Ri Science Podcast

Explore a new area of science every month from the world's sharpest minds. New episodes on the last Wednesday of every month!

From the Theatre: The science of mental health - with Camilla Nord

We're bringing you even more Spotify content, by sharing one of our world-famous lectures on every second Wednesday of the month through 'From the Theatre' episodes. Don't worry, Ri Science Podcast episodes are still coming every last Wednesday, but these will help to tide you over in the meantime. How does the body affect our brain, and vice versa? Can exercise, psychedelics, or the gut biome improve your mental health? Find out with neuroscientist Camilla Nord.This talk was recorded at the Ri on 4 March 2024.Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. From the Theatre episodes are released on the second Wednesday of every month.Browse upcoming talks and livestreams on our ⁠website⁠  Subscribe to our ⁠YouTube channel⁠ Follow us: @ri_science on ⁠Instagram⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠ 

09-09
45:37

Is data failing us? - with Grace Huckins

Everywhere you look across the scientific landscape, AI and big data play a vital role. But is that role good or bad? This year’s Nine Dots Prize question looked to tackle just that, and award-winning science journalist and neuroscientist Grace Huckins’ entry was deemed the most innovative. Grace joins us this month to discuss how AI could be changing the way science operates, and how data has transformed the field of neuroscience specifically.   Read an extract from Grace’s winning essay: https://ninedotsprize.org/extract-from-grace-huckins-winning-entry/ Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Producer and presenter: Lia Hale Assistant producer: Poppy Aves Music: Joseph Sandy Browse upcoming talks and livestreams on our website  Subscribe to our YouTube channel Follow us: @ri_science on Instagram and TikTok 

08-26
42:06

What can dogs teach us about the microbiome? - with Bushra Schuitemaker

How similar is your microbiome to your dog’s? How do volcanoes influence the microbiome of the earth? And what links the microbiome to epilepsy? It’s not just the gut that has a microbiome – everything from your phone screen to the soles of your shoes has a community of microorganisms residing together that forms a microbiome. But the microbiome in the gut specifically has a huge impact on our bodily functioning, and we can learn a lot about our own gut microbiome by looking at those of domesticated animals like dogs.  This month, we’re joined by Bushra Schuitemaker, a microbiologist and head of science and research at Biome9, to understand what we can learn from the microbiomes around us.  Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Producer/presenter: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy  Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.  Learn more about Biome9 and Dogileptic Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams on our website YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution  X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science 

07-29
41:18

The science behind ACL injuries in women's football - with Blake Rivers and Grace Vella

The Women's Euros kick off next Wednesday, once again bringing attention to the epidemic of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women’s football. But why is it that women are six times more likely to suffer from these injuries, and what research is being done to understand it further? This month we’re looking at the science behind the ACL, and what factors researchers are investigating that influence injury susceptibility. We’re joined by Blake Rivers, whose PhD at Kingston University is being funded by FIFA to investigate the impact of the menstrual cycle on ACL injuries, and Grace Vella, a footballer and entrepreneur who is 5 months into her ACL rehabilitation following on from reconstructive surgery.  Producer: Lia Hale  Assistant producer: Jessica Hibbert Music: Joseph Sandy Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.  Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution  X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science  

06-24
42:32

De-westernizing the history of science - with Gianamar Giovannetti-Singh

When we think of the biggest historical figures in science, names like Isaac Newton and Michael Faraday tend to come to mind. But the discoveries made by these individuals could never have happened without the contributions of countless others around the world, whose names and stories are often left out of the picture.  Former Royal Institution Freer Fellow Gianamar Giovannetti-Singh spoke at the Ri to shed light on some of these untold stories, and to help us adopt a more global understanding of the history of science.  Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.  Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution  X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science  This talk was recorded in the Theatre at the Royal Institution on Monday 14 May 2024 Producer: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy 

06-04
30:36

Understanding antimicrobial resistance - with Gabriel Astorga

How do microbes including bacteria become resistant to treatment? What can we do to prevent it? And why do we have tuberculosis to thank for the creation of cowboy hats? This month, PhD student and award-winning science communicator Gabriel Astorga joins us to answer all these questions and more, as we look under the hood of antimicrobial resistance.  Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!  Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.  Read more about the UKHSA campaign here Follow Gab on Instagram and YouTube  Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution  Producer: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy 

04-30
34:14

How climate change affects the brain - with Clayton Aldern and Sanjay Sisodiya

John Tyndall first announced his discovery of greenhouse gases in a Royal Institution Discourse back in 1862. Since then, our understanding of the science of climate change has come on leaps and bounds in some areas, but in others we are only just scratching the surface. This month, we hear from neuroscientist-turned-journalist Clayton Aldern and Professor of Neurology Sanjay Sisodiya about how climate change affects our brains. From memories passed through generations to the impact of heat on neurological disorders such as epilepsy, we dive deeper into the neuroscience underlying climate change. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Producer: Lia HaleMusic: Joseph Sandy  Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.  Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution  X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science  

03-26
35:25

Statistical uncertainty in the modern world - with David Spiegelhalter

Sir David Spiegelhalter is a national treasure in the world of statistics, achieving everything from a knighthood to appearing on Total Wipeout.  In light of giving the first Discourse in their bicentennial year, David explores how risk and uncertainty have affected his own life, and how to understand the statistics we see every day.  Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!  Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.   Explore our upcoming programme or watch our YouTube channel for more science. Producer: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy

02-26
40:28

Scientists on Scientists: Being the Christmas Lecturer - with Chris van Tulleken and Monica Grady

2025 marks the 200 year anniversary of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES from the Royal Institution, as well as Discourses and Michael Faraday’s discovery of Benzene. We’re celebrating throughout the year to mark the occasion, kicking off with a conversation between two previous Christmas Lecturers Chris van Tulleken and Monica Grady. They discuss their experiences giving the lectures, the importance of science communication to young people, and their advice for their successors.   Find out more about the Discover200 campaign: https://www.rigb.org/discover200-ri    This episode was recorded remotely on Monday 16 December 2024. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!   Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.   Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution   X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science    Interviewer: Lia Hale  Producer: Lia Hale  Music: Joseph Sandy  

01-29
44:36

Best of 2024: Science wrapped

2024 has been a remarkable year for science, so we're taking a look back over the past year at our most memorable moments here on the Ri Science Podcast. From eggs to AI, sustainable plastics to protein folding, we've discussed a fascinating range of topics with even more fascinating guests including Jess Wade and Charan Ranganath. We can't wait to see what's in store in science for 2025, and thank you for listening and learning with us in 2024. With the exception of this episode, Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Presenter: Katie Mortimer Producer: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy Browse our upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on Watch previous talks: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution Follow us on social media @Ri_Science

12-18
29:55

Quantum physics and gender equity - with Jess Wade

2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, as marked by the UN, to celebrate 100 years since the birth of quantum mechanics. But quantum science is one of the least diverse areas of science in terms of gender and other protected characteristics. Jess Wade, a physicist and lecturer in functional materials at Imperial College London, has been fighting the inequality in quantum physics and beyond by creating thousands of Wikipedia pages for women scientists. Jess joins us this month to discuss the past, present, and future of quantum science along with what can be done to increase diversity within the field.   Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!  Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.   Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution   X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science   Producer: Lia Hale  Assistant producers: Katie Mortimer, Isla Nakano   Interviewer: Lia Hale  Music: Joseph Sandy 

11-27
54:27

Sustainable materials: Trick or treat? - with Mike Shaver

Halloween means lots of sweets, which in turn means lots of packaging. We’re starting to see more of the packaging on our shelves labelled as sustainable in some way, but are they really? Mike Shaver is a Professor of Polymer Science and Director of the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub at the University of Manchester, and joins us this month to unpick the current landscape of sustainable materials, and discuss whether or not a fully recyclable plastic is possible. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast. Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science Producer: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy

10-30
36:12

The search for Earth 2.0 - with Elizabeth Tasker

What makes a planet habitable? What are we looking for to find Earth 2.0? And how do you get a chunk of an asteroid through airport security? This month, astrophysicist Elizabeth Tasker discusses the latest missions at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and explores how our knowledge has progressed since she last spoke at the Ri back in 2018.   Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!  Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.   Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution   X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science   Producer: Lia Hale  Music: Joseph Sandy 

09-26
48:07

The brain on exercise - with Dr Flaminia Ronca

Today marks the beginning of the Paralympic Games, and nearly 3 weeks since the end of the Olympic Games in Paris. But what actually happens to your brain when you exercise? What’s the science behind ‘runner’s high’? And why isn’t there enough research on women in sport? This month, we’re joined by exercise neuroscientist Flaminia Ronca, from UCL and the Institute of Sport Exercise and Health. She shares with us which chemical and physiological systems are involved when we exercise, and how regular exercise can decrease our chances of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.     Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!    Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.   Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution   X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science     Producer: Lia Hale  Assistant producer: Isla Nakano  Interviewer: Lia Hale  Music: Joseph Sandy 

08-28
46:30

How women drove evolution - with Cat Bohannon

Why is there less medical research on women? How did humanity reach 8 billion despite the dangers of childbirth? In this episode, Cat Bohannon explores these questions and reveals insights from her book, Eve: How Women Drove 200 Million Years of Evolution, to highlight women’s pivotal role in our species’ history. This talk was recorded at the Royal Institution on 8 June 2024. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!   Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.   Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution   X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science   Producer: Eloise Ross Executive producer: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy  

07-31
44:44

The science of cheese - with Bronwen Percival

To celebrate National Cheese Day earlier this month, we sat down with biochemist and cheese expert Bronwen Percival to look under the barrel at the science of one of the nation’s favourite foods. From the basics of cheese production to the biochemistry underlying its notorious smell, and even some cheese tastings, this episode guarantees to open your eyes to the captivating world of cheese.  Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.   Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution   X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science   Producer: Freddie Rodgers Interviewer: Isla Nakano Music: Joseph Sandy 

06-26
28:46

Eggs, Evolution, and life on Earth - with Jules Howard

What came first, the chicken, the egg, or...the jellyfish? Zoologist and author Jules Howard joins us this month to explore evolution through a new lens - the egg. Eggs play a fundamental role in the reproduction and development of most species, yet they have been relatively overlooked in the narrative of evolution and the progression of life on Earth. Jules takes us on a journey back through the history of eggs, their surprisingly fundamental role in everything from the extinction of dinosaurs to the evolution of the human brain. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help more people discover the podcast. Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science Producer: Lia Hale Interviewer: Lia Hale Music: Joseph Sandy

05-29
34:18

The neuroscience of memory - with Charan Ranganath

Why is it that we can vividly remember a particular smell from years ago, but can’t remember where we put our keys a mere few hours prior? This month, we’re joined by renowned neuroscientist and author Dr Charan Ranganath to discuss how and why we remember. Charan is a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology, and Director of the Dynamic Memory Lab at UC Davis, and has recently released his first book ‘Why We Remember’. Charan takes us on a journey through our own minds, and a forward look at the future of memory research. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe to be notified as soon as the next episode is released!  Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.   Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution   X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science   Producer: Lia Hale Assistant producer: Freddie Rodgers Interviewer: Lisa Derry Music: Joseph Sandy 

04-24
36:19

Ri on AI: The healthcare revolution – with Dr James Kinross

In the second episode of this miniseries, we’re exploring how AI is impacting different areas of scientific research, and in this episode we discuss the applications of AI in healthcare. Lisa Derry is joined by Dr James Kinross, a colorectal surgeon and medical researcher at Imperial College London, to discuss everything from the impact of AI on medical publishing to robotic surgery. Ri Science Podcast episodes are released on the last Wednesday of every month. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to be notified as soon as the next episode is released! Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help other people discover the podcast.Ri on AI episode 1: https://youtu.be/lxgaILSZEbU?si=T3INFIFJy9Zkx1wZ Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science Lead producer: Lia HaleAssistant producer: Freddie RodgersInterviewer: Lisa DerryMusic: Joseph Sandy

03-27
41:19

Geometry in Everyday Life - with the London Institute of Mathematical Sciences (LIMS)

Following on from his Discourse, Yang-Hui He is joined by LIMS science writer Madeleine Hall to discuss the past, present and future of Geometry. From Euclid’s postulates to how flower petals are arranged, explore how our modern understanding of geometry has come to be. LIMS is based here at the Ri, and you can find out more about their research by following the link below.     New Ri Science Podcast episodes will be released on the last Wednesday of every month, so make sure to tune in for the next episode at the end of March!    Please leave this episode a rating and a review to let us know what you think, and to help more people discover the podcast.   LIMS: https://lims.ac.uk/   Watch Yang’s Discourse here: https://youtu.be/z8jdndd-x7w?si=N6WIndinnec3HMwA  Get tickets for upcoming talks and livestreams: https://www.rigb.org/whats-on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRoyalInstitution X: https://twitter.com/Ri_Science   Producer: Jeremy Monblat Assistant producer: Lia Hale, Freddie Rodgers Editor: Freddie Rodgers Interviewer: Jeremy Monblat  Music: Joseph Sandy

02-28
35:28

Peta Yates

The Everest researcher is so frustrating to listen to with all the 'aaaarrrmms' and stuttering. Unfortunately, I couldn't finish listening.

03-20 Reply

Sandcastle •

'flat Earthers are actually smart people, who do experiments and know more than the experts' Nope, I'm done with this talk. Well done psychology, you have created another incredible scientist. Shame you're not as good a scientific discipline as flat earth! 😂

01-14 Reply

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