Instant Genius

At this time of year most of us will likely be a little concerned about piling on a few pounds after overindulging in food and drink over the holidays. But what is happening in our bodies when gain a bit of extra insulation? Why is fat more likely to be stored in certain places, are all types of bodyfat the same, and are some people really more prone to gain weight than others?In this episode we catch up with Dr Rebecca Dumbell, a researcher based at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology.She tells us all about the different properties of the fats we consume, how body fat comes in different forms and what we should be doing if we want to shift that troublesome spare tyre. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast discusses the challenges of predicting future climate change and the importance of engaging society in understanding its implications. It also explores the disparity between public perception and the scientific study of climate change.

Dr Neil Dagnall, a cognitive and parapsychological researcher, discusses the history and content of near-death experiences, their transformative effects on individuals, the scientific study of NDEs, possible triggers for NDEs, and the challenges and future prospects of researching NDEs.

In this podcast, Mike Wooldridge, Professor of computer science at the University of Oxford, gives a sneak peek into his upcoming Christmas Lecture on artificial intelligence. He discusses the use of props to engage young audiences and demystify AI. He also talks about the importance of preparing students for unpredictable future careers and the potential impact of AI in the classroom, specifically in enhancing virtual reality experiences. The lecture aims to demonstrate the reality of AI, its prevalence, and its future implications.

Chris Packham, biologist and presenter, talks about the interconnectedness of species in their habitats, his childhood fascination with the Apollo space program, and the role of AI in conservation. He also discusses the upcoming COP28 conference and the importance of taking action to address environmental issues.

Never mind so-called molecular gastronomy. Even without Michelin-Starred chefs’ use of spherification, sous vide and meat glues, there’s more than enough science going on in the kitchen to get your teeth into.In this episode we catch up with George Vekinis, a research director and former head of the education office at the National Centre for Scientific Research, in Athens, Greece.He tells us all about how his two lifelong passions, science and cooking, led him to write his new book Physics in the Kitchen, why food often tastes better the day after it’s cooked, and breaks down his method of cooking the perfect steak. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brendan Walker, a thrill engineer and expert in all things exhilarating, discusses the genetic, psychological, and social factors behind thrill-seeking. The podcast explores the physiology and psychology of thrill-seeking, factors influencing thrilling experiences and personality types, the dangerous edge and managed fear, and learning to be a thrill seeker and finding thrill in unexpected places.

Exploring the concept of cuteness and its impact on our brains and behavior. Discussing the role of cuteness in Japanese culture and its positive effects on communication and consumer culture. Exploring the universality of cuteness and the interdisciplinary nature of studying it. Exploring the positive uses of cuteness on empathy and stress reduction, as well as the potential of cute robots with AI capabilities.

Learn about intrusive thoughts and how they can impact our lives. Dr. Scott Cairney discusses the causes and implications of these thoughts, their connection to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and the role of sleep in managing them. Discover psychological therapies for coping with intrusive thoughts and the importance of sleep for mental health.

These days, largely thanks to science fiction movies, most of us will be familiar with the idea of black holes – regions of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape it. But what about white holes?In this episode we catch up with theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli, author of the book White Holes: Inside the Horizon.He tells us all about his ground-breaking work investigating what is happening inside black holes, how they can give birth to white holes and how white holes may be the best candidate for dark matter yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices