Instant Genius

Andrew Saxe, a computational neuroscientist at University College London, discusses the groundbreaking intersection of AI and neuroscience. He reveals how AI mimics human learning processes, shedding light on the complexities of brain function. The conversation touches on AI's potential in enhancing education and understanding memory formation, particularly the role of the hippocampus. Saxe also highlights future possibilities in treating brain disorders and the exciting discoveries in connecting AI learning mechanisms with human cognitive processes.

In this discussion, writer Matthew Yeomans, author of 'Seascape: Notes from a Changing Coastline', shares insights from his explorations along the Welsh coastline. He highlights how coastlines reveal both our planet's history and its climate change future. Yeomans emphasizes the pressing threat of coastal flooding and advocates for nature-based solutions to protect these vital landscapes. From historical significance to innovative practices like sandscaping, he offers a compelling look at the resilience of our shores.

Join Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, a renowned statistician from the University of Cambridge, as he demystifies the world of numbers. He shares practical tips for deciphering health statistics and emphasizes the importance of understanding relative versus absolute risks. Learn how framing can manipulate perceptions of data and why trustworthiness in reporting is essential. Spiegelhalter also offers guidelines for critical thinking to help navigate through misinformation, making statistics more accessible and less daunting.

The prostate is often misunderstood. And yet, this small part of the body is crucial. However, it is also one of the most common forms of cancer, affecting many men around the world. We spoke to Matthew Hobbs, director of research at Prostate Cancer UK who breaks down the big questions. What is a prostate, what treatments are available for prostate cancer and what does the future of diagnosis look like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever been frustrated when your carefully baked loaves come out of the oven looking more like pancakes? Or wondered why cheese tastes so good even though it’s riddled with mould? Maybe you want to learn more about how fermented foods such as kimchi and kefir are made, and why they’re so good for your gut health.If so, don’t miss the Instant Genius Food Science miniseries, brought to you by the team behind BBC Science Focus. It’s still the same show with the same great guests, we’ll just be going deeper into the science of how the food we eat is produced and what exactly makes it taste so good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Helen Gordon, an expert on meteorites and author of "The Meteorites: Encounters with Outer Space and Deep Time," dives deep into the cosmic rocks that have shaped our understanding of life and the universe. She explains how meteorites serve as vital links to our cosmic history and reveals their role in theories about the origins of Earth’s water. Gordon also explores the cultural significance of meteorites throughout history, their potential to carry extraterrestrial life, and the risks they pose, reminding us of our place in the cosmos.

It can be hard to know what is true and false in a world of disinformation. But there are some tricks that people use to frame what they say and learning how to spot these can help you avoid them. We spoke to Mikael Klintman, author of the new book Framing: The Social Art of Influence to better understand how people frame situations and topics and how to not fall for it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Whether it’s accepting a work assignment we know we don’t have time for, attending a social occasion even though we’d much rather hunker down at home with a cup of tea, or something more serious such as not speaking up when we witness an act of discrimination, many of us find it difficult to say ‘no’. But why is this?In this episode, we speak to psychologist Dr Sunita Sah about her latest book Defy, The Power of No in a World that Demands Yes.She tells us how we are wired to comply, even if doing so comprises our true values, the far-reaching effect this has on our lives and the structure of society, and how by following her advice we can all unlock the power of a ‘True No’. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Professor Richard Gale, an expert in age-related macular degeneration from Hull York Medical School, discusses the impact of this common sight loss condition, affecting many, including Dame Judi Dench. He highlights early warning signs and the necessity of regular eye exams. Gale shares insights on the differences between wet and dry forms of AMD, treatment advancements like genetic therapy, and innovative drug delivery methods. His optimism about emerging therapies offers hope for enhancing the quality of life for those at risk.

Over the last century or so neuroscientists around the world have been uncovering more and more about how our very identities are formed by the different cognitive functions carried out by our brains. And we now know that our identities can even be transformed by brain disorders such as stroke, dementia of head injuries.In this episode, we catch up with neurologist Masud Husain to talk about his latest book – Our Brains, Our Selves, What a Neurologist’s Patients Taught Him about the Brain.He takes us through some of the discoveries he has made while treating patients during his long career. We learn how a stroke led to a previously successful, motivated man to suddenly lose interest in all areas of this life, how a previously demure, shy woman began dressing flamboyantly and insulting people in the street thanks to the effects of dementia and a woman suffering from Alzheimer’s began to think that there were multiple copies of her husband. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices