Dr Karl Podcast

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Dec 14, 2023 • 38min

Fish gills, earwax and bio-luminescent algae

How do we remove earwax safely? Why is it cold at the peak of a mountain if hot air rises? Why don't scars tan?Bianca Nogrady answers these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
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Dec 7, 2023 • 38min

Sticky skin, thunderstorms and funnel-web spiders

Can thunder hurt you? Why is my skin sticky? Why do I have the exact same dream every night?Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
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Nov 30, 2023 • 42min

Synesthesia, goosebumps and music taste

Why do certain tracks make us cry?How can a song take you back to a specific moment in time?What influences your music taste?Dr Karl & Dr Solange Glasser, Senior Lecturer in Music Psychology at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, answer these questions and more on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
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Nov 23, 2023 • 43min

Cortisol, histamine and toe nails

If I hold my nose when i sneeze, will my eyes pop out? Why can't we grow arms and legs back? Why do we cry?Dr Karl answers these questions and more, on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith & Dr Theresa Larkin, Associate Professor at the University of Wollongong.
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Nov 16, 2023 • 40min

Christmas Beetles, Venus and farts

Discover why Christmas beetles are missing, the importance of preserving insects for the ecosystem, the relationship between gold rings and stars in eyes, the impact of Christmas beetles on grasslands, the temperature difference between Venus, Earth, and Mars, and the fascinating process of cell renewal and tattoo maintenance.
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Nov 9, 2023 • 40min

Hibernation, fungus and foamy trees

Dr. Karl discusses bears' hibernation habits, the benefits of noise cancelling headphones, and the science behind atom bombs. The hosts explore the anxiety of network outages and the impact of airing out the bathroom on fungus growth. They also discuss the benefits of pickle juice for cramps and the phenomenon of weeds growing faster than other plants. Additionally, Dr. Karl explains the Bernoulli effect and the harmful effects of smoking and vaping during pregnancy.
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Nov 2, 2023 • 42min

Transmitting from the moon, plant fires and twin dreams

Curious why flies seem to prefer humans over poop? Delve into the peculiar tastes of these insects! Learn about the captivating analog technology that made moon landing transmissions possible. Discover the mysteries of dark energy and its role in the universe's expansion, alongside the intriguing evolution of our anatomy due to modern habits. Plus, listen in on some hilarious family stories stirred by a vomiting bug. It's a mix of science, laughter, and unexpected insights that will pique your curiosity!
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Oct 26, 2023 • 37min

Stargazing, rovers and Mars

Could we adapt to the climate on Mars? What is system inertia? How scientifically accurate is the 2015 film 'The Martian'?Our special guest this week is Dr Adrian Brown from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He and Dr Karl answer these questions and more, on triple j Mornings with Lucy Smith.
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Oct 19, 2023 • 39min

Wind farms, kelp forests and jellyfish

Dr David Wachenfeld, marine scientist, talks about the impact of wind farms on marine life, the relationship between humans and jellyfish, and the unique characteristics of salps. Also discussed are genetic variations in fighting COVID, heat's effect on solids and liquids, and the sensory capabilities of sharks in detecting prey.
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Oct 12, 2023 • 43min

Itching, black holes and dogs

Dr Karl and guest host Ash McGregor discuss various fascinating topics, including itch and pain, moon mining's impact on Earth, the relationship between strength, muscle mass, and energy expenditure in weightlifting, and the incredible tracking abilities of sniffer dogs.

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