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- 1 h 11typische Länge
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I discuss a variety of topics in both the natural and social sciences, exploring the many fascinating insights that the scientific method yields about the world around us.
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Episode 165: Gene Technologies
An introduction to the technologies and methods used in the study and manipulation of DNA and genes. We begin with an overview of basic methods for gene isolation and manipulation, including restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, cloning
Episode 164: Gauge Theory and the Higgs Boson
We conclude our series on the standard model with an introduction to gauge theory. We discuss how the requirement of local gauge invariance generates interaction terms in the Lagrangian, and introduce the U(1) x SU(2) x SU(3) group structur
Episode 163: The Standard Model of Particle Physics
An introduction to the particles and forces that constitute the standard model of particle physics. After some historical background, we introduce each of the three fundamental forces that comprise the standard model - electromagnetism, the
Episode 162: Human Evolution
Beginning with primitive Cynodonts in the late Permian, we our evolutionary development through Mesozoic mammaliaforms, the divergence of monotremes from marsupials and placentals, and culiminating in the emergence of primates in the early
Episode 161: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Reptiles
A survey of extinct animal species from the Permian through the Cretaceous periods. We discuss important differences between anapsids, synapsids, and diapsids, and then review diverse species from all groups, including pelycosaurs, therapsi
Episode 160: The Evolution of Animals
A journey through the evolutionary history of animals, beginning with the split of the metazoans from protists about 760 million years ago and ending with the rise of the amniotes about 340 million years ago. The focus is the development of
Episode 159: Quantum Electrodynamics Part 2
Continuing from quantum electrodynamics part 1, here we explore the mathematical machinery used to compute interactions between particles, including propagators, Feynman diagrams, cross sections. We then walk through a simple example calcul
Episode 158: Quantum Electodynamics Part 1
A detailed look into the physics and mathematics of quantum electrodynamics, the theory of how light and matter interact. We discuss the generalisation of the Schrodinger equation to the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, and howw these desc
Episode 157: The Geologic Time Scale
A survey of the Earth's history through the lens of the geologic timescale. We begin with a discussion of the terminology of geochronologic units and how they are specified using 'golden spikes'. We then review the development of Earth's at
Episode 156: Fossils and Dating Methods
An introduction to the techniques used to study the history and ages of geological speciments. We begin with an overview of chronostratigraphy, covering principles of relative dating, way up indicators, and biostratigraphy. We then discuss
Episode 155: Embryology and Development
An introduction to the process of development, beginning with fertilisation and covering the stages of blastocyst formation, implantation into the uterus, gastrulation and its constituent cell movements, neurulation and the role of the noto
Episode 154: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
An overview of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), beginning from the basic physics of nuclear magnetic resonance, and covering the use of radiowaves to excite nuclear spin states, and the T1 and T2 modes of relaxation. We then explore how th
Episode 153: Low Carb Diets
A review of the carbohydrate insulin model of obesity and the related proposal that low carbohydrate diets are superior to traditional low fat diets. I begin with a discussion of the theory behind the carbohydrate insulin model, and then as
Special Episode: Brain Preservation and Abolishing Death
An interview with Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, author of the book 'The Future Loves You: How and Why We Should Abolish Death'. We begin by discussing how best to define death, focusing on the idea of death as the permanent disruption of psych
Episode 152: Obesity, Diabetes, and Hypertension
A review of the science between the metabolic syndrome, including discussion of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. We discuss the pathophysiology of how enlargement of adipocytes disrupts metabolic signalling pathways and
Episode 151: Diet and Nutrition
An introduction to human nutrition, in which we discuss the nutritional importance and role of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, before considering the effects of malnutrition, how it is measured, and its prevalence aro
Episode 150: How Home Appliances Work
An exploration into the exciting world of home appliances and devices. We begin with a journey through the kitchen, discussing the design and operating principles behind the refrigerator, rice cooker, convection oven, microwave, and dishwas
Episode 149: The Psychology of Personality
An introduction to the psychological study of personality, beginning with a definition of what is and is not personality and a brief history of the development of the field from Freud and Jung through the Myers-Briggs Indicator and the mode
Episode 148: Control of Gene Expression
An introduction to the processes by which cells control which genes are expressed. We begin with an overview of why genetic regulation is necessary and the key stages where such regulation occurs, including key concepts such as transcriptio
Episode 147: Genetic Mutation and Repair
Here we survey of the causes and consequences of genetic mutation, including a discussion of mechanisms of endogenous and induced mutations, rates of mutation, types of single nucleotide mutations, and the phenotypic effects of mutation. We
Episode 146: Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance
An introduction to classical Mendelian genetics, in which we discuss Mendel's experiments with peas and the laws of heredity that he discovered, including inheritance of one allele from each parent, the law of dominance, and the law of inde
Episode 145: Relativity and Black Holes
Continuing our series on General Relativity, we discuss the derivation of the Schwarzschild metric as a vacuum solution to Einstein's Field Equations, and analyse the physical meaning of this solution, including the properties of the singul
Episode 144: Anthropogenic Climate Change
Our climate change series concludes with a discussion of the various lines of evidence indicating that recent warming is the result of human-produced greenhouse gases, including greater warming at night, cooling of the stratosphere, and rel
Episode 143: Climate Modelling
An overview of climate models, beginning with a summary of the major types of models, and then a more detailed disussion of hte primitive equations and parameterised feedbacks that characterise the widely used Atmospheric General Circulatio
Episode 142: The Greenhouse Effect
A detailed discussion of the greenhouse effect and its impact on Earth's climate. We begin with a discussion of Earth’s energy budget, the various greenhouse gases and their interactions with longwave radiation, and a summary of major sourc
Episode 141: Natural Climate Change
An overview of the natural mechanisms by which climate changes over time. Beginning with an introduction to the concepts of radiative forcing and climate sensitivity, we then discuss solar forcing, orbital changes, volcanic eruptions, and s
Episode 140: A History of Earth's Climate
A journey through the history of Earth's changing climate, in which we explore how Earth's climate has fluctuated over the past billion years. After reviewing the various temperature proxies used to estimate past climactic conditions, we di
Special Episode: Dinosaurs in Popular Culture
In this special collaboration with I Know Dino podcast, we discuss the history and impact of dinosaurs in popular culture and media. We cover the history of the scientific study of dinosaurs and how their presentation in media has changed o
Episode 139: Cybersecurity and Cryptocurrencies
An introduction to cryptography, internet security, and cryptocurrency, beginning with an overview of RSA cryptography and covering the use of public and private keys and their incorporation into the Transport Layer Security protocol used f
Episode 138: Biochemistry and Metabolism
A discussion of the metabolic pathways involved in breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids into simple components, extracting their energy, and building back up into more complex components needed for bodily function. We cover gly
