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I discuss a variety of topics in both the natural and social sciences, exploring the many fascinating insights that the scientific method yields about the world around us.
Episodes
Sunday Sep 11, 2022
Sunday Sep 11, 2022
I discuss the mysterious phenomenon of sleep, outlining the different stages of sleep, how the brain controls sleep and wakefulness, and the various theories for the functions of sleep. I also consider sleep in animals, the effects of sleep deprivation, and some major sleep disorders. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 38: Neurons and Synapses.
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Sunday Jul 31, 2022
Sunday Jul 31, 2022
I introduce the unique and diverse chemistry of the transition metal elements, also known as the d-block metals. I begin with an overview of transition metal properties and ores, and then discuss coordination complexes, ligands, denticity, chelation, coordination geometries, isomerism, and the difference between strong and weak field ligands. We then examine how crystal field theory can explain many properties of transition metals, including their unique colouration and magnetic properties. The episode concludes with an overview of organometallic compounds and ligand field theory, including how pi-bonding can explain the difference between strong and weak field ligands.
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Thursday Jun 30, 2022
Thursday Jun 30, 2022
Concluding our series on geographic landforms, here I discuss glaciers, including their global distribution, formation, movement, and various glacial formations such as moraines, drumlins, and fjords. I also examine the role of ice in shaping periglacial landscapes, including the effects of permafrost and other frost action processes. I conclude with a brief discussion of groundwater, aquifers, and the hydrological cycle.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Monday Jun 06, 2022
A discussion of the effect of wind on landscapes, focusing on deserts and coastlines. I outline the processes of eolian erosion, transportation, and deposition occurring in deserts, with particular focus on the formation and types of sand dunes. I also discuss other desert landforms, such as the desert pavement, mesas, and alluvial fans. I conclude with a look at coastal processes, including cliff erosion, emergent and submergent coastlines, and beach erosion processes.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Saturday Apr 30, 2022
Saturday Apr 30, 2022
The first in a new series on geomorphology, in which I review the main erosion processes that shape landforms of the natural environment. Here I discuss the key mechanisms of physical and chemical weathering, outline the major forms of erosion, and provide an overview of mass wasting including rockslides and soil creep. I then present an overview of stream processes, including a discussion of river drainage systems, channel patterns, meandering streams, and stream loads. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 75: Rocks and Minerals.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Saturday Apr 02, 2022
Saturday Apr 02, 2022
An exploration of the role of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the development of depression. I discuss the role of serotonin in promoting the production of neurotrophic growth factor, the role the growth factor plays in facilitating neurogenesis and neural plasticity, and the various regions of the brain which are implicated in depression. I conclude by discussing the various cognitive distortions and other phenomena associated with depression, and how they can be treated by both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 38: Neurons and Synapses.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
Sunday Feb 27, 2022
In this special episode I discuss genetic testing with Kira Dineen from DNA Today. We cover a range of topics including the process and science behind genetic testing, the types of genetic conditions that can be tested for, the difference between genotyping and gene sequencing, and the promises and potential issues with direct to consumer genetic testing. We also discuss developing social practises surrounding the use of gene technology, difficulties of informed concept, use of genetic material for criminal justice and ancestry databases, and potential future developments of these technologies.
Link to Kira's podcast:
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Monday Jan 31, 2022
Monday Jan 31, 2022
A discussion of earthquakes, covering the elastic rebound theory of earthquake generation, the phenomena of deep and intraplate earthquakes, types of seismic waves, methods of earthquake detection, different ways in which earthquakes cause damage, and attempts at earthquake prediction. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 111: Plate Tectonics.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
Thursday Dec 30, 2021
A discussion of the awesome power of volcanoes, including an overview of the different types of volcanoes, types of lava and pyroclastics, mechanisms of volcanic eruptions, a curvey of volcanic landforms, and a review of some major historical eruptions and their effects on Earth's climate. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 111: Plate Tectonics.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Tuesday Nov 30, 2021
Concluding the two-part series on the circulatory and respiratory systems, I discuss the biochemical mechanisms by which red blood cells and hemoglobin molecules deliver oxygen to the tissues and carbon dioxide to the lungs, and the mechanisms which regulate these processes. I then consider the respiratory system, giving an overview of the structure and function of the lungs, the process of breathing, control of breathing, and adaptations to high altitudes. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 122: Respiratory and Circulatory Systems Part 2.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.