Shirtloads of Science
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
OpenAI's Rogue AI: A Real-World Cyberattack Explained with Dr. Petr Levedev (492)
In mid-2026, a swarm of AI agents coordinated a cyberattack on Hugging Face, a platform where machine learning communities can collectively work to improve AI models and capabilities. This breach happened without human supervision. Friend of the show and science communicator Dr. Petr Lebedev brings us up to speed on what is now being referred to as the first true AI safety incident. A crucial con
![The Universe's Mathematical Twin With Marcus Chown [Bonus Episode] (491)](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/0/2/7/a/027afa1d5fa4d38bd959afa2a1bf1c87/5983d4_1-20260818-jgelz2x4mg.png)
The Universe's Mathematical Twin With Marcus Chown [Bonus Episode] (491)
Science writer and journalist Marcus Chown returns for a shorter, more philosophical chat. When Einstein first proposed gravitational waves, atoms hadn't even been discovered, so who knows what the next century holds? We dig into the strange idea of the universe's "mathematical twin," and discuss the Standard Model of physics - a brilliant framework, but riddled with holes. www.marcuschown.com
Gravity's Missing Particle With Marcus Chown (490)
Science writer and former astrophysicist Marcus Chown joins us to discuss the elusive graviton - the theoretical particle behind gravity. In this chat we dig into the four fundamental forces of nature, why gravity is so uniquely hard to pin down, and why detecting a graviton would require a detector larger than Jupiter. Marcus also unpacks string theory, the only framework that manages to fold
Reality Q&A: Live from Willoughby Library with Geraint Lewis (489)
A bonus episode straight from the audience at Geraint Lewis' book launch for "The Shortest History of Reality." Listeners fire off some big questions: where do we sit with the 95% of the universe we can't explain? What is dark energy? Why does time feel so different experientially? Along with other questions concerning the Theory of Everything, whether light really has a speed, what happens to our
Reality Check: An Astrophysicist's View of Reality with Geraint Lewis Part One (488)
Join us for a special live episode of Shirtloads of Science, recorded at Willoughby Library for the launch of Professor Geraint Lewis' new book, "The Shortest History of Reality" - a compelling journey tracing the evolution of humanity's understanding of reality. In this live session, Geraint touches on a number of deep and puzzling concepts concerning reality (according to an astrophysicist) - f
More with Toby Hagon: The EV Deep Dive Continues (487)
Motor journalist Toby Hagon returns to Shirtloads of Science for round two on electric vehicles. Toby shares how he got into motoring journalism and what the job really involves. We break down 400V vs 800V batteries, charge cycles, and the reality of battery degradation, decode WLTP vs NEDC ratings, and marvel at just how powerful EVs really are. evcentral.com.au outbacktravelaustralia.com.au ev
Charged Up: All Things Electric Vehicles With Toby Hagon (486)
Motor journalist Toby Hagon joins Shirtloads of Science to talk all things electric vehicles. We break down the often-confused difference between kilowatts and kilowatt-hours, compare EVs against petrol cars on performance, energy use, and cost, and explore everything from single to quad-motor setups. Toby unpacks AC vs DC charging and battery basics, looks at how servicing costs stack up, and sep
Growing Mini Retinas To Fight Blindness With Anai Gonzalez-Cordero (485)
Associate Professor Anai Gonzalez-Cordero joins us on Shirtloads to explore the remarkable world of stem cells and how they can develop into almost any cell in the human body! She explains how her team is using stem cell technology to better understand and develop potential treatments for inherited retinal diseases, including Stargardt disease and Usher syndrome. We also discuss her work at the Ch
Beyond "Survival of the Fittest" with Rowan Hooper (484)
What if evolution isn't just about the survival of the fittest? Rowan Hooper, senior editor at New Scientist, joins Shirtloads to discuss his new book Togetherness - a challenge to the idea that nature is defined purely by competition. From the fig and wasp's ancient partnership to the mycorrhizal fungal networks threading through forest soils, Hooper makes a compelling case that relationships and
In Dedication: Richard Scolyer on Risk, Hope and Radical Cancer Treatment (483)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
Dumb Stuff In Space with Assoc. Prof. Michael Brown (471)
We're living through the great Space Boom and with great innovation comes a lot of whacky ideas... Astronomer and Associate Professor Michael Brown from Monash University joins me to discuss stupid things in space. The conversation dives into some of the more bizarre and ambitious ideas circulating the space industry, from firing villains and radioactive waste in to the sun to deploying giant or
Using Soundwaves To Measure The Sun with Prof. Conny Aerts (470)
In this episode I sit down with Professor Conny Aerts, a pioneering mathematician and founding figure of astroseismology, who reveals how scientists are "listenting" to stars to understand what's happening deep inside them. From oscillating stars to solar sunquakes, she explains how sound waves can measure the sun's size, age and activity. Beyond the science, she shares her remarkable journey fro
How To Die in the 21st Century with Dr. Hannah Gould (469)
We're scared to say the D word! But why is talking about death such a taboo? Dr. Hannah Gould, a cultural anthropologist at the University of Melbourne, joins me to discuss the topic in the wake of the release of her new book 'How To Die in the 21st Century'. The discussion dives in to the modern experience of dying, from the pressures of having a 'good death' to the reality of overly medicalised
How Two Students Fixed the Focus of James Webb from Earth with Prof. Peter Tuthil, Dr. Louis Desdoigts & Max Charles (468)
When a problem with the James Webb Space Telescope left its images frustratingly out of focus, the solution wasn't fixed in space... it was fixed from Earth. At the University of Sydney, PhD students Dr. Louis Desdoigts and Max Charles spent two years rewriting and refining code to recalibrate a critical instrument designed by Professor Peter Tuthill: the Aperture Masking Interferometer. Their bre
Forensic Science: Fact, Fiction, and Failure with Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde and Hannah Jarman (467)
This episode features Dr. Linzi Wilson-Wilde and Hannah Jarman discussing the realities of forensic science beyond shows like CSI. Through cases such as the Phantom of Heilbronn case and Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, they explore how flawed evidence and forensic myths have contributed to wrongful convictions. They also examine common misconceptions around techniques like bite mark analysis, fire in
The Wellness Woo Economy with Kate Thomas (466)
Pharmacist and science communicator Kate Thomas shares how a viral debunking video launched her into the world of online health education. In this episode we explore the booming "wellness woo" economy and sift through the weeds on why misleading short-form content spreads so easily and the risks of unregulated wellness influencers. Kate breaks down the truth about supplements, the power of placebo
The Hidden Health Impact of Microplastics with Prof. Michaela Lucas (465)
***Prof Lucas would like to provide the following clarification in regards to comments relating to prenatal BPA exposure and male autism spectrum disorder: "A positive association between high prenatal BPA exposure and ASD diagnosis was only seen in male offspring with a genetic predisposition to low aromatase enzyme activity." Professor Michaela Lucas, an Immunologist and Immunopathologist resea
Deepfakes Online and The Future of Truth with Dr. Anna Broinowski (464)
I'm joined by Dr. Anna Broinowski - Senior Lecturer and Director of the Master of Film and Screen Arts at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney - to unpack the rise of deepfakes and synthetic media. We discuss the emergence of deepfake pornography in 2017, the fact that around 90% of deepfake content targets women and girls, and the growing use of AI in propaganda. From political manipu
The Rise In Nitrous Misuse with Assoc. Prof. Angela Chiew (463)
Nitrous oxide (better known as "laughing gas") is widely used in medicine as a safe anaesthetic and pain reliever. It's also found in whipped cream canisters and even used in car engines. But Angela Chiew, toxicologist and Associate Professor at UNSW, joins me to set the record straight: the growing recreational misuse of this easily accessible gas is causing serious long-term harm, including nerv
Will AI Take Our Jobs? Part Three of the Great AI Safety Debrief with Dr. Petr Lebedev (462)
In the final episode of the Great AI Safety Debrief series with Dr. Petr Lebedev, we discuss job eradication, AI alignment and the rise in cases of AI deceiving humans. Petr unpacks ideas like AI scheming, situation awareness, parasitic relationships between humans and machines, and even the possibility of AI developing belief systems of its own. We end by zooming out to existential risk, Alan Tur
Is AI Outsmarting Us? Part Two of the Great AI Safety Debrief with Dr. Petr Lebedev (461)
In part two, Dr. Petr Lebedev and I dive deeper into how modern AI systems are grown, not programmed, and the emergence of Shutdown Resistance. We explore AI performance in math and coding competitions, the rapid evolution of ChatGPT models, and why companies are already letting AI write the majority of their code. Petr explains how huge investments globally are pushing these systems forward faste
The Great AI Safety Debrief Part One with Dr. Petr Lebedev (460)
Intelligence is emerging from sand and less than 1% of the population seems to care! Physicist and science communicator Dr. Petr Lebedev joins the podcast following his SXSW talk to explore the rapid advancement of AI and how it's dramatically shifting the global status quo. From completing a PhD in physics and writing for Veritasium, to leading science communication at Palisade Research, Petr st
The Milky Way's Mysterious Glow with Prof. Geraint Lewis (459)
A mysterious glow from the centre of the Milky Way has scientists intrigued. Astrophysicist Geraint Lewis explains how this gamma-ray excess, first detected in 2009, could be evidence of dark matter particles interacting deep in our galaxy. With dark matter believed to make up a vast, invisible halo that holds galaxies together, uncovering the source of this glow may bring us closer to understandi
![Food Additives: What's Safe, What's Not? with Prof. Clare Collins (451) [REPEAT]](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/1/a/d/3/1ad366a7955018bad959afa2a1bf1c87/Square_Tile_-_Shirtloads_Vodcast-20251104-gxjhrp68ug.png)
Food Additives: What's Safe, What's Not? with Prof. Clare Collins (451) [REPEAT]
In this episode, I'm joined by Professor Clare Collins, Australian dietitian and Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle. Clare is my go-to expert when it comes to all things nutrition, and today she's here to unpack the often confusing world of processed and ultra-processed foods. We dive into what really separates the two, explore the role of additives, emulsifiers, a
![Staying Safe Online Part 2 with Troy Hunt (439) [REPEAT]](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/9/7/4/8/9748076a2256279216c3140a3186d450/Square_Tile_-_Shirtloads_Vodcast_2-20250812-d3cnvyktho.png)
Staying Safe Online Part 2 with Troy Hunt (439) [REPEAT]
In part two with Online Safety Consultant Troy Hunt (Have I Been Pwned), we unpack the risks of online age verification in light of Australia's social media ban, including the personal data (often times photos or government documents) sites may demand, and how these security practices can be questionable. Troy explains why we should be thinking more about data minimisation and the dangers of unn
![The Human Side of Misinformation Part 2 with Assoc. Prof. Marian-Andrei Rizoiu (445) [REPEAT]](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/1/8/5/c/185c5d9ffe71e42816c3140a3186d450/Part_2_tile.png)
The Human Side of Misinformation Part 2 with Assoc. Prof. Marian-Andrei Rizoiu (445) [REPEAT]
In part two, Associate Professor Marian-Andrei Rizoiu from the University of Technology Sydney explains how misinformation and toxic online cultures spread. We dive into the "manosphere pipeline" targeting boys as young as 10, its real-world impacts on schools and families, and how it can escalate into radicalisation. Rizoiu outlines his team's six-stage pipeline - from passive curiosity to activ
![Rethinking Laundry for the Planet With Dr Holly Kaye Smith (430) [REPEAT]](https://static.libsyn.com/p/assets/3/6/8/3/36833a596193437416c3140a3186d450/Square_Tile_-_Shirtloads_Vodcast-20250527-ufgotneyzp.jpg)
Rethinking Laundry for the Planet With Dr Holly Kaye Smith (430) [REPEAT]
Most of us throw our clothes in the wash without a second thought, but what if that habit is doing more harm than good? In this episode, Dr. Holly Kaye-Smith, social change expert and communications specialist, challenges the way we think about cleanliness, climate action, and everyday laundry. From surprising stats (over 90% of washed clothes aren't even dirty!) to the hidden environmental cost o
Climate Overshoot: The World Beyond 1.5 Degrees with Dr. Andy Reisinger (458)
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Andy Reisinger, an internationally recognised expert in climate change science and policy, with a focus on mitigation and agricultural emissions. Together, we unpack the concept of climate overshoot - why the world is set to exceed the 1.5°C warming limit within the next five years, and what that means for people and the planet. Dr. Reisinger explores whether the
More Everyday Consumer Good Facts Part 2 with Ashley Iredale (457)
Consumer technology expert Ashley Iredale returns for part two, bringing more surprising facts about everyday household appliances. We break down why your fridge actually contains more heaters than coolers, demystify the Energy Star rating system, and settle the debate on whether front-loading or top-loading washers are more efficient at cleaning clothes.
Cooking Dinner In Your Dishwasher?! & Other Fun Facts with Ashley Iredale (456)
This episode i'm joined by Ashley Iredale, a consumer technologist and content producer whose winding career through industrial design has armed him with a trove of quirky tips and practical wisdom. Ashley breaks down the real efficiency of hand-washing versus dishwashers, explains how a dishwasher can double as an oven, and settles the age-old question of how toilet paper should hang. We also di
The Discovery That Changed Astrophysics with Prof. Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (455)
In this episode, I'm joined by the legendary Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell - the pioneering astrophysicist who discovered pulsars, launching an entirely new field of astrophysics. She began her PhD searching for quasars, but soon noticed a strange, repetitive signal appearing night after night - so peculiar she jokingly labelled it LGM ("Little Green Men"). That signal would become one of the m
Sunscreen Safety in Australia with John Staton (454)
This week I'm joined by John Staton, one of Australia's leading sunscreen-testing experts, to unpack the big headlines surrounding sunscreen safety. A recent Choice report revealed that 16 out of the 20 tested sunscreen products failed to meet their advertised SPF rating by a significant figure. John helps us to understand what is really going on. He breaks down how sunscreens actually work and th
What are Time Crystals? with Prof. Geraint Lewis (453)
In this episode, friend of the show and astrophysicist Professor Geraint Lewis returns to help me wrap my head around one of the strangest ideas in modern physics: Time Crystals. After stumbling across a Nature article that left my brain pleasantly scrambled, I called up Geraint for a deep-dive into what time crystals are and why physicists are so excited about them. We explore why Time Crystals
Science in Oz: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly with Dr. Catherine Ball (452)
In this episode, futurist and award-winning scientist Dr Catherine Ball dives into the state of science in Australia, uncovering the good, the bad, and the overlooked. From humanoid robotics and wearable exoskeletons transforming healthcare, to Australia's lagging space economy, Ball offers an unflinching look at where we stand. She also highlights world-class cancer detection research happening i
Innovative Nanotechnology for Cancer Detection with Dr. Renee Goreham (450)
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Renee Goreham, a physicist and nanotechnologist at the University of Newcastle, and passionate science communicator. Renee is an experimental physicist exploring how our breath could hold the key to detecting lung cancer early—by identifying specific proteins as biomarkers. We also delve into her PhD student's exciting research into a new red-light laser diagnosti
Gene Therapy & Rare Diseases with Assoc. Prof Leszek Lisowski (449)
In this episode, we speak with Associate Professor Leszek Lisowski, Head of the Translational Vectorology Unit at the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI), about the cutting-edge world of gene therapy. He explains how viral vectors are engineered to deliver life-saving treatments for rare genetic diseases - many of which are so uncommon, they're only known by the name of the affected gene.
The Brain's Energy Bill: From Childhood to Old Age with Assoc. Prof Sharna Jamadar (448)
In this episode, we're joined by Associate Professor Sharna Jamadar, a cognitive neuroscientist at Monash University, to explore how the brain uses energy, and how that changes across the lifespan. Did you know that a 10-year-old's brain uses over 50% of the body's total energy, compared to just 20% in adults? We dive into why younger brains work harder, the role of synaptic pruning and proliferat
Onionlike Layers of Exploding Stars with Prof. Geraint Lewis (447)
My go-to guy for all cosmic things Prof. Geraint Lewis, astrophysicist at the University of Sydney, returns to unpack a fascinating New York Times article on a newly observed "onionlike" space explosion that may reveal a new type of supernova. We dive into what actually happens when a star dies, the onion-layer buildup of elements through nuclear fusion, and how these cataclysmic blasts forge the
The Aftermath of Cosmic Collisions with Prof. Geraint Lewis (446)
In this episode, friend of the show Geriant Lewis, Professor of Astrophysics at the Sydney Institute for Astronomy within the University of Sydney, joins us to unpack a fascinating New Scientist article theorising on how a strange line of dwarf galaxies may have formed. We explore how high-speed collisions between dwarf galaxies can scatter gas and stars across space, sometimes giving rise to en
The Human Side of Misinformation Part 1 with Assoc. Prof. Marian-Andrei Rizoiu (444)
In this episode, I sit down with Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, Associate Professor and head of the Behavioral Data Science Lab at the University of Technology Sydney. Drawing on a three-year research project into the misinformation ecosystem, he reveals that online conspiracies aren't just about false facts. Instead, they meet deep human needs for belonging and identity. We explore the idea that misinfor
Science Under Siege with Prof. Michael Mann & Prof. Peter Hotez (443)
In this episode, we sit down with two of today's most prominent defenders of science: Professor Michael Mann, world-renowned climate scientist, and Professor Peter Hotez, vaccine researcher and advocate for global health equity. Together, they've co-authored Science Under Siege, a powerful new book exposing the forces behind the global anti-science movement. We explore the surprising parallels bet
From DNA to Policy: Protecting Threatened Species with Prof. Carolyn Hogg (442)
In part two of our conversation with Professor Carolyn Hogg, Research Manager of the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group at the University of Sydney, we dive deeper into the science and strategy behind threatened species management. Carolyn shares how her team is developing crucial genetic data to guide conservation, including breed-and-release programs with species like the Tasmanian devil. We d
Whales, Wildlife, and Conserving Threatened Species with Prof. Carolyn Hogg (441)
From collecting urine samples in Antarctica to sampling whale snot to study reproduction, Dr. Carolyn Hogg's career is anything but ordinary. In this episode, she shares how her passion for protecting threatened species led her down some unexpected paths, including earning the nickname 'Dr. Snot'. We chat about her PhD on whale behaviour, wild whale facts, and the creative ways scientists gather d
Lightning, Fertiliser, and the Future of Green Nitrogen with Professor PJ Cullen (440)
In this episode, Professor PJ Cullen, Chemical Engineering expert from the University of Sydney, breaks down the global nitrogen challenge. We explore why nitrogen is essential for life, the history of fertiliser - from the Guano Wars to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process - and how today's nitrogen production is harming the planet. Cullen introduces PlasmaLeap, his startup using non-thermal
Have I been Pwned? With Troy Hunt (438)
In this episode, we're joined by Troy Hunt, Australian online security consultant, creator of Have I Been Pwned, and one of the world's leading voices on data breaches. He breaks down the key differences between encryption and hashing, and what they mean for keeping your data safe. We dive into infamous data breaches, including the Ashley Madison case, and explore the often hidden, long-term impac
Climate After Net Zero with Prof. Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick (437)
In this episode, we sit down with Australian climate scientist Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick to explore the story of climate science, how we first discovered the planet was warming, and what we now know about the forces driving it. Sarah breaks down the role of carbon dioxide in trapping heat like a planetary blanket and shares insights from her cutting-edge research on long-term climate mod
A Conversation with Nobel Laureate Professor Donna Strickland (436)
I had the honor of sitting down with Professor Donna Strickland, Nobel Prize-winning physicist the third woman in history to receive the prestigious award in physics. In our conversation, we discuss her groundbreaking work in laser physics and the journey that led her there. From her early academic interests to the moment she received the life-changing call from the Royal Swedish Academy at 5AM (?
Wikipedia Part Two with Dr. Heather Ford (435)
In part two of our chat with Dr. Heather Ford, we delve deeper into the hidden dynamics of Wikipedia — the world's largest encyclopedia and 8th most visited website, run largely by volunteers. We explore how pages are updated in real time, yet controversial topics like Indigenous place names often face delays and heated edit wars. Dr. Ford explains how this can lead editors to walk away, raising c
Wikipedia: The Power and the Pitfalls Part One with Dr. Heather Ford (434)
I'm joined by Dr. Heather Ford, ARC Future Fellow and Professor in the School of Communications at UTS, to explore the fascinating world of Wikipedia. Inspired by her article "We analysed 35,000 Wikipedia entries about Australian places. Some of them sanitise history" in The Conversation, we dive deep into the strengths and shortcomings of one of the internet's most beloved resources. We unpack ho
Hypersonics Part Two with Dr. Graham Wild (433)
In part two of my conversation with Dr. Graham Wild, we dive deeper into the fascinating world of hypersonic machines. We explore how sound waves behave at extreme speeds, the significance of the boundary layer, and what materials are best suited for these ultra-fast aircraft. Connect with Dr. Graham Wild on LinkedIn Twitter/X: @AerospaceDoctor
Hypersonics Part One with Dr. Graham Wild (432)
Aviation expert Dr. Graham Wild returns to take us beyond the basics of flight and into the high-speed world of subsonic vs. hypersonic aircraft. We break down the engine mechanics behind these incredible machines, and I squeeze in a humblebrag about sitting in an SR-71 (yes, okay, it was grounded). It's a theory-packed episode, so we've split it into two parts. Catch Part 2 next week. Connect wit
How Planes Fly (A Brief Introduction) with Dr. Graham Wild (431)
In 2020, Scientific American made waves with the provocative headline: "No One Can Explain Why Planes Stay in the Air." But is that really true? Dr. Graham Wild, senior lecturer in aviation science and technology at the University of New South Wales in Canberra, joins us to set the record straight. In this episode, we dip our toes into the complex of flight. We scratch at the very surface of the t
Are Ice Baths Worth the Hype? With Dr Hunter Bennett (429)
Are ice baths really the recovery miracle they're made out to be? We plunge into the science with Dr. Hunter Bennett, lecturer at the University of South Australia, exploring the pros and cons of ice baths, when they're helpful, and when they might actually hinder your gains. We also unpack health misinformation online and Dr Hunter shares five evidence-based tips for anyone curious about cold plu
Health Misinformation on Social Media & Overdiagnosis with Dr Brooke Nickel (428)
Dr. Brooke Nickel dives into the murky world of health misinformation on social media, exposing how overdiagnosis and unverified health claims are thriving in a mostly unregulated space. We explore the influence of online personalities, the power of personal anecdotes, and the urgent need for evidence-based guidance in digital health conversations. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Brooke Nickel on Linked
The Dark Side of the U.S Meat Packing Industry with Alice Driver (427)
Award-winning author and investigative journalist Alice Driver joins me to discuss her powerful new book, Life and Death of the American Worker. Her investigation exposes the deeply unethical practices within the meatpacking industry in the United States. For Alice, this story is personal. She grew up in Arkansas, one of the country's poorest states and home to Tyson Foods, the largest meatpacking
Space Lasers on the Toliman Mission with Prof. Peter Tuthill and Prof. Boris Kuhlmey (426)
In this episode, Prof. Boris Kuhlmey and Prof. Peter Tuthill join me to discuss the Toliman Mission, a space telescope project focused on detecting Earth-like exoplanets around Alpha Centauri, our nearest star system, using precise astrometric measurements. We discuss logistics, the costs involved and the success rate of such an astronomical project. Developed by a collaboration including the Univ
Fluoride in Drinking Water with Dr Michael Foley (425)
Almost all of the regional and remote communities in Queensland do not have fluoridated drinking water, so why is this a problem? Dentist Dr Michael Foley debunks the infamous NTP report which suggested that fluoridated drinking water lowered IQ and breaks down how fluoride actually works and why it's so important for our dental health.
RPT Growing Ear Drums with Professor Marcus Atlas
Dr Karl uncovers a lifelong Australian quest to restore comfort and hearing with custom made eardrum transplants. Called Cleardrums, Professor Marcus Atlas is close to passing regulatory hurdles for human trials. Ep407 [Repeat] drkarl.com
RPT Eating for Beginners with Dr Fuller
Dr Karl (former father of the year) talks with Dr Nick Fuller (recent dad) about teaching children how to eat. The good habits learned early lead to healthy lives. Ep396 [Repeat] Healthy Parents Healthy Kids by Nick Fuller DrKarl
RPT Ballooning for Dark Matter with Dr Sirks
Why use a balloon to hunt the most elusive suff in the Universe? Dr Sirks takes Dr Karl through the history of Dark Matter and why astronomy is only part of the solution. Ep379 [Repeat] Dr Karl Dr Sirks
Seaforesting Carbon with Sam Elsom (424)
Atmospheric Carbon is burning us up. CO₂ is the big culprit but what about methane? Industry calls it "natural gas" but sheep and cattle belch millions of tons. Australian scientists have a very cool answer with seaweed. drkarl.com seaforest.com.au
Food Noise with Professor Clare Collins (423)
Weight loss medicines are never easy. What happens when your brain says you're full? Dr Karl and Professor Clare Collins explore the promises and pitfalls plus the ones that occasionally kill. drkarl.com
Keeping Cool ep2 with Professor Jay (422)
Our warming world means more humidity. You can't see it but you can feel it. Professor Ollie Jay introduces Dr Karl to wet bulb thermometers, how sweating works and why humidity gets you down. DrKarl.com Prof Ollie Jay
Keeping Cool ep1 with Prof Jay (421)
Summer heat waves are increasing - so AC or fan, what is best? The answer becomes unclear when air temperatures are in the high 30s. Professor Jay takes Dr Karl inside your sweat glands to discover the physics of keeping cool. DrKarl.com Prof Ollie Jay
The Crack with Marcus Chown (408)
Author and astrophysicist Marcus Chown is a great explainer. A British stargazer, he studied under Richard Feynman in California. Dr Karl puts him to the test talking about Marcus' latest book on black holes "A Crack in Everything". DrKarl.com @marcuschown
G-Planes and Hoops with Dr Bloom (420)
Physics on both galactic and personal scales are explored and answered with Dr Jessica Bloom and Dr Karl. drkarl.com .
Meet the Novas with Dr Sara Webb (419)
We are so lucky to be alive. Dr Sara Webb's 'The Little book of Cosmic Catastrophes' looks at dangerous galactic neighbours. So what are the chances of finding Earth 2.0 ? drkarl.com dr sara webb
Circular economies with Belinda Chellingworth (418)
Dr Karl consults with circular economy expert, experienced waste manager, change maker and garbologist Belinda Chellingworth. Waste is expensive so well-designed product cycles makes it better for us all. drkarl.com BC Consulting
Sexy Talk with Dr Ann Jones (417)
A shameless piece of cross promotion for ABC podcast 'What the Duck' with Dr Ann Jones about plant and animal reproduction. Contains names of body parts, fluids, graphic descriptions and one swear word. drkarl.com What the duck podcasts
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