Shirtloads of Science - podcast cover

Shirtloads of Science

Dr Karl Kruszelnickishirtloadsofscience.libsyn.com
Dr Karl’s a curious optimist – a great combination for a science lover. Join him and his guests for weird facts, amazing conversation and remember, it’s never too late for a happy childhood. https://drkarl.com/

Episodes

The concept of Proof with Professor Geraint Lewis (193)

What does "proving" a theory really mean ? Is there a difference between Scientifically proving or proving it Mathematically ? Dr Karl and Prof Geraint Lewis discuss the meanings of these ideas and how they are applied today. From pandemics to climate change, we depend on solid science - so how do you tell if something has been proved? http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/ http://drkarl.com...

Jul 05, 202017 minSeason 3Ep. 22

Prof. Anita Ho-Baillie and Perovskite Solar Cells (192)

Solar PV Panels have transformed our energy mix in the 21st century. Efficiency is up and costs and carbon emissions are lower. What next ? Imagine a solar film that squeezes 10% more out of the sun ? Professor Anita Ho-Baillie walks Dr Karl through solar PV and this phenomenal new approach. Barely 10 years in development, is there a Perovskite Solar efficiency race already ?

Jun 28, 202022 minSeason 3Ep. 21

Cosmic Rays with Dr Jessica Bloom (191)

They're Cosmic ... but are they Rays ? Dr Karl gets the briefing from a recent University of Sydney astrophysics graduate, Dr Jessica Bloom. Cosmic Rays were found ages ago and still baffling us with more questions. Dr Jessica and Dr Karl go to the ends of the earth on this cosmic quest. https://drkarl.com/ https://www.facebook.com/astrokitten/photos/

Jun 21, 202021 minSeason 3Ep. 20

Covid-19 - The Tests with Prof Eddie Holmes (190)

Lockdowns are a rational first response to a pandemic but what happens while we wait for a vaccine or treatment to be developed ? Dr Karl joins Prof Holmes in Part 3 of this series looking at Covid-19 tests. What is the difference between them ? Professor of Virology, Eddie Holmes also explains how our immune system fights a virus and why this one has been so hard to beat - so far. @EdwardCHolmes https://drkarl.com/ Note: episode recorded in late May 2020 using data available at the time...

Jun 14, 202024 minSeason 3Ep. 19

Covid-19 - The Numbers with Prof. Eddie Holmes (189)

Pandemics are complex so we rely on statistics to manage them. So how come the numbers vary so much around the world? Dr Karl asks Virology Professor Holmes why and also discovers which local factors also affect Covid-19 statistics. Australia's secret national chook stockpile is revealed and Professor Holmes estimates the rubbery-ness of some well known figures. Note: episode recorded in late May 2020 using data available at the time. @EdwardCHolmes https://drkarl.com/...

Jun 07, 202019 minSeason 3Ep. 18

Covid-19 - Viral History withProf Eddie Holmes (188)

Virology and evolutionary biologist Professor Eddie Holmes takes Dr Karl time travelling to visit a deadly virus. Many of today's treatments took thousands of years to develop. Smallpox proved to be a tough virus to manage but it also taught us how to fight back. From skin scratching to cows, the American Civil War, Baltic mummies and DNA - Science finally stopped smallpox in its tracks. @EdwardCHolmes https://drkarl.com/ Note: episode recorded in late May 2020 using data available at the time...

May 31, 202020 minSeason 3Ep. 17

Covid 19's chemical enemy (187)

A-Prof Alice Motion explores the chemistry and properties of the 29th element for Dr Karl. This persistent contact killer is amazingly passive (nothing else is needed). We've known of its benefits for thousands of years and yet chrome, plastics and stainless steel prevail in our healthcare facilities. @all_isee @_breakinggood https://drkarl.com/

May 24, 202023 minSeason 3Ep. 16

When Stars are born, they Shake (186)

Dr Simon Murphy explains to Dr Karl the extraordinary behaviour of a star in the early stages of life. Observed only recently, it widens our understanding of new stars. https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2020/03/10/astronomy-new-type-of-pulsating-star-discovered.html http://drkarl.com

May 17, 202021 minSeason 3Ep. 15

The Great Attractor (185)

We can't see the Great Attractor but we've measured its presence. We're falling into Virgo and Virgo can't resist its force. Is Dark Energy involved? What is the "zone of avoidance"? Professor Geraint Lewis helps Dr Karl with his homework. http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/ http://drkarl.com

May 10, 202021 minSeason 1Ep. 14

The Cosmic Revolutionary's Handbook (184)

Dr Karl & Prof G. Lewis discuss the gaps and guesses that string together our understanding of the Cosmos. So what happens if we find a mistake in one of Einstein's predictions ? It's one of the discussion points in Geraint Lewis' latest book written with Luke Barnes. https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-cosmic-revolutionary-s-handbook-luke-a-barnes/book/9781108486705.html drkarl.com http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/...

May 03, 202019 minSeason 3Ep. 13

Squeezing Stars with Prof Geraint Lewis part two (183)

It's part two of the Neutron star exploration with Professor G. Lewis. He takes Dr Karl layer by layer down to the core. Things are so squashed in there that quantum physics takes over. Escape from the lockdown inside a star where things go subatomic. http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/

Apr 26, 202022 minSeason 3Ep. 12

Squeezing Stars with Prof Geraint Lewis part one (182)

What happens when you squeeze a star ? Dr Karl gets inside one with Professor G. Lewis. They travel from the subatomic level up with the latest on Neutron Stars. Trigger Warning - Quarks and Bosons are mentioned . It's part one with more from the Neutrons next time. http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/

Apr 19, 202020 minSeason 3Ep. 11

Stellar tides with Prof Don Kurtz & Dr Simon Murphy (181)

To study the stars, look to the ocean. Water ebbs and flows under the influence of gravity. Astronomers see tides in moons, stars and around black holes. Dr Karl talks with two astrophysicists who recently measured a bulging star with earth-like tides.

Apr 12, 202019 minSeason 3Ep. 10

A Perfect Poo with prof Claire Collins (180)

A perfect poo has metrics. Dr Clare and Dr Karl describe the best solid expressions. Length, thickness, mass and diet. What makes the perfect poop ? https://theconversation.com/had-constipation-here-are-4-things-to-help-treat-it-123364

Apr 05, 202030 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Einstein, Newton & Frame Dragging with Prof Geraint Lewis (179)

Seventy-five percent can be described by Einstein. The remainder? It drove Albert to question his work till his dying day. Dr Karl and Dr Lewis discuss evidence for the missing theory . http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/

Mar 29, 202024 minSeason 3Ep. 8

3 doctors on Carbon, the Sun and Xenobots (178)

They're back ! Dr Karl on why carbon dioxide is so insidious in the atmosphere. Dr Alice Motion on the best Instagrams yet of our sun and Dr Jessica Bloom on the rise of bio-robots. The original shirtloads gangsters are in the lab.

Mar 22, 202026 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Dr Michael Mann (177)

American climatologist Michael Mann drew a chart back in 1999 . It's called "The Hockey Stick Graph" because of the way it shoots up. There was no new information in it and it drew on agreed international temperature data. Like Charles Darwin, Dr Mann dared to publish. His "hockey stick" still makes him a target for fossil fuel lobbyists. So what happens when a scientist is taken on by powerful interests ? Dr Karl asks him about the experience.

Mar 15, 202021 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Hyper Velocity Stars with Prof Geraint Lewis (176)

One star, observed in outback Australia, may hold new clues to dark matter and black holes. It's a milky way neighbour but moving very fast. Prof Geraint Lewis takes Dr Karl on his quest for answers. http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/

Mar 08, 202018 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Corey Tutt - NSW Young Australian (175)

The Young Australian of the Year Award recognises 16- to 30-year-old Australians. It rewards their achievements and contributions. Dr Karl meets Corey Tutt, the NSW winner for 2020. Corey has already made an extraordinary difference with his Deadly Science initiative.

Mar 01, 202024 minSeason 3Ep. 4

The Hubble Tension with Prof Geraint Lewis (174)

The Hubble Space Telescope launched in 1990. It is named after the American astronomer who found our universe was expanding. Ninety years on, with much better kit, Hubble’s ideas still hold. The question is how fast are we inflating? This is the Hubble tension and Prof Geraint Lewis leads Dr Karl through the deep space discussion. http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~gfl/

Feb 23, 202024 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Cats & "Toxo" - from Kitty Litter to the eyeballs with Professor Justine Smith (173)

What is the science behind warning pregnant women to stay away from cat faeces ? It involves a parasite (called "Toxo" for short) that migrates between humans and their cats. The risk to unborn children is real and world renowned expert, Professor Justine Smith, takes Dr Karl through the life cycle from Kitty Litter to the eyeballs. https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/justine.smith

Feb 16, 202024 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks and the harm they do. (171) Rpt

A dietary study in Europe reveals a connection between processed foods (and drinks) and cancers. 8 years of research they tried to eliminate factors such as socioeconomic and diet preferences from the data but the link remains strong. What does it mean for you ? Doctor Karl and Professor Claire Collins discuss. https://theconversation.com/research-check-will-eating-ultra-processed-foods-give-you-cancer-91984

Feb 02, 202021 minSeason 2Ep. 46

Ice Ages with Tas Van Ommen (168) Rpt

We are officially in an interglacial period - between ice ages. Dr Karl talks with Australian Glaciologist Dr Tas van Ommen about the times when Ice sheets were a kilometre thick. What caused them and how long did they last. Understanding our climate history is our best chance for anticipating its earth's future. Recorded in Antarctica

Jan 12, 202025 minSeason 2Ep. 43

Shark spotting with drones (167) Rpt

Dr Karl and AI expert Dean Blumenstein from UTS Sydney discuss the application of drones being deployed on Australian beaches. Can deep learning improve on helicopter surveillance ? Could a drone save someone faster than lifeguards ? How safe in are we in the hands of AI ?

Jan 05, 202017 minSeason 2Ep. 42

Australian Bird Bonding with Prof. Gisela Kaplan (166)

Guardian Australia's 2017 bird of the year was the Magpie. They are notorious for swooping and pecking bike riders so why are they so popular ? Dr Karl joins Prof Kaplan in the cradle of bird life. Australia saved the birds and some of the smartest ones are still here. https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781760554200/

Dec 29, 201918 minSeason 2Ep. 41

Fasting - Just another Fad ? Dr Nick Fuller investigates (164)

Dr Nick Fuller investigates the claims behind fasting diets and why today, most of us will end up where we started and feeling Hangry. He and Karl go through a recent study to show how deceptive it can be. It's not willpower that lets us down but something much deeper. There are proven long-term plans - fasting is not one of them. Twitter: @drnickfuller Website: www.intervalweightloss.com.au

Dec 15, 201921 minSeason 2Ep. 39

Greening the Reef to save the fish with Dr Daniela Ceccarelli (163)

Marine Biologist Dr. Daniela Ceccarelli has been studying the Great Barrier reef for around 20 years. She lives and works there and has uncovered some of the complex relationships between seaweed, algae, fish and coral. One of her surprising discoveries involves the humble Damsel fish. Dr Karl talks to her on Magnetic Island about her research and containing the damage that agricultural run-off and sea temperatures are having on reefs.

Dec 08, 201926 minSeason 2Ep. 38

Our most important Sex Organ with Dr Amee Baird (162)

What controls our sex life ? Dr Amee Baird has a tremendous insight into this. As a clinical neuropsychologist, she has studied many people whose sexual behaviour suddenly changed. It remains a taboo subject for many, and so she has written a book about what she has learned. Dr Karl spoke with Dr Amee Baird in Sydney about her book "Sex in the Brain". https://newcastleneuropsych.com.au/dr-amee-baird/

Dec 01, 201931 minSeason 2Ep. 37

Dr Karl's Random AR Road Trip with Dr Bernie (161)

Dr Bernie probes the Augmented Realities inside Dr Karl's new book. Are the 3D animations impressive ? Do the walking, talking virtual Karls look amazing on her phone ? Is this the new frontier in science publishing ? https://drkarl.com/books/

Nov 24, 201910 minSeason 2Ep. 36
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast