Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill

The Science of Music

09 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

We as humans have been listening to music for over forty thousand years, and recent research has shown that music is really beneficial for us.So, on t...

The Science of Snacks

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of the podcast, and just in time for Easter, Professor Luke O'Neill is looking at the science of snacking.What are the main reasons wh...

The Science of Meningitis

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There has been an outbreak of meningitis centred in Kent, in the UK, in recent weeks.On this episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill ...

The Science of Transplanted Wombs

19 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into one of the most remarkable stories in modern medicine: the birth of Hugo, the first child in the UK to ...

The Science of St Patrick

12 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, Professor Luke O’Neill takes a closer look at the man behind the legend—and the science behind the...

The Science of Winter Sports

05 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Winter sports look clean and crystalline on the surface. Snow, ice, precision, courage. But scratch that frozen surface and you find molecular biology...

The Science of Cholesterol

26 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Cholesterol has a reputation problem. We tend to think of it as the enemy, but your body makes it for a reason. Every cell membrane relies on it, and ...

The Science of Sweat

19 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do we sweat? And what secrets does it hold about our bodies? On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O'Neill dives into the fascinating science o...

The Science of Weather and Flood Forecasting

12 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Weather forecasts are famously imperfect, but the science behind them is far cleverer than we usually give it credit for. In this week's podcast,...

The Science of Marathon Running

05 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why does the marathon push the human body to its absolute limits? And why do some people seem built to keep going when everyone else hits the wall? On...

The Science of Turmeric

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Turmeric is everywhere – in teas, capsules, curry powders and health ads – but what does it actually do? On this week's podcast, Professor Luke O’...

The Science of Lewy Body Dementia

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week on the podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill turns his attention to a condition that’s often misunderstood and far more common than many peopl...

The Science of Taste

15 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some people love wine, while others can’t stand it? Why did Covid strip food of its pleasure for so many? And how much of what we call “tas...

The Science of the Current Flu Outbreak

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland, like much of Europe, is in the middle of a serious flu outbreak. This week’s podcast focuses on why this year’s influenza wave is hitting...

The Science of New Year Resolutions

01 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Every January, millions of us promise that this will be the year we finally change our habits. We’ll sleep more, stress less, move our bodies, eat b...

The Science of Kissing

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For his Christmas podcast, Professor Luke dives into one of the oldest, strangest and most delightful human behaviours: kissing. And yes, there really...

The Science of the Hangover

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s that time of year when the big nights out collide with the biological reality of the morning after… and Professor Luke is here to explain exa...

The Science of Haemochromatosis

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Professor Luke dives into a condition that affects Ireland more than almost anywhere else on Earth: haemochromatosis, the iron-overload dis...

The Science of Cancer and the Immune System

27 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Professor Luke digs into one of the biggest questions in cancer research: how to train the immune system to hunt tumours. Immunotherapy alr...

The Science of the Large Hadron Collider

20 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland has finally joined CERN as an associate member, opening the doors of the world’s biggest scientific instrument to Irish researchers for the ...

The Science of Seasonal Affective Disorder

13 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do so many of us feel the gloom set in when the clocks go back and the days get short? In this week’s podcast, Luke O’Neill delves into the bi...

The Science of Cellulitis

06 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Professor Luke O’Neill turns his microscope to a condition he knows all too well — cellulitis. It’s one of the most common bacte...

The Science of Hallowe’en

30 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Show Me The Science gets a little darker — and a little stranger. Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the science of Hallowe’en, tracin...

The Science of Regulatory T Cells

23 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered what keeps your immune system in check when it starts misbehaving? On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill explains the world...

The Science of Performance Enhancing Drugs

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

An Irish Olympian has decided to take a bold and controversial leap. Swimmer Shane Ryan has retired from conventional competition to join the Enh...

The Science of Accents

09 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Taylor Swift has changed her accent over the years – and science can prove it. A quirky new study from the University of Minnesota analysed hours of...

The Science of Phage

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

They look like alien spacecrafts under a microscope, but bacteriophages — viruses that infect and kill bacteria — could hold the key to one of the...

The Science of Extinction

25 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Earth has always been a planet of comebacks. Life has thrived, collapsed, and reinvented itself in astonishing ways. Scientists call the five great wi...

The Science of Breast Milk

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Breast milk is often called “nature’s first vaccine” and, in this week's podcast, Luke O’Neill explains why. From the moment a baby is born, i...

The Science of Type-1 Diabetes

11 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the science behind Type-1 Diabetes for this week's podcast, answering a question from listener Sarah. Luke explain...

The Science of Speech-making

04 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why do some speeches stick in your mind while others fade before the applause ends? In this unusual episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’...

The Science of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

28 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) - has long baffled doctors and patients alike. It leaves people with crushing ...

The Science of Stem Cells

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Luke rolls up his sleeves to tackle a listener request from Danny and Caroline. Caroline’s living with osteoarthritis, so stem cells seem...

The Science of Male Contraception

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this lively episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill gets into a topic that has been… well, a very long time coming: male contrac...

The Science of Listeria

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, suggested by listener Barbara Douglas, Luke dives into a timely and important topic: listeria, the bacteria behind a recent outbreak ...

The Science of Crowds

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens to our brains and bodies when we gather with thousands of strangers at music festivals, concerts, or gigs? This week, as All Together Now...

The Science of Tech Bros

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating world of tech billionaires and their obsession with extending human life. ...

The Science of Hayfever

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As Ireland basks in an unusual spell of hot weather, many are dealing with another less-welcome side effect of summer: hayfever. In this week’s epis...

The Science Of The Shingles Vaccine

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke tackles a topic that has been requested: the shingles vaccine. Recent studies suggest...

The Science Of The Manopause

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke dives into the intriguing topic of "manopause." Is there really a parallel transition fo...

The Science Of Coffee

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this caffeinated episode of Show Me The Science, Luke dives into the fascinating world of coffee! From its rich history to its surprising health be...

221. The Science Of Magnesium

19 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke delves into the intriguing relationship between magnesium and sleep, sparked by a listener's re...

220. The Science Of A.I

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Professor Luke dives into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. From cutting-edge research to practical application...

219. The Science Of Revision

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, Luke O'Neill dives into the fascinating science of revision just in time for the leaving cert exams! Discover essential tips...

218. The Science Of Snake Venom

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks to St Patrick, we’re fine here in Ireland… However, around the world there are 140,000 deaths per year due to snake bites!New research has ...

217. The Science Of Overindulgence

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Over drinking, smoking and lack of exercise can cause major damage from an early age.Luke takes a look at what this does to our body & why we are ...

216. The Science Of Urine

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We all know what it is, but why is this a fascinating subject to science?What is the urea cycle?How do we clear out the toxins?And why is the color so...

215. The Science Of Lab Grown Meat

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After recent new discoveries, Luke looks at The Science of Lab Grown Meat.You can now buy lab grown meat in pet food, but will it soon be in the shops...

214. The Science Of Motor Neurone Disease

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A very import request in this week, from Shane Conway.Shane’s mother has sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease.Such an important topic, so th...

213. The Science Of Coeliac Disease

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, it’s a request from Sean, in which he asks Luke to look at the Science Of Coeliac Disease.Lets dive in and look at how this family of pro...

212. The Science Of Vaping

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s getting banned in different parts of the world, so this week Luke looks at the science behind vaping…What does the science tell us about vape...

211. The Science Of The European Research Council

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Episode 211 of The Science Of The Science.This week Luke looks at the European Research Council.What type of funding do they provide?Why is...

210. The Science Of Genetic Testing

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Genetic testing company 23andme has gone Bankrupt.15 million people have used this service to get their DNA analyzed.If you’re one of those users, s...

209. The Sciences Of Organs

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, its all about organs aging at different rates in the human body,Using new mass spectrometry technology, scientists have discovered new info...

208. The Science Of Moisturisers

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to episode 208 - The Science Of Moisturisers...What's inside these creams?Why do some work, and other don't?And does a higher price tag really...

207. The Science Of Long Covid

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Request time - And this week it comes from David.It’s hard to believe it’s five years on, since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.Its been report...

206. The Science of Microplastics

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Time for another Request, and this weeks its The Science of Microplastics.Is this issue getting worse?What damage have Microplastics caused in recent ...

205. The Science of The Origin To Life On Earth

27 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for a request, and this week it comes from Brian.Welcome to The Science of The Origin To Life On EarthLets go back 4.3 Billion years ago and...

204. The Science Of Extreme Weather

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Across the world, January was the hottest month ever since climate measuring started.Lets look at those records, see how things have changed and we'll...

203. The Science Of How Covid Has Changed

13 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's 5 years since a new virus jumped from bats, into humans... And so the Covid Pandemic was born.How had the virus changed over the last five years?...

202. The Science Of Trust In Scientists

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

After a major study across 68 countries, the question was asked "Do you have trust in scientists?"So, lets dive in & find out if the public has f...

201. The Science Of Digital Twins

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can you imagine having a twin? Who will look like you, sound like you and even have your DNA... but Digital.How are engineers making virtual versions ...

200. The Science Of Hibernation

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's time to settle down, as we look at the fascinating phenomenon, hibernation.What happens during hibernation? What can we learn? And how could this...

199. The Science Of Height

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Luke looks at The Science Of Height.How do genes, nutrition and environmental factors all help form our height?Thanks for Deirdre for reach...

198. The Science Of Human Cells

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Luke looks at the Science of Human Cells.Lets dive into big science at work, and see how 102 countries collaborating together.How have scien...

197. The Science Of Gene Editing

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Episode 197 and this weeks Luke looks at The Science Of Gene Editing...How can science edit the viral DNA?Are new methods safer?And how can...

196. The Science Of Climate Change

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Jack got in contact and asked Luke to take a look at The Science Of Climate Change.While some people may not believe in it, scientists do!Wh...

195. The Science Of Old Wives' Tale

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are they based on Fact of Folklore? This week Luke looks at The Science Of Old Wives' TaleShould you wait an hour after eating before you swim ?Does y...

194. The Science Of Fluoride

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the announcement of the incoming US administration, Robert F Kennedy Jrn has been appointed Heath Secretary and he wants Fluoride removed from dr...

193. The Science Of The U-Bend Of Happiness

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Luke looks at the U-Bend Of Happiness.The phenomenon known as the "u-shaped" curve, lets us find the age when happiness bottoms out.When is ...

192. The Science Of Heart Attacks

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, it's all about The Science Of Heart Attacks .So what happens after you have a heart attack? And how does sleep help repair the heart?Luke t...

191. The Science Of Hugs

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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?...

190. The Science Of Ozempic

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

189. The Science Of Designer Babies

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 lik...

188. The Science Of Tinnitus

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Following a request Deirdre & Michael, this week Luke is diving deep into the ear canal & looking at the Science of Tinnitus .From infections,...

187. The Science Of Sleep

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 decid...

186. The Science Of Ultra Processed Food

17 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

185. The Science Of Autoimmune Disease In Women

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

184. The Science Of The Origin Of Covid-19

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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....

183. The Science Of Sunlight

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

182. The Science Of Snot

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 b...

181. The Science Of Siblings

12 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Science Of Aging

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 longev...

The Science Of Aliens

29 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the release of the latest installment of the Aliens franchise (Alien:Romulus), Luke thought it timely to revisit the scientific possibility of th...

The Science Of Hypnosis

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 e...

The Science Of The International Space Station

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Science of Rollercoasters

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 epis...

175. The Science Of Olympic Swimsuits

01 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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. O...

174. The Science Of Ultra-Processed Food

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 epi...

173. Talkin' 'Bout An Evolution...Part 2.

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 evolu...

172. The Science of Greying And Balding

11 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 gr...

171. The Sciene of Turbulence

20 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Turbulence might be one of the only things that might make you dread jetting off on your summer holidays, especially after recent reports of injuries ...

170. The Science of Human Evolution

13 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

50,000 years ago homo-sapiens arrived in Papua New Guinea - It was a big change of environment and the evolution of the people there is a clear demons...

169. The Science of Inflammation and the Brain

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is the role of the brain in our immune response? We already know that the brain makes us feel rotten when we're sick so we stay away from the res...

168. How We Almost Became Extinct

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You know if things had worked out differently 800,000 years ago you wouldn't be here to listen to this podcast? There wouldn't even BE podcasts which ...

167. 4 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Scared Of A.I

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is no doubting that A.I is here to stay and it is here to revolutionise pretty much every aspect of our lives. There has been many concerns as t...

166. The Science of Cancer Treatments

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Utilizing our own immune systems to fight cancer has always been an interesting idea to scientists, and now there's serious progress being made in thi...

165. The Science of Twins

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Between 1980 and 2009, the rate of twinning in the US increased by 76%, and this trend is seen across the world. Twins can be either fraternal where t...

164. The Science of The Next Pandemic

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Covid-19 pandemic may still be fresh in all our memories, but scientists are already looking ahead to the next big pandemic to allow us to prepare...

163. The Science of Music

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We all have our favourite songs - The ones that remind us of childhood memories, give us a boost of energy or the ones we play to make us cry. But whe...