Dr Karl Podcast

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Nov 13, 2025 • 38min

Frozen vs fresh veggies, soap suds and nangs

Ever pondered if an invisible person would be blind? Dr Karl dives into the science of light scattering! Learn why ice cubes can develop surprising spikes and how frozen vegetables can often be just as nutritious as fresh ones. Discover the mysteries of pain tolerance, bees making honey, and the effects of nitrous oxide on vitamin B12. Plus, Dr Karl debunks fears about un-rinsed dish soap. Wrap it all up with tips on staying cool in extreme heat!
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Nov 6, 2025 • 39min

Frisson, cryogenic freezing and thylacines

Zoe Keane, an evolution expert and science communicator from Tasmania, dives into fascinating topics. She explains why Neil the Seal has wandered into Hobart and how thylacines resemble dogs due to convergent evolution. Discover how sniffing a fart works (or doesn’t) and the science behind music giving us goosebumps, known as frisson. Zoe also discusses the potential of sniffer dogs in detecting disease, the possibilities of cryogenic freezing, and even why moist hay bales can catch fire. It's a captivating blend of ecology, evolution, and quirky science!
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Oct 30, 2025 • 42min

Pollen peaks, jump scares and alcohol vs mood

Discover if giant ants could rule the world or if four-leaf clovers really hold any luck. Explore why hay fever worsens at certain times of day and the fascinating effects of alcohol on mood. Learn about the intriguing science behind jump scares and their surprising link to metallic tastes. Unravel the concept of albedo and its impact on climate change, and ponder if human bodies contribute to global warming. Join an entertaining dive into these captivating questions and more!
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Oct 23, 2025 • 38min

Butt breathing, plovers and flammable water

How will the universe end? What makes weight lighter in the pool? And with enough helium, could we float?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. 
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Oct 16, 2025 • 40min

AI consciousness, sleep paralysis and onion tears

Explore the intriguing idea of quantum mechanics and its potential ties to consciousness. Discover the mystery behind why our dreams often leave us hanging at the most exciting moments. Learn the surprising chemistry behind onion tears and effective cutting techniques to avoid them. Delve into whether ants collectively outweigh humans and the fascinating world of time perception in small animals. Plus, uncover the science of sleep paralysis, its causes, and some coping strategies to deal with it.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 39min

Motion sickness, 3I/ATLAS and cross-breeding

What would happen to the universe if we could time travel? How fast does the earth move? And at what point does our brain switch from awake to asleep?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. 
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Oct 2, 2025 • 43min

The science of cringe, meat juice & psychedelic shrimp

Will trees adapt to climate change? What causes migraine auras? And what happens in your body when you quit vaping?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. 
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Sep 25, 2025 • 42min

Fibre, the carnivore diet & drunk hamsters

How does boiling water affect tea? What is the instant smell from a packet of salt and vinegar chips? And how do carbohydrates and protein interact in our digestive system?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. 
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Sep 18, 2025 • 39min

Smelly sneezes, stress seizures & sound proofing

What's the correlation between black holes and time travel? Do batteries weigh less when they are empty? Why do some people develop indigestion later in life?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. 
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Sep 11, 2025 • 39min

Wee-Lemons, Life On Mars & Moon Balloons

Should you really be weeing on your lemon tree? How close are we to finding proof of life on Mars? And what would happen to a helium balloon in zero gravity?Dr Karl answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith. 

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