Instant Genius

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

Sarah Boss, clinical director at The Balance, discusses the science behind burnout, its causes and coping mechanisms. They explore predisposition factors and burnout in the younger generation, including the impact of social media. They also discuss modern causes of burnout, such as information overload and job instability.

Dr Matilda Brown, conservation science analyst at RGB Kew, discusses the alarming extinction risk faced by plants and fungi species. The podcast explores the importance of plants and fungi for humanity, their significance for ecological webs and food chains, and the consequences of losing plant species. It also emphasizes the value of preserving biodiversity through traditional knowledge and engagement with local communities. The podcast highlights the recent discovery of thousands of new plant and fungal species and ways individuals can contribute to plant and fungal science.

Kristine Gandia, a panda researcher, discusses the challenges of breeding pandas, their unique diet and adaptations, and the importance of understanding breeding behaviors and hormones for conservation efforts.

Sougwen Chung, one of the TIMES 100 most influential people in AI, discusses her use of AI, robotics, and other futuristic tech in creating mindblowing artwork. She explores the intersection of technology and art, the ethical implications of AI art, the evolution of technology in the art industry, and the recent surge of interest in creativity and AI systems. She also discusses her upcoming show at Hofer Gallery in London, the fusion of technical processes with art, and the relationship between AI and art.

Around a decade ago, beavers were spotted in the rivers of southwest England for the first time in 400 years. But exactly what impact have they made on the waterways they live in during this time?In this episode we speak to Prof Richard Brazier, a researcher based at the University of Exeter and co-director of the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste.He tells us what he and his team have learned from studying these charismatic and often misunderstood animals over the last ten years, and how they provide a compelling argument for the reintroduction of other species. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn how failing in the right way can lead to valuable opportunities for personal growth. Amy Edmondson, Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, discusses different types of failure, the importance of learning from failure, creating psychological safety in the workplace, and developing a systems thinking mindset.

Future human races may indeed live extra-terrestrial lives. But how will we reproduce and continue survival once we’re in space? To find out, we spoke to space gynaecologist – yes, you read that right – Dr Varsha Jain from the University of Edinburgh. We cover everything from the myths about women’s bodies in space that stopped them being allowed on the early missions, right through to the impacts of space on a pregnancy, and the future of space babies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices