On July 20th, 1969, Luke O’Neill was 5 years of age. He remembers vividly watching Neil Armstrong and Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin Jr landing  on the Moon, and that inspired him to become a scientist.

He filled up his copy books, after watching the landing, with rocket ships.

There is a lot to talk about surrounding this mission:

• What was the immunology research conducted?

• How are astronauts affected by space radiation exposure?

• What are the health risks?

Find out on this weeks podcast!

So, on this week's episode, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at four benefits you can get from music!

What are the main reasons why we snack? Why do we like a crunchy snack? And what is 'food noise'?

On this episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill explains why this has happened, and what the two types of meningitis are...

Luke explores the incredible medical journey behind this milestone. The 10-hour womb transplant took place at The Churchill Hospital in Oxford in June 2024, followed by IVF treatment at The Lister Fertility Clinic in London. Consultant gynaecologist Professor Richard Smith, who has researched womb transplantation for over 25 years and was present at Hugo’s birth, was even honoured in Hugo’s full name. 

Beyond the headline-grabbing story, Luke takes listeners through the broader science of organ transplantation. He explains how immunosuppressant drugs revolutionised transplant success, looks at cutting-edge frontiers like 3D-printed organs and the potential use of animal organs, and considers the ongoing challenge of organ shortages. He also touches on Ireland’s organ waiting list, especially for kidneys, and the recent updates to donor rules. 

Could there have been two Patricks, Patricius and Palladius? Luke unpacks this theory and shares its surprising connection to the early days of Ireland’s Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. 

He also tackles the myth of Patrick banishing snakes, explaining how the last Ice Age shaped Ireland’s landscape and wildlife. And he examines the shamrock, used by Patrick to illustrate the Holy Trinity, and its medicinal properties, from easing menopausal symptoms and asthma to treating wounds and fevers. 

It’s history, myth, and biology all rolled into one festive podcast.

In this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O'Neill takes us from the ski jump ramp to the veg aisle, via one of the strangest alleged performance hacks of the recent Winter Olympics. 

First stop: hyaluronic acid. A substance your body already makes, found in skin and connective tissue, famous for its ability to hold vast amounts of water. That’s why it appears in skin creams, dermal fillers, and treatments for sore joints — it hydrates, cushions, and plumps. 

Reports suggested some ski jumpers injected it weeks before competition to temporarily enlarge their genitals while being fitted for tightly regulated suits. If the swelling subsided by competition time, the slightly looser fabric could improve aerodynamics. In a sport decided by metres, even tiny changes in airflow can translate into significant gains. That raises an awkward question: if it enhances performance without acting like a traditional drug, does it still count as doping? 

Then there’s broccoli. Many athletes were reportedly using concentrated broccoli juice supplements. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables contain isothiocyanates, compounds linked to anti-inflammatory effects. In high-impact, repetitive sports, reducing inflammation may aid recovery between events. 

There’s early research exploring whether these molecules could help in conditions like ulcerative colitis and multiple sclerosis. But while broccoli is unquestionably nutritious, robust clinical evidence for performance-boosting concentrated extracts is limited. A single shot can equal several large heads of broccoli — and tastes predictably grim. 

Winter sports may look like poetry in motion. Underneath, it’s chemistry in motion. And sometimes, it’s broccoli. 

In the early 1900s, pathologists examining people who died from heart attacks found arteries lined with cholesterol-rich plaques, complete with visible crystals. By the 1950s and 60s, research confirmed that high cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for heart disease. When plaques build up, they trigger inflammation and clotting, potentially cutting off blood supply to the heart. 

Cholesterol doesn’t travel freely in the bloodstream — it’s packaged into tiny particles called lipoproteins. These act like delivery vehicles, carrying cholesterol around the body. Drugs such as statins reduce cholesterol production and improve its clearance, saving millions of lives. Exercise, diet, and blood pressure control are also critical, especially since high blood pressure and high cholesterol together significantly increase risk. 

But there’s more to the story. Around one in 250 people have inherited conditions that leave them with very high cholesterol levels. And as listener Tara asked in her email to the podcast, what about Lipoprotein little a — or Lp(a)? 

Lp(a) is a specialised lipoprotein that can increase inflammation and clot formation. Elevated levels are linked to a greater risk of heart attack — even if your standard cholesterol numbers look normal. That means measuring total cholesterol alone may not tell the full story. 

On this week’s podcast Professor Luke O’Neill explores why cholesterol is essential, how it becomes dangerous, and why particles like Lp(a) could be key to identifying hidden heart risk. 

Have a science question you’d like answered? Email laoneill@tcd.ie and it might feature in a future episode. 

The podcast explores how sweat is made by specialized eccrine glands, originating from plasma in our blood, and why humans are among the sweatiest animals on the planet. Luke explains how the average adult can produce up to four litres a day, and why staying hydrated is crucial. 

But there’s more: stress, exercise, and climate all change how and why we sweat. Sweat itself is odorless, but bacteria, lactic acid, and urea can create the smells we associate with adolescence, gyms, and armpits. And surprisingly, sweat contains proteins that fight bacteria, hinting at a role in our body’s natural defence. 

Could sweat one day be a diagnostic tool for disease? Why do identical twins sweat the same amount? And could it even act as a pheromone signal? Professor O’Neill explains all this and more, in a conversation sparked by a listener question from Siún. 

If you want to ask Luke your own science question, email him at: 

📧 laoneill@tcd.ie 

In this week's podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill explores how weather forecasting works, and why floods remain one of the hardest things to predict. Luke isn’t a meteorologist — although he did briefly consider it in college — but too much physics put him off. Still, he’s an ideal guide to the basics because the weather is really about a few core ideas behaving badly. 

At its heart, forecasting comes down to temperature, air pressure, humidity, sunlight, and the way air flows like a fluid. Air moves from high to low pressure, dragging wind and weather systems with it. Add water vapour into the mix and things get interesting very quickly. 

People have been trying to predict the weather for hundreds of years, using almanacs, folklore, and observation. It was never perfect, but it mattered hugely to farmers and sailors. Rain, in particular, remains tricky. Moist air rises, cools and condenses into clouds — but rain doesn’t just appear. It needs tiny particles like dust, sea salt, or pollen to form droplets, and those microscopic details are hard to pin down. 

Today’s forecasts rely on satellites, radar, weather balloons, and ground stations, all feeding data into powerful computer models. Those models keep improving, and artificial intelligence is now helping to sharpen predictions. 

Flooding is even more complicated. It’s not just about how much rain falls, but how fast it falls, how long it lasts, and where it lands. Soil type, vegetation, evaporation, and urban concrete all matter. Forests and wetlands act like sponges, while cities can make flooding worse — something Ireland knows well after decades of building on flood plains. 

Some countries lead the world in flood modelling, but nowhere reliably predicts flash floods. Luke argues that weather is a brilliant way to teach science, and that we already know how to reduce flood risk. The challenge now is acting on that knowledge and getting on with it. 

Luke explains how the body powers long-distance running by converting energy rather than creating it, moving between carbohydrates and fats to keep muscles firing. ATP — the energy currency of life — sits at the heart of the process, with phosphocreatine, glycolysis and oxygen all playing starring roles. When carbohydrate stores finally run dry, runners hit the infamous “wall”, a moment when the body is forced to switch fuel sources, and everything suddenly feels much harder. 

The podcast also looks at how training physically reshapes marathon runners over time: denser networks of capillaries in muscles, powerful hearts with remarkably low resting heart rates, and lungs capable of shifting huge volumes of oxygen. Luke explores why elite runners can seemingly run a marathon at will. 

There’s science behind the mental side too. Endorphins and the so-called “runners high” can lift mood for days, while visualisation plays a key role in endurance. Luke even dips into the Guinness Book of World Records to uncover astonishing marathon facts, including runners in their 90s and some jaw-dropping physiological extremes. 

Along the way, Luke admits he’s never run a marathon himself — but from a biochemist’s point of view, few sports are more revealing of how the human body really works. 

You can suggest future topics by emailing Luke at laoneill@tcd.ie. 

We dive into curcumin, turmeric’s active ingredient, and learn how it fights inflammation, works as an antioxidant, and even interacts with our gut bacteria to become more potent. Luke separates the science from the hype, highlights the evidence for conditions like ulcerative colitis, and explains why taking turmeric might help – as long as it’s not replacing your prescribed medication. 

Along the way, we uncover fascinating trivia: the plant’s own sunscreen, why it stains everything yellow, and how it became a sacred dye for Buddhist and Hindu robes. Whether you love it in your curry or in your supplement cabinet, this episode shows why turmeric has earned its golden reputation. 

Requested by listener Eben Stewart ahead of World Lewy Body Dementia Day on January 28th, the episode looks at what causes LBD, how it differs from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and why so many people are living with it without a diagnosis. Around 10,000 people in Ireland are believed to have Lewy Body Dementia, yet only a fraction are formally on the register — a gap that has real consequences for care, treatment, and awareness. 

Luke explains how abnormal protein clumps, known as Lewy bodies, build up in nerve cells and trigger inflammation and neurodegeneration. LBD affects both cortical and sub-cortical regions of the brain. That helps explain why early symptoms are often cognitive rather than physical — confusion, memory problems, difficulty with decision-making, and, in many cases, vivid visual hallucinations and delusions. 

As the condition progresses, Parkinson’s-like symptoms such as tremor and rigidity usually emerge too. Treatment is complex and requires care, with some anti-psychotic medications risking a worsening of symptoms, while drugs like L-Dopa can help manage movement issues. Luke also talks about ongoing research, including work happening in his own lab on potential new treatments now in clinical trials. 

The episode also touches on why Lewy Body Dementia is more common in men, why it typically appears after the age of 50, and the role family history can play. And it reflects on the stories of well-known figures who lived with Parkinson’s and LBD, including Robin Williams, Glen Campbell and Michael J Fox, whose experiences helped shine a light on just how challenging — and misunderstood — LBD can be. 

Trinity College Dublin will host a Lewy Body Dementia awareness event on January 28th in Unit 18 on the Pearse Street campus from 12pm, as part of efforts to improve understanding and recognition of the condition. 

This week's podcast takes on a listener-requested topic: the science of taste and flavour. Professor Luke O’Neill explains why taste is far more complex than the tongue alone, with up to 80% of flavour driven by smell and only around 20% by taste itself. He walks through the five core tastes — sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami — and explains how specialised receptors in the tongue, nose, throat and even the stomach detect chemicals in food. These discoveries were so fundamental they led to Nobel Prizes. 

The episode also explores how nerves shape flavour: why chilli feels hot, mint feels cool, and fizzy drinks tingle. Texture matters too. Creaminess, crispiness, and mouthfeel all shape how food is experienced. Vision and psychology play their part as well, from expectation bias to the power of nostalgia, famously captured by Proust’s madeleine. 

Genetics turn out to be crucial. Some people find coriander tastes like soap; others find it fresh and citrusy. Some recoil from sprouts, broccoli, chilli or umami-rich foods, while others seek them out. Finally, Luke looks at how chefs have been quietly mastering this science for centuries, using fat to enhance flavour, stacking umami to build intensity, and manipulating texture and aroma to transform how food tastes. 

This episode was prompted by listener requests from Stephen and Eoin. If there’s a science topic you’d like Luke to tackle next, you can email laoneill@tcd.ie. 

Professor Luke O’Neill explains why flu thrives in winter, spreading easily indoors where ventilation is poor. He outlines the classic flu symptoms — high temperature, severe fatigue, aches and pains, cough and runny nose — and why this strain is leaving many people bedridden for days rather than just mildly unwell. Flu is currently a bigger problem than Covid — widespread immunity has made Covid more benign, while influenza continues to evolve, throwing up new variants every winter. 

The episode looks at who needs to be especially careful, and why flu season is such a concern for hospitals, with emergency departments under pressure and trolley numbers rising. Luke also discusses why this year’s vaccine has been less well matched than usual, after the virus mutated on its way from the southern to the northern hemisphere — and why it still matters. 

And if flu symptoms do strike, Luke’s advice is simple: rest, stay hydrated, manage fever and pain, and don’t panic. 

On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill digs into what research really tells us about New Year resolutions — why we make them, why so many fail, and how we can dramatically improve our chances of sticking with them. 

Luke explains why the pandemic triggered a surge in resolution-making, how the brain responds to fresh starts, and why January gym memberships soar even as long-term attendance collapses. He also shares evidence-based strategies that actually work, from setting specific and measurable goals to harnessing social support, using apps, and learning new skills that boost brain health as well as motivation. 

This isn’t about willpower or guilt. It’s about understanding how humans change — slowly, imperfectly, and with the right conditions. If you’re setting intentions for the year ahead, this is the science you want on your side. 

You can email Luke with questions or suggestions for future episodes at laoneill@tcd.ie. 

Kissing isn’t new. In fact, our primate ancestors may have been at it 21 million years ago. Humans, chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans all kiss, and the trail of evolution suggests the ancient snog goes back to a shared forebear long before Christmas was invented. 

So why do we do it? Luke’s answer brings joy to his immunologist’s heart: kissing is fundamentally about the immune system. It’s bonding, soothing, socially rewarding… but it’s also a biological exchange of information. When we kiss, we taste another person’s immune profile through their saliva. We’re wired to choose partners whose immune systems are similar enough to blend but different enough to give our potential offspring an advantage — the Goldilocks zone of mate selection. 

Kissing is also bound up in how humans live. We’re pack animals; our wellbeing depends on social closeness. For parents, early kissing and mouth-to-mouth feeding once helped babies survive. For adults, it floods the brain with oxytocin — the same hormone released during breastfeeding — building trust, comfort and connection. 

And yes, kissing is… messy. Saliva production surges to dissolve bacteria. Mouth microbes are swapped. Germs hitch a lift. Glandular fever is the classic “kissing disease,” especially among teenagers, and herpes simplex moves easily through saliva. The upside? Some research shows kissing can reduce allergic reactions — including a study where hives became less severe after a 30-minute smooch. 

The benefits stack up: reduced stress, better bonding, endorphin release, raised heart rate, improved mood, and even potential perks for your complexion. A deep kiss works 24 facial muscles, stimulates circulation and boosts collagen. Science says the Christmas kiss might be good for your skin as well as your soul. 

Hangovers are ancient — literally. Chimps get tipsy on fermented fruit, so our ancestors were drinking alcohol millions of years before the first Christmas party. Humans began brewing around 10,000 years ago… and the first hangover probably arrived right on cue. 

Luke breaks down why hangovers feel so grim: the acetaldehyde formed when alcohol is broken down in the liver; the dehydration caused by alcohol acting as a diuretic; and the rebound in neurotransmitters like glutamate that may fuel “the fear”, the “living horrors”, and that uneasy post-session anxiety listeners know too well. 

He runs through the classic symptoms — headache, fatigue, nausea, tremors, dizziness, sweating, irritability and a heart that seems to have joined a drum circle — and explains why some drinks make it all worse. Darker alcohols carry extra chemicals like tannins and methanol that crank up the misery, while clearer spirits tend to be less punishing. 

Luke also notes a surprising trend: alcohol consumption in Western countries has fallen by a third since 2001, while alcohol-free beer is booming. Even French vineyards are pulling up vines because people are drinking less wine. Maybe we’re finally copping on — and our livers are grateful. 

And of course, we get to the good stuff: how to avoid a hangover, and how to treat one. Hydrate between drinks, rotate in 0.0% options, eat beforehand, skip the full Irish, take B-vitamins or clove-based remedies if they help you, steer clear of paracetamol, and leave “the hair of the dog” to folklore. Sugar helps, rest definitely helps, and moderation helps most of all. 

Luke’s holiday message? Enjoy yourself — but pace yourself. Your future self will thank you when the sun rises on December 26th. 

Here’s the remarkable thing: 1 in 83 Irish people have haemochromatosis. Globally, it’s closer to 1 in 10,000. Why are we so unusually affected? Luke explores the Founder Effect, seen in remote and island populations, where one ancient genetic mutation spreads widely over generations. Some researchers even wonder if it goes back to a single ancestor in early medieval Ireland… perhaps as far as Niall of the Nine Hostages in the 4th century. 

The science is striking. Haemochromatosis is caused by mutations in the HFE gene, which tell the body to absorb far too much iron from food. Instead of being flushed out, the excess iron lodges in tissue and organs, and in severe cases can damage the liver, pancreas, heart and joints. Luke explains why the iron in our blood reddens when exposed to oxygen — essentially a biological version of rust — and how that same chemistry becomes dangerous when iron builds up inside the body. 

Symptoms often creep in slowly: persistent fatigue, joint pain (especially in the hands), abdominal discomfort, and in more advanced cases, sallow or bronzed skin, an enlarged liver, and a higher risk of diabetes. People with haemochromatosis are also more vulnerable to infections such as listeria and hepatitis because iron can fuel bacterial growth — something pathogens love. 

Treatment, however, is wonderfully simple and astonishingly old-school: you remove blood. Phlebotomy — supervised blood withdrawal — lowers iron levels safely and effectively. Women often experience milder symptoms before menopause because regular blood loss naturally curbs iron accumulation. There are also medications that help reduce iron levels when needed, and lifestyle tweaks matter too: avoid iron supplements, and keep alcohol intake modest, because alcohol increases iron storage. 

Luke also explores a fascinating evolutionary angle: in times of famine or scarcity, people genetically predisposed to absorb more iron may have been better equipped to survive. That survival advantage could explain why the mutation became so common in Ireland and neighbouring regions — another classic Founder Effect story. 

It’s a condition that’s easy to diagnose, highly treatable, and crucial to catch early — and now, thanks to Kayden and Kari, you’ll understand the science behind it. 

Email Luke anytime with your own ideas for future episodes at laoneill@tcd.ie — your question might inspire the next podcast. 

A major new study in Nature Medicine may shift that. It tracked more than a thousand patients and found that people who’d had the Covid-19 vaccine responded twice as well to immunotherapy. Lung cancer patients lived an average 18 months longer; melanoma patients 14 months. 

Why would a Covid vaccine help? The RNA technology gives the immune system a jolt, boosting interferons — the proteins Luke’s lab studies — which “wake up” tumours that normally hide. Immunotherapy works best on “hot” tumours; the vaccine helps turn “cold” ones hot. 

Luke explains how checkpoint inhibitors remove the brakes from immune cells, dramatically extending life for some patients, though 70% still don’t benefit. Push the immune system too far and it risks attacking healthy tissue, so reaching even 50% response rates would be a huge win. 

Luke also recalls how science turned HIV from a death sentence into something people can live with for decades — a reminder of what long-term research can achieve. Which is why he’s dismayed that the US has cut almost half a billion dollars from RNA-vaccine research. Especially when RNA vaccines for malaria and TB are now in development. 

Immunotherapy isn’t a cure yet — but the science is heating up fast. 

Luke revisits the extraordinary discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012 — the so-called “God particle” that explains why anything in the universe has mass in the first place. He shares the joyful chaos of that summer, including the fact that the announcement itself was made in Dublin at a conference he chaired, months before Peter Higgs shared the Nobel Prize for the theory he first proposed back in the 1960s. And in classic Luke fashion, he uses a couple of gloriously groan-inducing Higgs jokes to explain what the particle actually does. 

There’s plenty of Irish flavour threaded through the science too. The very word “quark” comes from Joyce’s Finnegans Wake. The first particle accelerator ever built was constructed by Irish Nobel laureate Ernest Walton, and that original device now sits in the lobby of CERN like a relic from the dawn of the scientific universe. And Luke even finds time to salute Nick Cave, whose song about the Large Hadron Collider he reckons might be the greatest science song ever written. 

With 23 member states, 17,000 scientists on site, €4.6 billion spent on building the LHC, and €1.2 billion each year to keep it running, CERN is a cathedral to curiosity — powered by collaborations, cold atoms, and a lot of superconducting metal. As Luke explains, the collider is now undergoing enormous upgrades that will push particle physics even further into the unknown, from micro black holes to new forces of nature. 

It’s a reminder that when you smash particles together at nearly the speed of light, the universe doesn’t just give up its secrets… it gives up entirely new questions. 

For topic suggestions or comments, email Luke at laoneill@tcd.ie. 

First identified about fifty years ago in northern Europe, SAD affects around one in every hundred people severely, and up to one in five to a milder degree. Women are three times more likely to experience it than men. Geography plays a big part too: roughly 1% of people in Florida report symptoms, compared to 10% in Alaska. Around 7% of people here in Ireland can be badly affected each winter. 

Luke explains that it all comes back to our circadian rhythms — the body’s internal clock that runs on a 24-hour cycle. In low light, this rhythm can drift off course, affecting hormones like melatonin (which regulates sleep) and serotonin (which affects mood). 

The good news? Light therapy works. Recent studies show that 30 minutes a day in front of a light source of 10,000 lux can help reset your body clock and ease symptoms. For comparison, moonlight gives off just 1 lux, normal indoor lighting about 300, while a bright winter’s day can reach 20,000. So, step outside when you can — daylight is the best medicine. 

The Mayo Clinic also recommends using a lightbox for about 20 minutes within an hour of waking during the darker months. SSRIs, the antidepressants that boost serotonin, can also provide relief. 

Scientists even suggest SAD could have evolutionary roots, a leftover human tendency to “hibernate” through the bleakest months by conserving energy, withdrawing socially, and staying indoors. 

Luke ends on an optimistic note: winter may mess with our body clocks, but it doesn’t last forever — the light always comes back. 

✨ This episode was suggested by listener John O’Reilly. 

💡 Got a question or topic for Luke? Email him at 📩 laoneill@tcd.ie 

It’s one of the most common bacterial infections there is, affecting about one in every 500 people each year. The skin turns red, swollen, and sore, and you might even feel flu-ish as your immune system fights back. Left untreated, it can spiral into sepsis, making early diagnosis vital. 

Listener Joanie suggested this week’s theme, and you can do the same by emailing Luke at laoneill@tcd.ie. As Luke explains, cellulitis happens when bacteria slip through tiny breaks in the skin — a scratch, a cut, even an insect bite — and start multiplying. He suspects that’s how he picked it up himself earlier this year. 

Rates of cellulitis are on the rise, with hospitals seeing more admissions, especially in settings where people live in close quarters: nursing homes, homeless shelters, and college dorms. Obesity and antibiotic resistance may also be fuelling the increase. 

Treatment is straightforward (antibiotics usually clear it up) but prevention is even better. Keeping skin clean and moisturised, and treating any breaks promptly, can stop it taking hold. 

And it’s not just humans. Cats, dogs and even horses can suffer from cellulitis, with vets watching closely for swelling and lameness. In fact, that old-fashioned poultice once used to “draw out” infection still has its place — at least in the stable. 

From microbes to moisturiser, Luke explores how our skin keeps the world out. And what happens when it can’t. 

It’s not about ghosts and ghouls, Luke explains, but about remembering ancestors, lighting bonfires, and wearing masks to mark the turning of the seasons. Around those fires, people bonded, built resilience, and reaffirmed community — something modern psychology still recognises as vital in times of darkness and uncertainty. 

Luke explores the science of fear: how the body reacts when startled, from adrenaline spikes to endorphin release, and why a good fright, once we recover from it, can actually make us stronger. Researchers have even measured these effects in saliva! But don’t expect Luke to be queueing up for a horror marathon — he admits he doesn’t get the same thrill others do from being scared senseless. 

There’s also a scientific story behind our favourite monsters. The myths of vampires and werewolves, Luke reveals, may have stemmed from a rare inherited condition called porphyria, which causes sensitivity to light, red-stained teeth, and even hair growth and behavioural changes — symptoms that once seemed supernatural. And diseases like plague or tuberculosis, which sometimes left victims appearing to rise from the dead, helped fuel the legend of the undead. 

From Bram Stoker’s Dracula — possibly inspired by both the actor Henry Irving and the medical realities of syphilis — to the theory that “Dracula” could derive from the Irish “droch fhola,” or “bad blood,” Luke connects folklore, medicine, and etymology in classic Show Me The Science style. 

And there’s even a royal twist: King George III famously suffered from porphyria, and through royal intermarriage, the disease spread across Europe’s bloodlines — adding a touch of genetic truth to the vampire myth. 

This special Hallowe’en edition was produced in collaboration with the Music Technology course at South East Technological University. The haunting original music was composed and recorded by Billy Doran. 

Luke takes us through the Nobel Prize-winning discoveries of Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi, who cracked the secrets of immune tolerance. Back in 1995, Sakaguchi discovered these remarkable regulatory T cells, proving that the immune system is far more sophisticated than previously thought. Brunkow and Ramsdell uncovered the critical role of the Foxp3 gene in autoimmune diseases, and Sakaguchi later linked the Foxp3 gene to the development of these life-saving cells. Luke even shares insights from a recent encounter with Sakaguchi himself! 

If you’ve ever been curious about how the body avoids attacking itself, or how groundbreaking immunology research leads to real-world insights, this episode is your backstage pass to the science of regulatory T cells. 

Got questions, ideas, or thoughts for Luke? Email him directly at laoneill@tcd.ie 

In this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill looks at the science and the ethics behind this radical sporting experiment. 

The Games’ creator, Aron d’Souza, says he wants to celebrate human potential without the limits imposed by anti-doping rules. Backed by investors such as Peter Thiel and Donald Trump Jr, the Enhanced Games are due to take place in Las Vegas in May 2026, offering up to a million dollars for breaking a world record. 

Luke dives into the biology behind enhancement. He explains how testosterone builds muscle mass, how growth hormone boosts recovery, and how EPO (erythropoietin) increases red-blood-cell production and endurance. These substances can deliver extraordinary results, but they also carry dangerous side effects: heart damage, infertility, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney failure, and even seizures. 

Beyond drugs, the Games will also allow prosthetic limbs and high-tech running shoes, pushing the boundary between sport and science fiction. Critics, including the IOC and US Anti-Doping Agency, say it will destroy fair play. D’Souza insists athletes will be medically supervised and screened for safety. 

Luke asks what this says about the times we live in — an “age of enhancement” where medicine, tech and ambition blur together. From longevity clinics to performance labs, we’re already chasing upgrades to our own biology. 

It might sound like The Hunger Games, but it’s very real — and it’s coming soon. 

From the five distinct dialects of Ireland to the 30-plus versions of English spoken worldwide, this week’s podcast looks at why we sound the way we do – and why accents change over time. He explains how Elizabethan English is still alive in pockets of North America, why Irish “borrow words” like galore, slew, baloney and hooligan have shaped English, and how the Beatles made regional accents cool in the 1960s. 

There’s science, history, and plenty of fun in this trip through the way we speak – with Luke revealing his two favourite English accents (spoiler: think West Country warmth and Southern US drawl). And yes, he’s very happy that the Irish accent now ranks among the coolest in the world. 

Got an accent story of your own, or an idea for a future episode? Drop Luke an email at laoneill@tcd.ie. 

On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating history and biology of these tiny viral predators, from the Soviet labs of the Cold War to today’s cutting-edge clinical trials. He explains how phages can target deadly bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, why their extreme specificity is both a blessing and a challenge, and how scientists are now combining phages with antibiotics to create new treatments. With fresh lab techniques making it easier to grow and manipulate phages, the field is buzzing with new potential. 

Expect alien-looking viruses, a dash of Cold War intrigue, and real hope for tackling infections that antibiotics can no longer beat. 

Got a topic you’d like Luke to cover? Email your ideas to laoneill@tcd.ie. 

This week, Luke O’Neill dives into what these extinction events can teach us - from the ancient Ordovician seas that suddenly emptied, to the Triassic era where one wave of destruction cleared the stage for the dinosaurs, and the dramatic end of the Cretaceous, when an asteroid put an end to their reign. The most catastrophic of all came at the end of the Permian, nicknamed “the Great Dying,” when nearly everything living was snuffed out. 

What’s extraordinary is the sheer gulf of time between these cataclysms. Tens of millions – even hundreds of millions – of years separated one mass extinction from the next. To put it in perspective, the gap between the end-Triassic and the asteroid strike that finished the dinosaurs is longer than the time between that asteroid strike and today. These are planetary rhythms on a timescale that makes human history look like the blink of an eye. 

But here’s the uncomfortable twist: many scientists now argue that we’re in the early stages of a sixth great extinction. And for the first time, it wouldn’t be volcanoes or asteroids doing the damage – it would be us. Human activity, from climate change to habitat destruction, is putting pressure on life everywhere. 

So what does history tell us? That life will recover. But whether we will be part of that story depends on what we do next. Luke explores how science is helping us understand extinction not as an abstract tragedy, but as a warning sign – and why the choices humans make in the coming decades matter more than ever. 

Send your feedback or ideas for future episodes to Luke at laoneill@tcd.ie. 

Luke explores how this “passive immunisation” works – from the placenta before birth to breast milk afterwards – and why it’s so powerful in protecting babies against infections, hospitalisations and even long-term risks like obesity and diabetes. He also looks at the benefits for mothers, including protection against breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Along the way we learn why Ireland still struggles with low rates of breastfeeding, how more support for new mothers could ease pressure on the health system, and why vaccinating during pregnancy is such a vital public health tool. Luke highlights new research on the RSV vaccine, which shows up to 80% protection for babies when mothers are immunised, and pays tribute to Dublin-born scientist Francis Bramble, who first uncovered the secrets of mother-to-baby immunity back in the 1930s. With a wink, Luke suggests it might be time to “Make Bramble Great Again.”

This episode is a reminder that breast milk isn’t just food – it’s medicine, protection, and an immune system tutor all rolled into one.

Send your feedback or ideas for future episodes to Luke at laoneill@tcd.ie.

Luke also breaks down how Type-1 Diabetes isn’t purely genetic, exploring the role of psychological stress alongside hereditary factors. He takes listeners through the latest treatments, from insulin therapy and lifestyle adjustments to cutting-edge innovations like insulin pumps and artificial pancreases.

The discussion moves into the exciting frontiers of research, including stem cell treatments targeting the pancreas, and Luke’s optimism that breakthroughs in Type-1 Diabetes could pave the way for tackling other autoimmune conditions. For anyone living with or curious about the disease, Luke’s insight offers both clarity and hope.

Listeners can request future topics by emailing laoneill@tcd.ie.

With a major speech coming up — delivering the honorary doctorate address at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland — Luke breaks down everything from crafting a strong opening and telling stories that emotionally connect, to structuring your talk so the audience follows every point. He stresses clarity and simplicity, authenticity over imitation, and the importance of ending on a note that inspires action. You can’t fake charisma, Luke warns, but you can sound inspired by yourself. And yes, he insists ChatGPT should stay out of your speech-writing. 

Along the way, Luke highlights the viral speech by American author Brad Meltzer, showing how structure, storytelling, and authenticity can make a short talk unforgettable. For anyone looking to improve public speaking skills, learn how to engage an audience, or simply survive the nerve-wracking moments of standing in front of a crowd, this podcast is packed with practical, scientifically-informed advice delivered with Luke’s trademark humour. 

Watch the Brad Meltzer speech that inspired Luke here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSO_t39lszo 

Got a quirky science topic you want Luke to tackle next? Send your suggestions to laoneill@tcd.ie — your idea could be featured in a future episode. 

But the science is finally moving forward. Two landmark studies have now given researchers their best clues yet into what drives ME/CFS, and how we might one day diagnose and treat it. 

Professor Luke O’Neill unpacks the breakthroughs. The largest-ever genetic study of ME, involving 27,000 patients, has identified eight genetic markers, many linked to immune response and pain. One possibility: in some people, a viral infection flips the immune system into permanent overdrive, leaving the body acting as if it’s still fighting off a virus long after recovery. 

Another study drilled down into blood markers, immune responses and gut bacteria, feeding the data through an AI algorithm. With 90% accuracy, it could tell who had ME and who didn’t. It’s complex, expensive science, but it shows why so many patients also report IBS and gut disturbances, and why AI may hold the key to future diagnostics. 

Luke explains why the condition is more common in women, why drug treatments may be more realistic than vaccines, and why he’s optimistic this research will lead to better therapies. For the 20,000 people in Ireland — and 70 million worldwide — living with ME/CFS, it’s a hopeful sign that science is finally catching up. 

And if you’re living with CFS, Luke advises talking to your GP about medication, referral options and lifestyle strategies that can help manage symptoms in the meantime. 

Got a burning science question you’d like Luke to tackle in a future episode? Drop him a line at laoneill@tcd.ie — he’d love to hear your ideas. 

We start with the basics: stem cells are the body’s precursors, the young all-rounders that can grow into brain neurons, cartilage-makers, or insulin-producing pancreatic cells. In theory, they can be coaxed into replacing damaged tissue—making them, as Luke puts it, a sort of “living drug.” 

The story begins with leukemia treatment, where donor bone marrow can regrow an entire immune system, sometimes with cure rates of up to 90%. We also meet “bubble baby disease” (SCID), where stem cells can give a child the immune system they never had. From fertilised eggs (the ultimate stem cell) to Nobel prize-winning frog cloning, Luke traces the remarkable science that shows every cell in your body carries the full blueprint for making you. 

He explains the controversies over embryonic stem cell research, the promise of adult-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and the exciting rise of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) which are adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic ones. No FDA-approved stem-cell therapies for major diseases just yet, but Parkinson’s trials are showing some glimmers of hope. 

For osteoarthritis, Luke’s verdict is: stem cells “might help a bit,” but the science isn’t slam-dunk yet, especially when you’re injecting cells into a joint that never stops moving. Other targets, like heart and lung disease, may turn out to be better bets. 

The market for stem-cell therapies could hit a billion dollars by 2031, so expect plenty of hype and, hopefully, plenty of progress. In the meantime, we’ve got real breakthroughs, fascinating biology, and Luke’s usual mix of optimism and caution. 

Got a topic you’d like Luke to tackle? Email laoneill@tcd.ie and your idea might make it onto the show. 

At the heart of this week’s discussion is Adam, a pioneering non-hormonal male contraceptive hydrogel. It’s injected into the vas deferens (yes, there), and in early trials it stopped sperm production for up to two years without noticeable side effects. Think of it as blocking the road before the traffic even starts moving. Adam is the most advanced of the non-surgical male contraception options in development, and Luke explains how it stacks up against hormonal gels, male contraceptive injections, and pills that mess with sperm production or motility. 

Luke also takes a trip down contraceptive memory lane, recalling the history of the contraceptive pill and the work of Carl Djerassi, its so-called “father.” (Luke even met him once.) The hormones in the original pill came from steroids derived from the yucca plant – so, in a sense, a humble desert shrub helped spark a social revolution. But the female pill also brought side effects, and it put the lion’s share of responsibility for contraception firmly on women’s shoulders. 

From there, Luke dives into the science behind hormonal male contraception. He explains how progesterone can suppress sperm production in men, much as it stops egg release in women – but with the risk of affecting libido and muscle strength. Solutions like a transdermal gel combining nestorone and testosterone are showing promise, with one Phase 2 male contraceptive trial already a success. Then there are more unusual approaches: YCT529, which interferes with vitamin A’s role in sperm production (without wrecking your eyesight, hopefully); adjudin, which stops sperm from sticking; and EP055, which stops sperm tails from spinning – because no spin means no swim. 

But science isn’t the only barrier. Sociologists point out that one reason for the slow rollout is trust – or lack of it. Put bluntly, some worry men might forget to take a daily pill. (Luke admits we can be a bit… feckless.) The FDA also hasn’t approved a male pill yet, in part due to low levels of testing and potential side effects. Long-lasting options like monthly patches or injectable gels could bypass the “Oops, I forgot” problem entirely. 

Back to Adam: Luke’s cautiously optimistic. The early human trials are tiny, but the data so far is encouraging. He wants to see much bigger studies, peer-reviewed results, and expert scrutiny from reproductive scientists and hydrogel specialists before anyone calls it a game-changer. And, as always, there’s the matter of cost – will new male contraceptives be priced like condoms, or more like designer handbags? 

From yucca plants to hydrogel injections, and from hormonal chemistry to the politics of gender and contraceptive responsibility, this episode takes a smart, wry, and sometimes cheeky look at the future of male birth control. If these innovations succeed, they could change the conversation – and the responsibility – for good. 

Got a question or an idea for a future episode? Send it straight to Luke at laoneill@tcd.ie. He promises to read it, and he probably won’t make fun of you on air. 

One person has sadly died and nine others have been affected by listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria. Luke explores why this particular outbreak has caught the attention of scientists and public health officials – especially since one batch of reheatable ready meals was implicated, even though heat usually destroys the bacteria. 

Luke, who has studied listeria in his own lab, explains how this remarkably resilient bacterium can survive in cold, salty, acidic, and even frozen conditions – making it a stealthy threat in food products like soft cheese, pâté, smoked salmon, and now, ready meals. 

You'll learn: 

Why pregnant women are 20 times more susceptible to listeria – and how it can contribute to miscarriage or stillbirth 

Why people who are immunocompromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, are also at higher risk 

How listeria spreads from soil, surfaces, water, and even through sewage and poor hand hygiene 

Why soap is still one of our best defences 

What the symptoms are – and how penicillin and antibiotics remain effective treatments 

Why there’s no vaccine, and why Alexander Fleming still deserves thanks today 

Discovered in 1926 and named after antiseptics pioneer Joseph Lister, listeria remains a bacteria to watch, but also one we can guard against with good hygiene and proper food safety practices. 

Luke also commends the FSAI for their rapid response in identifying sources and protecting the public. 

💡 As always, if you’ve got a burning science topic you’d like to hear about on the podcast, drop Luke a line at laoneill@tcd.ie. That’s exactly what listener Barbara Douglas did—and look what happened!   

Humans are, at heart, social animals. We evolved to thrive in groups — for protection, for connection, and even for love. Whether you're losing yourself in a packed mosh pit, swaying with strangers to your favourite band, or experiencing a collective chant under the night sky, there’s a deep biological and psychological process at work. Luke explores how music festivals spark a surge in oxytocin, the so-called “magic hormone” that fuels feelings of bonding, euphoria and transcendence. He also explains how we unconsciously mirror one another in crowds, sometimes entering what he describes as a social “trance.” 

But it’s not all good vibes. History is full of examples of how crowds can turn deadly when density goes too far, leadership breaks down, or panic spreads. Luke unpacks the science of crowd crushes, fluid dynamics, and behavioural prediction — including real-world examples from Pamplona’s Bull Run to school corridors, and from murmurations of starlings to stampeding buffalo. 

We learn how the best defence against crowd risk might be shared passion — if everyone’s there for the same reason, the group behaves more cooperatively, instinctively regulating itself. That’s why the safest crowd at a festival might just be the one most in love with the music. 

If you're heading to a festival or concert this weekend, enjoy the crowd — you’re not just part of the atmosphere, you are the science. 

🎧 Newstalk will be live at All Together Now all weekend from the Go Loud Lounge on site, with a packed schedule of interviews, games, and live events. Keep an eye on Newstalk’s socials for the full festival lineup. 

🔗 More info: newstalk.com/all-together-now 
📸 Instagram: @newstalkfm 
🎵 TikTok: @newstalk 

📬 Have a question or topic suggestion for Luke? Email him directly at laoneill@tcd.ie 

From bizarre diets to blood transfusions and even cryogenic preservation, Luke unpacks the sometimes extreme measures these men are taking to live longer. He also visits Calico, a Google-backed biotech company where around 150 scientists are studying the biology of aging—research that includes creatures like naked mole rats and bats.

Luke examines how wealth impacts life expectancy, discusses the current global average lifespan of 73 years, and explores the scientific debate around whether humans might one day live up to 150. He also offers realistic, evidence-based tips for anyone hoping to extend their own life—no billionaire status required.

💡Takeaway:
You don’t need to be a tech mogul to live longer. While billionaires explore the edges of science, simple, proven lifestyle choices may still be the most powerful tools we have for a longer, healthier life.

💡 Got a science topic you'd love Professor Luke to cover?
Email your suggestions to laoneill@tcd.ie – your idea might feature in a future episode!

Luke explores what hayfever actually is – and clears up a common misconception: despite the name, hay itself isn’t the cause. He looks back at when hayfever was first diagnosed, how our immune system responds to pollen, and why different types of pollen (from trees, grass, or weeds) affect people in different ways.

You’ll also learn about leukotrienes, powerful immune system chemicals that play a big role in allergic reactions (and which sound suspiciously like Luke O’Neill’s name). He discusses why some people are more prone to hayfever than others, and introduces the hygiene hypothesis, a theory suggesting that being exposed to a bit of dirt — or even your in-laws, as he jokes — might actually help your immune system in the long run.

Finally, Luke explains how antihistamines work, why they help relieve symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes, and why they don’t always provide complete relief.

Whether you're suffering from seasonal allergies, curious about how the immune system overreacts to harmless particles, or just looking to understand why hayfever seems to hit harder some years, this episode is packed with useful, science-based insights.

💡 Got a science topic you'd love Professor Luke to cover?
Email your suggestions to laoneill@tcd.ie – your idea might feature in a future episode!

Luke dives into how the shingles vaccine works, explaining the underlying science behind the varicella zoster virus and the two main vaccines available, Shingrix and Zostavax. He discusses the remarkable efficacy of Shingrix, the implications of recent research, and why understanding these vaccines is crucial for health, particularly as dementia rates continue to rise.

Join Luke as he unravels the fascinating connection between shingles vaccination and cognitive health!

Is there really a parallel transition for men similar to women's menopause? Luke explores the scientific evidence behind the fatigue, depression, and libido changes reported by many men in their middle years.

He juxtaposes this with the well-studied menopause in women, uncovering fascinating insights about the role of grandmothers in the survival of offspring in certain whale species.

Luke also unpacks how testosterone levels change with age in men and examines the controversial realm of testosterone replacement therapy.

Luke explores the science behind caffeine and how it keeps us alert by blocking adenosine in the brain. He unpacks the complex chemistry of coffee, revealing compounds that might help reduce inflammation and even guard against certain cancers.

But it's not all good news—Luke also highlights some potential drawbacks, especially for menopausal women, and shares a wild story about the most expensive coffee in the world.

Grab your cup and join the conversation about the science of coffee!

Luke explores the essential role of magnesium in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and how it affects processes like DNA replication and energy production. While there are plausible theories suggesting magnesium's potential to aid sleep, the scientific evidence remains unclear.

Join Luke as he navigates the science behind this mineral and its link to your nightly slumber! Zzzzzz....

Discover how innovative tools like the 'co-scientist' AI could revolutionize scientific collaboration, and explore the unique educational potential of AI using historical figures and fictional characters as virtual teachers.

We'll also delve into the curious emergence of virtual companions designed to reduce loneliness and the profound implications of AI in arguments and decision-making.

Join Luke as he navigates through the promising and sometimes concerning landscape of AI development that could reshape our future!

Luke shares scientifically backed strategies, from the importance of planning and taking breaks to the benefits of methods like mind mapping and 'blurting.' Learn how to maximize retention and reduce anxiety, all while boosting your confidence.

Happy studying!

New research has shown that a universal treatment for snake bites may soon be possible.

How has an 18-year hobby of keeping pet snakes, turned into the basis for a universal anti-venom?

This is episode 218 - The Science Of Snake Venom.

Luke takes a look at what this does to our body & why we are less able to deal with it all as we get older.

Lets dive in and find out how does overindulgence affect out Metal & physical health…

What is the urea cycle?

How do we clear out the toxins?

And why is the color so important?

Welcome to episode 216: The Science Of Urine

You can now buy lab grown meat in pet food, but will it soon be in the shops for human consumption?

Why is there massive investment in this new industry?

And how is this lab grown meat saving the planet?

Shane’s mother has sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease.

Such an important topic, so this week Luke looks at The Science of Motor Neurone Disease…

Lets dive in and look at how this family of proteins i.e. gluten can cause pain to the small intestine.

Why does the immune system over react in response to gluten?

1 in 100 people in Ireland have been diagnosed with it, but how can science help?

This week, it’s the Science Of Coeliac Disease.

What does the science tell us about vapes?

What chemical is causing the most damage?

And are they less risky than smoking cigarettes?

This week Luke looks at the European Research Council.

What type of funding do they provide?

Why is it important, particularly with the current state of science finding in America?

And how can it help us here in Ireland?

15 million people have used this service to get their DNA analyzed.

If you’re one of those users, should you delete your information from their website?

If 23andme is bought, will your information be sold as part of it?

This week it’s genetic testing in relation to 23andme.

Using new mass spectrometry technology, scientists have discovered new information about aging organs.

So dive into episode 209 of Show Me The Science.

What's inside these creams?

Why do some work, and other don't?

And does a higher price tag really mean that it's more effective?

Lets dive in and take a look at the Science Of Skin Moisturisers.

It’s hard to believe it’s five years on, since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Its been reported that 400 Million people world-wide are suffering with Long Covid.

And there are 200 different symptoms.

So, let’s dive in and take a look at The Science Of Long Covid.

Is this issue getting worse?

What damage have Microplastics caused in recent years?

How are they affecting the human brain?

And could microplastics be irritating cells, leading to auto immune diseases?

Lets dive into episode 206 - The Science of Microplastics

Welcome to The Science of The Origin To Life On Earth

Lets go back 4.3 Billion years ago and find out how life emerged?

Did an asteroids seed the earth?

Let dig into The Science of The Origin To Life On Earth.

Lets look at those records, see how things have changed and we'll look at the science of global warming.

Welcome to Episode 204 The Science Of Extreme Weather...

How had the virus changed over the last five years?

And how has our immune system learned to eliminate the virus?

So, lets dive in & find out if the public has faith in scientists.

Where does Ireland rank on the list?

And which Country has the least amount of trust?

How are engineers making virtual versions or us, and using our digital data to test our limits, run trials and more.

Welcome to Episode 201... The Science Of Digital Twins

What happens during hibernation? What can we learn? And how could this be useful for astronauts in deep space?

Buckle up and join us on this sleepy journey...

How do genes, nutrition and environmental factors all help form our height?

Thanks for Deirdre for reaching out and sending in her request.

It's Episode 199 - The Science Of Height

Lets dive into big science at work, and see how 102 countries collaborating together.

How have scientists been mapping disease in the human body?

And as we get closer to predictive medicine, how can we use our digital twins in virtual life?

Join Luke, as he examines all...

How can science edit the viral DNA?

Are new methods safer?

And how can we improve the future of the technology?

Lets dive in and find out about The Science Of Gene Editing.

While some people may not believe in it, scientists do!

Why has Australia released an emergency statement? What can we do to help? And what's the worse case scenario?

It's The Science Of Climate Change...

Should you wait an hour after eating before you swim ?

Does you hair grow back faster after shaving?

And should you ever wake a sleep walker?

Logical claims or total nonsense?

Lets dive in and find out!

Is he right? Is he wrong?

Well, Luke looks at the science of Fluoride, chats about the benefits and explains why Dentists are annoyed at RFK.

Welcome to the Science Of Fluoride...

The phenomenon known as the "u-shaped" curve, lets us find the age when happiness bottoms out.

When is the unhappiest time of your life & what circumstance can determine the sense of contempt and wellbeing?

Welcome to The Science Of The U-Bend Of Happiness...

So what happens after you have a heart attack?

And how does sleep help repair the heart?

Luke takes a deep dive and answers those questions & more.

Why do we hug? What does it do to our hormones? And what affect does a hug have on your immune system?

So come on in, with open arms and enjoy The Science Of Hugs...

In recent times the diabetes medicine has come into the public eye.

How will Ozempic impact food company's and save airlines money? Also, what are the serious side effects?

Join Luke as he dives into The Science Of Ozempic...

With new research & advancements in technologies, it looks like gene correction could be just around the corner.

From ethics, to side effects we'll explore it all in this weeks episode.

From infections, to medication and over exposure to noise, we'll find out about the reasons why tinnitus can affect us.

And more importantly how can we try avoid it.

So listen up... as Luke explains the Science of Tinnitus.

Following the release of a new study about blood pressure and sleep, Luke decided to cuddle up and dive into the the science of sleep.

So tuck yourself in and lets hope Luke doesn't put you asleep!

From heart disease, to bad gut health. Today we find out why its important to have a good balanced diet.

Grab the popcorn (or carrot sticks) and lets dive in!

Why do Women get more autoimmune diseased than men?

From MS, to Lupus and everything in between. Woman are 4 times as likely than men to get autoimmune diseased, but Why?

Luke explains in this weeks episode...

We dive straight in, looking at everything from the Wuhan market, to regulations and how scientists are working to protect us in the future...

This week Luke looks at The Science of Sunlight. Lets shine a light on sunlight and see how to helps our health improve.

Now get out go for a walk in the sun... Just don't forget your sunblock!

From the innate immune system, to defending our body's. Lets dive into the biochemistry of nasal mucus.

Just make sure you're not eating your breakfast!

Lets not look back in anger... instead we'll dive into the the arguments of family members.

Rivalry is normal, but how can bullying & arguing affect siblings in later life.

Little by Little, enjoy the science of siblings...

The research behind staying alive longer is being backed by some of the world's wealthiest tech giants such as Jeff Bezos who's goal is to investigate the possibility of 'reverse aging'. What role do the unique chracteristics of the naked naked mole rat play and the very real life lengthening properties of staying active.

He looks at the incredible effects of a healthy diet as well as the part your genes have to play.

So if you want to hit the century to get The Centenarian Bounty from the President make sure to listen very carefully!

He tells an intriguing tale of NASA's efforts to make contact going back to the launch of Voyager in the 70s and what artefacts that might pique the interest og a nosy alien. He also reveals the recent revelations regarding the possibility of life on Mars.

Take your protein pills, put your helmet on and enjoy!

Luke also examines the benefitial use of hypnosis to treat mental health, in pain relief and helping with nausea as well as its suspected use by Satan to control earth's population by way of heavy metal.

You have been warned!

In this week's episode he reveals some fascinating insights into how the ISS came to be, why it's there and what iis it like to live in space.

In this week's episode Luke answers a listener's request and plunges head first into the hows and whys of rollercoasters, the use of magnets and repulsion and why we keep going back to terrify ourselves silly.

So strap yourself in, it's going to be a topsy turvy ride!

On this week's Show Me The Science, Luke takes a timely look at the history and evolution of swimsuit design and how scientific advances have helped swimmers maxmise their performances in the water.

Luke will put your mind at ease by explaining the science behind the phenomenon and the differences between the various types. He also explains why there's an apparent increase in turbulence and why it's becoming more likely with global warming.

Research looking at the DNA of the people in Papua New Guinea showcases two big genetic differences which helped them to survive. For one group living in the mountains, a variant which increases your red blood cell count helped them to cope with the altitude. Another group living in the jungle possessed a genetic variation making them prone to inflammation to fight off infection.

Luke explains the history of human evolution across Earth and in Papua New Guinea specifically and what these findings mean going forward.

While there are still questions to be answered about finding the right balance of suppressing inflammation without leaving us susceptible to infection, Luke explains why it's such an exciting breakthrough.

Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgeries are all useful treatments but a vaccine against the tumor could be much more effective without being as intrusive.

Luke explains how they might make these vaccines and gives the latest update on the clinical trials going on.

Luke explains what we've learned from twin studies and why they're so useful.

A flu virus seems to be the most likely cause and in particular there is concern around the H5N1 strand which has now jumped from birds to cattle, and even a few dairy farmers. Human to human transmission is the next big warning sign which is being closely monitored.

Luke explains what we learned during the last pandemic to prevent the spread of another virus and another global lockdown.

Luke answers these questions as well as explaining what makes some people so talented musically, and others more tone deaf.

Luke looks at the research into the muscle strain and offers some solutions for those suffering.

Luke takes us through the new research and explains how smoking can turn off some of our internal defense systems.

He also explained what the brain blood barrier may have to do with it, and what potential treatments or preventative measures may come from this research.

Luke takes us through the latest developments in the world of brain implants and offers other examples of their existence already in circulation such as cochlear implants.

Luke recalls how the drug was initially created to treat angina before it's accidental side effect made it a huge success for Pfizer. He explains how the drug works and why researchers are looking at it more closely now.

There are lots of health benefits to waking up earlier but is it even possible to become a morning lark if it's against your nature? Luke explains the role our genes and even the Neanderthal's play in our chronotypes.

He also offers some tips for changing your sleeping patterns and explains how your sleep patterns alter over time.

We all know the obvious risks of not showering enough, but showering too much can also have it's downsides like overly dry skin and increased risk of infection. Luke explains how showering affects our body and why our bodies make things like sebum and sweat that we wash away.

This week Luke receives a request from a concerned grandmother and is happy to seek out the answers she needs. He explores a fascinating new arena of medical science, and tell us about work being done to develop therapies, and even vaccines, to combat major psychiatric disorders in children.

Luke takes us through the latest research into the vagus nerve and explains how simply zapping it with electricity or triggering it through the ear might have positive effects.