Instant Genius

Exploring the myths of biodegradability and the misleading use of the term. Understanding compostable plastics and the challenges of home composting. Comparing recyclable and compostable packaging. The concept of programming materials to self-repair and disintegrate.

Exploring the potential of smart materials to revolutionize fashion and architecture, including shape-shifting clothes and heat-absorbing roof tiles. Discussing the concept of biomimicry and the importance of collaboration between researchers and designers. Exploring the potential impacts of smart materials on society, focusing on the developing world and climate change. Discussing the challenges and potential of smart materials in sustainable clothing design. Highlighting the allure of smart materials and the need for responsibility in our possessions.

Exploring the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment, the wide range of surprising uses of plastics, and the challenges of recycling and biodegradability. Also discussing the role of governments and companies in solving the plastic pollution problem and the importance of radical solutions and a comprehensive approach.

Prof Tim Benton, a renowned expert in food sustainability, discusses the fragility of global food systems and the impacts of conflicts, climate change, and pests on food security. He also explores the advancements in chemistry and science that can make the food system more secure, such as personalized nutrition and sustainable farming. Additionally, the importance of diversifying the food system, exploring growing technologies like plant-based meats, and reducing land conversion and food waste through innovative approaches are discussed.

Exploring mass extinctions throughout Earth's history, a paleontologist discusses the extinction of dinosaurs and the end of the Permian event. The importance of studying these events for predicting the future of the planet is highlighted, along with insights into surviving extinctions and the potential for understanding climate change effects. The chapter concludes with optimism for Earth's future, emphasizing the wonders of past and present life.

What’s beyond our Universe? Will time travel ever be possible? And what might aliens look like? All huge questions that today we’re asking a special guest, Neil DeGrasse Tyson – astrophysicist and author of the new book To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery. In a wide-ranging conversation, DeGrasse Tyson unpacks the biggest scientific mysteries of our Universe, from whether space is really empty, to if humans are actually smart enough to make sense of the cosmos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr Zazie Todd, dog and cat behaviour expert, discusses the misunderstood body language of cats, how to make cats happy by creating safe spaces, training cats to go into a cat carrier, understanding cat behavior and communication, cats' dislike for water, and common cat behaviors like kneading, sleeping, and slow blinking.

Discover the truth about fasting and time-restricted eating. Prof Javier Gonzalez debunks myths, discusses different fasting methods, explores the effects of fasting on metabolism, blood sugar, and hormones, and addresses potential downsides of fasting.

Theoretical physicist Prof Avi Loeb discusses the possibility of observing alien technology, the importance of actively searching for extraterrestrial civilizations, and his recent expedition to retrieve Interstellar material from the Pacific Ocean.

Breaking down testosterone myths, an endocrinologist discusses the multiple roles of testosterone, its impact on females, misconceptions about aggression, and the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy.