Instant Genius

Dr. Chris Van Tulleken, a scientist and doctor known for his engaging lectures on human biology, dives into what happens when we eat. He explains the intricate digestion process, from our mouth to energy production, highlighting the role of the microbiome and hormones. The discussion touches on the importance of balanced diets and the challenges children face in making healthy food choices. Plus, he tackles the allure of sweet treats and the evolving taste preferences, especially in kids, making food a fascinating journey!

Trevor Hoey, a hydrologist from Brunel University, shares his expertise on the rising instances of extreme flooding linked to climate change. He explains how severe droughts can occur due to the same climatic mechanisms driving floods. The conversation dives into the complexities of global flooding patterns and the advancements in weather forecasting. Hoey also discusses practical strategies for homeowners to prepare for such events, emphasizing the importance of both individual responsibility and governmental action in flood management.

Michael Morris, a cultural psychologist and author of "Tribal," dives into the fascinating world of tribalism and its impact on culture. He discusses how our social instincts govern our identities and the roles of peer and hero instincts in shaping our interactions. Morris unpacks the psychological reasons behind hero worship and explores how traditions can offer resilience against anxiety. He also addresses the challenges of ideological sorting and the fluidity of cultural identity, revealing how small collective actions can drive significant cultural change.

Brian Clegg, a science writer and BBC Science Focus contributor, dives into the fascinating world of manipulation in this talk. He uncovers how our emotions can make us vulnerable to both benign entertainment and malicious fraud. Clegg explores the power of storytelling and its role in shaping perceptions, as well as the dangers of misinformation and AI technologies like deepfakes. He discusses nudge theory, showcasing how slight prompts can significantly influence decision-making, while also tracing the evolution of branding in the modern era.

Gretchen McCulloch, a prominent linguist and author of "Because Internet," explores how the digital age has revolutionized communication. She discusses the impact of emojis, memes, and acronyms on our language and how platforms like MSN and Bebo fostered new informal styles of interaction. McCulloch highlights the generational shifts in expression, drawing parallels to historical communication methods. She also speculates on future trends shaped by short-form video platforms, emphasizing the complex evolution of language in our interconnected world.

Vaclav Smil, a multidisciplinary researcher, dives into the pressing issue of feeding over 8 billion people. He explores how our evolutionary history shapes staple foods and our survival chances. Smil discusses the biological and technological hurdles in food production and warns about the limitations of modern farming methods like organic practices and hydroponics. He emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable agriculture and why technology still struggles to provide viable long-term solutions for global food security.

In this engaging conversation, science writer Tom Lathan shares insights from his new book, ‘Lost Wonders’. He discusses how current extinctions are entwined with personal stories and overall biodiversity. Lathan highlights the emotional impact of losing species like the Christmas Island pipistrelle and stresses the hope brought by conservation efforts. He emphasizes the necessity for proactive measures and innovative approaches in saving threatened species, offering a glimpse of optimism amidst profound loss.

George Bumann, an ecologist and author of "Eavesdropping on Animals," shares insights on deepening our connections with wildlife. He discusses how we can enhance our awareness of animal behaviors by engaging our senses, from the unique sounds of urban wildlife to the powerful influence of scent. Bumann emphasizes the importance of observing animal communication to foster deeper relationships with nature. He also highlights the emotional benefits of connecting with our environment in today's digital world, showcasing the rich conversations happening all around us.

It’s likely that even the most virtuous amongst us has experienced feelings of anger at some point in our lives. But is this simply a failing in our personal moral fabric or does it have more universal biological origins? In this episode, we catch up with Guy Leschziner, a professor of neurology and sleep medicine at King’s College Hospital in London to talk about his latest book Seven Deadly Sins: The Biology of Being Human. He tells us how activity in the emotional regions of our brains affects our behaviour, talks about the influence of testosterone on our aggressive tendencies and tells us how mutations in specific genes can predispose us to commit violent acts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, many of us find ourselves feeling a little less jolly and a bit more sluggish than usual. But for some of us these feelings can become so severe that they are classed as a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder. This can have a significant impact on our daily habits, relationships and ability to perform at our best.In this episode, we catch up with the founder of The Sleep Scientist Dr Sophie Bostock.She tells us how exposure to daylight affects our mood, why it’s natural to want to hunker down during the colder, darker months and how going on a daily morning walk can help us all to lift our spirits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices