"headache tablets, statins, things for cholesterol or things for hayfever or contraceptive pill.... they end up into the nearest river...we drink that water. We use this water recreationally" When you pour a medicine down the sink or flush it down the loo, where do the chemicals end up? Professor Alex Ford has been exploring how the behaviour of sea creatures changes when zombie-like parasites thrive in polluted waters, even causing their hosts to change sex. Subscribe for a new episode every we...
Nov 17, 2020•16 min•Season 2Ep. 3
"we should... not underestimate (dogs) and...how rich their environment needs to be… for them to really enjoy life." We speak to Dr Juliane Kaminski, whose fascination with the animal mind and its difference from our own is leading to insights in how we can better relate to our furry friends. Her team have found out how a particular eyebrow movement in domestic dogs can be used to influence our behaviour, meaning human beings are wrapped around their paws, without even realising it! Subscribe fo...
Nov 10, 2020•26 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Series 2 of Life Solved features ideas and research that is changing our understanding of human relationships with environments. John Worsey chairs two discussions exploring the world’s plastic pollution problem, and how this might be challenged with enzyme technology that’s developing here at Portsmouth. He also finds out how developing nations are outstripping the developed world in adopting innovative environmental collaborations in government and hears how everyday infrastructure such as was...
Nov 03, 2020•38 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Season 2 of Life Solved is coming on Tuesday 3rd of November with a special episode on the economic side of sustainable living and practise. In this highlights episode John Worsey looks back on a few moments from Season One. Hear extracts covering social media's changing role in political discourse, how drone operators can be mentally affected by their work during warfare, how our changing climate signals a rise in UK forest fires and all about the native oysters that are returning to the Solent...
Oct 22, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Juliet Brook tells us how our 180 year-old will and inheritance laws are causing problems during Coronavirus, and explains how other countries are able to show leniency where witnesses are missing or documents aren't correctly signed. So how do these 'Dispensing Powers' work, and where might a reformed UK law draw the line of leniency? Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea #lifesolved You can find out more about research taking place at the University of Portsmouth at po...
Sep 29, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Dr. Joanne Preston shows us how she's been reintroducing native oysters to the Solent with pioneering tech. The biodiversity and water quality of benefits of these humble creatures can be astounding, but after years of over-fishing, is it possible to reintroduce them in the Solent and supercharge our waters once again? Check out how she’s built special ‘cages’ to accommodate the new population and help overcome challenges to their settling and reproduction. Subscribe for a new episode every week...
Sep 22, 2020•18 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Professor Arthur Butt and his research team are obsessed with a little known type of cell in our nervous system. He explains why deeper research into glia could hold the key to treating some of our biggest illnesses, and ponders what other mysteries are yet to be discovered in our own bodies. Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea #lifesolved You can find out more about research taking place at the University of Portsmouth at port.ac.uk/SOLVE. Points of Interest: Professo...
Sep 15, 2020•20 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Dr. Mark Hardiman looks at those soaring temperatures on the Costa del Portsmouth and says climate change could soon mean long, hot summers are the norm in the UK. With this comes a greater risk of forest fires in our damp nation, so what does this mean for our future homes and lifestyles? He explains the complex history of fire ecology and our changing landscape in the UK, as well as how humans and fire have always co-existed. Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea #life...
Sep 08, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 7
It’s a basic human need. But for some, clean water is not a given. Sometimes it seems we've no shortage of rain here in the UK and it's easy to take for granted, but Dr. Julia Brown has been looking at why in some countries access to water can make all the difference to socioeconomic mobility. She explains how the rich can monopolise this vital resource where it is scarce. Her research has been looking at ways to work within different cultures to give water access to whole populations. Julia say...
Sep 01, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 6
A former military Chaplain, Professor Peter Lee talked to drone operators and their families and found out that in spite of popular belief, operating drones in warfare does not detach operators from the act of killing, or the mental health consequences. In this episode he explains his perspective that technology cannot remove the innately human nature of war and conflict. Advisory: Please note this episode contains material that some listeners may find disturbing. Subscribe for a new episode eve...
Aug 25, 2020•20 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Some deep blue thinking here! Have you heard of the Sustainable Blue Economy? How can we unite international goals for sustainability, conservation, energy access, tourism and food supply under one umbrella? Professor Steve Fletcher explains how international cooperation on our mysterious oceans could help save environments, solve human challenges and level the playing field in global economics. Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea #lifesolved You can find out more abou...
Aug 18, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Dr John Young says too many people are suffering silently and it's time for change. At least 1 in 5 adults suffers from diseases of the urinary tract today. Many people live limited lives due to such conditions and in many cases catching these early could make a huge difference. John explains how technology is making it easier for people to access treatment and how this can be less invasive and uncomfortable for sufferers who might be otherwise put off. Subscribe for a new episode every week, an...
Aug 11, 2020•16 min•Season 1Ep. 3
From the Cambridge Analytica scandal, to protest in response to the death of George Floyd, Dr James Dennis explores how social media is a gateway and amplifier to learning, engagement and civil participation in politics. Find out how political behaviour is changing in the digital age and how social media can be used as a force for change and mass participation in the issues of the day. Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea #lifesolved You can find out more about research...
Aug 04, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this special launch episode of Life Solved, the new podcast series from the University of Portsmouth, we hear from researchers across the disciplines. We'll be discussing the issues that have arisen as a result of Coronavirus pandemic; from a rise in domestic violence to struggles with anxiety and parenting under new conditions as well as the rapid medical advances to understand and fight the spread of disease. Our researchers will be taking time out to share their findings and discuss potent...
Jul 28, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 1
LIFE SOLVED lifts the lid on the latest ideas and discoveries that look set to change our lives. Our first episode is out on Tuesday 28th July. Subscribe on your favourite podcast app now, to make sure you get an new episode every week. Real research. Real world change. Every week we’ll bring you a fresh episode featuring cutting-edge research. Find out how this is set to revolutionise the way our world works. We’ll explain how technology and community go hand in hand with the natural world, and...
Jul 14, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1
