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Podcast episodes

Check latest episodes from Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill podcast

155. The Science of Viagra

2024/02/22

Could Viagra an erectile dysfunction drug, have a second function working to prevent Alzheimer's? 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.

154. The Science of Morning People

2024/02/15

Are you a night owl looking to become more of a morning person? 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.

153. The Science of Showers

2024/02/08

How many times should you shower each week? Or should we shower at all? The average changes depending on location and culture, ranging from 12 per week in Brazil to 5 per week in the UK. 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.

152. The Science of Multiple Sclerosis

2024/02/01

Multiple sclerosis also known as MS is an auto immune disease that causes symptoms such as muscle weakness, pins and needles, double vision, poor balance and fatigue. There are various factors that affect your chances of developing MS including genetics, geography and according to a new study exposure to the Epstein–Barr virus. Luke explains the thought behind this new research and how it could help find a preventative measure for MS.

151. The Science of Covid-19 Anniversary

2024/01/25

Although it might seem like it was just yesterday, it's already been 4 years since the first fatality as a result of Covid-19. Luke takes us back to what we knew then and shows just how quickly science reacted to the disease with things like vaccines and therapeutic remedies. He also asks what we have learned from the last 4 years and the most important question of all - Are we ready for the next pandemic when it comes along?

150. The Science of Itch

2024/01/18

We might understand what causes an itch in theory: an insect bite, a healing wound, a poisonous plant. But, where does the urge come from? And what's going on within our bodies to make us scratch? Luke explains the science and the latest research which might finally result in remedies for those suffering with issues like dermatitis or eczema.

149. The Science of Near Death Experiences

2024/01/11

A dark tunnel with a light at the end, family and friends who have already passed on, or a religious figure are all common visions following near death experiences. But, what really happens when our hearts stop? And where do these visions come from? A new study of resuscitated patients in 3 hospitals across the world sought to answer these questions and in this episode Luke explains their findings.

148. The Science of 2023

2024/01/04

As we begin a new year bound to bring with it a multitude of exciting scientific discoveries, Luke takes stock of the year just gone and all of the exceptional breakthroughs from 2023. It was a big year for science, as aging was reversed, Alzheimer's slowed, and the true number of steps needed for health revealed. AI has already had a big impact on science and this year was no different, Luke talks us through some of the highlights, while waiting to see the inevitable role it will play in the scientific advancements of 2024.

147. The Science of Protein Supplements

2023/12/28

Proteins are the work horses of life and the building blocks for everything from enzymes and antibodies to hormones and of course muscles. Many gym goers add additional protein to their diet in order to build extra muscle. Luke explains how your body build muscles and the benefits of protein supplements, as well as exploring what is actually in them and asking if there is really science behind the claims that they help to build muscle.

146. The Science of Myrrh and Frankincense

2023/12/21

Frankincense and myrrh are probably most famous for being two of the three gifts brought by the Wise Men to the newborn baby Jesus, along with gold. But, they are also ancient herbal remedies. The salve extracted from the myrrh tree was used to heal wounds while frankincense had its own uses such as in religious ceremonies and as a perfume. Luke explains why these were so valuable in ancient times, how they worked to suppress pain, and he explains how they could inspire modern day medicines.

145. The Science of Tumours

2023/12/14

Our immune system is constantly working hard to protect us from infection and disease, but try as it may it has always struggled to defend our bodies from tumours and cancerous growths. For years, scientists have been looking for a way to stimulate the immune response more effectively in the fight against cancer. Luke takes us through the various successful and unsuccessful attempts to do just this as well as the new drugs that are reducing the death rates from melanoma.

144. The Science of Mental Fatigue

2023/11/23

We all know that our muscles get tired after we use them, but what about our brain? Does it need rest too after strenuous use? Luke delves into the world of mental exhaustion to explain what we know, as well as the latest breakthroughs and how they might lead to cures for Alzheimer's and allow us to focus for longer.