

Instant Genius
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Whether you’re curious about getting healthy, the Big Bang or the science of cooking, find out everything you need to know with Instant Genius. The team behind BBC Science Focus Magazine talk to world-leading experts to bring you a bite-sized masterclass on a new subject each week.New episodes are released every Monday and Friday and you can subscribe to Instant Genius on Apple Podcasts to access all new episodes ad-free and all old episodes of Instant Genius Extra.Watch full episodes of Instant Genius on BBC Science Focus Magazine's YouTube channel.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 25, 2024 • 32min
The neuroscience of remembering and forgetting
Prof Charan Ranganath, Director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis, discusses the neuroscience of memory formation, emotional ties, and why we forget reasons for entering rooms. Topics include memory encoding, chunking, event boundaries, memory and imagination link, impact of emotions on memory, and strategies to improve memory.

Apr 21, 2024 • 37min
Is our orbital space at breaking point?
Aaron Boley, an Associate Professor of astronomy, discusses the risks of overpopulation in orbital space and the need for sustainable practices. Topics include ecological impacts, satellite proliferation, space management tipping points, challenges in orbital space governance, and the importance of sustainable frameworks for space exploration.

15 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 30min
How to build a quantum computer
Delve into the world of quantum computing with Prof Winfried Hensinger as he discusses creating a powerful quantum computer that could revolutionize encryption and medicine. Explore the transformative impact of quantum computing on various industries, the use of ion traps in quantum computing, and the opportunity to study physics with quantum technologies at the University of Sussex.

Apr 14, 2024 • 25min
How to keep your immune system healthy
Bobby Cherayil, author of The Logic Of Immunity, discusses maintaining a healthy immune system. Topics include debunking myths, lifestyle choices for immune health, aging effects on immunity, and importance of balanced diet, sleep, exercise, and happiness for optimal immune function.

Apr 11, 2024 • 25min
The potential health benefits of green tea
Be it drank first thing in the morning, as an afternoon pick-me-up or to soothe our souls after hearing some bad news, we Brits love a cup of tea.But over recent years, the traditional cup of black builders’ tea has found a new rival vying for our attention in cafés and on supermarket shelves – its more traditional cousin green tea.Many people are making the change not for reasons of flavour but for its supposed health benefits. But is there any truth in this?In this episode I speak to Justin Roberts, a professor of nutritional physiology based at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.He tells us all about the nutritional content and potential health benefits we can gain from drinking this ancient beverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 7, 2024 • 31min
How the mind affects physical health and vice versa
Dr Monty Lyman, a medical doctor and researcher, discusses the close relationship between the mind and immune system. Topics include the impact of stress on immunity, the role of the microbiome in overall health, and the importance of a diverse diet and lifestyle on mental and physical well-being.

Apr 4, 2024 • 28min
How AI will make the world a better place, not bring it to an end
Nick Bostrum, a leading philosopher at the University of Oxford, discusses the positive impact of AI on society. Topics include symbiotic relationship between humans and AI, envisioning a technological utopia, the future of human labor with automation, and the challenges of AI-dominated future.

4 snips
Mar 31, 2024 • 35min
Busting social media diet and nutrition myths
Dr Idz, an NHS doctor, debunks social media diet and nutrition myths. Topics include debunking keto diet myths, benefits of intermittent fasting, navigating veganism and detox diets, and the importance of skepticism towards health claims on social media.

Mar 29, 2024 • 43min
What happens in our bodies as we age? And is it possible to turn back the clock?
Be it biology, psychology or philosophy, ageing and death are undoubtedly two of the most difficult concepts to tackle in any field of research, so where do we even begin?In this episode I speak to Prof Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, a researcher based at Cambridge University’s MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, a former president of the Royal Society and recipient of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.We talk about the fascinating discoveries he outlines in his latest book Why We Die: The New Science of Ageing and the Quest for Immortality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 25, 2024 • 32min
How science can help you have better conversations
Learn how to become a super communicator by asking deeper questions, listening actively, and approaching difficult conversations with an open mind. Discover the power of authenticity in communication and the importance of understanding different conversation types. Develop habits for super communication and enhance your conversation skills for more meaningful interactions.