What if we’ve been asking the wrong questions about alien life? Join Jeroen Schreel and Avi Loeb, Baird Professor of Science at Harvard University, as they explore why searching for extraterrestrial civilizations could be the most important mission in human history. Discover why Avi believes the Fermi Paradox is an arrogant assumption, how we should really be looking for alien life, and why he made a personal bet with Elon Musk. Could the discovery of alien life change humanity for the better? T...
Jun 30, 2025•57 min
Could chronic inflammation be the hidden root of modern disease? Join Jeroen Schreel and Len De Nys, a postdoctoral researcher at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, as they explore the science behind one of the body’s most misunderstood processes. Learn how inflammation works, why it sometimes turns against us, and what lifestyle changes can make a real difference in preventing chronic illness. This episode is sponsored by SciSummary. Use this URL* and Apple Finch Pudding's coupon AFP1 at checkout to g...
May 30, 2025•48 min
What if getting older didn’t have to mean getting sicker? Join Jeroen Schreel and Matt Kaeberlein, a professor of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington and CEO of Optispan, as they delve into the science of aging. Discover how your daily habits, emerging therapeutics, and powerful new research could help you live longer — and healthier. This episode is sponsored by SciSummary. Use this URL* and Apple Finch Pudding's coupon AFP1 at checkout to get 1 month for free! https://scisumma...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 20 min
What if we’ve been looking at the laws of physics all wrong? Join Jeroen Schreel and Chiara Marletto, a postdoctoral researcher in theoretical physics at Oxford University, as they delve into the world of constructor theory. Discover why quantum physics and general relativity clash, what the many-worlds theory really means, and whether we’re on the brink of a new era in physics. This episode is sponsored by SciSummary. Use this URL* and Apple Finch Pudding's coupon AFP1 at checkout to get 1 mont...
Mar 30, 2025•55 min
Are black holes becoming more common in the universe? Join Jeroen Schreel and Paul Sutter, a professor of astronomy and communication science at Stony Brook University, as they delve into mysteries of black holes. Discover what black holes really are, where they come from, and why their numbers are increasing across the cosmos. Plus, explore mind-bending topics like white holes and wormholes—are they real, or just science fiction? This episode is sponsored by SciSummary. Use this URL* and Apple ...
Feb 27, 2025•47 min
How can a tree survive for over a thousand years, and what do these ancient giants look like? Join Jeroen Schreel and Neil Pederson, a senior ecologist at Harvard University, as they explore the secrets of old trees. Discover how scientists read tree rings to unlock stories spanning centuries, why forests are vital to our planet, and what we can learn from the oldest living organisms on Earth.This episode is sponsored by SciSummary. Use this URL* and Apple Finch Pudding's coupon AFP25 at checkou...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 5 min
What mysteries lie at the heart of quantum physics? Join Jeroen Schreel and Philip Moriarty, a professor of Physics at the University of Nottingham, they unravel the strange and fascinating world of quantum mechanics. Explore the true meaning of Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, the bizarre nature of the observer effect, and the mind-bending phenomenon that is quantum tunneling.This is the paper we discussed during this episode:Allen et al., 2023. Self-assembly and tiling of a prochiral hydrog...
Dec 22, 2024•52 min
What really happens in your brain during depression? Join Jeroen Schreel and Alex Korb, a professor of Neuroscience at the University of California, Los Angeles, as they uncover the science behind depression. Explore the surprising role of serotonin, including how too much serotonin might not be a good thing, and discover practical, science-backed strategies to counter depression.This is the link to the cheat sheet Alex mentioned:https://alexkorbphd.click/live-training-1On Instagram, you can fin...
Nov 30, 2024•1 hr 5 min
What if reality is woven from the smallest, most fundamental strings? Join Jeroen Schreel and Sylvester James Gates Junior, a professor of theoretical physics at the University of Maryland and Brown University, as they dive into the world of string theory and supersymmetry. Discover the true nature of string theory, the mysteries of supersymmetry, and the quest to uncover the particles and forces shaping everything we know.This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Jenks et al., 2023.To...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Can your gut microbiome shape your health and well-being? Join Jeroen Schreel and Ruairi Robertson, a Lecturer in Microbiome Science at Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, and host of the Biomes podcast, as they dive deep into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome. Discover where your gut microbiome comes from, why it’s vital to your health, and practical ways to optimize it for better living. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Robertson et al., 2019. The h...
Oct 28, 2024•57 min
CRISPR and the Future of Gene Editing with Evelien Waegneer | AFP 33What if we could edit genes to solve global challenges? Join Jeroen Schreel and Evelien Waegneer, a postdoctoral researcher in plant sciences at ILVO, as they dive into the groundbreaking technology of CRISPR. Learn how this revolutionary gene-editing tool works, its potential to reshape agriculture, and why it’s a game changer for the future of science.This episode is sponsored by SciSummary. Try a 7-day free trial of SciSummar...
Sep 30, 2024•45 min
Have you ever wondered how AI is transforming agriculture? Join Jeroen Schreel and Broes Laekemen, a PhD researcher in agricultural and food sciences at ILVO and UGent, as they delve into the AI revolution in pest detection. Explore the fundamentals of AI, learn what neural networks really are, and what the impact of biased training datasets on AI performance is.Don't forget to join our monthly AFP newsletter: https://applefinchpudding.ck.page
Jul 30, 2024•59 min
Ever wondered how our brains are wired? Join Jeroen Schreel and Bobby Kasthuri, a professor of neurobiology at the University of Chicago, as they unravel the mysteries of the connectome. Discover how neurons form intricate networks, the fascinating biases in neuroplasticity, and the cutting-edge advancements that drive neuroscience. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Wildenberg et al., 2023. Isochronic development of cortical synapses in primates and mice, 14: Article 8018 Don't...
Jun 29, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Ever wondered how sleep impacts your overall health? Join Jeroen Schreel and Aric Prather, a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, as they delve into the profound effects of sleep on physical health and emotional well-being. Discover the true nature of sleep, the benefits of a good night's rest, and practical tips to enhance your sleep quality. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Newman et al., 2023. Examining daily associations among sleep, stre...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min
The Future of Brain-Computer Interfaces with Arno Libert | AFP 28 Ever wondered how brain-computer interfaces can change lives? Join Jeroen Schreel and Arno Libert, the co-founder and CEO of MindSpeaker, as they explore the cutting-edge realm of brain-computer interfaces. Discover the essence of BCIs, how they function, and their potential to restore communication for individuals with conditions like locked-in syndrome. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Libert and Van Hulle, Pr...
Apr 29, 2024•56 min
Ever wondered what causes body odor and how to banish it for good? Join Jeroen Schreel and Chris Callewaert, also known as Doctor Armpit, a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University, as they unravel the science behind body odor. Discover the intricate connection between the skin and gut microbiomes and explore effective solutions to combat unpleasant body smells. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Melnik et al., The molecular effect of wearing silver-threaded clothing on the h...
Mar 30, 2024•53 min
Ever wondered how stars evolve or what types of exoplanets exist? Join Jeroen Schreel and Leen Decin, a professor in stellar and exoplanet astrophysics at KU Leuven, as they uncover the secrets of stellar evolution and the diversity of exoplanets. Explore the origins of stars, the different types of star, and the intriguing world of exoplanets. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Dyrek et al., SO2, silicate clouds, but no CH4 detected in a warm Neptune, 2023. Nature, 625: pp. 51-...
Feb 28, 2024•46 min
Ever wondered why some foods affect us differently? Dive into the world of nutrition with Jeroen Schreel and Giles Yeo, a professor of molecular neuroendocrinology at the university of Cambridge, as they delve into the importance of nutrition. Discover why calories aren't the whole story, the critical role of fiber, and the difference between processed and ultra-processed food and why it matters. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Yeo, 2022. Is calorie labelling on menus the sol...
Jan 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Ever pondered the cosmic enigma of dark matter? Join Jeroen Schreel and Katherine Freese, a professor of physics at the University of Texas, as they delve into the world of dark matter. Together they unravel the mysteries of dark matter candidates, the intriguing dark big bang, and the possibility of dark stars. Delve into the cosmos and expand your understanding of the universe. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Freese and Winkler, 2023. Dark matter and gravitational waves fro...
Dec 30, 2023•53 min
Ever wondered how your brain is wired? Join Jeroen Schreel and Kevin Mitchell, a professor of Genetics and Neuroscience at Trinity College Dublin, on a captivating journey into the intricacies of brain development. Uncover the mesmerizing link between genetics and the wiring of the brain, challenging the nature vs nurture debate. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Myers et al., 2020. Insufficient evidence for “autism-specific” genes. The American Journal of Human Genetics, 106: ...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Can artificial intelligence transform our understanding of climate change? Join Jeroen Schreel and Chaopeng Shen, a professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Penn State University, on an eye-opening exploration of the intersection of AI and climate change research. Dive into AI's role in unveiling new physical relationships and how these discoveries empower us to better predict climate change. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Shen et al., 2023. Differentiable modelli...
Nov 15, 2023•51 min
Ever wondered how exercise can supercharge your brain? Join Jeroen Schreel and Wendy Suzuki, a professor of Neural Science and Psychology at New York University, on an inspiring journey into the powerful connection between physical activity and brain health. Explore the fascinating world of neuroplasticity and uncover the remarkable insights behind the exercise-brain connection. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Basso and Suzuki, 2017. The Effects of Acute Exercise on Mood, Cog...
Sep 29, 2023•59 min
Ever wondered about distant worlds beyond our solar system? Join Jeroen Schreel and Sara Seager, a professor in physics, aeronautics and astronautics and planetary science at MIT, on an exhilarating journey into the realm of exoplanets. Take a dive into the discussion of exoplanet atmospheres, rogue planets, the intriguing case of phosphine on Venus and the mind blowing possibilities of other extraterrestrial life. This is the paper we discussed during this episode: Greaves et al., 2021. Phosphi...
Aug 30, 2023•51 min
Ever wondered how tiny molecules can perform incredible feats? Join Jeroen Schreel and Simon Krause, a group leader in nanochemistry at the Max-Planck-Institute for Solid State Research, as they explore the captivating world of molecular machines. Discover the world of nanocar races, nanorobots in medicine, and the cutting-edge use of photosynthesis-like mechanisms to harness light energy for molecular machines. Unleash the power of innovation and join this insightful conversation that will leav...
Jul 30, 2023•58 min
Want to unlock the future of energy storage? Join Jeroen Schreel and Andreas Schneemann, junior research group leader at the Technical University of Dresden, as they dive into the groundbreaking world of covalent-organic frameworks. Discover how these cutting-edge 2D materials hold the key to revolutionizing hydrogen and energy storage. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that will shape the future of renewable energy. Don’t forget to join our monthly AFP newsletter: https://applefinc...
Jun 29, 2023•51 min
Have you ever wondered how life on Earth began? Join Jeroen Schreel and Andrew Knoll, Fisher Professor of Natural History and Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University, as they embark on a captivating journey into the origin of life. Discover the true nature of chloroplasts and mitochondria, and gain new insights into the ever-changing atmosphere of our planet. Don't miss out on Andrew's fascinating book, "A Brief History of Earth", for incredible insights into the evolutio...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Are you curious about the link between amyloid-like assemblies and cancer? Join Jeroen Schreel and Chloe Kirk, a PhD candidate in biochemistry at the University of Miami, as they explore the fascinating world of these structures. Discover what amyloid-like assemblies are, where they can be found and gain insights into their role in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases Follow Chloe for more insights into the life of a biochemistry scientist: Chloe's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloe.the...
Apr 29, 2023•42 min
Have you ever wondered what proteins are? Join Jeroen Schreel and Daniel Fried, an upperschool science teacher at the Pingrey school and the founder of Biochemistry Literacy for Kids, as they dive into the fascinating world of protein structure and fluorescence. Discover the latest research and learn how children can become fluent in biochemistry. Follow Daniel for more information on biochemistry literacy for kids: Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniel.bennett.fried/ Daniel's Twi...
Mar 30, 2023•52 min
Join Jeroen Schreel and Graham Lau, an astrobiologist at Blue Marble Space Institute of Science and the host of the 'Ask an Astrobiologist' show, as they uncover the secrets of the origins of life, the search for extraterrestrial life and the changing distance between the moon and earth. Don't miss out on fascinating interstellar facts and life advice from Graham. Follow Graham for some fun interstellar facts and great life advice: Graham's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmobiologist/ Gr...
Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 14 min
In this episode, Jeroen Schreel is joined by Beth Webb, a postdoctoral researcher in platelet biology at the University of Leeds, and Emilia Angelillo, a science technician at Sancton Wood School. Together they will discuss the function of platelets, how platelets are linked to cardiovascular disease, and how the interaction between platelets and chemicals is tested. Follow Beth for some great insights into the life of a platelet researcher! Beth's YouTube channel: @BethologyScience Beth's Insta...
Jan 30, 2023•1 hr 3 min
