BLab Coats

For his retirement, Tom planned to travel the world and enjoy his life. But as he learnt more and more about climate change, he soon realised that if he didn't do something about it he would most likely leave a world that may be inhabitable for his children and grand children. Now, he speaks to politicians to lobby and educate them on climate science and what actions they can take to mitigate  the consequences.

Hamid and Alex talk about mind controlling parasites, bio-prospecting, the bush of life, if not knowing everything means that you don't know anything, and the illusion of the self.

Dr Oliver Morton is a senior lecturer at WSU, and studies Fungi. In this episode we talk about his journey into microbiology, how fungi help plants grow, mind controlling parasites, and much more.

Hamid and Alex talk about how life comes from non-life, if patents are any good, and how PhD programs need a change.

Prof Tom Millar is a biochemist with a particular interest in the eye. In this episode, Tom talks to us about his research into the tear film, the device he built to detect issues with the tear film, the need for PhD candidates to develop skills beyond science and much more.

Arek Sinanian is an expert on greenhouse gas abatement, cleaner production and sustainable development. His recent book "A climate for Denial" looks at why some people still don't believe in climate change given all the evidence. His book is available to buy from here: https://goo.gl/PZZN2J

Dr Ain De Horta was involved in SETI (Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence). He has also researched supernovas and the stardust they leave behind. In this episode I got to geek out on  some cool physics concepts like how stars live and die, why we know the universe is expanding, and much more.

Dr Julien Brugniaux researches human vasculature and physiology. In this episode we spoke about his research into high altitude training, Brazilian Jujitsu, and diabetes. This episode is all about how the human body works and how we can optimise it.

We all have a vocal tract, but how many of us know exactly how it works? How do singers manipulate the shape of their vocal tract to create a beautiful tone? Dr Chris Carignan talks to us about how amazing the vocal tract is, and why we need a better understanding of it. The video version of this episode is available on our YouTube channel. Check it out because Chris attached an ultrasound and did the whole interview with it on, so you can actually see his vocal tract change in real time while he's talking.

Prof James Arvanitakis is the Dean of Graduate Research at Western Sydney University. In this episode he talks to us about what it was like being a first in family to go to university, why he decided to leave the finanical sector and instead pursue a career in academia, and the importance of hope and trust in our society.