Life Solved - podcast cover

Life Solved

University of Portsmouthwww.port.ac.uk

LIFE SOLVED lifts the lid on the latest ideas and discoveries that look set to change our lives.

 

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 how industry and sustainable environments can connect for the benefit of society.


Real research. Real world change.

 

From your subconscious political behaviour on social media to how we can use tech to get swift diagnosis and treatment for common medical problems, the big ideas are here.

 

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/life-solved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

How Can Oceans Save the Planet? Ft. Dr Ian Hendy

This episode’s guest may have started his career as "the world’s worst commercial fisherman", but Dr Ian Hendy soon found his calling as a conservationist.   As a Tropical Marine Ecologist and Course Leader for Marine Biology here at the University of Portsmouth, he’s leading innovative research into how restoration of ecosystems can help us fight climate change and biodiversity loss, by locking away carbon. Ian shares insights into how conservation work can go hand in hand with supporting ...

May 03, 202232 minSeason 8Ep. 2

The Future of Support for Society’s Most Vulnerable Ft. Dr Emma Maynard and Dr Bethany Simmonds.

Can schools cope under the strain of increased social need? And where are the UK’s health and care systems failing the most vulnerable in society? Dr Bethany Simmonds and Dr Emma Maynard share their insights, perspectives and solutions on two vital areas of social support in the UK. Amidst funding restructures, privatisation and the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK’s public services are increasingly undergoing change. From care home homes and emergency services to hospitals and schools, the pressures o...

Apr 26, 202227 minSeason 8Ep. 1

Facing Up to Online Abuse

This time, Dr Lisa Sugiura opens up the conversation on how technology is enabling domestic abuse and coercive control, and what needs to happen to put a stop to it. In Life Solved we feature cutting-edge research from the University of Portsmouth. Dr Sugiura explains how her team collaborated with other organisations to explore the extent to which social media and online platforms, technology and other online media are allowing abusers to stalk, control, threaten or harm victims. She found out ...

Mar 22, 202227 minSeason 7Ep. 7

Understanding the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

In this special episode of Life Solved from the University of Portsmouth, Glenn Harris speaks to academics for their insight on current world events. Dr Tom Smith, Academic Director of the Royal Air Force College and Principal Lecturer in International Relations at Portsmouth joins Dr Paul Flenley, a Senior Lecturer in International Relations and Politics at the University, to explain some of the histories and politics that have led up to the war in Ukraine. Then Glenn asks questions about the r...

Mar 15, 202240 minSeason 7Ep. 6

Do Animals Really Know What We're Thinking? ft. Dr Leanne Proops

In this episode of Life Solved from the University of Portsmouth, meet Dr Leanne Proops (and her cast of animal helpers) Leanne’s a Senior Lecturer in Comparative Psychology here at Portsmouth, and she’s been looking into the relationships that exist between humans and animals. From dogs to cats to horses, hear how Leanne’s been gathering ideas and insights into how much they really understand about our human experiences and emotions. From the happy hormones dogs experience after a lovely cuddle...

Mar 08, 202219 minSeason 7Ep. 5

Clearing Up Corruption in Football ft. Dr Adam Cox and Christina Philippou

Life Solved S7 E04 Football: Clearing Up Corruption in Football In the second of our football specials, University of Portsmouth researchers share surprising insights into the balance books of the beautiful game. Christina Philippou and Dr Adam Cox tell Life Solved how mismanagement and corruption can often mean funds end up in the wrong places, creating conflicts of interest and instability in clubs at all levels. They also discuss the route to making the sport fairer financially, with better r...

Mar 01, 202220 minSeason 7Ep. 4

Equality and Abuse in Football ft. Dr Beth Clarkson and Dr Tom Webb

In the first of this two-part special on the state of football, researchers from the University of Portsmouth explore how football in the UK is moving towards becoming a fairer game, and look at the challenges still faced. Dr Tom Webb shares insights into his research around match officials: how this group has been marginalised and is subject to abuse at every level. He compares this to work he’s done internationally and asks what can be done to ensure people’s rights to a safe working experienc...

Feb 22, 202218 minSeason 7Ep. 3

The Truth About Cold Water Swimming ft. Dr Heather Massey

Have you heard about the reported benefits of swimming in cold water and cold water immersion? Wondering if there’s anything in it? On this episode of Life Solved, Dr Heather Massey explains what happens to the body’s physiology in cold water and shares her tips for how you can dip your toe in the hobby and still stay safe. From mental health benefits, new friendships and increased wellbeing to easing physical symptoms of menopause, and even reducing episodes of migraine sufferers: there’s certa...

Feb 15, 202223 minSeason 7Ep. 2

Palaeontology at Portsmouth: Telling the biggest story

Life Solved explores the biggest new research and life-changing discoveries coming from the University of Portsmouth. In this episode find out how palaeontology allows us to tell the biggest story out there: that of life on earth! Dr Dave Martill and Dr Nizar Ibrahim share stories of their incredible finds, from the Saharan desert to Morocco to… the Isle of Wight, where PhD Student Jeremy Lockwood has identified a whole new species of dinosaur! What does it feel like to log a new species to scie...

Feb 08, 202226 minSeason 7Ep. 1

Representing All of Us in Public Organisations and Policy Ft. Professor Karen Johnston

In the final episode of this series of Life Solved, delve into some surprising insights from studies of gender representation in the UK and further afield. Professor Karen Johnston challenges the norms that are holding back women and under-represented groups. From the police force, to government, civil service and the NHS, Karen looks at the impact of inequalities in workplaces and the cultures of critical organisations. Professor Johnston shares her findings into how diversifying gender in the ...

Dec 02, 202114 minSeason 6Ep. 10

How Tech is Changing Our World ft. Professor Adrian Hopgood

This time on Life Solved, we’re taking a tour of the innovations in technology taking place at the University of Portsmouth. Professor Adrian Hopgood heads up the Future and Emerging Technologies Research Theme. In addition to a passion for AI and digital technology, he explains how nature is inspiring brilliant design in construction. Find out about the artificial intelligence that’s being used to improve patient care in health settings as well as the opportunities in telecommunications and out...

Nov 25, 202111 minSeason 6Ep. 9

COP in Focus - What happens now?

A review of the COP26 comittments and what this means for climate change goals Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 24, 202122 minSeason 6Ep. 8

COP In Focus: The Future of Construction

This week the COP26 conference in Glasgow turns its focus to issues such as transport, cities and the built environment. On this episode of the Life Solved podcast the University of Portsmouth’s Professor Mark Gaterell demystifies the role of construction in our net zero future.   Find out how the way our buildings are designed, made and used impact their carbon footprints. Mark also explains how the running of cities can add up to a huge impact on climate change, environments and human lif...

Nov 11, 202116 minSeason 6Ep. 7

Community Resilience in Facing World Crises

 What are the “wicked problems” facing our planet, how are they connected and and how can we address them?   In this episode of Life Solved , Dr Cressida Bowyer explains key findings the University of Portsmouth plans to highlight at COP26, the forthcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow this November.   She explains the link between plastic pollution and climate change, and shares insights into how community-based research can combat this on the local level.   FIND O...

Oct 28, 202116 minSeason 6Ep. 5

The Future of Space Exploration with The University of Portsmouth's Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation

In this special episode of Life Solved , Glenn Harris interviews talented experts at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation to find out about the UK’s agenda to double space activity across the next ten years.   Plus, find out how The University of Portsmouth is sharing in those ambitions by combining data analytics expertise with world-class training, engineering and construction.   Glenn’s joined by Professor Adam Amara and Professor David Bacon who explain how researchers can ha...

Oct 21, 202124 minSeason 6Ep. 4

How Zines Are Capturing Social History with Dr Jac Batey

An archive of more than 300 art-zines is helping researchers and historians alike connect with social history and the human experience on diverse topics.   Portsmouth researcher Dr Jac Batey is behind an enormous archive of material collated for Zineopolis at the University of Portsmouth. In this week’s Life Solved podcast she explains how she came to realise the immense value of this self-published art for understanding diverse experiences through the decades.   FIND OUT MORE   Y...

Oct 14, 202115 minSeason 6Ep. 3

How Everyday People are Exploring our Cosmos

The mysteries of outer space have long fascinated scientists and academics, but an innovative research project has put ordinary people at the helm of exploring our cosmos.   To celebrate World Space Week, Professor Bob Nicol and Professor Daniel Thomas join the Life Solved podcast to talk about Galaxy Zoo, a citizen-science project part-funded by the University of Portsmouth.   Across a decade, 73,000 enthusiasts joined forces to classify galaxies in their spare time, leading to blosso...

Oct 07, 202121 minSeason 6Ep. 2

Mapping Past and Present ft. Prof. Humphrey Southall and Paula Aucott

In this episode of Life Solved from the University of Portsmouth, Historical Geographer Professor Humphrey Southall and Paula Aucott tell us about a new mapping project that’s transforming the way we understand the present.   GB1900 collated data from digitised images of Britain’s six inch maps from between 1888 and 1914. By using specially developed analysis software from another project, it was possible to connect social references such as place names and extinct footpaths with hard data....

Sep 30, 202116 minSeason 6Ep. 1

Some more of our favourites bits so far

John Worsey takes a look at some more of our favourite Life Solved moments so far. Series 6 is starting on Thursday 30th of September. From then we'll be exploring a unique mapping tool that combines historical, cultural and social data to build up a picture of Britain past and present. We'll also be looking at the enormous historical and social importance of Zines through a collection of these illustrated artefacts. Plus, we'll be celebrating World Space Week by hearing how citizen science is m...

Sep 23, 20216 minSeason 5Ep. 11

Life Solved Season 6 is Coming on 30th of September

John Worsey takes a look at some of our favourite Life Solved moments so far. Series 6 is starting on Thursday 30th of September. From then we'll be exploring a unique mapping tool that combines historical, cultural and social data to build up a picture of Britain past and present. We'll also be looking at the enormous historical and social importance of Zines through a collection of these illustrated artefacts. Plus, we'll be celebrating World Space Week by hearing how citizen science is mappin...

Sep 16, 20215 minSeason 5Ep. 10

Life Solved Series 6 Preview

John Worsey takes a look at some of the exciting research coming up in our next series of Life Solved, starting on Thursday 30th of September. Find out about a unique mapping tool that combines historical, cultural and social data to build up a picture of Britain past and present. We'll also be looking at the enormous historical and social importance of Zines through a collection of these illustrated artefacts. Plus, we hear how citizen science is mapping outer space at an incredible rate. Find ...

Sep 09, 20216 minSeason 5Ep. 9

Fingerprinting Pangolin Scales To Fight Wildlife Crime

In this episode of Life Solved, we hear about a cross-disciplinary project to help fight the illegal trade in plants and animals.  Dr Nick Pamment tells us about his Wildlife Crime module and how this led to a collaboration with Jac Reed, a lecturer in Criminology and Dr Paul Smith, a Reader in Crime Science. Together the team have combined their expertise in criminology and forensics to help tackle the illegal trade in wildlife. Rangers working in the field can find themselves in dangerous...

Aug 03, 202121 minSeason 5Ep. 8

Understanding The World’s Most Endangered Great Ape

The University of Portsmouth’s Dr Marina Davila Ross tells us about her work studying communication in Great Apes. In this episode of Life Solved, we hear the call of Pongo Tapanuliensis, otherwise known as the Tapanuli Orang-utan, the third and most rare species of orang-utan. Marina reveals how her recordings of this 800-strong colony in Sumatra helped classify it as a whole new species and raised many more questions for science. She tells us how she originally gathered data on orang-utan long...

Jul 27, 202116 minSeason 5Ep. 7

Working With The Antiques Trade To Change The Law On Ivory ft. Caroline Cox

For the rest of this series of Life Solved, we’re delving into the world of wildlife crime.  The University of Portsmouth is addressing the illegal trade in animals and plants through cutting-edge research and real-world application. This time Caroline Cox explains how her work led her to providing vital information to support a change in the law here in the UK. In fact, the UK has recently introduced a world-leading ban on the trade in elephant ivory with strict conditions introduced for w...

Jul 20, 202127 minSeason 5Ep. 6

How has Covid impacted sustainability in our world and habits?

Life Solved explores research and ideas from the University of Portsmouth. This time we’re asking if the coronavirus pandemic has created a dramatic setback for the global environmental crisis. From the vast increase in the use and disposal of PPE such as face masks and gloves, to the changing consumer habits that arose from lockdown, we look at how the plastics problem has been exacerbated by Covid-19 conditions. At the same time we ask where there might be some hopeful green lights on the hori...

Jul 13, 202129 minSeason 5Ep. 5

Democracy and Policing Under Pressure

This episode of Life Solved from the University of Portsmouth explores what the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions have meant for human rights, democracy, trust and policing. We hear how narratives of control have played out in government policies and ask what this means for democracy here in the UK. Professor Leila Choukroune and Dr Sarah Charman discuss the issues that have come with police enforcement of temporary legislation, and the confusion that can arise from rapidly introduced measures a...

Jul 06, 202129 minSeason 5Ep. 4

Tech, Women and Work in our Post-Covid Future

The pandemic had a huge impact on working lives, lifestyles and employment for many of us here in the UK and further afield. In this episode of Life Solved University of Portsmouth researchers and business experts share their insights into what this means for our relationship with work in the future. Many in education adapted to online learning during the pandemic. Dan McCabe explains how he collaborated with his department to create an online community where Graphic Design students could social...

Jun 29, 202131 minSeason 5Ep. 3

Has Covid Changed Consumer Habits for Good?

In this episode of Life Solved, University of Portsmouth researchers explore the impact of the pandemic on our shopping habits and consumer attitudes.  We ask if Covid has changed the way we shop forever, and where the opportunities and trends lie for businesses. Portsmouth local Tati Kapaya heads for her local shopping district to find out how local businesses have responded to a year of lockdowns and restrictions. And Professor Deborah Sugg Ryan and Dr Lisa Jack share their observations o...

Jun 22, 202135 minSeason 1Ep. 2

How has the pandemic changed mental health and education opportunities for young people?

In this special new series of Life Solved we explore the trends, changes and innovations that are taking place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Across 5 episodes, find out how life is changing for all of us, and University of Portsmouth researchers share their findings, ideas and observations on what a post-Covid future might look like.  In our first episode we explore how the education and future opportunities of young people have been impacted by the pandemic, and discuss what we can...

Jun 15, 202136 minSeason 5Ep. 1

INTERPRETING THE SURFACE OF THE MOON ft. Dr James Darling

Dr James Darling says that understanding the deep history of planets and satellites in our solar system could help unveil secrets in the history of planet Earth.   He takes John Worsey through his research in planetary geology in this episode of Life Solved. James explains how scientists are combining data sources and sharing information to put a rocket under space innovation. He also tells how technical advancement and open-source data is fuelling an international surge in tech development...

May 24, 202117 minSeason 4Ep. 6
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