The Science of Everything Podcast

Episode 164: Gauge Theory and the Higgs Boson

We conclude our series on the standard model with an introduction to gauge theory. We discuss how the requirement of local gauge invariance generates interaction terms in

Episode 163: The Standard Model of Particle Physics

An introduction to the particles and forces that constitute the standard model of particle physics. After some historical background, we introduce each of the three funda

Episode 162: Human Evolution

Beginning with primitive Cynodonts in the late Permian, we our evolutionary development through Mesozoic mammaliaforms, the divergence of monotremes from marsupials and p

Episode 161: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Reptiles

A survey of extinct animal species from the Permian through the Cretaceous periods. We discuss important differences between anapsids, synapsids, and diapsids, and then r

Episode 160: The Evolution of Animals

A journey through the evolutionary history of animals, beginning with the split of the metazoans from protists about 760 million years ago and ending with the rise of the

Episode 159: Quantum Electrodynamics Part 2

Continuing from quantum electrodynamics part 1, here we explore the mathematical machinery used to compute interactions between particles, including propagators, Feynman

Episode 158: Quantum Electodynamics Part 1

A detailed look into the physics and mathematics of quantum electrodynamics, the theory of how light and matter interact. We discuss the generalisation of the Schrodinger

Episode 157: The Geologic Time Scale

A survey of the Earth's history through the lens of the geologic timescale. We begin with a discussion of the terminology of geochronologic units and how they are specifi

Episode 156: Fossils and Dating Methods

An introduction to the techniques used to study the history and ages of geological speciments. We begin with an overview of chronostratigraphy,  covering principles of re

Episode 155: Embryology and Development

An introduction to the process of development, beginning with fertilisation and covering the stages of blastocyst formation, implantation into the uterus, gastrulation an

Episode 154: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

An overview of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), beginning from the basic physics of nuclear magnetic resonance, and covering the use of radiowaves to excite nuclear spin

Episode 153: Low Carb Diets

A review of the carbohydrate insulin model of obesity and the related proposal that low carbohydrate diets are superior to traditional low fat diets. I begin with a discu

Special Episode: Brain Preservation and Abolishing Death

An interview with Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, author of the book 'The Future Loves You: How and Why We Should Abolish Death'. We begin by discussing how best to define dea

Episode 152: Obesity, Diabetes, and Hypertension

A review of the science between the metabolic syndrome, including discussion of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. We discuss the pathophysiology of how

Episode 151: Diet and Nutrition

An introduction to human nutrition, in which we discuss the nutritional importance and role of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, before considering t

Episode 150: How Home Appliances Work

An exploration into the exciting world of home appliances and devices. We begin with a journey through the kitchen, discussing the design and operating principles behind

Episode 149: The Psychology of Personality

An introduction to the psychological study of personality, beginning with a definition of what is and is not personality and a brief history of the development of the fie

Episode 148: Control of Gene Expression

An introduction to the processes by which cells control which genes are expressed. We begin with an overview of why genetic regulation is necessary and the key stages whe

Episode 147: Genetic Mutation and Repair

Here we survey of the causes and consequences of genetic mutation, including a discussion of mechanisms of endogenous and induced mutations, rates of mutation, types of s

Episode 146: Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance

An introduction to classical Mendelian genetics, in which we discuss Mendel's experiments with peas and the laws of heredity that he discovered, including inheritance of