Instant Genius

The Y chromosome is responsible for making people male, but according to recent research, we could see it disappear in the future. So what will happen when the Y chromosome is gone? We spoke to Jenny Graves, a geneticist at La Trobe University to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Often, we’ll hear it said that we live in an uncertain world. Upon hearing this, most of us respond, well of course we do. But what does the term uncertainty actually mean when analysed under a scientific lens and how can we think about it more rationally.In this episode, we catch up with Prof Sir David Spiegelhalter, Chair of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication in the Centre for Mathematical Sciences at the University of Cambridge, to talk about his new book, The Art of Uncertainty: How to Navigate Chance, Ignorance, Risk and Luck.He tells us how uncertainty essentially comes from our personal relationships with the outside world, how to analyse and express probability more effectively and why philosophers argue that there are several different types of luck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Free will, as defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica, is the “supposed power or capacity of humans to make decisions or perform actions independently of any prior event or state of the universe”.In a previous episode, neuroscientist Kevin Mitchell argued that human evolution has indeed equipped us with the capacity for genuine free will. Go and check it out if you haven’t already.Now, we turn the spotlight on the opposing view.In his latest book, Determined: Life Without Free Will, renowned neuroscientist and recipient of the prestigious MacArthur ‘Genius Grant’ Robert Sapolsky challenges the notion of free will, presenting a compelling case that our actions are largely determined by biological, environmental and chance factors.In this episode, Sapolsky gets into the reasoning behind his controversial conclusions. But he also looks beyond just the lack of free will, exploring how this realisation might necessitate some fundamental changes to our society. And you know what? Even without the ability to truly choose, he still contends that life can hold real meaning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Being a positive person can be good for your health and social relationships. But can you take it too far? In this episode, we talk to psychologist Dr Linda Blair about what ‘toxic positivity’ is and why it’s bad, how to spot it, and how to stop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thanks to the years and years spent poring over textbooks to study the inner workings of the brain, the high level of manual dexterity required to perform operations and the mental pressures that come with taking patients’ lives in your hands, there can be little doubt the journey to becoming a brain surgeon is one of the most challenging any of us can embark upon.So, what exactly does it take to become a successful brain surgeon and what does the day-to-work reality look like when the years of training are finally complete?In this episode, we catch up Theodore H Schwartz, professor of neurosurgery based at Weill Cornell Medical Center, to talk about his new book Gray Matters: A Biography of Brain Surgery.He tells us about his own personal journey to become an in-demand surgeon, what it’s like to work in one of New York’s busiest hospitals, and the surprising crossover between brain surgery and learning how to play an instrument. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the surprising ways nature boosts your health! Learn how the scent of pine trees can calm your heart rate and how houseplants might enhance your gut health. Experience the soothing effects of flowers on heart rate and see how even digital images of green spaces can elevate your mood. Delve into the impact of natural sounds on stress relief and the vital importance of biodiversity for our well-being. This engaging discussion highlights the profound connection between our health and the natural world around us.

Rob Jackson, an author passionate about environmental restoration, explores how technology and collective effort can help revive Earth's atmosphere. He dives into urgent climate realities, advocating for immediate action against greenhouse emissions, particularly from food production. Jackson also discusses the concept of net zero cities, balancing economic growth with pollution reduction. He emphasizes successful global initiatives and the crucial need for carbon pricing to incentivize cleaner technologies. The potential benefits of addressing climate change now are highlighted, making a compelling case for action.

Dr. Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist, dietician, and former chef, believes fiber is key to better health. She discusses how increasing fiber intake can boost mood, control appetite, and even reduce mortality risk. Emily debunks myths about fiber sources, explaining the importance of whole grains and legumes. She also explores the gut-brain connection and offers practical tips for meal planning, making fiber-rich meals enjoyable without sacrificing taste. Plus, she addresses the role of ultra-processed foods in a balanced diet.

Dr. Jess French, a vet and TV presenter renowned for her engaging explanations of animal anatomy to kids, shares astonishing animal facts. She discusses sloths' peculiar bathroom habits and the surprising communication methods in the animal kingdom. Jess explains the incredible dental adaptations of narwhals and beavers, and reveals the healing powers of cat purrs. She even humorously explores the superpowers of various animals, comparing the flight precision of dragonflies to that of birds.

Peter Lamont, a professor of history and theory of psychology at the University of Edinburgh, dives into the importance of radical thinking in today’s information-saturated world. He discusses how curiosity can reshape our beliefs and enhance critical thinking. Lamont emphasizes recognizing our biases and limitations to engage deeply with complex issues. He also explores the allure of extraordinary beliefs, urging open-mindedness towards diverse perspectives for a richer understanding of reality.