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Shirtloads of Science

Dr Karl's a curious optimist. Join him as he explores the latest developments in science with leading researchers and communicators. And remember, it's never too late for a happy childhood. Series Producer: Isabelle Benton Technical Producer: Maya Cook Contact: shirtloadspodcast@gmail.com

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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