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Shirtloads of Science

Shirtloads of Science

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki 464 Episodes Jul 18, 2026

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, a curious optimist and science lover, hosts this podcast where he and his guests explore weird facts and engage in amazing conversations. The show aims to remind listeners that it's never too late for a happy childhood. Series Producer is Isabelle Benton and Technical Producer is Maya Cook.

Episodes

In Dedication: Richard Scolyer on Risk, Hope and Radical Cancer Treatment (483)
In Dedication: Richard Scolyer on Risk, Hope and Radical Cancer Treatment (483) Jul 18, 2026 32:41 This conversation was originally recorded and published in November, 2024. In light of Richard's passing, we wanted to share it again because his insights remain as inspiring and relevant as ever. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Beasts Behaving Badly with Dr. Ann Jones (482)
Beasts Behaving Badly with Dr. Ann Jones (482) Jul 11, 2026 31:52 Dr. Ann Jones joins me to chat about her hilarious new What the Duck? series, Nature's Most Wanted, which dives into the wild world of criminal animals. We investigate some of nature's strangest case files… a duck caught speeding (twice), drug-addicted parrots, an underwear-nicking cat, drunk elephants, and heavyweight hamsters! A funny look at the surprising ways animals collide with the human ru
Seaweed! The Humble Organism Fighting Climate Change with Assoc. Prof. Alex Campbell (481)
Seaweed! The Humble Organism Fighting Climate Change with Assoc. Prof. Alex Campbell (481) Jul 4, 2026 25:48 Marine Ecologist Assoc. Professor Alex Campbell takes us into the wonderful, under-appreciated world of seaweed and makes the case that it might be one of our most powerful allies against climate change! We dive into seaweed's evolutionary history and the troubling decline now underway: as ocean temperatures rise, marine organisms are shifting toward the poles at a rate of over 60km per decade to
Why Weight Loss Drugs Don't Work On Their Own Dr. Nick Fuller (480)
Why Weight Loss Drugs Don't Work On Their Own Dr. Nick Fuller (480) Jun 27, 2026 24:07 I'm joined by Dr Nick Fuller to dissect the long-term effectiveness of weight loss medications and why lasting results do actually require more than medication alone. Nick explains why evidence-based behavioural weight management programs remain the first-line approach to weight loss built on three key pillars: diet, exercise and sleep (did you even know that sleep plays a big role in regulating h
Inside Microsoft's Global Research Lab With Dr. Peter Lee (479)
Inside Microsoft's Global Research Lab With Dr. Peter Lee (479) Jun 20, 2026 34:04 This episode I'm joined by Dr Peter Lee, Head of Research at Microsoft, to explore the ideas shaping the future of technology. Leading 14 research laboratories globally and overseeing a research and development program that receives more than 10% of Microsoft's overall budget, Dr Lee shares his journey to the top of one of the world's largest innovation engines. From AI tools transforming early ca
The (Not So) Boring Billion with Prof. Dietmar Müller (478)
The (Not So) Boring Billion with Prof. Dietmar Müller (478) Jun 13, 2026 28:14 In this episode, we speak with Dietmar Müller about the "Boring Billion", a seemingly quiet period in Earth's deep history that may have been crucial for the evolution of complex life. Drawing on his latest research, Müller explains how plate tectonics, passive continental margins, and volcanic outgassing shaped Earth's slow carbon cycle and gradually oxygenated the oceans during the mid-Proterozo
Solving a Cosmic Radio Signal Mystery with Kovi Rose (477)
Solving a Cosmic Radio Signal Mystery with Kovi Rose (477) Jun 6, 2026 29:52 Astronomer and soon-to-be Dr. Kovi Rose joins us to discuss his newly published Nature Astronomy paper on one of the universe's newest mysteries: strange repeating flashes of radio waves and X-rays coming form deep within our galaxy! His team's discovery of ASKAP J174 has helped identify the source as a pair of stars orbiting each other, with a white dwarf pulling or accreting material from its c
Coffee & Blood Pressure Explained with Prof. Clare Collins (476)
Coffee & Blood Pressure Explained with Prof. Clare Collins (476) May 30, 2026 17:51 Professor Clare Collins returns to the pod to answer a common question: does coffee raise your blood pressure? We also discuss how genetics influence whether you're a fast or slow caffeine metaboliser, the beneficial phytonutrients found in coffee, why decaf still has health benefits, and when people with high blood pressure may need to be more cautious with their intake. nomoneynotime.com.au
The Hidden Health Benefits of Honey with Prof. Clare Collins (475)
The Hidden Health Benefits of Honey with Prof. Clare Collins (475) May 23, 2026 30:44 Friend of the pod Professor Clare Collins returns to dive down into the sticky depths of the surprisingly powerful world of honey - far beyond being "just a sugary liquid". From the hallucinogenic "mad honey" of the Rhododendrons to the science behind medical-grade honey dressings that can heal wounds days faster than conventional treatments, Dr. Clare explains why this ancient food deserves a sec
The Hunt for Dark Matter with Dr. Theresa Fruth (474)
The Hunt for Dark Matter with Dr. Theresa Fruth (474) May 16, 2026 28:12 What is the universe actually made of? Particle physicist Theresa Fruth join us at Shirtloads to explore one of science's greatest unsolved mysteries - dark matter! Making up roughly 85% of the universe, yet appearing in none of our known particles, dark matter is invisible, elusive and almost certainly the reason the universe (and us!) exist at all. Theresa and her team are hunting for it anyway.
The Human Cost of One Degree with Prof. Ollie Jay (473)
The Human Cost of One Degree with Prof. Ollie Jay (473) May 9, 2026 32:40 Professor Ollie Jay, a leading expert in heat and health, returns to Shirtloads to discuss the growing toll of climate change on human wellbeing and global economics. Insights drawn from the latest Lancet Countdown report show that over half a million people die from heat-related causes each year, and a million more from fossil fuel pollution - deaths that are largely preventable.  Rising temperat
Incidental Exercise with Prof. Emmanuel Stamatakis (472)
Incidental Exercise with Prof. Emmanuel Stamatakis (472) May 3, 2026 31:04 In this episode, we speak with Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis about Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA) - short bursts of high-intensity movement built into everyday life, like walking briskly or carrying groceries. With only a quarter of adults exercising regularly, his research highlights how incidental activity, when done with enough intensity, can offer meaningful health b

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