Instant Genius

Many of us will have experienced a ringing or whining noise in our ears at some point, perhaps after going to a concert or working a long shift in a loud environment. But for some, the ringing sound never stops. These people have something know as tinnitus.In this episode we catch up with Dr Lucy Handscomb, a lecturer in audiology at University College London’s Ear Insitute.She tells us what’s going on in our bodies when we hear these mysterious sounds, the impact they can have on our lives and what we can do to lessen their effect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr Jason Fung, author of The Diabetes Code, discusses the preventability and reversibility of type 2 diabetes. He explains the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, explores the link between obesity and type 2 diabetes, and discusses strategies to reduce glucose levels through diet and intermittent fasting. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of early detection and the potential remission of type 2 diabetes through weight loss and a low carbohydrate diet.

When you hear the word ‘horse’ do you find it difficult to conjure up a mental image of what a horse looks like? If so, it sounds like you’re an aphantasiac.Those with aphantasia have no ‘mind’s eye’ and are unable to form visual imagery in their heads. So how do they think, how do they remember events, and do they even have an imagination?In this episode we catch up with Professor Julia Simner, a neuropsychologist based at the University of Sussex. She answers these questions and more and share with us her own experiences as an aphantasiac. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.