Episodes

  • Science Explainer: Why is it so hard to kill bacteria?
    May 26 2025

    In this explainer, Syma discusses some of the methods bacteria use to defend themselves from attack from external threats such as antibiotics. These ostensibly simple organisms have elaborate and sophisticated defence mechanisms which is why it is so hard to kill bacteria.

    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Why Wolves Don’t Change Rivers
    May 22 2025

    Dan MacNulty has studied the wildlife in Yellowstone National Park since 1995. His research, and that of his colleagues, has revealed that the narrative that wolves have changed the park, leading to forests coming back, and rivers being diverted is not true. The Yellowstone story is more complicated than you might think, and endlessly fascinating. Join us as we talk about wolves, mountain lions, elk, beavers, bison and bears and learn how wolves have been good for the park, but not in quite the way you might think. For this episode Syma joins the discussion remotely.

    https://qcnr.usu.edu/directory/wild/faculty/macnulty-daniel

    Our sponsor for this episode is Grace and Garbo! Thank you.
    https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GraceandGarbo
    'At Grace and Garbo we are passionate about vintage knitwear. From classic fair isle, to one-of-a-kind artisan hand knits and vibrant mohair. Visit our Etsy store, Grace and Garbo, for our unique collection of vintage knitwear'

    If you are a business and would like to take advantage and leverage the power of the fast growing podcast ad stream market, and in particular sponsoring 'Science Of The Times', please drop us a line - streamingspirespodcasts@gmail.com
    Advertising via podcasts is a cost efficient way of reaching a wider market.

    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • Science Explainer: New Funding for US based scientists looking to move to the UK.
    May 19 2025

    Tim breaks down a game-changing shift in global science research: as U.S. funding for future research faces uncertainty, UK funding agencies are seizing the moment—offering incentives to attract scientists currently working in the US to relocate and thrive in the UK.

    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • Break Barriers: Women, the Physical Sciences Need You Now!
    May 19 2025

    In this short bonus episode Syma talks to Philipp Kukura. Philipp led the development of a technique called mass photometry which enables tracking the movement of individual proteins. Here he briefly describes the technique, but importantly emphasises the need for more women in the areas of instrument and technology development in the physical sciences.

    Link To Philipp's Paper:
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-021-01261-w

    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • Why Ginger Cats Are Mostly Boys (and Why Some Wolves Are Black!)
    May 16 2025

    In this third quick hit explainer of the week. Why are most ginger cats male? Simple genetics — the orange fur gene is on the X chromosome. Males only need one to flaunt that fiery coat, while females need two, making ginger ladies much rarer.

    And as for wolves — not all are grey! Some are black. Nature loves a remix.

    Show More Show Less
    3 mins
  • How To Build A Sustainable World
    May 15 2025

    If we don’t build a more sustainable world our civilisation will collapse, potentially in the coming decades. Paul Behrens spends his time researching our impact on the world, and working out how civilisation can transition to a sustainable future. Covering multitudes of Lego to plant-based diets and solar power, we explore how we can create a civilisation to help humanity thrive in the future.
    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53230928-the-best-of-times-the-worst-of-times

    Our sponsor for this episode is Grace and Garbo! Thank you.
    https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GraceandGarbo
    'At Grace and Garbo we are passionate about vintage knitwear. From classic fair isle, to one-of-a-kind artisan hand knits and vibrant mohair. Visit our Etsy store, Grace and Garbo, for our unique collection of vintage knitwear'

    If you are a business and would like to take advantage and leverage the power of the fast growing podcast ad stream market, and in particular sponsoring 'Science Of The Times', please drop us a line - streamingspirespodcasts@gmail.com
    Advertising via podcasts is a cost efficient way of reaching a wider market.

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • AI Undermines Health Science
    May 14 2025

    In our second quick-hit explainer episode this week, Tim breaks down how AI might be disrupting—not advancing—health science. Is the hype overshadowing real medical insight? Tune in for a sharp take on where AI could be leading us astray.

    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Why Is There A Universe? Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?
    May 13 2025

    In this quick bonus episode, Tim breaks down one of science’s most intriguing mysteries as featured in BBC News today: the difference between matter and antimatter. Join us for a bite-sized explainer that sheds light on the surprising facts behind this cosmic puzzle!

    Show More Show Less
    5 mins