Podcasts about Imperial College London

In the past decade there has been little progress in lowering malaria cases, with over half a million people still dying from the mosquito-borne disease every year. We look at the big ideas and innovations of the future that could help us eliminate malaria once and for all. What would happen if we got rid of the insect responsible for spreading the malaria parasite? Claudia heads to Imperial College London where she is joined by Dr Federica Bernardini and their 120 colonies of mosquitos to find out how revolutionary genetic technologies are aiming to do just that.Picking up on Imperial's work in the field is Principal Investigator at Target Malaria in Uganda, Dr Jonathan Kayondo. His job is to understand what it would mean to release these modified mosquitos into the wild.Looking at the existing tools that need levelling up is Dr Rob Moon, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and Dr James Tibenderana, Chief Executive at the Malaria Consortium. Alongside Claudia they look at the next generation of vaccines and the importance of accessible rapid diagnostic tests.But is all this going to be enough to eliminate malaria? Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Katie Tomsett

India's coastal waters hold immense promise—and growing peril. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, host Anish Banerjee speaks with Oishinee Chakraborty from the Kuddle Life Foundation, a young organization redefining marine conservation in Pondicherry through science, community collaboration, and artificial reefs.Oishinee introduces listeners to the Foundation's origins—founded in 2020 by Punit Dhandhania and Hans Dhandhania, who transformed a small circle of ocean enthusiasts into a leading grassroots force for marine ecology and biodiversity conservation. With limited institutions working on ocean protection in southern India, Kuddle Life fills a critical gap by creating local, science-driven projects that link marine ecosystems, coastal livelihoods, and sustainable development.At the heart of their work lies the artificial reef program—a groundbreaking effort to restore degraded marine ecosystems and revive marine biodiversity. Oishinee explains that space is the ocean's most limiting factor, and artificial reefs—built using eco-friendly materials like concrete and steel—mimic the natural hard surfaces that corals, sponges, and fish larvae need to attach, grow, and form thriving underwater communities. These structures replicate some functions of natural coral reefs, acting as catalysts for marine biodiversity management and ecosystem recovery.The process of building an artificial reef begins with community engagement. Fisherfolk are invited to share local ecological knowledge and help identify suitable sites for reef deployment. Scientists then assess seabed topography, water quality, and existing biodiversity before designing reef modules—each over 500 kg and a meter tall. Local divers and fishermen help deploy the structures less than five kilometers offshore, making the effort both participatory and empowering.Monitoring continues for years, as reefs mature and attract a diversity of marine wildlife. In Pondicherry, Kuddle Life has recorded remarkable results: a 20% rise in dissolved oxygen, increased chlorophyll levels, and nearly a fourfold growth in fish abundance. For local fishers, incomes have doubled—from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per day—while fuel costs have halved because fishing now occurs closer to shore. These outcomes highlight how marine biodiversity conservation can drive both ecological and economic resilience.Globally, artificial reefs have become vital tools for restoring marine ecosystems damaged by climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Yet, as Oishinee reminds us, nothing can replace natural coral reefs. Artificial structures can only supplement lost habitat, not substitute for nature's complexity. Still, by reviving degraded areas and promoting sustainable fishing, these reefs help maintain ocean productivity in a warming world.Beyond reef restoration, the Kuddle Life Foundation runs educational and research programs across India. Through marine litter surveys, bycatch reduction initiatives, dive training, and youth internships, the foundation is building a generation of ocean stewards. Its unique for-profit dive center reinvests earnings into conservation, while volunteers support marine ecology projects both underwater and onshore—from data analysis to biodiversity monitoring.Oishinee also discusses the challenges of sustaining NGO work in India—funding barriers, bureaucratic delays, and the slow pace of conservation impact. Yet, she finds hope in the growing public interest in marine biodiversity, particularly when students and non-biologists approach her asking how they can help. That curiosity, she believes, is the first step toward lasting ocean change.This episode reveals how grassroots innovation, science, and compassion are reshaping marine biodiversity hotspots along India's coast—proving that ocean recovery begins not just beneath the waves, but within communities themselves.#artificialreefs #marineecology #marineecosystems #marinebiodiversity #marineconservation #marinewildlife #marinebiodiversityhotspot #marinebiodiversityconservation #biodiversityconservation #biodiversity #biodiversitymanagementAbout the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Stijn Schmitz welcomes Ross Beaty to the show. Ross Beaty is a Renowned Geologist, Serial Mine Builder & Conservation Advocate. Beaty provides a comprehensive overview of the current gold market and mining industry landscape. He suggests that while gold is currently at record highs around $4,300, the market still has potential for growth, driven by strong macro and supply-demand fundamentals. Beaty anticipates a wave of new gold mine production in 2025-2027 that might eventually dampen prices, but remains optimistic about the sector’s near-term prospects. Drawing from his extensive experience building successful mining companies like Pan American Silver and Equinox Gold, Beaty emphasizes the importance of understanding specific commodity dynamics and investing in projects with significant scale and potential. He highlights the critical factors for successful mining investments, including geological potential, project location, commodity demand-supply fundamentals, and management quality. Beaty candidly discusses the mining industry’s inherent risks, noting that even well-planned projects can face unexpected challenges from geological complexities, political instability, community tensions, and volatile metal prices. He advocates for diversification and strategic portfolio management, as demonstrated by Equinox Gold’s recent divestment of Brazilian assets to focus on tier-one projects and manage debt. Beyond his mining endeavors, Beaty is deeply committed to environmental conservation through his philanthropic work. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:58 – Gold Bull Market Phase 00:03:04 – Exploration Under-Investment 00:05:09 – Lessons from Past Cycles 00:06:40 – Investment vs Mining Differences 00:09:49 – Ross’s Company Categories 00:11:40 – Spotting Special Projects 00:13:20 – Project Evaluation Criteria 00:16:28 – Commodity Fundamentals Analysis 00:21:30 – Common Mining Pitfalls 00:23:00 – Growth and Debt Risks 00:24:05 – Industry Dilution Problems 00:26:30 – Equinox Brazil Divestments 00:29:10 – Future Plans Philanthropy 00:30:23 – Concluding Thoughts Guest Links: Website: https://www.equinoxgold.com Foundation: https://sitkafoundation.org Ross Beaty is a renowned Canadian geologist, mining entrepreneur, and philanthropist with over 50 years of experience in the international minerals and renewable energy sectors. Born in Vancouver in 1951 to a forestry entrepreneur father and a teacher mother, Beaty earned degrees in geology and law from the University of British Columbia, followed by an MSc in geology from Imperial College London. His career began in the 1970s, blending scientific expertise with business acumen to build a legacy of resource innovation. Beaty founded Pan American Silver Corp in 1994, where he serves as Chair Emeritus, growing it into a global leader in silver production. He is currently Chair of Equinox Gold Corp’s Board of Directors, a position he has held since its inception in 2017. Over four decades, he has founded and divested more than a dozen public companies, including Equinox Resources (sold in the 1990s) and Alterra Power Corp, a clean energy firm, generating an estimated $6 billion in shareholder value. A former President of the Silver Institute in Washington, DC, Beaty is a Fellow of the Geological Association of Canada, Society of Economic Geologists, and Canadian Institute of Mining. Beyond business, Beaty is a passionate environmental advocate. He co-founded and presides over the Sitka Foundation, focusing on biodiversity conservation in British Columbia through strategic grants and impact investing. He chairs the BC Parks Foundation, serves as a director for Panthera and the Pacific Salmon Foundation, and is Patron of the Beaty Biodiversity Centre at UBC. His accolades include induction into the Canadian Mining Hall of Fame (2018), the Order of Canada (2017), and an honorary Doctor of Laws from UBC (2018). An optimist at heart, Beaty champions a shift from consumerism to conservation. Married to physician Trisha Beaty, he enjoys beekeeping, cider production, and sea kayaking in Howe Sound. His journey from mining magnate to green evangelist exemplifies resilient entrepreneurship.

In this week's episode of Parallax, Dr Ankur Kalra welcomes Prof Rasha Al-Lamee, interventional cardiology consultant and professor of medicine/cardiology at Imperial College London, and deputy editor of JACC. Prof Al-Lamee has transformed interventional cardiology through her pioneering work on the ORBITA trial series and coronary sinus reducer device studies, introducing the paradigm-shifting concept of sham-controlled device trials to the field. What makes a clinical assumption worth questioning? How do we design trials that reveal truth rather than confirm bias? When does revascularization truly benefit patients with stable angina? Questions and comments can be sent to "podcast@radcliffe-group.com" and may be answered by Ankur in the next episode. Guest: @RashaAlLameeMD Host: @AnkurKalraMD and produced by: @RadcliffeCardio Parallax is Ranked in the Top 100 Health Science Podcasts (#48) by Million Podcasts.

Renato (Ren) Circi, co-founder of SAVA, a London based MedTech company building a new generation of minimally invasive continuous glucose monitors and molecular wearables.In this episode we rewind to the underground labs at Imperial College London where Ren and his co-founder Raph first immersed themselves in biosensors and began questioning the status quo of health monitoring. Ren explains how their shared obsession with measuring the body more effortlessly led to SAVA's founding and what it really looks like to push through years of scientific failure in order to build a complex medical device platform.We dive into why SAVA manufactures everything in-house, how their micro sensor architecture differs from traditional filament based CGMs and why controlling every layer from chemistry to algorithms is essential if you want to iterate fast on performance. Ren sets out SAVA's long term vision of continuous molecular tracking for everyone, not just people with diabetes, and what could be unlocked once you can monitor many molecules in real time from a single patch.We also talk about regulatory expectations for CGMs, the reality of one way product decisions in medical devices and the difficulty of fundraising for a consumer facing yet highly regulated deep tech company. Ren closes with candid reflections on what he would do differently, how he protects time for family and why working on a problem you truly care about with people you genuinely like is the only way to survive the journey.Timestamps[00:00:21] Origins at Imperial and discovering biosensors[00:01:59] Long horizons, repeated failure and staying in the game[00:03:56] Why SAVA manufactures everything in-house[00:06:46] How SAVA's micro sensor CGM platform actually works[00:09:36] From diabetes to universal molecular health monitoring[00:12:02] Patient experience and CGM adoption in healthcare systems[00:13:43] When CGMs become cheaper than finger-pricks[00:15:15] Misconceptions about CGM and continuous molecular sensing[00:17:21] Why building CGMs is one of the hardest engineering challenges[00:22:54] Fundraising in unconventional deep tech MedTech and advice for foundersConnect with Ren - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/circi/⁠Learn more about Sava - ⁠⁠https://www.sava.health/Get in touch with Karandeep Badwal - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/karandeepbadwal/ ⁠⁠⁠Follow Karandeep on YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@KarandeepBadwal⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the Podcast

In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, recorded live at PSTM 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana,  we sat down Dr. Kevin C. Chung, one of the most influential figures in modern plastic and hand surgery. Dr. Chung is the William C. Grabb Distinguished University Professor of Surgery and the Charles B. G. De Nancrede Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan. A globally respected surgeon-scientist, he has authored more than 850 peer-reviewed papers, 600 book chapters, and 41 textbooks, and served as the 7th Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His leadership roles span the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the Plastic Surgery Foundation, among many others.   We explore Dr. Chung's personal journey into medicine, beginning with whether he always envisioned becoming a doctor and what alternate career paths he once considered. He reflects on the mentors who guided him toward plastic surgery and shares how his training experiences: from general surgery in Texas, to plastic surgery at the University of Michigan, to hand surgery at the renowned Curtis National Hand Center, shaped his philosophy as a surgeon and educator.   Dr. Chung shares thoughtful reflections on the contrasts he has observed between practicing medicine in America moving from Singapore, and he discusses the pivotal moment that led him to specialize in hand surgery. He also talks about how surgeons can recognize when it may be appropriate to narrow or refine their scope of practice. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Chung opens up about what keeps him grounded outside of medicine and the philosophy he follows to prevent burnout throughout a demanding and highly productive career. Tune in for rare insight and invaluable perspective from one of plastic surgery's most accomplished leaders.   Read a recent classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Chung and co-authors, "Out-of-pocket Costs and Total Payments for Common Congenital Hand Difference Procedures": https://bit.ly/Congenital-Hand-Costs-Chung   Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery

Get ready for another BIG and BRILLIANT journey into science on this week’s Science Weekly! We’re uncovering the amazing science that gets planes off the ground and diving deep into the ocean to explore one of the most extreme environments on Earth. In Science in the News, we investigate whether a volcanic eruption helped trigger the Black Death, take a closer look at a mysterious earthquake in England, and meet Jonathan Growcott from Exeter University to discover the powerful science behind a lion’s mighty roar. We also answer your questions... Patrice wants to know what the oldest living thing on Earth is, and Demetrios Venetsanos from Imperial College London explains exactly how planes work. Dangerous Dan is back with another strange and surprising creature, the cinnabar rock. And in Battle of the Sciences, Dr. Ben Moat takes us out to sea to explore the hidden world beneath the ocean’s surface. Plus, Marina Ventura returns with another Ocean Adventure, revealing how oceans benefit humans and help keep our planet alive. This week, we learn about: How planes are able to fly What causes earthquakes and deadly volcanic effects Why a lion’s roar is so powerful The mysteries of the deep ocean How oceans help humans survive All that and more on this week’s Science Weekly!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nepal is home to some of the world's most iconic wildlife — from tigers, rhinos, and elephants to lesser-known species like pangolins and medicinal orchids. Yet behind its breathtaking biodiversity lies a complex struggle against wildlife poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and habitat loss. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Kumar Paudel, founder and director of Greenhood Nepal, one of the nation's leading conservation organizations working to combat wildlife crime and promote community conservation across the Himalayas.Kumar shares his inspiring journey from a childhood in the mountains of Nepal to leading national efforts in biodiversity conservation. Through his work with Greenhood Nepal, he has helped transform the country's conservation landscape — from early advocacy against poaching and corruption to the establishment of community-based monitoring networks and policy reform. Under his leadership, Nepal became the first nation to achieve zero poaching of rhinos, elephants, and tigers, an achievement rooted in strong enforcement, military protection, and deep community engagement.The conversation delves into the evolution of Nepal's conservation success. Kumar discusses how community intelligence and local anti-poaching networks have become vital in protecting wildlife across national parks and buffer zones. Yet, he warns that while attention often centers on charismatic megafauna like tigers and rhinos, smaller and lesser-known species such as pangolins, tortoises, and orchids face rising threats from illegal wildlife trade and unsustainable harvesting.Greenhood Nepal's work along the China–Nepal border provides critical insights into cross-border wildlife trade networks, revealing the motivations behind trafficking and empowering enforcement agencies through training, data sharing, and behavioral change campaigns. Kumar also highlights their pioneering research on orchid conservation, mapping over 500 native species — including more than 100 medicinally important orchids — and developing sustainable management plans that align with CITES compliance.The discussion also explores pangolin conservation, where Greenhood has led community outreach, identified priority habitats, and hosted Nepal's first Pangolin Conservation Roundtable, catalyzing national policy action. Kumar explains how the team's on-ground efforts — from habitat restoration to education and enforcement — have shaped the future of biodiversity management in Nepal.Beyond enforcement, Kumar reflects on the importance of compassion and understanding. His most memorable conservation experience came from visiting prisons and speaking with wildlife offenders, gaining firsthand insights into the socio-economic pressures that drive poaching and wildlife trade. His reflections underscore that sustainable conservation depends on addressing poverty, awareness, and opportunity — not just punishment.We also revisit Nepal's remarkable success in tiger conservation, where populations have nearly tripled between 2010 and 2022, and discuss emerging challenges such as human–wildlife conflict. As Nepal continues to balance conservation and development, Kumar calls for stronger investment in coexistence strategies, habitat restoration, and community-led solutions.This episode offers an in-depth look at the intertwined issues of wildlife crime, community conservation, and biodiversity preservation in one of the world's richest ecological regions. Tune in to learn how Nepal's story of resilience, innovation, and collaboration continues to inspire the global conservation movement.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#Nepal #tigers #elephants #rhino #wildlife #wildlifeconservation #wildlifecrime #poaching #wildlifepoaching #hunting #wildlifetrade #illegalwildlifetrade #conservation #biodiversity #biodiversityofNepal #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #orchids #orchidconservation #pangolins #communityconservation #communityengagement5 Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Landmark is a ground-breaking research programme aimed at accelerating the search for new treatments by applying cutting edge techniques to gain a new level of insight at cellular level into the changes Parkinson's causes in the brain. Principal investigator Professor Michael Johnson from Imperial College London explains the need across the global research community for the new high quality datasets his team will produce.  The project will use tissue samples from the Parkinson's UK Brain Bank, which was set up 22 years ago as a result of the remarkable foresight of Professor David Dexter, who is now the charity's Director of Research. He explains what it was like to see his vision come to fruition when Landmark was launched.  The three year research programme brings together a Parkinson's UK led consortium of four major pharmaceutical companies - GSK, Novartis, Roche, and UCB, plus Imperial College London, which was made possible with £4m of funding from the Gatsby charitable foundation.  https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/m.johnson    

A two-time Nobel Prize-winning scientist changed chemistry, biology, and the politics of science. But when he pushed vitamin C as a cure-all, did he go too far? Guest: Daniel M. Davis, head of the department of life sciences and professor of immunology at Imperial College London. He is the author of Self-Defense: A Myth-Busting Guide to Immune Health. For show transcripts, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vox.com/unxtranscripts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vox.com/unexplainable⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ And please email us! ⁠⁠⁠unexplainable@vox.com⁠⁠⁠ We read every email. Support Unexplainable (and get ad-free episodes) by becoming a Vox Member today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠vox.com/members⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the global biodiversity crisis intensifies, the race is on to design financial systems that protect nature rather than destroy it. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, Dr. Samuel Sinclair, co-founder of Biodiversify, unpacks the evolution of biodiversity credits, the limitations of the current biodiversity credit market, and the urgent need for credible biodiversity conservation finance. Based in the UK, Biodiversify works with global corporations, governments, and NGOs to make businesses truly nature positive—moving beyond carbon neutrality to measurable biodiversity net gain.Dr. Sinclair traces his path from fieldwork in Tanzania and anti-poaching initiatives with the African Wildlife Foundation to pioneering frameworks that help major brands like Kering, Primark, Tetra Pak, and Amazon integrate biodiversity management into corporate strategy. He explains why biodiversity credits have not scaled like carbon credits, emphasizing the lack of standardized metrics, corporate incentives, and clear biodiversity credit standards. For credits to be effective, he argues, they must directly address business risks—such as threats to commodity supply chains—and become tied to real ecological outcomes.The discussion delves into the emerging biodiversity finance landscape: from the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) to Science-Based Targets for Nature (SBTN). These frameworks are transforming how companies assess, report, and invest in biodiversity. Sinclair explains how Biodiversify helps clients navigate these systems, ensuring their corporate biodiversity credits and biodiversity net gain commitments align with global best practices.We explore the critical difference between nature credits and carbon credits, why biodiversity cannot be reduced to a single global metric, and how new biodiversity credit regulations could create markets that reward genuine ecological restoration. Sinclair also reflects on his field experiences across Africa, where conservation taught him that protecting ecosystems is as much about people as wildlife.This episode is a must-listen for conservation professionals, sustainability officers, and anyone curious about investing in biodiversity as the next frontier in environmental finance. Learn how corporate action, regulatory innovation, and on-the-ground conservation can merge to halt biodiversity loss and deliver a nature-positive future.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#biodiversity #biodiversitycredits #biodiversitycreditmarket #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversitypreservation #biodiversityhotspot #biodiversitynetgain #naturepositive #biodiversitycrisis #biodiversitymarkets #biodiversityfinance #investinginbiodiversity #biodiversityconservationfinance #biodiversitycreditstandards #corporatebiodiversitycredits #biodiversitycreditregulations #differencebetweennaturecreditsandcarboncredits Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to Ozempic Weightloss Unlocked, the show where we unpack how this powerful medication is reshaping medicine, health, and everyday life.Today we are diving into the very latest science on semaglutide, the drug sold as Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity, and what new research means for listeners who are using it or thinking about it.A new real world study in the journal Current Medical Research and Opinion followed people on once weekly semaglutide for two full years. Researchers found that on average, patients lost about thirty nine pounds, or nearly seventeen percent of their body weight, and most kept that weight off over the full twenty four months. People also saw improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and many moved from prediabetes or diabetes back to normal blood sugar levels. That is important, because it confirms that Ozempic is not just a quick fix but can be part of long term weight management when it is continued and combined with lifestyle changes.At the same time, doctors are getting clearer about downsides. A recent analysis from researchers in Utah, reported by Ladbible, warned that Ozempic related weight loss can come with a drop in lean mass, including muscle, of around ten percent. That is less loss than some earlier crash diets have caused, but it still matters. Losing muscle can weaken strength, slow metabolism, and be especially risky for older adults. Experts now stress pairing Ozempic with enough protein, resistance exercise, and medical follow up to protect muscle.For older listeners, the Association of American Medical Colleges reports that trials suggest these drugs can be safe and effective after age sixty five, but that adults over seventy five were rarely studied. Clinicians are urging extra caution in seniors because they are more prone to side effects like nausea, dehydration, and muscle loss, and they may already be on multiple medications.Researchers are also uncovering surprising new uses. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center reports that glucagon like peptide drugs such as Ozempic may help people with obesity reduce their risk of several cancers linked to excess body fat, including breast and colon cancer. In an early study in breast cancer patients, these medications helped counteract the weight gain that often comes with treatment, which could improve long term heart and cancer outcomes if confirmed in larger trials.Scientists are even exploring effects on brain health. Imperial College London recently showed that another drug in the same family, called liraglutide, slowed brain shrinkage and cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer disease over one year. Patients on liraglutide had almost fifty percent less brain volume loss in key memory areas compared with placebo, and their thinking declined about eighteen percent more slowly. While this was not Ozempic itself, it suggests this whole class of drugs might play a future role in protecting the brain, and large phase three trials are now underway.There is also growing attention on mental health. Think Global Health highlights that when people lose even a modest amount of weight and improve metabolic health, their risk of depression and anxiety often falls. Some patients report better mood and fewer food cravings on Ozempic, while a small number describe emotional blunting or worries about identity after major weight loss. Regulators in Europe have examined rare reports of suicidal thoughts, but the United States Food and Drug Administration has said current evidence does not show a clear causal link. Still, it is essential for anyone on these medications to check in regularly with their care team about mood and mental health, not just the number on the scale.Finally, researchers are already working on what might come next. Scientists at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden recently reported a new experimental pill that burns fat by acting directly on muscle metabolism instead of appetite. In early human trials it improved blood sugar and body composition without reducing appetite or muscle mass. If it proves safe and effective, it may one day be used alone or together with drugs like Ozempic to achieve weight loss with fewer side effects.Taken together, the latest science tells us this. Ozempic and related medications can deliver major, sustained weight loss and improve heart and metabolic health. They may lower risks tied to obesity, from diabetes to some cancers, and could even have future roles in brain health. But they are not magic. Protecting muscle, supporting mental health, tailoring treatment to age, and combining medication with nutrition, movement, and sleep are all crucial.Thank you for tuning in to Ozempic Weightloss Unlocked. If you found this episode helpful, be sure to subscribe so you never miss the latest updates on Ozempic, weight loss, and health.This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we travel to the frozen frontiers of the Arctic to uncover one of conservation's most inspiring success stories — the revival of the Arctic fox in Svalbard and Fennoscandia. Host Anish Banerjee is joined by Nina Elisabeth Eide from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), who shares her remarkable two-decade journey studying and protecting wild canids in one of the world's harshest environments.Once reduced to barely 40–60 individuals, the Arctic fox population in Scandinavia teetered on the edge of extinction due to overhunting, climate change, and competition with red foxes. Through dedicated efforts in wild canid conservation, the population has rebounded more than tenfold to nearly 600 foxes — a triumph made possible by scientific research, adaptive management, and international cooperation.Nina describes how her PhD work in Svalbard explored the ecology and spatial behaviour of Arctic foxes, revealing how these resilient predators adapt to shifting prey availability across coastal and inland tundra. She explains their extraordinary biological adaptations — from thick fur and fat reserves to metabolic slowdown — that allow them to endure months of Arctic winter without freezing even at –40°C.The discussion delves deep into the innovative conservation measures behind the Arctic fox's recovery:Supplemental feeding stations strategically placed near den sites to enhance pup survival and reproduction.Red fox control programmes that limit competition in critical Arctic habitats.A successful captive-breeding and reintroduction programme, which has released over 460 foxes into the wild, boosting eight distinct sub-populations across Norway, Sweden, and Finland.Long-term genetic monitoring, collecting nearly 800 DNA samples annually to track individuals, maintain genetic diversity, and assess the success of reintroduced foxes.Beyond the science, Nina reflects on the emotional highs of conservation — from the joy of releasing foxes into the wild to the collective sense of achievement when a once-critically endangered species begins to recover. Yet, she warns that ongoing threats like climate change, habitat fragmentation, and red fox expansion still pose challenges to the long-term survival of Arctic biodiversity.This episode offers a rare glimpse into the perseverance and ingenuity that define modern wildlife conservation. It highlights how collaboration between scientists, governments, and local communities can restore fragile ecosystems and preserve the delicate balance of Arctic biodiversity.Join us to learn about the ecology, behaviour, and conservation of one of the Arctic's most charismatic species — and what its recovery means for the broader effort to safeguard biodiversity hotspots under a changing climate.Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, conservation biologist, or simply someone inspired by stories of nature's resilience, this conversation captures the essence of why protecting wild canids like the Arctic fox is vital for the future of our planet's biodiversity and nature.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#ThinkWildlifePodcast #ArcticFoxes #WildCanids #FoxConservation #WildCanidConservation #SvalbardBiodiversity #ArcticBiodiversity #ArcticBiodiversityConservation #Biodiversity #BiodiversityConservation #BiodiversityHotspot #Ecology #Wildlife #Nature Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Show Notes: Lloyd opens the conversation by talking about the infinite opportunities at Harvard and encourages incoming freshmen to make the most of their time there. Lloyd shares his initial plan to study pre-med but also pursued fine arts, specifically architecture, and theater work. He mentions meeting Professor James Stilgoe at the Graduate School of Design, which opened his eyes to opportunities beyond STEM. From Cornell to New York City Lloyd discusses his decision to attend Cornell and his subsequent move to New York City. He had two job offers: working at Disney or a consulting firm, but chose the consulting firm due to financial needs. Lloyd worked for a boutique workout restructuring organization in New York City and later joined Starwood Capital Group. He was asked to open the London office for Starwood Capital Group in 2001, combining his interests in architecture, finance, and real estate. He honed his skills as an investment guy over the next few years before moving into entrepreneurship. Founding Yoo Capital In 2010, Lloyd and his business partner founded Yoo Capital, focusing on real estate private equity. The firm aimed to be responsible and institutional in their investments, creating global iconic destinations in London. Yoo Capital has invested in various sectors, including live theaters, film and television studios, music arenas, hotels, and restaurants. The firm has also created incubator spaces for startups and supports educational programs at Imperial College London and other institutions. About Yoo Capital Yoo Capital has committed to contributing 50% of all housing built in central London to government affordable housing. The firm has partnerships with major names in hospitality, food, beverage, music, and entertainment. Yoo Capital's investments are considered strategic to the national interest and socially responsible. The firm ensures accessibility in their destinations, ranging from affordable to high-end options. Professional and Personal Goals Lloyd shares his practice of journaling since 1997, mapping out his personal and professional goals. He contributes the success of his journey to education, skills learned, and opportunity to his passions professionally. He and his wife have created an ethos to build opportunities and contribute to social value that they have impressed upon their children. Lloyd discusses the importance of setting targets and reviewing progress regularly. He emphasizes the significance of maintaining a work-life balance and involving his family in the planning process, and he explains his setting targets and weekly review process.  Challenges of Brexit and COVID-19 Lloyd recounts the challenges faced during the Brexit vote and the COVID-19 pandemic. He explains the firm's strategy of being prudent and risk-averse, often forward-selling properties to secure investments. Lloyd shares a story about forward-selling and transforming a million square feet of residential property during the recession. Lloyd describes many of the exciting rejuvenation projects that invest in both the buildings and benefit the community with housing, entertainment, art, and businesses. The firm's approach has allowed them to weather economic storms and continue growing. Lloyd also mentions what he has learned from working with theatres. Harvard Reflections Lloyd credits Professors James Stilgoe and Harvey Cox as influential figures in his life. He discusses how Professor Stilgoe's course on the History of the American Built Environment broadened his perspective. Lloyd appreciates Professor Cox's course on Jesus in the world, which reinforced his Christian beliefs. Both professors' teachings have shaped Lloyd's approach to business and personal life. Guiding Beliefs at Work Lloyd explains how his Christian beliefs guide his professional decisions and the firm's ethos. He emphasizes the importance of humility and collaboration with world-class partners. Lloyd shares how the firm's investments are rooted in creating socially responsible and accessible destinations. He highlights the significance of maintaining a moral fiber in all business dealings. Lloyd discusses the firm's future plans, including expanding their investments in central London. He mentions ongoing projects like the Camden Film Quarter and the transformation of Olympia. The firm aims to continue creating iconic destinations that are both financially successful and socially responsible. Lloyd expresses his gratitude for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped his journey. Timestamps: 04:22: Transition from Harvard to Early Career  08:53: Social Responsibility and Strategic Partnerships  12:15: Personal and Professional Growth  21:54: The Weekly Review Process 24:22: Founding Yoo Capital 32:19: Understanding the Theatre Business  43:06: Influence of Harvard Professors  Links: Yoo Capital: https://yoocapital.com/ Olympia: https://www.olympia.co.uk/ Camden Film Quarter: https://www.camdenfilmquarter.com/       Featured Non-profit:   The featured non-profit of this week's episode is brought to you by Elijah Aron who reports:  "Hi. I'm Elijah Aron, class of 1992. The featured non-profit of this episode of The 92 report is Earth Justice. Basically, it's an organization of lawyers who protect the planet. I like to give money to environmental causes, but I don't always understand what a lot of these big green nonprofits are actually doing with my money. But Earth justice, I totally understand. They fight court cases against corporations and sometimes the federal government on the side of the earth. You can learn more about their work@earthjustice.org Now here is Will Bachman with this week's episode. To learn more about their work, visit: www.earthjustice.org.    *Show notes and transcript are AI generated.  

Sugar taxes are in place in several countries including Mexico and the UK. And they're evolving. Maybe you've noticed that some sweet fizzy drinks are getting more expensive? Buying drinks with added sugar has an extra cost, which is commonly known as sugar tax. It's a way to discourage people from consuming too much sugar - something which can lead to poor health if consumed in excess. But do these sugar taxes work? Our BBC colleague Maria Clara Montoya has been looking into this with the help of Elisa Pineda, a public health expert from The George Institute for Global Health at Imperial College London.Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Mora Morrison and Maria Clara Montoya Editor: Verity Wilde

Our Chief Executive John Dickie is joined by Amanda Wolthuizen, Vice-President for Strategic Engagement at Imperial College London, Simon Burton, Senior Counsel at the consultancy Lexington, and Misa von Tunzelman, Executive Director for Corporate Affairs at Lendlease, to discuss what last week's Autumn Budget will mean for the capital.   The group talk through the implications of major tax and infrastructure announcements from the Chancellor, including the backing of plans to extend the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead and the introduction of a new levy on international students, as well as what the Government should do next to accelerate growth across London and beyond. Read our response to the Chancellor's speech on our website. Follow us on X at @_businessLDN and on LinkedIn at BusinessLDN. Music is provided by Coma-Media.

The African savannas once echoed with herds of graceful antelopes—species perfectly adapted to life in some of the harshest landscapes on Earth. Among them, the Beisa oryx stands out as a symbol of resilience, yet today it faces growing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human expansion. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we explore the inspiring story of oryx conservation and rewilding efforts that are giving this striking desert antelope a second chance. Joining us on this episode is the Save Beissa Oryx Community Trust.Our guest shares insights into the ongoing work to restore beisa oryx populations across East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Ethiopia, and northern Tanzania, where community-led initiatives are transforming degraded landscapes into thriving habitats. Once driven to near-extinction in many parts of its range, the beisa oryx is now a beacon of what community conservation and science-based rewilding can achieve when local people, governments, and conservation organizations work together.The discussion delves into how rewilding oryxs serves as a powerful tool for biodiversity conservation, helping to restore the ecological balance of savanna ecosystems. By reintroducing oryxes into protected landscapes, conservationists are not only reviving a species but also revitalizing entire food webs that depend on large herbivores. The Beisa oryx, with its striking black-and-white facial markings and long, straight horns, plays a key role in shaping grassland dynamics, dispersing seeds, and maintaining healthy vegetation.Listeners will also learn how community conservation models are making this success possible. From the conservancies of northern Kenya to collaborative management zones across the Horn of Africa, local communities are leading the charge—monitoring wildlife, reducing poaching, and promoting coexistence with antelopes and other large mammals. By linking livelihood benefits to conservation outcomes, these programs are redefining what it means to protect wildlife in the 21st century.The episode also explores how rewilding efforts for the beisa oryx tie into larger continental and global biodiversity goals. As African nations implement ecosystem restoration targets under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, projects like oryx rewilding highlight the power of combining indigenous knowledge, modern ecological science, and grassroots participation. Beyond simply bringing back a species, rewilding aims to rebuild functional ecosystems where antelope species like the oryx can once again roam freely across their historical range.In this thought-provoking conversation, we discuss the challenges ahead: securing enough land for expanding populations, mitigating conflicts with livestock herders, and addressing the pressures of climate change. Yet, amid these challenges lies hope—the sight of newly reintroduced beisa oryxes galloping across restored savannas is proof that conservation can turn back the clock of extinction.Ultimately, this episode is a celebration of resilience—of the oryx, of the communities that protect it, and of the collective belief that conservation is not just about saving wildlife, but about sustaining the ecosystems and cultures that depend on them.Join us as we journey into the heart of oryx conservation, learning how science, storytelling, and community action are uniting to rewild Africa's landscapes. Discover how each reintroduced antelope represents a step toward restoring the continent's wild beauty—and a vision of coexistence where people and wildlife thrive together.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#antelope #oryx #oryxconservation #rewilding #rewildingoryxs #beisaoryx #beisaoryxrewilding #beisaoryxconservation #communityconservation #biodiversityconservation #conservation #wildlifeconservation #africanwildlife #ecosystemrestoration #rewildingafrica Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we explore one of India's most unique and little-known primates — the slender loris, a small nocturnal primate that thrives in the tree canopies of southern India and Sri Lanka. Joining us is Professor Kaberi Kar Gupta, visiting scientist at the Indian Institute of Science and founder of the Urban Slender Loris Project, who shares her decades-long journey from studying forest ecology to pioneering urban ecology and urban wildlife conservation in Bengaluru.Professor Gupta recounts her early fascination with nature, from growing up in the green outskirts of Kolkata to working in the forests of Tamil Nadu. Her research on primate ecology began in the forests of Kalakad–Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, where she studied slender loris behavior, home ranges, and mating systems, uncovering intricate details about their ecology and survival strategies. Over time, she turned her attention to how these primates adapt to city environments — leading to the creation of the Urban Slender Loris Project in Bengaluru, a groundbreaking citizen science initiative that brings together researchers, local communities, and volunteers to monitor and conserve these elusive nocturnal primates.The discussion dives into the urgent need for urban biodiversity conservation and biodiversity management in rapidly growing cities. Professor Gupta highlights how urban green spaces — once thriving with life — are vanishing under expanding infrastructure. Through the project, community members were trained to conduct night surveys, map loris habitats, and identify key trees and corridors that sustain these animals. Their collective effort revealed both the resilience of urban biodiversity and the fragility of these ecosystems under urban expansion.We also discuss the results of a recent study on public attitudes towards slender lorises in Bengaluru. The findings show that while urban residents often appreciate local wildlife, awareness about species like the slender loris remains limited. Cultural myths, once linked to black magic, are fading, but habitat destruction and lack of awareness continue to pose serious threats.Professor Gupta's reflections go beyond the science — touching on her personal experiences in wild Karnataka, encounters with wildlife traders during early conservation work, and moments of awe witnessing tigers and lorises in their natural habitats. Her message is clear: connecting people to nature within cities is essential for the future of conservation. As more people become urban dwellers, initiatives like the Urban Slender Loris Project show how science, community participation, and empathy for wildlife can coexist in even the most crowded environments.Whether you're a student of urban biology, a wildlife enthusiast, or a conservationist, this conversation offers a profound look into how small nocturnal primates like the slender loris can inspire a new model of biodiversity preservation in the heart of India's tech capital.Tune in to discover the story of the slender loris — the hidden primate of Bengaluru — and how local communities are shaping the future of urban wildlife conservation.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#urbanecology #urbanbiology #urbanbiodiversity #urbanwildlife #urbanwildlifeconservation #urbanbiodiversityconservation #biodiversity #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversitypreservation #slenderloris #loris #slenderlorisconservation #slenderlorisecology #primateecology #primates #primateconservation #wildkarnataka #conservation Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

More children are being killed by explosive weapons than at any other time in history, according to a major new report by Save the Children and Imperial College London.It's clear there has been a shift in the way wars are being fought, and children are being caught in the crosshairs. In this exclusive interview, Arthur and Paul ask George Graham, Executive Director for Global Impact at Save the Children, and Shehan Hettiaratchy, from the Centre for Paediatric Blast Injury Studies at Imperial College London why have wars become so much more deadly for civilians and children in particular? Producer: Sophie O'SullivanExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsStudio Operator: Meghan Searle► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorPicture credit: MAHMUD HAMS / AFPContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@ascottgeddesHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Lynne Sykes, co-director of the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Imperial College London, discusses her new paper detailing links between a woman's blood type and her risk of spontaneous preterm birth depending on her gynecological and obstetrical history.

It's the BMJ's annual climate issue - and in this episode, we'll be hearing about more ways in which climate mitigation is good for health.   Firstly, climate change is fuelling conflict, and exacerbating the impact it has on fragile healthcare systems. Andy Haines, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Barbora Sedova, from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, discuss how climate and conflict intersect, and what they think needs to be done to combat it.   “Car spreading”, the recent tendency for cars to become bigger and heavier is not only harming the climate, but it's also harming pedestrians.  Anthony Laverty, associate professor of public health at Imperial College London, and trauma surgeon Cleo Kenington explain why SUVs are more lethal in accidents, and why France is bucking the trend in sales.   Finally, Jocalyn Clark, the BMJ's international editor joins us to talk about women's health innovation and why tech bros aren't the people to be leading it.   Reading list:   The climate issue: Brazil and the climate crisis   Tackling the complex links between climate change, conflict, and health   Reducing the harms from ever larger cars   Transforming women's health through innovation

High in the misty forests of North Bengal and Northeast India, a quiet conservation movement is unfolding around one of the world's most charismatic yet misunderstood mammals — the red panda. In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, host Anish Banerjee speaks with young conservationist Aamir Khan Sohel, whose pioneering work bridges red panda conservation breeding, community-led conservation, and the power of science communication through his initiative, Translating Conservation.Aamir's journey began unconventionally — from engineering to ecology — driven by a desire to use technology to aid conservation. He recounts how he was drawn to the red panda, a species native to the Eastern Himalayas and an important indicator of ecosystem health. Through his project in Darjeeling, he studies red panda behavior, welfare, and reintroduction success within India's first red panda conservation breeding program, initiated at the Darjeeling Zoo in collaboration with the Government of India and international partners.The episode delves into the fascinating world of red panda conservation breeding — how scientists train captive individuals to survive in the wild, teaching them essential behaviors like foraging and predator avoidance before their release into protected areas such as Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks. Aamir explains the scientific and logistical hurdles in bridging captive and wild populations, the reasons behind long gaps between reintroductions, and how welfare-based behavioral studies are improving the outcomes of conservation breeding programs.Beyond the lab and breeding centers, the conversation explores the human dimensions of biodiversity conservation. Aamir's community-led conservation model empowers local residents to become long-term wildlife monitors by combining traditional knowledge with scientific training. These community guardians help track red panda populations across the mountainous terrain, offering valuable insights into how climate change, tourism, and habitat degradation affect this elusive species and the broader Himalayan biodiversity hotspot.He highlights the major threats facing red pandas — including biodiversity loss, habitat fragmentation, bamboo depletion, and the growing menace of feral dogs in high-altitude forests. Climate warming is altering microhabitats and pushing red pandas higher up the mountains, making long-term monitoring even more essential for conservation success.Aamir also introduces Translating Conservation, his innovative science outreach platform that breaks down complex ecological research into accessible content — from simplified articles to comics and animations — ensuring conservation knowledge reaches local communities and the general public. For Aamir, translating conservation is not just about communication but about inclusion — enabling everyone to participate in protecting India's rich biodiversity.From funding challenges to field hardships, his story reflects the persistence and creativity required to conserve one of the most threatened species of the Himalayas. His upcoming research, supported by the University of Adelaide, aims to expand this model of collaborative, community-based conservation across North Bengal and the broader Northeast India landscape.This episode offers a heartfelt and deeply insightful look at how science, empathy, and local stewardship come together to safeguard the red panda — a symbol of balance in fragile mountain ecosystems.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#redpanda #redpandaconservation #redpandaconservationbreeding #northbengal #northeastindia #translatingconservation #biodiversity #biodiversityconservation #biodiversityhotspot #biodiversityloss Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

How much plastic are we actually absorbing and what's it doing to our health?In this eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Dr. Stephanie Wright, one of the UK's leading scientists in microplastic research, to explore what happens when plastic pollution doesn't just affect the environment, but our bodies too.We dive into:

There are problems and tasks so hard and complicated that it would take today's most powerful supercomputers millions of years to crack them. But in the next decade, we may well have quantum computers which could solve such problems in seconds. Professor Sir Peter Knight is a British pioneer in the realms of quantum optics and quantum information science. During his three decades as a researcher at Imperial College London, he has advanced our understanding of the physics which underpins how quantum computers work.Quantum optics was a new field of physics at the start of Peter Knight's career in the early 1970s and he tells Jim Al-Khalili about the excitement and opportunities for a young scientist at the birth of a new scientific discipline. He also talks about the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. Since his retirement in 2010, Peter Knight has been the driving force behind this £1 billion government-funded endeavour which has positioned the UK as a world leader in the development and commercialisation of quantum computing and other revolutionary quantum inventions.Producer: Andrew Luck-Baker Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

Professor Ian Walmsley is Provost of Imperial College London and Chair in Experimental Physics. He has a distinguished career as a researcher, both in the UK and overseas. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society and has many awards and honours, including a CBE.  Ian has a specialist interest in quantum information processing and leads a research group in this field. He is about to step down from his role at Imperial and take on the leadership of the Oxford Quantum Institute. In this podcast we explore what quantum computing is and how non-specialists like me might think of it. 

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we speak with Ishan Shanavas — a nature photographer, author, and founder of EcoInspire, an environmental education initiative that has already reached over 20,000 students across 70 schools in five Indian states. Through engaging storytelling, dynamic school sessions, and vivid wildlife photography, Ishan is helping shape how young people understand and appreciate biodiversity and the natural world.Growing up on road trips through the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and studying at a school nestled in the forests of Andhra Pradesh, Ishan's early experiences surrounded by wildlife sparked his lifelong passion for conservation. His bestselling book The Lighter Wilder Things became the foundation for Mission EcoInspire, a project dedicated to promoting biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness among students. Realizing that online conservation messages often remain confined to a small, like-minded audience, Ishan set out to bring these conversations directly into classrooms. His approach emphasizes the need for early biodiversity education and environmental education as essential tools to nurture empathy, understanding, and curiosity about wildlife and ecosystems.In the episode, Ishan discusses the origins of his conservation journey and the goals of EcoInspire. He reflects on the power of face-to-face interaction in conservation outreach and conservation education, sharing how simple, accessible communication can inspire students to take interest in biodiversity management and wildlife conservation. He explains how schools across cities like Bangalore, Mysore, Trivandrum, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Gulbarga have welcomed his sessions, with both teachers and students showing overwhelming enthusiasm. The program's success demonstrates that hands-on environmental engagement remains one of the most effective ways to build lasting connections with nature.Ishan also explores the role of social media in spreading environmental awareness. He highlights how platforms can amplify meaningful conservation stories when used responsibly, but also cautions against misinformation and sensationalism. He shares valuable advice for conservationists aiming to improve their communication — simplifying complex topics, avoiding technical jargon, and using creativity, humor, and visual storytelling to reach wider audiences. He mentions innovative communicators like Rohan Chakravarti (Green Humor) and the Dhole Project in Kerala, both of whom effectively use art and media to connect people with Indian biodiversity.The discussion underscores that conservation is not just about protecting species but about building emotional and cultural bridges between people and nature. Ishan's message is clear: the success of wildlife conservation and biodiversity management depends on reaching beyond scientific circles and inspiring collective action. Through EcoInspire, he is demonstrating how passionate individuals can make conservation accessible, engaging, and relevant to younger generations.By sharing his journey, Ishan shows that the heart of biodiversity conservation lies in empathy, education, and communication. Whether through a classroom presentation, a book, or a digital post, his work reminds us that protecting India's natural heritage requires inspiring the minds and hearts of those who will shape its future.Tune in to learn how one individual's commitment to conservation outreach and environmental education is inspiring thousands of young Indians to rediscover their connection with wildlife and work toward a sustainable future.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Have you been having fun with the newest slate of AI tools? Have you been doing research with GPT-5? Coding your projects with Claude? Turning pictures of your friends into cartoon characters from the Fairly Odd Parents using the image editing tool Nano Banana? Are you impressed with what they can do? Well guess what? You're only impressed with them because you're basically a naive child. You're like a little child with an etch a sketch who is amazed that they can make crude images by turning the knobs, oblivious to greater possibilities. At least, that's the impression you get when listening to tech leaders, philosophers, and even governments. According to them, soon the most impressive of AI tools will look as cheap and primitive as Netflix's recommendation algorithm in 2007. Soon the world will have to reckon with the power of Artificial General Intelligence, or “AGI.” What is AGI? Definitions vary. When will it come? Perhaps months. Perhaps years. Perhaps decades. But definitely soon enough for you to worry about. What will it mean for humanity once it's here? Perhaps a techno utopia. Perhaps extinction. No one is sure. But what they are sure of is that AGI is definitely coming and it's definitely going to be a big deal. A mystical event. A turning point in history, after which nothing will ever be the same. However, some are more skeptical, like our guest today Will Douglas Heaven. Will has a PhD in Computer Science from Imperial College London and is the senior editor for AI at MIT Technology review. He recently published an article, based on his conversations with AI researchers, which provocatively calls AGI “the most consequential conspiracy theory of our time.” Jake and Travis chat with Will about the conspiracy theory-like talk from the AI industry, whether AGI is just “vibes and snake oil,” and how to distinguish between tech breakthroughs and Silicon Valley hyperbole. Will Douglas Heaven https://bsky.app/profile/willdouglasheaven.bsky.social How AGI became the consequential conspiracy theory of our time https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/10/30/1127057/agi-conspiracy-theory-artifcial-general-intelligence/ Subscribe for $5 a month to get all the premium episodes: https://www.patreon.com/qaa Editing by Corey Klotz. Theme by Nick Sena. Additional music by Pontus Berghe. Theme Vocals by THEY/LIVE (https://instagram.com/theyylivve / https://sptfy.com/QrDm). Cover Art by Pedro Correa: (https://pedrocorrea.com) https://qaapodcast.com QAA was known as the QAnon Anonymous podcast. The first three episodes of Annie Kelly's new 6-part podcast miniseries “Truly Tradly Deeply” are available to Cursed Media subscribers, with new episodes released weekly. www.cursedmedia.net/ Cursed Media subscribers also get access to every episode of every QAA miniseries we produced, including Manclan by Julian Feeld and Annie Kelly, Trickle Down by Travis View, The Spectral Voyager by Jake Rockatansky and Brad Abrahams, and Perverts by Julian Feeld and Liv Agar. Plus, Cursed Media subscribers will get access to at least three new exclusive podcast miniseries every year. www.cursedmedia.net/ REFERENCES Debates on the nature of artificial general intelligence https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ado7069?utm_source=chatgpt.com Why AI Is Harder Than We Think https://arxiv.org/pdf/2104.12871 AI Capabilities May Be Overhyped on Bogus Benchmarks, Study Finds https://gizmodo.com/ai-capabilities-may-be-overhyped-on-bogus-benchmarks-study-finds-2000682577 Examining the geographic concentration of VC investment in AI https://ssti.org/blog/examining-geographic-concentration-vc-investment-ai Margaret Mitchell: artificial general intelligence is ‘just vibes and snake oil' https://www.ft.com/content/7089bff2-25fc-4a25-98bf-8828ab24f48e

Professor Daniel M. Davis is a leading immunologist at Imperial College London, and he's here to set the record straight on what actually keeps us well through winter.He reveals the truth about vitamin C (spoiler: you might want to rethink that morning glass of orange juice), why the phrase "boost your immune system" makes him wince, and the one lifestyle factor that's genuinely proven to affect your immune response. He also chats to Liz about what really happens when you train for a marathon, the science behind allergies and autoimmune disease, and whether those probiotic yogurts are doing anything at all.Links mentioned in the episode:Self-Defense: A Myth-Busting Guide to Immune Health by Professor Daniel M. DavisFollow Professor Daniel M. Davis on InstagramHave a question for Liz? Send a WhatsApp message or voicenote to 07518 471846, or email us at podcast@lizearlewellbeing.com for the chance to be featured on the show.Please note, on some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage and always honestly review. For more information please read our Affiliate Policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever heard of “vibe coding”? It's been named Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary, but what does it mean?You can thank OpenAI's co-founder Andrej Karpathy, who came up with the phrase.The World Weather Attribution has released new data revealing that climate change significantly amplified Hurricane Melissa's destructive winds and rainfall.We speak to the rapid study's co-author, climate scientist Theodore Keeping, from the World Weather Attribution team at Imperial College London.Three Chinese astronauts are stuck in space for longer than expected, after an unidentified object hits the return spacecraft.Also in this episode:UK energy supplier Tomato Energy has collapsedPrince William honours young environmentalists at Earthshot PrizeThe newly described species of toads that give birth to fully formed toadletsAI chatbots "suffer from brainrot" too Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marks & Spencer's revealed the impact of a massive cyber attack earlier this year. The retailer says profits were hit hard when hackers took them offline at Easter, knocking out online sales and leaving shelves bare for weeks.Elsewhere, scientists in London are looking at whether wireless power could be used to keep lunar rovers running in space. The collaboration between Imperial College London and MSA Space is being funded by the UK Space Agency.Suze Cooper speaks to Professor of Electrical Energy Conversion at Imperial, Paul Mitcheson, about what it could mean for future space exploration.Also in this episode…Plans to block scam mobile calls from abroad within a yearIs Government red tape causing UK science and tech to ‘bleed out'?Scientists warn geoengineering could trigger droughts and hurricanesSky Live to be discontinued less than three years after launchWhatsApp officially arrives for Apple Watch wearersAn extra reason to look to the skies this bonfire night Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Ros Watts joins Psychedelics Today to share insights from her decade of work with psilocybin therapy and her evolving focus on community-based integration. As the former Clinical Lead for Imperial College London's landmark psilocybin-for-depression trial, Dr. Watts witnessed how psychedelic experiences can foster profound feelings of connection— to self, others, and nature — yet also how that connection can fade without ongoing support. In this conversation, she reflects on what years of research have taught her about connectedness as both a healing mechanism and a human need. She explores how integration work can transform fleeting psychedelic breakthroughs into lasting change, and why community is not just a "nice-to-have," but a core part of psychological and ecological resilience. Dr. Ros Watts also discusses her "Twelve Trees" framework — a nature-inspired model for personal and collective growth that helps participants translate insight into action through values, embodiment, and mutual care. Her current project, ACER Integration (Accept, Connect, Embody, Restore), is a 13-month, co-created journey that guides people in weaving psychedelic insights into everyday life while deepening relationships with self, others, and the living world. Named among the Top 50 Most Influential People in Psychedelics and Top 16 Women Shaping the Future of Psychedelics, Dr. Watts continues to advocate for integration, harm-reduction, and inclusion in the psychedelic space. Together, we explore what sustainable healing really means, how organizations can embody the same principles they teach, and how the psychedelic movement can root itself in care, connection, and community. Learn more about ACER Integration: https://acerintegration.com Find Dr Ros Watt's webpage here. https://www.drrosalindwatts.com/

The 'bionic eye' may make you think of Star Trek's Geordi La Forge. Now, scientists have restored the ability to read in a group of blind patients with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). And they've done it by implanting a computer chip in the back of their eyes. Professor Francesca Cordeiro, Chair of Ophthalmology at Imperial College London explains how bionic technology might provide future solutions for more people with sight loss.Researchers at the University of Sheffield have come up with a way of extracting hormones from human remains dating as far back as the 1st century AD. Marnie Chesterton speaks to Brenna Hassett, bioarchaeologist at the University of Lancashire to find out how pregnancy testing skeletons could cast new information on human evolution. In a world of automation and AI, its easy to forget that every day, people around the UK record weather observations which contribute to our understanding of climate science. Marnie meets Met Office volunteer Stephen Burt and climate scientist at the University of Reading, Professor Ed Hawkins to find out more. And science broadcaster Caroline Steel brings us brand new discoveries changing the way we understand the world around us.If you want to find out more about volunteering to collect rain data, you can email: nationalhydrology@environment-agency.gov.uk. If you're in Scotland, visit the SEPA website: https://www2.sepa.org.uk/rainfall/GetInvolvedTo discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University.Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producer(s): Clare Salisbury, Ella Hubber, Jonathan Blackwell, Tim Dodd Editor: Martin Smith Production Coordinator: Jana Holesworth

Get ready to blast off into another episode of Fun Kids Science Weekly — packed with space tech, creepy creatures, and the biggest mysteries of the planet! This week, we’re tackling YOUR science questions, discovering the future of rocket power, and diving into some of the strangest science stories making headlines. In Science in the News, an endangered spider makes an unexpected comeback, and scientists are scratching their heads after the waters of the North Pacific recorded their warmest summer ever — but no one knows why! Plus, Dr Luke Tilley from the Royal Entomological Society joins Dan to explain how the European praying mantis has suddenly turned up in Cornwall. We’ll also be answering some of your big questions — Judy wants to know what’s the longest you can go without sleep, and mathematician Thomas Woolley settles one of the greatest science debates ever: are there more grains of sand or drops of water on Earth? Dangerous Dan is back too, and this time he’s uncovering one of the most explosive substances ever discovered — azidoazide azide! And in Battle of the Sciences, Dan is joined by Aaron Knoll from Imperial College London to explore plasma propulsion — the rocket technology that could take us further into space than ever before. What do we learn about?• The European praying mantis spotted in Cornwall• Why the North Pacific Ocean had its warmest summer on record• The future of space travel using plasma propulsion• The science behind grains of sand and drops of water• The dangerously powerful Azidoazide Azide All this and more on this week’s Fun Kids Science Weekly!Join Fun Kids Podcasts+: https://funkidslive.com/plusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, we are joined by Etelle Higonnet, founder of Coffee Watch, a nonprofit watchdog organization dedicated to the proposition that we should make the world a better place with each cup of coffee. We uncover the hidden environmental and social costs of the global coffee industry — from deforestation and ecosystem degradation to human rights violations in coffee plantations in tropical landscapes around the world, with a focus on the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot!Once covered in dense tropical forests, the Western Ghats are now dominated by sprawling coffee plantations and monoculture plantations that have drastically altered the landscape. Our guest explores how the expansion of coffee production — driven by global demand — has replaced rich forest ecosystems with uniform monocultures, stripping away the region's ecological resilience. The shift from traditional shade-grown systems to sun-grown monocultures has disrupted soil health, eliminated natural canopy cover, and endangered pollinators, birds, and mammals that once thrived in these biodiversity-rich ecosystems.We dive deep into the link between coffee plantations and human–elephant conflict. As forest corridors shrink and elephants lose access to their migratory routes, they are forced into human settlements, resulting in tragic encounters that claim both human and animal lives. These conflicts reveal how unsustainable land use, habitat fragmentation, and poor biodiversity management intensify tensions between people and wildlife across the Western Ghats.The conversation also exposes the human dimension of the coffee industry — from exploitative labor practices to widespread human rights abuses. Behind the global demand for coffee lies a system where workers, many from marginalized communities, face poor wages, long working hours, and limited access to healthcare and education. These persistent human rights violations highlight how plantation economies, often celebrated for sustainability branding, continue to mask deep social inequities.Despite these challenges, the episode highlights pathways toward hope and reform through agroforestry and sustainable farming models. Traditional shade-grown coffee — where native trees coexist with coffee shrubs — demonstrates that economic production and biodiversity preservation can go hand in hand. Agroforestry practices support soil fertility, regulate microclimates, and restore ecological corridors, offering a viable alternative to monoculture plantations. They also provide co-benefits for farmers by diversifying income sources and improving resilience to climate change.Our guest calls for systemic change within global coffee supply chains — emphasizing ethical sourcing, fair trade, and transparency from farm to consumer. Protecting the biodiversity of the Western Ghats requires not only reforesting degraded lands but also addressing the social injustices embedded within plantation economies. Sustainable solutions must integrate ecological restoration with social equity, ensuring that conservation uplifts both people and nature.This episode challenges listeners to look beyond the aroma of their morning brew and consider its true cost. It's a deep dive into how the pursuit of profit in the coffee industry has reshaped tropical forests, threatened biodiversity, and violated human rights, and how agroforestry and community-driven conservation can chart a more ethical, sustainable future for both the planet and its people.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#coffee #coffeeplantations #monocultures #monocultureplantations #agroforestry #humanrights #humanrightsviolations #humanrightabuses #humanelephantconflict #deforestation #tropicalforests #westernghats #biodiversityhotspots #biodiversity #biodiversityconservation #biodiversitymanagement #biodiversitypreservation #ecosystemdegradation Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Across Asia, nearly one in three elephants lives in captivity—used in temples, tourism, logging, and religious festivals. In this powerful episode of the Think Wildlife Podcast, Canadian photographer and elephant conservation advocate Larry Laverty joins host Anish Banerjee to shed light on the suffering of captive elephants and the urgent need for elephant conservation across both Asia and Africa.Larry Laverty's remarkable journey began with his first book Power and Majesty, which documented the African elephant and exposed the brutal realities of the ivory trade and wildlife crime driving their decline. Traveling across ten African countries, he captured the spirit of wild elephants and the people striving to protect them. His second book, The Majestic Humanity and the Asian Elephant, turns the lens toward Asian elephants, revealing how centuries of human use—from temple elephants to those exploited in logging and tourism—have shaped their tragic fate.In this conversation, Larry explains how his camera became a tool of empathy and activism. Through conservation photography, he documents not just the beauty but the suffering of elephants—images that demand global attention to animal welfare, animal rights, and the moral questions surrounding captive elephants. He recalls heartbreaking encounters, including a baby elephant orphaned during illegal logging, and discusses the cruel realities behind elephant rides and festival processions.The discussion also highlights promising alternatives like robotic elephants being introduced in India's temples, offering a humane replacement for live elephants used in ceremonies. Larry shares how he personally contributed funds for one such robotic elephant, symbolizing a new era of compassionate conservation that honors culture without perpetuating animal abuses.The episode explores deeper cultural, ecological, and ethical contrasts between African and Asian elephant conservation. While African elephants remain largely wild, human-elephant relationships in Asia stretch back nearly 5,000 years, complicating efforts to end captivity. Larry emphasizes that saving elephants means reimagining this bond—through education, empathy, and stronger laws against illegal wildlife trade, ivory trafficking, and elephant poaching.He also discusses the potential for rewilding captive elephants, citing encouraging examples from Laos where rescued elephants are gradually returned to the wild. Yet, he warns that without stronger land protection and political will, true freedom for these elephants remains a distant dream.This episode is a tribute to elephants—creatures of immense intelligence and empathy—and to those fighting to protect them. It's also a call to listeners to act: avoid elephant rides, support ethical sanctuaries, advocate for animal welfare laws, and amplify the voices working to end exploitation.Larry Laverty's words remind us that elephant conservation is more than protecting a species—it's about redefining humanity's relationship with nature. By choosing empathy over entertainment and awareness over ignorance, we can help ensure that elephants, whether African or Asian, live the lives they were meant to—wild and free.Watch now to explore the untold stories behind captive elephants, the courage of photographers on the frontlines of conservation, and the hope that drives global efforts to protect these majestic beings.About the HostAnish Banerjee is an early career ecologist, with a MSc in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation from Imperial College London. He is the founder of Think Wildlife Foundation and a biodiversity policy analyst at Legal Atlas. He is also the author of the following field guides:Field Guide to the Common Wildlife of India: https://amzn.in/d/2TnNvSEField Guide to the Mammals of Singapore: https://amzn.in/d/gcbq8VG#elephant #elephants #elephantconservation #africanelephant #africanelephantconservation #asianelephants #asianelephantconservation #captiveelephants #templeelephants #animalabuses #animalrights #animalwelfare #ivorytrade #illegalwildlifetrade #wildlifecrime #elephantpoaching #wildlifeconservation #conservation #biodiversity Get full access to The Think Wildlife Podcast at anishbanerjee.substack.com/subscribe

Hippies, the Beatles, flower power, magic mushrooms, raves and festivals – that's what most of us associate with psychedelics. But there is mounting evidence that these drugs could also be used medicinally, particularly to treat mental illnesses such as depression. In this episode, we speak to Prof David Nutt, a psychopharmacologist who has spent decades researching how drugs affect the brain. Now a professor at Imperial College London, David has published more than 500 research papers, eight government reports, and 40 books – including one called Psychedelics, in 2023. In this conversation, he explains how psychedelics affect the brain, how they alter people's sense of self and perception of reality, and why they could revolutionise the future of mental health treatments. Please note that psychedelics are Class A drugs according to UK law. Anyone caught in possession of such substances can face up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Information and support for those affected by substance abuse can be found at bbc.co.uk/actionline. The following conversation specifically concerns psychedelics when used in a clinical context, given at low doses and under medical supervision. Please don't try this at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Professor David Nutt is a Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College London and Chair of Drug Science, an organisation which aims to educate the public about drugs and their effects. A world-leading researcher on how drugs affect the brain, he's published over 500 papers and 34 books — including Drugs Without the Hot Air and his autobiography Nutt Uncut. A former Chair of the UK Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, he's known for challenging drug policy with science and reason. David is also a regular voice in the media and hosts the Drug Science Podcast, exploring the truth about drugs, their uses, and their impact on society.Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi with Dr Anya Borissova. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training. Dr. Anya is a academic registrar psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley trust. If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line.Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://thinkingmindblog.substack.com/p/psychedelics-technology-and-loveGive feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

Marty speaks with biochemist and astrobiologist William Bains on the topic of Dark Ecology, as a final chapter to our 4 previous episodes on this topic with Chris Beckett (Ep 56), Julius Csotonyi (Ep 57-58) and Adrian Tchaikovsky (Ep 59).  Dr. Bains is the author of “The Cosmic Zoo: Complex Life on Many Worlds”, and has earned degrees from the universities of Oxford, Warwick and Stanford, and has held positions at the University of Bath, MIT, Imperial College London, and in addition to founding a number of biotech start-up companies is now a senior research fellow in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University in the UK.  William is exactly the kind of person we love to speak with on this show as his expertise really expands and deepens some of ideas we've been talking about in contemporary science fiction.  Some of his recent papers carry titles like  "Prospects for detecting signs of life on exoplanets in the JWST era" and  "Astrobiological implications of the stability and reactivity of peptide nucleic acid (PNA) in concentrated sulfuric acid".  So that's the kind of thing we discuss in the following conversation.  In addition to expanding on the details of Adrian Tchaikovsky's worldbuilding in Shroud, we talk about the WOW signal in astronomy, the incoming 3I/ATLAS extrasolar object, and new experiments in high throughput chemistry and biochemistry.Send us a messageEmail: thescienceinthefiction@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/743522660965257/

The Bhagavad Gita is more than scripture — it's a timeless playbook for mastering your mind and winning your inner battles.In this episode of The xMonks Drive Podcast, host Gaurav Arora sits down with Prithviraaj Shetty — a young entrepreneur, founder of Bhagavad Gita For All (BGFA), and faith-tech innovator who left behind a career path from Imperial College London and Columbia University to bring spiritual wisdom into the digital age.From his collaborations with Suniel Shetty and Vidyut Jammwal, to his mission of making the Gita accessible for Gen Z and modern professionals, Prithviraaj shares stories, struggles, and shlokas that show why the mind is our greatest friend — or our worst enemy.

Viral vectors are the backbone of cutting-edge cell and gene therapies, delivering life-altering treatments to patients with genetic diseases. But making these biological delivery vehicles is a high-wire act: unpredictable, complex, and fraught with hurdles that traditional biologics manufacturers have never faced.While the world races toward next-generation therapies, the challenge of producing viral vectors at clinical and commercial scale threatens to leave patients waiting on the sidelines.Our guest on the Smart Biotech Scientist Podcast is Lucas Chan, a molecular and cell biologist with over two decades of hands-on experience in cell and gene therapy development. From his formative research at Imperial College London, where he pioneered novel viral vector cell lines, to building the UK's first GMP clinical viral vector core and later founding CellVec Pte Ltd Asia Pacific CDMO in Singapore, Lucas is the go-to architect for manufacturing viral vectors where infrastructure barely exists.Along the way, he's faced and overcome challenges few others could imagine.Here are three reasons this episode is a must-listen:Viral Vectors Demystified: Lucas breaks down a common misconception: viral vectors aren't malignant viruses, but genetically disarmed delivery vehicles that can't revert or replicate, making them safe tools for gene therapy.Manufacturing Mayhem Made Manageable: Unlike monoclonal antibodies and other biologics, viral vectors (and other cell and gene therapies) are made in living cells, leading to a level of process unpredictability and complexity where “everything, everywhere, all at once” applies. Success hinges on scientific acumen and attention to even the smallest detail, from raw materials to equipment parameters, to ensure patient safety and product quality.Pioneering in Uncharted Territory: Moving from London to Singapore, Lucas faced not just technical but regulatory and logistical challenges to founding Asia-Pacific's first CDMO dedicated to viral vectors. His advice: engage regulators early, leverage local biomanufacturing strengths, and build multidisciplinary teams to transfer and scale bioprocess know-how.Curious how viral vector manufacturing can be reimagined to unlock the full promise of cell and gene therapies? Listen to this episode and gain unique insights into the science, strategy, and sheer determination needed to bring advanced therapies out of the lab and into the clinic.Connect with Lucas Chan:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lucaschangtNext step:Book a 20-minute call to help you get started on any questions you may have about bioprocessing analytics: https://bruehlmann-consulting.com/callPreparing for your IND? We're building a CMC Dashboard in Excel to help biotech founders track tasks, timelines, and risks in one place. Join the waitlist for early access at https://scale-your-impact.notion.site/27dd9c6ba679804b80a7ce439d56c91a?pvs=105

Na série de conversas descontraídas com cientistas, chegou a vez do ator, diretor e pesquisador, com bacharelado em Artes Cênicas, mestrado em Comunicação e Semiótica e doutorado em Artes Cênicas, Gustavo Sol.Só vem!>> OUÇA (154min 45s)*Naruhodo! é o podcast pra quem tem fome de aprender. Ciência, senso comum, curiosidades, desafios e muito mais. Com o leigo curioso, Ken Fujioka, e o cientista PhD, Altay de Souza.Edição: Reginaldo Cursino.http://naruhodo.b9.com.br*Gustavo Garcia da Palma, que se autodenomina Gustavo Sol, é performer, ator, diretor e pesquisador, atuando também como professor de teatro e preparador de atores para cinema, teatro e dança.Pesquisa a relação entre computação, neurociência e performatividade, utilizando técnicas de biosensoriamento como Near Infrared Espectroscopy (NIRS), Eletroencefalografia (EEG), Eletrocardiografia (ECG), Eletromiografia (EMG), Resistência Galvânica da Pele (GSR) entre outras, para coletar dados durante a performance como interface cérebro máquina em ambientes poéticos multimídia.​É Pós Doutorando pela UFABC, Programa de Neurociência e Cognição, no Laboratório de Neurociências Aplicadas, sob a supervisão de João Ricardo Sato.​É Doutor pela ECA/USP (2013 - 2017 - bolsa CAPES), sob orientação do Dr. Luiz Fernando Ramos. Fez Doutorado Sanduíche na Universidade Paul-Valery Montpellier III, em 2016, com curso em Berlim (Alemanha) sobre Dramaturgia Digital com a equipe criadora do software Isadora (Troika Tronix), além de estágio no Centro de Epilepsia de Zurique (EPI Klinik, Zurich, Suíça, 2016). Ainda em 2016, elaborou residência artística junto com Daniel Romero, artista multimídia e diretor do Laboratório de Artes e Tecnologia no hTh - CND, Montpellier, França. Seu trabalho performático "Objeto Descontínuo" (2013) utiliza um equipamento de EEG como interface cérebro computador para interagir com os elementos multimídia (sons e vídeos) através do sensoriamento neuronal ao vivo. Assuntos que marcam seu processo criativo são as narrativas e memórias autobiográficas e ficcionais associadas à situações de alteração de consciência como procedimentos para uma dramaturgia digital (DDL). É Mestre pela PUC/SP, (Orient. Helena Katz, 2008), e sua dissertação leva o título de Estados Alterados de Consciência em Artemídia: o papel do corpo no trabalho do ator.​Fez Bacharelado em Artes Cênicas na UNICAMP - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (2000), foi orientado por Eusébio Lobo e Luiz Monteiro Jr.​Atualmente é pesquisador colaborador do Laboratório de Pesquisas em Robótica e Reabilitação (LABORE), do Instituto Federal de São Paulo que tem parcerias com a Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos da USP, com a Associação de Assistência à Criança com Deficiência (AACD) e com a Imperial College London, Londres, UK.​Possui trabalhos em Cinema, destacando-se como ator em Instruções Para Matar Maíra (2011), dose única (2007), O Pracinha de Odessa (2013 - gravado em Russo) e Popókas (2009 - ganhador do prêmio de melhor ator no Aruanda Fest e também gravado em Russo).Lattes: http://lattes.cnpq.br/1414652576334230Site Pessoal: https://www.gustavosol.com.br/*APOIE O NARUHODO!O Altay e eu temos duas mensagens pra você.A primeira é: muito, muito obrigado pela sua audiência. Sem ela, o Naruhodo sequer teria sentido de existir. Você nos ajuda demais não só quando ouve, mas também quando espalha episódios para familiares, amigos - e, por que não?, inimigos.A segunda mensagem é: existe uma outra forma de apoiar o Naruhodo, a ciência e o pensamento científico - apoiando financeiramente o nosso projeto de podcast semanal independente, que só descansa no recesso do fim de ano.Manter o Naruhodo tem custos e despesas: servidores, domínio, pesquisa, produção, edição, atendimento, tempo... Enfim, muitas coisas para cobrir - e, algumas delas, em dólar.A gente sabe que nem todo mundo pode apoiar financeiramente. E tá tudo bem. Tente mandar um episódio para alguém que você conhece e acha que vai gostar.A gente sabe que alguns podem, mas não mensalmente. E tá tudo bem também. Você pode apoiar quando puder e cancelar quando quiser. O apoio mínimo é de 15 reais e pode ser feito pela plataforma ORELO ou pela plataforma APOIA-SE. Para quem está fora do Brasil, temos até a plataforma PATREON.É isso, gente. Estamos enfrentando um momento importante e você pode ajudar a combater o negacionismo e manter a chama da ciência acesa. Então, fica aqui o nosso convite: apóie o Naruhodo como puder.bit.ly/naruhodo-no-orelo

In this episode, we discuss Immune to age, gut health to brain health, inflammation to hormonal shifts and combating autoimmune diseases. Dr Jenna Macciochi is an immunologist specialising in understanding how nutrition, movement, and lifestyle interact with the immune system in health and disease. She holds a PhD from Imperial College London and is a senior lecturer at The University of Sussex, a performance breathwork coach, and Director of Science + Innovation at Ancient+Brave. Known for blending scientific expertise with practical guidance and actionable lifestyle changes inspired by her Scottish farm-to-table roots and Italian Heritage, she can be found on Instagram and Substack. She regularly appears in the press to provide clear, reliable, actionable insight into our body's most misunderstood system.Buy Immune to Age here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399822535?linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&tag=superofcom09-21If you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation, then please email us: unquestionablepod@gmail.comFind us here:Twitter: @unquestionpodInstagram: @unquestionablepodTik Tok: @unquestionablepodFacebook: @unquestionablepodcastYoutube: @unquestionablepod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest episode of the Nomad Futurist Podcast spotlights Snehar Shah, a visionary technology leader who's transforming Africa's digital landscape. As CEO of IXAFRICA Data Centre and Ambassador of the Nomad Futurist Foundation, Snehar bridges continents, industries, and ideas, driving innovation on a global scale. Co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence sit down with Snehar to trace his remarkable journey: from his small-town beginnings in Eldoret, Kenya, to the fast-paced finance and telecom hubs of the UK, and ultimately back home to Kenya, where he's shaping Africa's digital future. Snehar's path is one of intentional pivots and multidisciplinary mastery. Armed with an electrical engineering degree from Imperial College London and sharpened by years in global finance, he has cultivated a unique hybrid perspective: “I always considered it a superpower to have that ability to understand both worlds.” A central theme of this episode is Africa's extraordinary leapfrogging potential: building world-class digital infrastructure without being constrained by legacy systems. Snehar underscores this through a striking example: “Kenya is the birthplace of mobile money... even today, M-Pesa does more transactions than Western Union does globally. More than 80% of Kenya's GDP runs on the mobile phone.” Snehar's vision extends well beyond infrastructure. Through Moringa School, an edtech platform training thousands of software engineers and data scientists, he is fostering local talent and driving growth by building strong networks and strategic partnerships: “In order to succeed, I believe in building the right ecosystem. Without it, if you're doing it on your own, you'll struggle." His ultimate vision for the future is ambitious yet clear: to help drive sustainable growth in African tech infrastructure and talent and export those successes globally. Want to follow along on Snehar's journey? Connect with him on LinkedIn and witness how he's driving the next wave of global digital transformation.

On today's show: UK royal family rolls out the red carpet for Trump while protesters are arrested for projecting an image of Trump and Epstein on Windsor Castle. Imperial College London claims that climate change is to blame for 16,500 deaths this Summer. Why Labour MP's are terrified to call out the genocide in Gaza and much more. 

At a recent ceremony for world leaders in Beijing, a hot mic picked up a surprising exchange between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping about the possibility of living to 150. Putin suggested the secret might lie in repeated organ transplants. But is this the new frontier of anti-ageing research or a fringe and unproven theory? To find out, science editor Ian Sample speaks to Russian affairs reporter Pjotr Sauer and to John S Tregoning, professor of vaccine immunology at Imperial College London and author of Live Forever: A Curious Scientist's Guide to Wellness, Ageing and Death. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Truth, delusion and psychedelic realityDo psychedelics reveal hidden layers of reality, or are we simply tripping?Psychedelics are back in the cultural zeitgeist, this time as a treatment for mental health issues. However, critics argue that psychedelics only work by replacing mental illness with a distorted view of reality - but, is this an accurate assessment? A study from Imperial College London suggests that after taking psychedelics people get better at future life events. Visual acuity is also known to increase, suggesting people become less delusional, not more, when taking psychedelics. Should we see the psychedelic experience as showing us something true about the nature of reality? Or is it merely a distortion? James Rucker is a Consultant Psychiatrist and a Senior Clinical Lecturer in mood disorders and psychopharmacology at the Centre for Affective Disorders at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London. Julian Baggini is a philosopher, journalist and author of over 20 books about philosophy for the general reader. He is the co-founder and editor of "The Philosophers' Magazine", and also writes and broadcasts for The Guardian and the BBC. Eileen is an Ecuadorean-Scottish creative director, artist, and explorer based in London. She is the founder of Tayos, an organisation supporting the protection of endangered habitats in Ecuador as well as exploring their relationship to nature and its role in wellbeing through art, music, and science.Don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode!To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many supplements claim to “boost” your immune system. Now, we all want to avoid getting sick during the winter months, but do any of these products really work? And is trying to “boost” your immune system even a good idea? Jonathan speaks with Professor Daniel M. Davis, MBE — a leading expert on immunology and Head of Life Sciences at Imperial College London. Daniel has published 145 scientific papers, authored four best-selling science books, and spent 25 years researching how our immune system works. He even helped discover the immune synapse, a breakthrough that changed our understanding of immunity. Daniel explains how your immune system really works, why it's connected to mental health, and how it can even detect cancer cells. He also clears up common myths and shares what genuinely helps keep your immune system strong through the winter months — and what won't make a difference. By the end of the episode, you'll know the practical, science-backed steps you can take to reduce your risk of colds and flu this winter without wasting money on products that don't deliver. Unwrap the truth about your food

What does it take to earn the nickname, ‘The Leonardo da Vinci of heart surgery'?That's the moniker given to today's guest - a man who pioneered high-profile and often controversial procedures, but also helped drive huge medical progress; carrying out around 2,000 heart transplants and 400 dual heart-lung transplants during his 60-year career.Sir Magdi Yacoub is Emeritus Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Imperial College London, and Director of Research at Harefield Hospital's Magdi Yacoub Institute. Inspired by a surgeon father and impacted by the tragic early death of his aunt from a heart condition, his medical career includes various surgical firsts alongside numerous research projects, to further our understanding of and ability to treat heart disease. He headed up the teams that discovered it is possible to reverse heart failure, and that successfully grew part of a human heart valve from stem cells for the first time.But it hasn't always been plain sailing. At times, his work – such as early, unsuccessful transplant attempts, or using a baboon as a life-support system for a baby – attracted serious public criticism.Speaking to Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Sir Magdi reflects on the highs and lows of his cardio career, and offers his advice to the next generation of surgeons and researchers hoping to make their mark in heart medicine.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy Taylor Reversion for World Service by Minnie Harrop

Claudia de Rham has rather an unusual relationship with gravity.While she has spent her career exploring its fundamental nature, much of her free time has involved trying to defy it - from scuba diving in the Indian Ocean to piloting small aircraft over the Canadian waterfalls. Her ultimate ambition was to escape gravity's clutches altogether and become an astronaut, a dream that was snatched away by an unlikely twist of fate.However, Claudia has no regrets - and says defying gravity for much of her life has helped her to truly understand it.As Professor of theoretical physics at Imperial College London, she now grapples with deep mathematics, where the fields of particle physics, gravity and cosmology intersect, on a quest to understand how the universe really works. She is a pioneer of the theory of massive gravity, a theory which could take us beyond even Einstein's theory of relativity and shed light on why the universe is expanding at an ever-increasing rate.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced for BBC Studios by Beth Eastwood Reversion for World Service by Minnie Harrop

There is an experience some of us (but not all) are able to have called autonomous sensory meridian response or ASMR. It can be triggered by a soft monotonous voice explaining something as well as other triggers. Sounds weird, right? Listen as I explain how it works, why science doesn't recognize it as a real thing but for many of us, it is a wonderful sensation, and I will tell you how to experience it. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/53220/listening-soft-voices-can-cause-brain-orgasms The YouTube video link mentioned is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHiKxytbCWk Difficult conversations are never fun, but they are necessary. Whether you are negotiating for a raise or having a tough conversation with your spouse or friend, there are ways to make these conversations go better for you and everyone involved. Here to offer some expertise on this is Ryan Dunlap a former police detective and hostage negotiator. He has been involved in a lot of high stakes negotiations in his career and he is author of the book How to Untie a Balloon: A Negotiator's Guide to Avoid Popping Under Pressure (https://amzn.to/3Ia2c72) What are the best practices for living a long and healthy life? There are many theories on this but here to discuss the science of longevity is John Tregoning who explains that living a long life may best be accomplished by living a good life. John is Professor of Vaccine Immunology at Imperial College London and has published over sixty academic papers. He is author of the book, Live Forever?: A Curious Scientist's Guide to Wellness, Ageing and Death (https://amzn.to/4kc9B2J). How do you write a good business email? Interestingly, there are some common mistakes people make that water down the message in business emails by making them sound more like personal emails. Listen as I reveal how to avoid that. https://www.inc.com/geoffrey-james/7-common-habits-that-kill-credibility.html#ixzz3c6aUXNnN PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! SHOPIFY: Shopify is the commerce platform for millions of businesses around the world! To start selling today, sign up for your $1 per month trial at⁠ https://Shopify.com/sysk⁠ INDEED: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ right now! QUINCE: Stick to the staples that last, with elevated essentials from Quince! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! HERS: Hers is transforming women's healthcare by providing access to affordable weight loss treatment plans, delivered straight to your door, if prescribed. Start your initial free online visit today at ⁠https://forhers.com/something⁠ DELL: The Black Friday in July event from Dell Technologies is here. Upgrade for a limited-time only at ⁠https://Dell.com/deals⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices