Instant Genius

Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro, Director of the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein, dives into the world of fermentation and its crucial role in sustainable food solutions. He highlights how our love for fermented foods goes beyond taste, benefiting both gut health and mental well-being. The conversation also touches on precision fermentation techniques, innovative methods for creating alternative proteins, and how these advancements could pave the way for future food sustainability, all while being mindful of environmental impacts.

Join Tom Kerss, an esteemed aurora chaser and astronomer, as he unpacks the breathtaking science of the Northern Lights. Discover how solar winds interact with Earth's magnetic field, creating vibrant colors that dance across the night sky. Tom shares insights from his 17 years of experience guiding travelers to witness this wonder, and discusses the significance of auroras on other planets. He also delves into forecasting techniques that combine modeling with real-time data, revealing the importance of studying these mesmerizing cosmic phenomena.

Cristiana Solinas, head of the National Bakery School at London South Bank University and baking science expert, breaks down the secrets of perfect baking. She discusses the importance of precise measurements and ingredient selection, especially the roles of flour and gluten. Cristiana busts common baking myths, like misconceptions about sourdough and gluten-free options. She emphasizes the science behind flavor combinations and shares valuable tips for mastering techniques that make baked goods truly shine.

Join theoretical physicist Jim Al-Khalili, an expert from the University of Surrey and BBC Radio 4 star, as he delves into the captivating world of quantum physics. He explores the historical controversies that have sparked debates over the past century and the profound implications of quantum theory on our perception of reality. Discover the wonders of quantum entanglement, its potential for future technologies like quantum computing, and the intriguing possibility that birds may navigate via quantum processes. Unravel the mysteries that leave even scientists fascinated!

Bronwen Percival, cheese buyer for Neal's Yard Dairy and author of "Reinventing the Wheel," dives into the captivating world of cheesemaking. She unravels the magic of fermentation, explaining how enzymes and microbes transform milk into delicious cheese. Learn about the importance of flavors, the balance of pasteurized versus raw milk, and why certain molds are beneficial. Bronwen also explores the intricacies of cheese tasting, revealing how artisanal producers enhance our tasting experiences and tips for crafting the perfect cheese board.

Be it the extravagant displays of peacocks fanning their tails, the beautiful, complex song of nightingales or the meticulous art installation-like structures built by bouwerbirds, the animal kingdom filled with a huge variety of fascinating mating rituals.But more than being mere quirks of evolution, these behaviours play a significant role in driving the process itself.In this episode, we catch up with science writer and best-selling author Matt Ridley to talk about his latest book, Birds, Sex and Beauty: The Extraordinary Implications of Darwin’s Strangest Idea.He tells us about the runaway processes that have led to the development of these flamboyant displays and behaviours, why choosing a mate may well be a popularity contest, and why it’s so important to give birth to sexy sons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Megan Povey, a physicist at the University of Leeds and a chocolate production expert, unravels the delicious world of chocolate. She highlights how pure chocolate can enhance brain function, heart health, and gut wellness. Listeners learn about the intricate chocolate-making process and the significance of mindful consumption. Megan discusses the contrast between high-percentage and sugary chocolates, their effects on energy levels, and the mood-boosting properties, calling for a shift towards healthier ingredients in European chocolate.

Dr. Marjan Biria, a psychologist and neuroscientist from University College London, sheds light on the complexities of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She clarifies that OCD goes beyond mere cleanliness or order, affecting 2-3% of the population with serious, distressing thoughts. The conversation delves into common obsessions and compulsions, the cultural misconceptions surrounding OCD, and the importance of proper treatment. Dr. Biria emphasizes supporting loved ones through education and professional help, challenging misunderstandings about the condition.

Despite decades of international climate summits, the ongoing work of various campaign groups and open letters signed by some of the world’s most prominent scientists highlighting the crucial need for action, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss and sea level rises are still going up across the globe. So, what are we getting wrong?In this episode, we speak to leading researcher and author Mike Berners-Lee about his latest book A Climate of Truth, Why We Need it and How to Get It.He argues that truth and honesty are key if we are to avert what he refers to as the climate polycrisis. Facts and data need to be reported frankly and clearly, policymakers and business leaders need to be held to higher standards of honesty and when it comes down to it, we can all make a difference by educating ourselves, questioning the information we’re presented with and, ultimately, voting with our wallets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

These days we’re bombarded with information and claims that purport to explain almost every conceivable aspect of our lives, be it down to the bold assertions made by policymakers, the confidence of anonymity afforded by social media or just our natural human inclination to be fooled by a well-spoken know-it-all. But exactly who are the people making these claims, how do they reach their conclusions, and really, can anyone ever actually be certain about anything?In this episode, we catch up with the statistician, epidemiologist and author Adam Kucharski to take about his latest book Proof, The Uncertain Science of Uncertainty.He tells us how Abraham Lincoln’s background as lawyer led him to study the nature of proof beyond reasonable doubt and how it helped him to win his presidency, how picking holes in previous logical thinking enabled Albert Einstein to discover some of his greatest theories, and what the COVID pandemic taught us all about the value of scientific rigour and evidence-based conclusions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices