eating, and talks about the strange phenomenon of lucid dreaming.This episode is presented in partnership with Lumie. https://www.lumie.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We may pride ourselves on our intelligence, but humans perhaps actually have to thank our ability to process and communicate information for our species’ success. In this episode, we speak to ‘The History of Information’ author Chris Haughton about the evolutionary adaptations, technologies and moments in our history that propelled us forward – and what he thinks is coming next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices