Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill

This week Luke investigates The Science Of Hugs.Why do we hug? What does it do to our hormones? And what affect does a hug have on your immune system?So come on in, with open arms and enjoy The Science Of Hugs...

This week Luke looks at the societal impact of Ozempic.In recent times the diabetes medicine has come into the public eye.How will Ozempic impact food company's and save airlines money? Also, what are the serious side effects?Join Luke as he dives into The Science Of Ozempic...

It's one for the future, but this week Luke looks at The Science Of Designer Babies.With new research & advancements in technologies, it looks like gene correction could be just around the corner.From ethics, to side effects we'll explore it all in this weeks episode.

Following a request Deirdre & Michael, this week Luke is diving deep into the ear canal & looking at the Science of Tinnitus .From infections, to medication and over exposure to noise, we'll find out about the reasons why tinnitus can affect us. And more importantly how can we try avoid it.So listen up... as Luke explains the Science of Tinnitus.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctors book...Following the release of a new study about blood pressure and sleep, Luke decided to cuddle up and dive into the the science of sleep.So tuck yourself in and lets hope Luke doesn't put you asleep!

This week Luke digs through our shopping baskets and looks at the science of ultra processed food.From heart disease, to bad gut health. Today we find out why its important to have a good balanced diet.Grab the popcorn (or carrot sticks) and lets dive in!

This week it's over to you, particularly Sinead Burke, who contacted Luke and wanted to know: Why do Women get more autoimmune diseased than men?From MS, to Lupus and everything in between. Woman are 4 times as likely than men to get autoimmune diseased, but Why?Luke explains in this weeks episode...

Following a recent trip to a Immunology Conference in Beijing, Luke thought it would be the right time to to explore the origin of the Covid 19 virus.We dive straight in, looking at everything from the Wuhan market, to regulations and how scientists are working to protect us in the future...

The days may be getting shorter & the sun lower in the sky, however it's still important to get that vitamin D.This week Luke looks at The Science of Sunlight. Lets shine a light on sunlight and see how to helps our health improve.Now get out go for a walk in the sun... Just don't forget your sunblock!

With the changing of the seasons, Luke thought it was the prefect time to visit the science of snot. From the innate immune system, to defending our body's. Lets dive into the biochemistry of nasal mucus.Just make sure you're not eating your breakfast!

With the return of Oasis and their world famous sibling rivalry, Luke thought it was time to visit the science of siblings.Lets not look back in anger... instead we'll dive into the the arguments of family members.Rivalry is normal, but how can bullying & arguing affect siblings in later life.Little by Little, enjoy the science of siblings...

The world's oldest person recently passed (as did Ireland's coincidentally) so in this week's episode, Luke takes a look at the science behind longevity.The research behind staying alive longer is being backed by some of the world's wealthiest tech giants such as Jeff Bezos who's goal is to investigate the possibility of 'reverse aging'. What role do the unique chracteristics of the naked naked mole rat play and the very real life lengthening properties of staying active. He looks at the incredible effects of a healthy diet as well as the part your genes have to play.So if you want to hit the century to get The Centenarian Bounty from the President make sure to listen very carefully!

With the release of the latest installment of the Aliens franchise (Alien:Romulus), Luke thought it timely to revisit the scientific possibility of the existence of extra terrestrial life. He tells an intriguing tale of NASA's efforts to make contact going back to the launch of Voyager in the 70s and what artefacts that might pique the interest og a nosy alien. He also reveals the recent revelations regarding the possibility of life on Mars. Take your protein pills, put your helmet on and enjoy!

Responding to a request from a listener, this week's episode has Luke explaining the science of hypnosis. What is it and how does it work? Luke also examines the benefitial use of hypnosis to treat mental health, in pain relief and helping with nausea as well as its suspected use by Satan to control earth's population by way of heavy metal.You have been warned!

Did you know there are two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station? Well Luke didn't so that prompted him to take a look into the history and space engineering that went into the construction of one of the biggest machines ever built by mankind. In this week's episode he reveals some fascinating insights into how the ISS came to be, why it's there and what iis it like to live in space.

If Ronan Keating is to believed Life indeed is a rollercoaster but what is the science behind their exhilarating/terrifying appeal?In this week's episode Luke answers a listener's request and plunges head first into the hows and whys of rollercoasters, the use of magnets and repulsion and why we keep going back to terrify ourselves silly.So strap yourself in, it's going to be a topsy turvy ride!

Paris 2024 is in full swing and Irish swimmers are having a very successful games with a bronze so far for Mona McSharry and gold for Daniel Wiffen. On this week's Show Me The Science, Luke takes a timely look at the history and evolution of swimsuit design and how scientific advances have helped swimmers maxmise their performances in the water.

The use of processed foods has lead to longer shelf lives and cheaper foods but just how damaging are they to our long term health? In this week's episode Luke lays bare the stark reality of the damage over compumption of ultra-processed food is causing. What exactly is the definition of ultra-processed food? Why and where is it so damaging and what can the huge number of studies do to help curb it's fatal influence.

This week Luke responds to a request from a listener to do an episode on the general science of evolution and he has duly obliged. Why do we see evolution? How LUCA started it all, the effect of modern technology and how the study of evolution could lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of diseases such as alzheimers.

It's a question that has puzzled and perplexed the greatest minds for eons and has literally had them scratching their heads. Why do some people go grey and/or go bald and why do others keep their colour and lucious locks?. The answer science is discovering is a fascinating one and it just might have you binning your Grecian 2000 soon. Luke also reveals an incredible connection between balding and becoming president of The United States. Hair raising stuff!