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BlueSci Podcast

BlueSci Podcast

By Cambridge Uni Science Magazine

What's the latest in science these days? How can scientific advances help improve our world? And what's it like to be a scientist, anyway? Every three weeks we delve into the intersections between science, technology, and society, featuring guest researchers who present a fresh perspective on their work, what goes on behind the scenes, and the latest developments in their fields.

Transcripts available: www.bluesci.co.uk/category/podcast/

Brought to you by the Cambridge University Science Magazine.
Hosted by Laura Chilver, Mark Grimes and Georgia Nixon.
New episodes every third Monday!
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Currently playing episode

Merixtell Huch & Khayam Javed

BlueSci PodcastJan 07, 2019

00:00
52:46
Wild food and health, with Charlotte Milbank

Wild food and health, with Charlotte Milbank

Charlotte is a PhD student in Epidemiology and Geography at the University of Cambridge. Her research explores the ways in which “wild foods”, such as bushmeat, insects, wild fruits and vegetables, can be used to support the health and nutritional security of rural communities. In particular, she is looking at the use of wild foods by indigenous peoples in northeastern India.

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Charlotte was actively involved in epidemiology-related science communication. She has written multiple articles on zoonotic diseases, how they are linked to human behaviour and how we might mitigate their spread. She produced an incredibly popular Instagram page, “epidummyology” which has nearly 400 posts simplifying COVID-19 science and research, and what it means for the UK population. The page closed recently with almost 60K followers, but off the back of this, Charlotte now works with some NHS regional teams on their COVID-19 communications.

You can find find out more about Charlotte, and her research, at:

https://www.globalfood.cam.ac.uk/memberdirectory/charlotte-milbank

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanplh/article/PIIS2542-5196(22)00064-X/fulltext

https://theconversation.com/banning-wild-meat-is-not-the-solution-to-reducing-future-disease-outbreaks-181647

https://forestsnews.cifor.org/67260/can-healthy-ecosystems-prevent-pandemics?fnl=en

https://www.conservation.cam.ac.uk/news/coronavirus-and-conservation-interdisciplinary-conversation

Episode thumbnail image provided by Charlotte Milbank.

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine. This episode was hosted by Georgia Nixon and Mark Grimes. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review or rating! We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: podcast(at)bluesci.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter on @bluescipod or Instagram @bluescicam.

Jun 13, 202228:42
Society and statistics, with Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter

Society and statistics, with Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter

In this episode, Mark and Georgia spoke to Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, who is currently Chair of the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication, based within the Department of Pure Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics at the University of Cambridge. Prior to this, he was the Winton Professor for the Public Understanding of Risk in the Statistical Laboratory within the same department. He completed his undergraduate degree in statistics at the University of Oxford, later moving to University College London to complete his MSc and PhD in mathematical statistics under the supervision of Sir Adrian Smith.

His research interests include use of Bayesian methods in medical statistics, and the monitoring and comparing of clinical and public-health outcomes and their associated publication as performance indicators. Currently, he is working on improving the way in which risk and statistical evidence is taught and discussed in society. He has hosted and appeared on various TV and radio shows such as BBC Horizon and Desert Island Discs, and has also published several books.

You can find Professor Spiegelhalter on Twitter @d_spiegel, or his personal home page: https://www.statslab.cam.ac.uk/~david/ (where you can find the video of him on Winter Wipeout!).

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine.  This episode was hosted by Georgia Nixon and Mark Grimes. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review or rating! we welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: podcast(at)bluesci.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter on @bluescipod or Instagram @bluescicam.

May 23, 202238:42
Gut-brain health and obesity prevention with Orla Woodward

Gut-brain health and obesity prevention with Orla Woodward

Today, Mark and Georgia spoke to Orla Woodward who is a final year PhD student at the Institute of Metabolic Science at the University of Cambridge. Her research looks into advancing our understanding of the hormone responses and physiological mechanisms that regulate appetite, body weight and obesity. Understanding how these hormones work will be greatly beneficial for obesity therapy and prevention strategies for other food intake-related disorders. Throughout her PhD she has published articles on important public health concerns such as obesity-prevention through policy, and health inequality in Cambridge. She has also been involved in Stem for Britain, presenting science-backed public health ideas to MPs and policy makers.

You can find out more about Orla and her research at

https://www.neuroscience.cam.ac.uk/directory/profile.php?OrlaWoodward

https://www.metabolism.cam.ac.uk/directory/orlawoodward/

https://www.varsity.co.uk/science/20341

https://www.varsity.co.uk/science/17663

https://stemforbritain.org.uk/2022-winners/


The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine. This episode was hosted by Georgia Nixon and Mark Grimes and sponsored by Greiner Bio-One and Nature Careers. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review or rating! we welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: podcast(at)bluesci.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter on @bluescipod or Instagram @bluescicam. 

May 02, 202232:36
Converting CO2 to renewable fuels with Motiar Rahaman

Converting CO2 to renewable fuels with Motiar Rahaman

Today we speak to Motiar Rahaman from the Reisner Lab about their work in sustainable fuel development. 

Apr 11, 202236:50
Genetics and obesity, with Dr Giles Yeo

Genetics and obesity, with Dr Giles Yeo

In this episode of the BlueSci Podcast, Mark and Ruby speak to Dr Giles Yeo, a Principal Research Associate at the MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, based at the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on the study of obesity, brain control of body weight and genetic influences on appetitive behaviour, and is helping to understand the link between genetics, appetite and body weight.

Dr Yeo completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and later did his PhD in genetics at the University of Cambridge. He is prolific in science communication, having presented documentaries for BBC Horizon, as well as having appeared on other TV and radio programmes. He has also written two books, and presents his own podcast.

You can find Dr Yeo’s podcast here: https://play.acast.com/s/dr-giles-yeo-chews-the-fat, and can find him on Twitter and Instagram @GilesYeo.

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine. This episode was hosted by Ruby Coates and Mark Grimes and sponsored by Greiner Bio-One and Nature Careers. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review or rating! We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: podcast(at)bluesci.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter on @bluescipod or Instagram @bluescicam.

Mar 21, 202238:46
Volcanoes and the climate, with Dr Lauren Marshall

Volcanoes and the climate, with Dr Lauren Marshall

In this episode, Simone and new host Mark speak to Dr Lauren Marshall, a postdoctoral researcher at the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge.  Here, she focuses on understanding the impact that large-magnitude volcanic eruptions have on the Earth’s climate through the use of climate models and the study of ice cores. Lauren has a background in Earth Sciences and Physical Geography, and has previously completed an MSc in Applied Meteorology and Climatology. Her research is helping to improve knowledge of how the different components of an explosive volcanic eruption may affect the climate response, improving the understanding of past and future climate.

You can find out more about Lauren’s latest paper here: https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/volcanoesandclimate

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine. This episode was hosted by Simone Eizagirre and Mark Grimes, and sponsored by Greiner Bio-One and Nature Careers. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review or rating! We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: podcast(at)bluesci.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter on @bluescipod or Instagram @bluescicam.

Feb 28, 202226:10
Bees and the future of food production, with Jake Moscrop

Bees and the future of food production, with Jake Moscrop

Today, our new host Georgia and seasoned host Ruby spoke to PhD student Jake Moscrop about bees, pollinators and their impact on food security. Jake is a PhD student in Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge. Having grown up on his family farm, he is now interested in how agriculture and conservation can work together to make our food production more efficient without costing the environment. Before starting his PhD, he worked at the National Botanic Gardens in Wales researching the foraging habits of bees in order to aid rainforest conservation in Borneo. His PhD project at the University of Cambridge aims to explore which floral characteristics bees find attractive. Knowing this will help increase the pollination and yield of specific plant species.

You can find out more about Jake and his research by viewing these very informative YouTube clips about his research:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fgII_Z2x9c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ36q9pi5io

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine. This episode was hosted by Ruby Coates and Georgia Nixon and sponsored by Greiner Bio-One and Nature Careers. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review or rating! We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: podcast(at)bluesci.co.uk. You can also follow us on Twitter on @bluescipod or Instagram @bluescicam. 

Feb 07, 202233:24
Stone Age bears, ancient DNA and population genetics, with Bianca De Sanctis
Nov 15, 202128:02
NEW SEASON LAUNCH!
Nov 02, 202106:32
Lab-grown organoids and regenerative medicine, with Dr Fotis Sampaziotis
Apr 20, 202130:10
Loneliness, social media, and the brain, with Dr Livia Tomova
Apr 07, 202129:48
Colour from structure, with Thomas Parton
Mar 09, 202131:56
Connecting memory and vision, with Dr Paul Bays
Feb 22, 202137:42
Mysteries of the early universe, with Amelia Drew
Feb 09, 202127:19
The ecological impact of wildfires, with Dr. Adam Pellegrini
Jan 26, 202134:05
Learning from fur seals, with Constanza Toro-Valdivieso
Jan 11, 202127:56
Chemistry with computers, featuring Kobi Felton
Dec 14, 202038:12
Africans in STEM: building networks and collaborations, with Cynthia Okoye and Sandile Mtetwa

Africans in STEM: building networks and collaborations, with Cynthia Okoye and Sandile Mtetwa

Dec 01, 202032:24
A spotlight on electron microscopy, featuring Dr Giorgio Divitini
Nov 16, 202035:30
The next generation of solar cells, with Dr Elizabeth Tennyson
Oct 19, 202042:43
Understanding protein behaviour at the nanoscale, featuring Dr Jerelle Joseph
Oct 05, 202036:49
Exciting announcements and summer break (don't worry - we'll be back!)
Jul 14, 202010:32
Printing the future, with Tanyaradzwa Mangoma
Jun 29, 202027:36
Meet the graduate students behind the COVID-19 educational webapp, featuring Daniel Muthukrishna and Nick Taylor
Jun 15, 202031:36
Understanding the immune response to the SARS-CoV2 virus, featuring Dr Chinedu Ugwu

Understanding the immune response to the SARS-CoV2 virus, featuring Dr Chinedu Ugwu

This week we spoke to Dr Chiendu Ugwu, a lecturer and a research fellow at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Disease (ACEGID) at Redeemer's University in Ede, Nigeria (https://acegid.org/).  He has just been granted a Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund COVID-19 Emergency Award to study the immune correlates of protection to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Nigeria (SIP-NG). We speak to him about how he designed this new project, how the results will contribute to effective vaccine design, and how better and more sustainable frameworks for international collaboration are essential to making research and opportunities more accessible to all communities.

A transcription of this episode is available on our website: https://www.bluesci.co.uk/posts/podcast-023-chinedu

You can find out more about Dr Ugwu's current research project (SIP-NG) here: https://www.cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk/cambridge-africa-updates/sars-cov-2-immune-correlates-of-protection-in-nigeria-sip-ng/ And his work at Redeemer's University here: http://staff.run.edu.ng/process.php?active=myprofile&usrid=RUN%2FREG%2FSS%2FPF%2F843. To see other projects funded by the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund COVID-19 Emergency Award: https://www.cambridge-africa.cam.ac.uk/initiatives/emergency/.

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine, currently hosted by Ruby Coates and Simone Eizagirre and sponsored by Greiner Bio-One. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe! We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: podcast (at) bluesci (dot) co (dot) uk. You can also follow us on Twitter on @bluescipod.

Jun 01, 202024:04
Voyage to the Antarctic with Dr Anna Belcher
May 18, 202019:23
Sequencing the genome of SARS-CoV2, featuring Grant Hall
May 04, 202031:38
How can academic labs support the NHS with COVID-19 testing? featuring Professor Stephen Baker
Apr 20, 202028:52
How to run a virtual scientific conference, featuring Professor Andrea Armani

How to run a virtual scientific conference, featuring Professor Andrea Armani

This week we have a 2-part interview with Professor Andrea Armani! Prof Armani is Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Southern California.  She was co-chair of the Photonics Online Meetup, which was held in January 2020 and was one of the first fully-virtual online scientific conferences, with over 1000 attendees! In this second interview, she tells us how the idea originated, and how they managed to co-ordinate it, including a virtual poster session! We also reflect on what this experience teaches us about traditional conferences, and how the scientific community can foster more productive and more accessible interactions between researchers.

You can follow Prof Armani on Twitter on @ProfArmani and find out more about her work at www.armani.usc.edu.

Find out more about the upcoming edition of the Photonics Online Meetup, which will be held on June 25th 2020: https://sites.usc.edu/pom/
The team has also recently released a how-to guide to virtual conferences in Nature Review Materials: rdcu.be/b26qA

The link to the PhD workshop run by Prof Armani can be found here: https://armani.usc.edu/phd-workshop/

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine, currently hosted by Ruby Coates and Simone Eizagirre. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe! We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: bluescipodcast (at) gmail (dot) com.

Apr 17, 202032:51
The power of interdisciplinary science, featuring Professor Andrea Armani
Apr 06, 202017:38
The importance of effective science communication, featuring Sam Langford

The importance of effective science communication, featuring Sam Langford

This week our guest is Sam Langford, an award winning science communicator who currently works as Science Learning Coordinator at the Glasgow Science Centre, and coordinator of the first global virtual science show on Twitter! We chat to him about what makes for good science communication, the biggest hurdles we face when communicating science to wider society, and what this pandemic can teach us about how our society feels about science.

We also ask him about the global virtual science show he hosted on Twitter, which can be accessed via this link: https://twitter.com/scottishscicomm/status/1243463072028770304?s=20

Every morning at 10am BST, you can tune in to the Glasgow Science Centre's Science At Home show, which is streamed via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/gsc-at-home?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn And you can find all their previous episodes via the link too.

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine, currently hosted by Ruby Coates and Simone Eizagirre. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe! We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: bluescipodcast (at) gmail (dot) com.



Mar 30, 202034:34
Food poisoning pathogens and PhDs during pandemics, featuring Ruby Coates

Food poisoning pathogens and PhDs during pandemics, featuring Ruby Coates

Our first episode recorded in self-isolation, focusing on the research of one of our co-hosts, Ruby Coates! She is a molecular biologist and her PhD focuses on Campylobacter jejuni, a nasty but resilient stomach bug on the World Health Organisations' watchlist. We also discuss the challenges of working from home as a lab-based researcher, how the pandemic affects us all, and its impact on those undertaking PhDs. Stay at home and listen to some podcasts!

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine, currently hosted by Ruby Coates and Simone Eizagirre. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe! We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: bluescipodcast (at) gmail (dot) com.

Mar 24, 202023:11
Looking for parasites in ancient latrines, featuring Marissa Ledger

Looking for parasites in ancient latrines, featuring Marissa Ledger

In this week's episode, archaeology meets parasites! We speak to Marissa Ledger, a PhD student (now Dr!) in Biological Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, who tells us how identification of parasite eggs found in ancient latrines, cesspits and human remains can tell us what ancient civilisations ate, how they lived and where they travelled.

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine, currently hosted by Ruby Coates and Simone Eizagirre. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, why not subscribe? We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: bluescipodcast (at) gmail (dot) com.

Mar 09, 202029:12
International Women's Day Special: celebrating organisations that advocate for equality in STEM
Mar 08, 202001:19:14
Making university research labs more sustainable, featuring Martin Howes

Making university research labs more sustainable, featuring Martin Howes

Research at universities plays an important role in the development of new technology that can fight climate change, whether it's making better batteries, carbon capture systems, or cleaner fuels. But how sustainable are our laboratories? We chat to Martin Howes, coordinator of the Green Labs initiative at Cambridge University, about single-use plastic waste,  upcoming net zero targets, and how we can encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices in university laboratories and research institutes.

The BlueSci Podcast is run by the Cambridge University Science Magazine, currently hosted by Ruby Coates and Simone Eizagirre. Visit www.bluesci.co.uk to access our free magazine, and find out how to get involved. If you enjoyed this episode, why not subscribe? We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email: bluescipodcast (at) gmail (dot) com.

Feb 24, 202034:16
Behind the scenes of science journalism

Behind the scenes of science journalism

First episode of the second season, with new hosts Ruby Coates & Simone Eizagirre! Celebrating the launch of issue 47 of BlueSci, we invite issue editor Laia Sarratosa to walk us through the process of putting together a magazine. We talk about how to get started in science writing, the role that art can play in science communication, and the benefits of getting involved with science journalism as a student. We also catch up with writers Evan Wroe, Felix Opolka, and Hazel Walker about their experiences contributing to the magazine.

Find yourself a shiny free copy of the latest issue of Bluesci Magazine around the Cambridge University Campus or at www.bluesci.co.uk.


Feb 10, 202031:17
Cambridge Science Festival (Part 2)

Cambridge Science Festival (Part 2)

SECOND BONUS POD! 

The Cambridge Science Festival 2019 is in full swing! Roxy & Emma talk to Hugh Matthews from the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience about his upcoming talk on how to trick the visual system, and his views on the importance of public engagement with younger audiences. Emma also catches up with Emily Fisk from the Cambridge Science Centre to hear about special activities the Centre is putting on during the Festival! 


For more festival details, visit https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/

Mar 15, 201915:53
Cambridge Science Festival (Part 1)

Cambridge Science Festival (Part 1)

BONUS POD! 

To celebrate the Cambridge Science Festival 2019, Emma has a quick chat with Ellen Nisbet and Liz Miller, two speakers at this year's festival, to hear about their upcoming talks, what other events they are looking forward to and why they think it is important to take part in science public engagement. 


For more festival details, visit https://www.sciencefestival.cam.ac.uk/

Mar 11, 201913:57
Alice Pullen & Delphine Larrieu

Alice Pullen & Delphine Larrieu

Seán is back! He and Emma talk to Alice Pullen from the British Antarctic Survey and Dr Delphine Larrieu, who works as a Group Leader in the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR). They also talk about bees doing maths and Emma makes Seán solve equations.

Feb 28, 201945:47
Merixtell Huch & Khayam Javed

Merixtell Huch & Khayam Javed

For the first show of 2019, Emma and new host Swastika bring you two interviews with scientists from the Gurdon Institute. Emma talks to group leader Dr Merixtell Huch, about her work on liver and pancreas progenitor cells. Swasti chats with Khayam Javed, a PhD student in Sir John Gurdon's lab, about his research on cell fate determination in frog embryos and what it is like to study with a Nobel Laureate. They also discuss mosquito dissections and antimalarial drugs!

Jan 07, 201952:46
Berta Verd & Emily Fisk

Berta Verd & Emily Fisk

Emma and new pod host Eva talk to Berta Verd, a postdoctoral researcher from the Department of Genetics and Emily Fisk, who joined the Cambridge Science Centre as a science communicator after a PhD in microbiology. They also chat about a new artificial intelligence technology and its applications for cancer diagnosis.
Sep 24, 201837:25
Richard McKay & Christina Gladkova

Richard McKay & Christina Gladkova

Seán and Emma (well, mostly Seán) talk to Richard McKay from the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge about his book: "Patient Zero and the Making of the AIDS Epidemic". They also have a quick chat with PhD student Christina Gladkova about her paper on the structure of active PARKIN and its implications for understanding early-onset Parkinson's disease.
Aug 17, 201837:48
Juan Garaycoechea & Victoria Honour

Juan Garaycoechea & Victoria Honour

Seán and Emma talk to Juan Garaycoechea from the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology about his work on DNA damage and petrologist Victoria Honour from the Department of Earth Sciences at Cambridge University. They also discuss the curious incident of vanished North American dogs.
Jul 27, 201841:59
Ian Ostericher (part. 2) & Dan Jones

Ian Ostericher (part. 2) & Dan Jones

Seán and Emma talk to Dan Jones, host of the "Climate Scientists" podcast and physical oceanographer at the British Antarctic Survey, and bring you the second part of Ian Ostericher's interview about his PhD work in northern Mongolia. They also discuss methane emission feedback loops in freshwater lakes and whether they could have beaten an elite marathon runner aged 10.
May 20, 201840:45
Ian Ostericher & Fran Day

Ian Ostericher & Fran Day

Seán and Emma talk to archaeology PhD student Ian Ostericher and theoretical particle physicist / science comedian Fran Day. They also discuss Stone Age surgeon training on cows.
May 06, 201840:51
Elizabeth Murchison & Alison Banwell

Elizabeth Murchison & Alison Banwell

Seán and Emma chat with Liz Murchison from the Cambridge Vet School about her work on transmissible cancers, and to Alison Banwell, a glacier and climate scientist at the Scott Polar Research Institute. They also discuss pupil size and learning!
Mar 26, 201838:10
Tim Gregory & Lucinda Spokes

Tim Gregory & Lucinda Spokes

Seán and Emma talk to PhD student Tim Gregory, a finalist on the BBC's "Do you have what it takes?" programme and Dr. Lucinda Spokes about this year's Cambridge Science Festival. They also discuss tattooed mice and underground tunnels in Greenland.
Mar 11, 201830:12