The Discovery Pod Podcast

Malevolent influence and interference between nation states has always been a ‘thing’. But in the digital age, it’s gone to a whole new level. Our societies are more connected than ever, with countless governmental processes now taking place online, making it worryingly easy for foreign actors to sow the seeds of domestic division and unrest. So how big a threat does this information warfare pose to our democracy? And what can we do about it? Our host, Isobel Marshall, dissects the latest intel with Associate Professor Tim Legrand, an expert in cyber security, terrorism, and political violence and exclusion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The female reproductive conditions endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome make life incredibly uncomfortable for a huge number of Australian women—up to 9% and 13% respectively. Compounding matters, they’re both notoriously hard to diagnose. In our final Pod for 2021, join our host, Isobel Marshall, as she discusses the conditions’ tell-tale signs—and powerful new ways to improve their identification—with two leading researchers in the field: Associate Professor Louise Hull and Senior Research Associate Jodie Avery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our march to sustainable living is gathering pace. With Australia’s environment ministers banning all single-use plastics from 2025, an explosion of eco-friendly alternatives is emerging. And similar innovation is taking place in the construction industry. Join our host, Isobel Marshall, as she discusses everything from rye-stalk straws to fungi-based packaging and recycled bitumen, with two University of Adelaide experts: plant molecular biologist Professor Rachel Burton, and sustainable construction specialist Professor Jian Zuo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaccinations are the global frontline in public health. So how do they protect us from disease? What are the different ways of making them? And why were COVID-19 vaccines able to be made so much faster than others? Join our host, 2021 Young Australian of the Year Isobel Marshall, in conversation with microbiologist Professor James Paton, and vaccinologist Professor Helen Marshall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ironically, humanity’s push for sustainability will require greater quantities of mineral resources than ever. To reach the UN’s Sustainable Development goals by 2050, for example, we’re going to have to mine more copper in the next three decades than we have in the entire history of civilisation. How can we do that sustainably? Our host, Isobel Marshall, unpacks the issues with environmental engineer Professor Michael Goodsite, and PhD candidate Tom Payten, whose work focuses on the development of real-time, mineral-specific sensors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know what we eat has an enormous impact on our health. But do Australia’s standardised dietary guidelines and health star ratings always have our best interests at heart? Is food labelling sending clear, consistent messages? And what are we to make of claims such as ‘organic’ or ‘non-genetically modified’? Our host, Isobel Marshall, unpacks the issues with behavioural economist Professor Wendy Umberger, and ophthalmologist, 2020 Australian of the Year and vocal public health advocate Dr James Muecke.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s farmers are increasingly turning to transient migrant labour to keep their properties running. For the migrants, who earn a visa extension for their efforts, it would seem a fantastic opportunity. But for many, the reality is below-award wages, sexual harassment and sub-standard living conditions. Our host, Isobel Marshall, is joined by Associate Professor Dr Joanna Howe, a leading expert on the regulation of temporary labour migration, to discuss the complex factors contributing to the problem, and how it can be addressed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Powering up human life on the Moon is widely considered the ideal first step towards long-term crewed planetary exploration—and it could feasibly happen as soon as this decade. So what might life look and feel like up there? What challenges will lunar dwellers face? And how are we addressing them? Our host, Isobel Marshall, separates sci from sci-fi with off-Earth resources specialist Associate Professor John Culton, and architect Dr Amit Srivastava.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The invitation-only Superstars of STEM program is a nationwide initiative that challenges gender assumptions about scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians, and raises public awareness of the amazing work that women are doing in these fields. In this lively episode, host Isobel Marshall chats with three current Adelaide STEM Superstars about their remarkable research and career journeys: ecology expert Dr Samantha Munroe, oncology support specialist Dr Hannah Wardill, and optical engineer and med-tech inventor Dr Jiawen Li.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Improvements in breast and prostate cancer screening have played a huge part in reducing the diseases’ mortality rates. But some say the screening has actually become too good—leading to lives being compromised by treatment for cancers that may never have become malignant. Join our host, Isobel Marshall, as she discusses this important issue—and what’s being done about it—with breast cancer expert Associate Professor Theresa Hickey, and prostate cancer specialist Professor Lisa Butler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unnatural, Harmful and Unsafe? Does genetic modification really have a role to play in our food futures?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cybercrime and Digital Warfare – how do we get tech savvy to secure our lives online?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Power of Music. How technology is helping us immerse, interact, and realise music's benefit?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Access to food and water is set to become the next conflict horizon. So how do we secure the future of food and water for all?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cracking the code – finding new ways to power our nation and drive the manufacturing economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gift of life. How do we build healthy habits today, to give our children the best start in life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise of the machines – what does it mean for us today? And how will it change the way we live tomorrow?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forget fad diets – what should we be eating, and does this need to change as we get older?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Discovery Pod, where we talk to leading experts from the University of Adelaide about solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. Climate change is here to stay. From devastating drought and bushfires, to floods and rising sea temperatures and levels - Australia is all too familiar with the extreme impacts of climate change. So what should we be doing today to live for tomorrow? Join us this episode to discuss Climate Change with host Andy Lowe, Douglas Bardsley (senior lecturer and expert in climate change adaptation), Melissa Nursey-Bray (Head of Social Sciences and specialist in urban adaptation and Indigenous resource management) and Adriana Milazzo (senior lecturer and investigator of the relationship between heatwaves and infectious disease).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pandemic Panic - Why has COVID-19 been so devastating globally and what impact it is having on our younger generations? Is there light at the end of the tunnel and how do we create a new normal? Join us this episode to discuss COVID-19 with host Andy Lowe, Faye McCallum (Professor and expert in teacher and student wellbeing in the face of uncertainty) and Michael Beard (Associate Professor and specialist in viral pathogens).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.