The Science of Everything Podcast
Episodes
Episode 158: Quantum Electodynamics Part 1
01 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A detailed look into the physics and mathematics of quantum electrodynamics, the theory of how light and matter interact. We discuss the generalisatio...
Episode 157: The Geologic Time Scale
17 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Episode 156: Fossils and Dating Methods
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to the techniques used to study the history and ages of geological speciments. We begin with an overview of chronostratigraphy, cove...
Episode 155: Embryology and Development
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to the process of development, beginning with fertilisation and covering the stages of blastocyst formation, implantation into the ute...
Episode 154: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), beginning from the basic physics of nuclear magnetic resonance, and covering the use of radiowaves to...
Episode 153: Low Carb Diets
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A review of the carbohydrate insulin model of obesity and the related proposal that low carbohydrate diets are superior to traditional low fat diets. ...
Special Episode: Brain Preservation and Abolishing Death
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ho...
Episode 152: Obesity, Diabetes, and Hypertension
29 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A review of the science between the metabolic syndrome, including discussion of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. We discuss the pa...
Episode 151: Diet and Nutrition
01 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to human nutrition, in which we discuss the nutritional importance and role of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, ...
Episode 150: How Home Appliances Work
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An exploration into the exciting world of home appliances and devices. We begin with a journey through the kitchen, discussing the design and operatin...
Episode 149: The Psychology of Personality
30 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 de...
Episode 148: Control of Gene Expression
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to the processes by which cells control which genes are expressed. We begin with an overview of why genetic regulation is necessary an...
Episode 147: Genetic Mutation and Repair
31 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Here we survey of the causes and consequences of genetic mutation, including a discussion of mechanisms of endogenous and induced mutations, rates of ...
Episode 146: Mendelian Genetics and Inheritance
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to classical Mendelian genetics, in which we discuss Mendel's experiments with peas and the laws of heredity that he discovered, inclu...
Episode 145: Relativity and Black Holes
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing our series on General Relativity, we discuss the derivation of the Schwarzschild metric as a vacuum solution to Einstein's Field Equations,...
Episode 144: Anthropogenic Climate Change
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our climate change series concludes with a discussion of the various lines of evidence indicating that recent warming is the result of human-produced ...
Episode 143: Climate Modelling
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of climate models, beginning with a summary of the major types of models, and then a more detailed disussion of hte primitive equations an...
Episode 142: The Greenhouse Effect
30 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A detailed discussion of the greenhouse effect and its impact on Earth's climate. We begin with a discussion of Earth’s energy budget, the various g...
Episode 141: Natural Climate Change
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of the natural mechanisms by which climate changes over time. Beginning with an introduction to the concepts of radiative forcing and clim...
Episode 140: A History of Earth's Climate
31 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A journey through the history of Earth's changing climate, in which we explore how Earth's climate has fluctuated over the past billion years. After r...
Special Episode: Dinosaurs in Popular Culture
23 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special collaboration with I Know Dino podcast, we discuss the history and impact of dinosaurs in popular culture and media. We cover the hist...
Episode 139: Cybersecurity and Cryptocurrencies
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to cryptography, internet security, and cryptocurrency, beginning with an overview of RSA cryptography and covering the use of public ...
Episode 138: Biochemistry and Metabolism
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of the metabolic pathways involved in breaking down proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids into simple components, extracting their energy, ...
Episode 137: The Digestive System
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A journey through the digestive system, beginning with the mouth and progressing through the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine,...
Episode 136: Introduction to General Relativity
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to the conceptual and mathematical framework of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. We begin by considering the key insight of gr...
Episode 135: The Science of Emotion
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to the scientific study of emotion, including a discussion of the difficulties in defining emotions, discrete and dimensional methods ...
Episode 134: Hormones and the Endocrine System
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to hormones and the endocrine system, including a discussion of the definition of hormones and their production, storage, release, and...
Episode 133: Motor Control
01 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A journey through the complex network of regions controlling the human motor system, beginning with the spinal cord and its central pattern generators...
Special Episode: Evolution and Genetics
10 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode I discuss various topics in evolution and genetics with Art Woods of the Big Biology Podcast. We begin by analysing various id...
Episode 132: The Muscular System
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A journey through the mechanisms of muscles and muscular contraction. I begin by outlining the key structural elements of muscle cells, including the ...
Special Episode: Language in Brains and Machines
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A special interview from the Padverb Podcast, in which I discuss my research on language in the brain and thoughts on AI. The discussion covers topics...
Episode 131: Sleep Science
11 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I discuss the mysterious phenomenon of sleep, outlining the different stages of sleep, how the brain controls sleep and wakefulness, and the various t...
Episode 130: Transition Metal Chemistry
31 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I introduce the unique and diverse chemistry of the transition metal elements, also known as the d-block metals. I begin with an overview of transitio...
Episode 129: Glaciers, Ice, and Groundwater
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Concluding our series on geographic landforms, here I discuss glaciers, including their global distribution, formation, movement, and various glacial ...
Episode 128: Wind, Deserts, and Coasts
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of the effect of wind on landscapes, focusing on deserts and coastlines. I outline the processes of eolian erosion, transportation, and d...
Episode 127: Weathering, Erosion, and Rivers
30 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The first in a new series on geomorphology, in which I review the main erosion processes that shape landforms of the natural environment. Here I discu...
Episode 126: Depression and Serotonin
02 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An exploration of the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the development of depression. I discuss the role of serotonin in promoting the produc...
Special Episode: Genetic Testing
27 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode I discuss genetic testing with Kira Dineen from DNA Today. We cover a range of topics including the process and science behind...
Episode 125: Earthquakes
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of earthquakes, covering the elastic rebound theory of earthquake generation, the phenomena of deep and intraplate earthquakes, types of ...
Episode 124: Volcanoes
30 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of the awesome power of volcanoes, including an overview of the different types of volcanoes, types of lava and pyroclastics, mechanisms ...
Episode 123: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems Part 2
30 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Concluding the two-part series on the circulatory and respiratory systems, I discuss the biochemical mechanisms by which red blood cells and hemoglobi...
Episode 122: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems Part 1
31 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The first in a two-part episode covering the circulatory and respiratory systems, including a discussion of the anatomy of the heart, the process of c...
Episode 121: The Biology of Pain
12 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of the underlying mechanisms of pain, including the role of nociception, transduction of nociceptor signals by spinal pathways, the modula...
Episode 120: Computational Chemistry Part 2
31 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Building on the previous discussion of Hartree-Fock Theory, I discuss the inclusion of basis functions to produce the Roothaan equations, and the meth...
Episode 119: Computational Chemistry Part 1
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of techniques of determining molecular structure, including an introduction to valance bond theory covering bond formation and orbital hyb...
Episode 118: Cell Signalling
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of cell communication and signalling, including an overview of the purpose of cell signalling, the main types of signals, and application...
Episode 117: Intracellular Protein Sorting
30 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of the transportation and sorting of proteins within the eukaryotic cell, including an overview of the endomembrane system, the mechanism...
Episode 116: The Cell Membrane
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to the cell membrane, including a discussion of the structure of the bilipid membrane, an overview of the structure and function of me...
Episode 115: Special Relativity Part 2
28 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In the second and final part of this series, I discuss the major consequences of special relativity, including the relativity of simultaneity, time di...
Episode 114: Special Relativity Part 1
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The first of a two part series on special relativity, I provide a brief overview of the historical development of relativity theory, including a discu...
Special Episode: Visual Processing in Mice
30 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
I discuss the methods and results of my Master's Thesis, in which I analysed electrophysiological data of the mouse visual system using a variety of s...
Episode 113: Visual Processing
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of higher-order processing of information in the visual system, including an overview of how the brain extracts edges and basic shapes fr...
Episode 112: Introduction to Microbiology
31 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of the field of microbiology, beginning with a brief history of the discipline, and then proceeding through a summary of the structure and...
Episode 111: Plate Tectonics
24 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to the theory of plate tectonics, beginning with an overview of the internal structure of Earth, the differences between oceanic and c...
Episode 110: Weather Part II
30 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Building on the basic concepts discussed in the previous episode, this episode examines the formation and development of a wide range of weather pheno...
Episode 109: Weather Part I
02 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to key concepts relevant to understanding weather, including relative and absolute humidity, atmospheric stability, cloud formation an...
Episode 108: Political Institutions and Sustained Economic Growth
01 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this sixth and final part in our series on economic growth and development, I discuss in more detail some of the key institutions necessary for eco...
Episode 107: Cultural, Geographic, and Political Explanations of Poverty
15 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this fifth part of our series on economic growth and development, I examine the major factors that have been advanced as explaining differences in ...
Episode 106: Theories of Economic Growth and Development
31 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this fourth part of our series on economic growth and development, I outline the major theories of economic development developed over the past six...
Special Episode: Mario Livio on Galileo
16 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Astrophysicist Mario Livio joins me to discuss his latest book 'Galileo and the Science Deniers', which chronicles the scientific discoveries of Galil...
Episode 105: Agriculture, Urbanisation, and Structural Change
30 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this third part of the series on economic growth, I discuss the process of structural change as economies progress from underdeveloped to developed...
Episode 104: The History of the World Economy and Growth
13 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of our series on economic growth and development, I provide a brief history of the world economy, beginning with the key features o...
Episode 103: Introduction to Economic Growth and Global Poverty
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this the first in an eight-part series covering the causes of economic growth and development, I provide an introduction to the key concepts of abs...
Episode 102: Photosynthesis Part II
11 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing the discussion of photosynthesis from the previous episode, here I outline the importance of the oxygen evolving complex in oxidising water...
Episode 101: Photosynthesis Part I
27 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of photosynthesis, including the structure of chloroplasts, phototransduction of energy by chlorophyll, the macromolecular complexes of th...
Special Episode: History and Future of the Show
12 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A special episode in which I discuss some of the ideas and principles behind the production of the show, sources I use for episodes, and my motivation...
Episode 100: Unsolved Problems in Science
18 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this special celebratory 100th episode, I discuss six major unsolved problems in science: the P vs NP problem in computer science, the mystery of d...
Episode 99: Plant Reproduction and Fruit
06 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of the method of reproduction of flowering plants, including an overview of the structure and function of the different components of the...
Episode 98: Electromagnetic Radiation
27 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of the nature and properties of electromagnetic radiation, including a discussion of the electromagnetic spectrum, the nature of photons, ...
Episode 97: Plant Structure and Function
27 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of the basic morphology and physiology of plants, including a discussion of the main types of plants, stems, roots, leaves, plant transpor...
Special Episode - Jared Bauer on Science and Philosophy in Movies
03 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode I am joined by Jared Bauer, cofounder of Wisecrack, to discuss science and philosophy in movies and popular culture. We cover ...
Episode 96: How Computers Work Part VI - High Level Programming and Software
02 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In the final episode of our series on computers, I give an introduction to high-level programming languages, how they relate to assembly language and ...
Episode 95: How Computers Work Part V - Assembly Language and the Operating System
13 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this the fifth episode of the series 'how computers work', I begin with a summary of some of the major methods of improving the performance of the ...
Episode 94: How Computers Work Part IV - Processor Architecture and Machine Code
04 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this fourth part in our series on computers, I begin with an overview of the von Neumann architecture used in most modern computers. This leads in ...
Episode 93: How Computers Work Part III - Logic Gates and Components
19 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this third part of the series on computers I begin with an overview of Boolean algebra, including a discussion of key logic functions such as NOT, ...
Episode 92: How Computers Work Part II - Silicon and Transistors
09 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this second episode in the series, I explain binary digital coding to motivate a discussion of the operation of transistors. Beginning with an exam...
Episode 91: How Computers Work Part I - What is a Computer?
30 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
We begin our series discussing how computers work with an overview of the theory of computation, including a discussion of Turing machines and Turing ...
Episode 90: Climate Systems
01 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
An analysis of the major factors influencing climactic variation over Earth's surface, including a discussion of the effect of differential heating at...
Episode 89: The Atmosphere
23 Nov 2017
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of the composition and layers of the Earth's atmosphere, including a discussion of the exosphere, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, ...
Episode 88: Cartography and Earths Seasons
29 Sep 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of the shape of the Earth and the difficulties and conventions involved in describing a three-dimensional surface on a two-dimensional ma...
Episode 87: The Geography of Planet Earth
26 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of some of the key geographic features of planet Earth, including a discussion of the concept and classification of continents, the major ...
Episode 86: The Evidence for Evolution
12 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
An outline of the various lines of evidence in favour of the theory of evolution by natural selection, including a discussion of natural and artificia...
Episode 85: Introduction to Quantum Field Theory
29 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of some of the major conceptual aspects of Quantum Field Theory, including the concept of a quantum field, classical field theory, harmon...
Episode 84: Advanced Quantum Mechanics Part II
07 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing on from the previous episode, here I discuss some more advanced topics in Quantum Mechanics, including Noether’s theorem, the particle st...
Episode 83: Advanced Quantum Mechanics Part I
26 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
An examination of some more advanced concepts of quantum mechanics, focusing on describing Dirac's bra-ket formulation of quantum theory. I discuss th...
Episode 82: Racial Differences in Intelligence
11 Mar 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of the evidence and methodological issues pertaining to explaining the causes of racial differences in intelligence, with a focus on eval...
Episode 81: Intelligence Part 2
24 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing the series on intelligence, in this episode I discuss the genetic and neurological correlated of intelligences, the efficacy of measures to...
Episode 80: Intelligence Part 1
12 Feb 2017
Contributed by Lukas
The first in a three part series on human intelligence, covering debates about the definition of intelligence, how intelligence is measured, factor an...
Episode 79: Basic Concepts in Statistics
22 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
A concise introduction to key concepts of statistics, explained in as clear a manner as possible. Includes a discussion of key concepts of probability...
Episode 78: Hearing
17 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
An explanation of the process of human hearing, covering the structure and function of the outer, middle, and inner ears, with a focus on explaining h...
Episode 77: Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity
30 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to the physics of protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus, with a focus on explaining the different modes of radioactivity, alpha, ...
Episode 76: GDP and Unemployment
02 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
An introduction to the economic concepts of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and unemployment, including a discussion of how these concepts are defined, h...
Episode 75: Cellular Respiration
06 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of the processes involved in the generation of energy in cells, including a discussion of the role of ATP in energy storage, glycolysis, t...
Episode 74: Minerals and Rocks
30 Dec 2015
Contributed by Lukas
A discussion of minerals, including their main properties such as crystal structure, habit, cleavage, lustre, and hardness, followed by a brief overvi...
Episode 73: Introduction to the Immune System Part 2
29 Jun 2015
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing on from the previous episode, I discuss the role of antibodies and antigens in mediating adaptive immunity, and follow with a discussion of...
Episode 72: Introduction to the Immune System Part 1
27 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of the human immune system, beginning with some basic anatomy of the lymphatic system, and proceeding through a discussion of the distinct...
Episode 71: Political Ideologies
30 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
A social scientific discussion and comparison of some of the major political ideologies in the world today, beginning with an overview of the origins,...
Episode 70: Animal Diversity Part 2
30 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing from Episode 69, I explore the diversity of the mammals, looking at all the mammalian orders and their major families. Special focus is giv...
Episode 69: Animal Diversity Part 1
29 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we explore the diversity of the animal kingdom. I first discuss the history of taxonomy and give an overview of some key concepts such...
Episode 68: Protein Structure and Function
30 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
An overview of the structure and function of proteins. Beginning with a discussion of some key research methods for studying proteins, including colum...