Best SciPod Podcasts (2024)

1
Improving Parenting and Child Outcomes Through Reflective Functioning: Results from the ATTACH™ Program 8:16

2h ago8:16

8:16

Early adversity, such as family violence, parental depression and low income, puts children at risk for maltreatment and negatively impacts their development. A team of researchers led by Nicole Letourneau at the University of Calgary has evaluated a promising intervention called ATTACH™ (which is short for Attachment and Child Health) that aims to…

1
A Better Way to Measure the Inventory Turnover Ratio metric, a Key Performance Indicator for Businesses 8:10

4h ago8:10

8:10

Inventory management is a key activity in many organizations. Its performance is often measured by the inventory turnover ratio metric, or ITR for short. This is a key performance indicator that managers are incentivised to improve. However, improper measurement of the ITR metric can cause problems in terms of reliability, comparison, and bias. Pro…

1
How President von der Leyen Shaped the EU's Response to Russia's Invasion of Ukraine 9:01

10h ago9:01

9:01

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union faced a crisis that demanded a swift and unified response. A new study by Professor Elena Baracani from the University of Bologna examines how Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, used her leadership role to shape the EU's reaction du…

1
A House Deconstructed: Uncovering the Hidden History of the Modern House 8:30

3h ago8:30

8:30

The full extent of the labour and resources which go into creating a modern house is hidden deeply within the buildings we call home. Professor Mark Jarzombek of MIT and Professor Vikramaditya Prakash of the University of Washington are co-founders of the Office of Uncertainty Research, a research collaboration that is dedicated to rethinking archi…

1
Unlocking the Secret Code of Writing Systems 9:43

42m ago9:43

9:43

Ever wondered why letters look the way they do? Dr Hana Jee at York St John University in the UK investigates intriguing connections between how languages sound and how they are written. Using a number of methodologies, she has conducted innovative research to quantify these relationships. Her work began with Korean Hangul, a writing system intenti…

1
Unraveling the Mysteries of Human Embryo Metabolism: Insights from Computational Models 10:33

5h ago10:33

10:33

Metabolism is the cornerstone of life, orchestrating the myriad chemical reactions that sustain cells, tissues, and organisms. It drives growth, division, energy production, and cellular maintenance. For scientists, understanding metabolism, particularly during the earliest stages of human development, holds the key to uncovering the origins of var…

1
Bridging the Gap: Insights into Pubic Symphysis Separation Postpartum 8:19

6h ago8:19

8:19

Childbirth is a remarkable event that brings joy and new beginnings but also poses significant physical challenges to the mother's body. One such challenge is the separation of the pubic symphysis, a joint located between the left and right pubic bones. Dr. Kamalini Das of Regions Hospital, Minnesota, and her colleagues conducted a groundbreaking s…

1
Quiet Early Bird or Loud Late Riser? Understanding the European Parliament's Involvement in International Agreements 9:39

16d ago9:39

9:39

The European Parliament has the ability to play a key role in shaping the European Union's international agreements. But how exactly does it get involved in these complex negotiations? Researcher Marine Bardou from the University of Louvain has conducted a comprehensive study to answer this question, revealing surprising patterns in the Parliament'…

1
How Researchers at the British Museum Detected and Tested Greek Coin Forgeries 8:30

17d ago8:30

8:30

Laura Perucchetti and colleagues at the British Museum have uncovered a group of skilfully crafted counterfeit ancient coins that may be one of the earliest examples of forgers using scientific analysis to dupe collectors. By examining the composition of the coins and comparing them with genuine artefacts, experts believe the forgers deliberately u…

1
Estimating Human Age Using Wide View Digital Dental Images 7:10

8d ago7:10

7:10

Dental features have been used to estimate age in humans for centuries and may be used with great accuracy in both living and deceased individuals. However, refinement of these techniques to align with modern clinical practice is ongoing. Dr Hosam Alharbi and colleagues at Qassim University in Saudi Arabia have introduced an amended version of an e…

1
What Happens When Companies Take a Stand Against Unethical Practices? 7:54

21d ago7:54

7:54

Corporate responsibility is increasingly crucial for businesses, but it comes with challenges. Using Hershey as an example, Professor Bertrand Guillotin of the Fox School of Business at Temple University explores the chocolate industry's struggle with child labor in West Africa. Despite commitments to eradicate this issue, progress has been slow. H…

1
CEOs Face a Tough Challenge in Navigating the ‘Culture Wars’ 7:58

29d ago7:58

7:58

What is the impact of the ‘culture wars’ on American businesses? Professor Bertrand Guillotin at the Fox School of Business at Temple University explores this phenomenon using the case of Chick-fil-A, a fast-food giant caught in the crossfire of social issues. From its conservative Christian roots to recent attempts at inclusivity, he explores how …

1
A Toast to Moderation: Insights on Alcohol and Heart Health 7:24

28d ago7:24

7:24

Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally. Atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries, is the primary underlying cause. The endothelium, a single layer of cells lining blood vessels, plays a crucial role in vascular health and disease. Disrupted endothelial function can lead to serious conditions such as thrombo…

1
A Novel Method for Standardizing Single Molecule Studies 10:45

19d ago10:45

10:45

Studying single molecules provides researchers with unique insights into biological mechanisms and processes and allows them to visualise microscopic structural and functional differences. However, results can be unpredictable, and investigations are labour-intensive and expensive, often requiring extensive training and highly specialised laborator…

1
Why US Tax Policy Hasn’t Responded to Rising Inequality 3:52

1M ago3:52

3:52

Whether policymaking can develop solutions for the inevitable problems that capitalism creates has long been a concern of political economists. One of these issues is rising inequality across the USA and other countries. Inequality is a significant risk for political stability, so it is vital to understand how democratic societies respond to it. Pr…

1
Is a Problem Solvable or Not? Quantum Deciders Outperform Classical Ones 9:47

20d ago9:47

9:47

Today, the success of businesses and technologies relies on their ability to make quick decisions to address complex problems. To make matters more complex, these problems often involve a vast amount of data. Dr Marius Nagy at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, together with Dr Naya Nagy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, investigate the ab…

1
What Spinoza Can Help us Understand About Extreme Radicalism 9:35

20d ago9:35

9:35

In a novel exploration of human radicalism, defined by governments as violent attacks, Dr Jerome Premmereur, a cardiologist and a clinical research expert based in the United States, draws on the philosophy of Baruch Spinoza to propose innovative solutions to the pressing societal issue of terrorism. His new book, “A Biological, Psychological and P…

1
Grinding Towards Greener Chemistry: Synthesis Without Solvents 7:56

1M ago7:56

7:56

In the world of chemistry, solvate-assisted grinding is a new method that could revolutionize how we make important chemical compounds. Researchers Henry DeGroot and Dr. Timothy Hanusa at Vanderbilt University have developed this technique, which uses mechanical energy instead of traditional liquids. This not only makes the process more efficient, …

1
标题：薄荷——一种有望用于抵抗新冠肺炎感染的物质 7:44

1M ago7:44

7:44

克里斯托弗•巴克是一名来自美国马里兰州贝塞斯达国家癌症研究所的病毒学家，他一直都在努力向公众宣传：越来越多的科学文献都提出了 “薄荷和相关草本植物在抵抗新冠病毒感染方面发挥着重要的作用”这一发现。在他最新发表的一篇文献综述《薄荷与新冠病毒的假说》中，他为这一发现提出了一个论据：去中心化临床试验可以更清晰地揭示“薄荷和相关草本植物在抵抗新冠病毒感染方面发挥着重要的作用”。

1
Minze: Eine frische Perspektive im Kampf gegen COVID 7:20

1M ago7:20

7:20

Dr. Christopher Buck, Virologe am US National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, setzt sich dafür ein, eine wachsende Zahl wissenschaftlicher Studien bekannt zu machen, die darauf hinweisen, dass Minze und verwandte Kräuter bei der Bekämpfung von COVID -Infektionen helfen können. In seinem jüngsten Übersichtsartikel "Die Minze-gegen-Covid-Hypo…

1
Soil, Seeds, and Sustainability: The Power of Permaculture during Environmental Breakdown 9:11

1M ago9:11

9:11

Pressing environmental challenges, such as soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change, can negatively affect agriculture, while also being driven by common agricultural practices. To tackle this predicament and ensure food security while promoting environmental sustainability, innovative agricultural practices are essential. Permacultu…

1
Trade Policy in the EU: Market Focus or Geopolitical Tool? 9:47

1M ago9:47

9:47

The role of EU trade policy is evolving in today's complex global landscape. Dr. Andrea Christou and Professor Chad Damro at the University of Edinburgh have studied how the EU balances traditional market-oriented goals with emerging geopolitical pressures. Their analysis explores how different EU bodies frame trade policy, highlighting the contras…

1
How we can Improve our Science Communication to Create Climate Crisis Action 7:40

1M ago7:40

7:40

We are facing a climate crisis that threatens our entire world and life as we know it. Despite this, scientists have found it difficult to engage people on the issue and inspire effective action. Dr Alan Cottey at the University of East Anglia explores the history of scientists’ climate warnings and suggests a four-register model of communication t…

1
A Novel Immunotherapy Approach to Treat Solid Tumors 8:07

1M ago8:07

8:07

Developing therapies to effectively treat cancerous tumors is challenging, due to the hostility of the tumor microenvironment and the potential to unintentionally damage surrounding tissues. Infusions of immune cells can improve immune function and assist the body in fighting disease, although this approach increases the risk of inducing dangerous …

1
Breath by Breath: Decision-Making in the Final Stages of Motor Neurone Disease 8:58

1M ago8:58

8:58

Motor neurone disease is a currently incurable and progressive neurological disorder that severely impacts muscle function. As the disease progresses, individuals with motor neurone disease experience significant difficulties in movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. Home mechanical ventilation can be used to support breathing and improve the…

1
Expanding Our Knowledge of Viral Evolution 8:37

2M ago8:37

8:37

When the pandemic forced scientists to consider remote working strategies, many groups turned to online bioinformatic research. A team led by Dr. Christopher Buck at the US National Cancer Institute turned lockdown lemons into lemonade. They reoriented away from their usual work directly discovering viruses in clinical specimens to a broader, more …

1
What role does tourism have in peacebuilding and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians? 9:35

2M ago9:35

9:35

Reconciliation and peace are emerging themes in tourism, with various post-conflict countries offering tours focused on peacebuilding. In the last few years, reconciliation tourism initiatives, which are defined as tourism services in which reconciliation is a major theme, have been also introduced in Israel and the Palestinian territories in the W…

1
Adjusting Ventilator Settings Could Improve Outcomes for Premature Infants 7:57

2M ago7:57

7:57

Premature birth puts infants at a greater risk of developing various medical conditions, including a chronic lung disease known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia – or BPD for short. Dr. Rebecca Rose, a neonatologist at Indiana University, recently explored how modulating ventilator settings used for very premature newborns can significantly improve the…

1
Unveiling Factors Linked to the Murder of Children by Their Parents 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

Filicide, the killing of a child by a parent or a parental figure, is a heinous and incomprehensible crime. Professor Thea Brown, with her colleagues Associate Professor Danielle Tyson and Dr Paula Fernandez Arias from the Monash Deakin Filicide Research Hub shared between Monash and Deakin Universities, has been studying filicide for years, in the…

1
Optimising Pharmaceutical Production Using Digital Models 8:00

2M ago8:00

8:00

The development of safe and effective medicines that meet strict regulatory requirements has traditionally involved extensive experimentation, which can be laborious and costly. Incorporating digital processes, which can be used to produce individual pharmaceutical components, may provide a solution to manufacturing challenges by reducing developme…

1
Paving the Way for Antibody-based Diagnostics for Tuberculosis and Sarcoidosis 8:16

2M ago8:16

8:16

Tuberculosis – or TB – is a global health threat, with 10 million new cases annually. Diagnosing TB can be a challenge, as there is a lack of rapid, point-of-care diagnostic tests. It can also be difficult to distinguish between TB and other inflammatory diseases, such as Sarcoidosis. One option may be to identify antibodies in patient samples that…

1
ALF5755: A New Therapeutic Avenue for Alzheimer’s and Diabetic Neuropathy 7:51

2M ago7:51

7:51

Many diseases become more likely to emerge as we age, with metabolic disorders such as diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, representing two frequent manifestations of poor health in old age. While many age-related diseases present very differently, many share common underlying mechanisms. These include inflammat…

1
Utilising Cocoa Pod Waste to Improve the Sustainability of Chocolate 8:08

2M ago8:08

8:08

With a history as rich as its flavour, chocolate in its various forms has been loved by people for over 5000 years. Currently, however, chocolate is facing a serious threat. The improper disposal of cocoa waste products is spreading devastating diseases through cocoa crops across the world. To address this serious problem, Dr Piergiorgio Gentile fr…

1
Globalisation: A Race to the Bottom or an Opportunity to Improve Labour Standards? 10:15

2M ago10:15

10:15

Brazil, Russia, India and China, often known as the BRICs, have seen explosive growth in the past two decades and have asserted themselves as drivers of globalisation. Many scholars have researched the effects of this growth and development, and how these factors have affected domestic labour conditions. But are they asking the right questions? For…

1
How Can We Equip Teens With Skills and Values of Reasoned, Respectful Discourse? 9:49

2M ago9:49

9:49

Our world is facing new and frightening challenges, and political polarization has never been greater. Many see reasoned, respectful discourse as our only path to survival and progress, but attaining the skills and values it requires is not straightforward. Professor Deanna Kuhn of Columbia University has developed a discourse-based curriculum to h…

1
Key Changes in Daily Greetings in 18th Century Britain 8:53

2M ago8:53

8:53

In 18th century Britain, the old tradition of deep bowing and curtseying as a form of greeting slowly evolved into a brief touch of the cap or head (for men), or quick bob of the body (for women). Simultaneously, a new form of urban greeting was emerging: the handshake. How and why did the handshake gain such popularity, becoming our most standard …

1
Mint: A Fresh Perspective in the Fight Against Covid 6:43

3M ago6:43

6:43

Dr. Christopher Buck, a virologist at the US National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, has been working to spread the word about a growing body of scientific literature suggesting that mint and related herbs can help fight Covid infections. In his recent review article, “The Mint Versus Covid Hypothesis,” he makes a case for the idea that de…

1
What Makes Great Orators’ Speeches Effective and Persuasive? 8:29

3M ago8:29

8:29

Since ancient Greek civilization, we have sought to identify what makes some people more effective and persuasive orators than others. Studies have suggested that this might be related to rhythmic patterns in certain speech, but evidence is limited. Dr. Ceccherini-Nelli of the University of Alberta conducted a study with his colleagues to explore t…

1
A Game That Stymies AI 9:35

3M ago9:35

9:35

AI appears all-powerful when playing sophisticated games such as Chess and Go against human opponents. Moreover, recent developments in AI have allowed it to summarize bodies of complex text, generate images and even video. These developments come with warnings that AI could replace many jobs, undermine democratic elections or even pose a threat to…

1
Deciphering the Molecular Origins of Brain Disorders 9:18

3M ago9:18

9:18

During brain development, anomalies may arise which lead to serious conditions such as epilepsy, triggering seizures and requiring lifelong monitoring and medication. However, the underlying causes and the way in which these defects occur are not completely understood. Dr Katty (Jing-Qiong) Kang and colleagues at Vanderbilt University Medical Centr…

1
Overcoming Barriers to Protect Seagrass Meadows: A Critical Marine Ecosystem 9:09

3M ago9:09

9:09

Shallow coastal waters are home to a unique and important plant – the seagrasses. Seagrasses, defined as underwater flowering plants, form vast meadows within shallow coastal waters across almost all continents. Seagrass meadows are one of the most significant ecosystems on the planet, and our future depends on them. Seagrass is vital for biodivers…

1
The Icarus Paradox in Anesthesiology: Building on Success and Avoiding Stagnation 9:33

4M ago9:33

9:33

As a medical specialty, anesthesiology has made remarkable progress to deliver patient safety at an incredibly high level, while administering drugs that could potentially be very dangerous at a slightly increased dose. However, just like the case of Icarus, a character in Greek mythology who flew too close to the sun before plummeting back to Eart…

1
How Identity Politics Shapes European Union Integration 9:15

4M ago9:15

9:15

The war in Ukraine has tested the resilience and unity of the European Union in unprecedented ways. As with some past European crises, EU member states have shown a willingness to unify and cooperate. However, unlike during other crises, this hasn’t resulted in strengthened EU regulatory or fiscal powers. In recent research, Professor Tanja Börzel …

1
Understanding the Causes and Brain Mechanisms Behind Dyslexia 10:56

4M ago10:56

10:56

Individuals with dyslexia encounter difficulties in learning to read, despite possessing a normal level of intelligence and having access to qualified teachers and educational materials. However, the causes of dyslexia remain disputed. One suggestion is that dyslexia may be related to stress, either experienced by the afflicted individual at a youn…

1
The Potential Effects of a Dietary Supplement on a Range of Health Issues 9:25

4M ago9:25

9:25

Dr. P. R. Raghavan, CEO and Chairman of Nanorx Inc., developed Metadichol, a nutritional supplement that has shown potential in treating a range of health issues. Dr. Raghavan suggests that the supplement may help to stave off illnesses such as diabetes and antibiotic-resistant infections.

1
An Infinite Game Mindset for Enhanced Cooperation in Anesthesia 8:59

4M ago8:59

8:59

Anesthesia in the US is currently delivered through a team-based approach, with physician anesthesiologists supervising certified registered nurse anesthetists. However, in over 20 states, there is no requirement for nurse anesthetists to be supervised by anesthesiologists, allowing them to work independently. This has resulted in a bitter turf war…

1
Defining AI to Ensure Effective Research and Policymaking 8:36

4M ago8:36

8:36

Artificial intelligence – or AI – is receiving increasing attention for its rapid development and potential to change society. Researchers are working hard to develop its capabilities, while regulators are racing to ensure it is managed and governed properly. But what do we mean by AI, and how can we define such a complex term? In a recent paper, P…

1
How HR Management Can Help Businesses Weather a Changing World 8:14

5M ago8:14

8:14

Businesses today exist in a changing world, which brings both opportunities for growth and increasingly complex challenges. To survive and thrive, organisations need a robust understanding of HR management. In their research, Professor Xiaobei Li and her colleagues at various universities, including University of New South Wales, Arizona State Univ…

1
Exploring How India Can Ensure Sustainable Growth and Resilience with Broad Participation into the Future 8:46

5M ago8:46

8:46

India has seen impressive economic and institutional growth in recent years, but the country isn’t yet meeting its full potential. In a world that is increasingly volatile and uncertain, how can India overcome its challenges and ensure resilience into the future? In her recent work, Professor Uma Lele explores various ways that India can achieve th…

1
Investigating a Tax Loophole that Costs EU Countries Billions of Euros 8:00

6M ago8:00

8:00

Cum-ex trading in European markets has been widespread, in which investors wrongfully receive refunds on dividend withholding tax they have never paid. Moritz Wagner and Xiaopeng Wei at the University of Canterbury and Adelaide recently explored the extent of this trading practice and its impact on markets and tax revenues.…

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