Inside the Breakthrough - How Science Comes to Life

The discovery of insulin and building of the first Jeep. Two stories to explain why innovation and capitalism have a complicated relationship. Voted best episode from season 1.

Originally published May 3rd, 2021.

Learn more about SciMar at https://scimar.ca/

The story of Antarctic Explorer Roald Amundsen, and a giant squid. What do they have in common? Listen to find out. Reprised from season 1.

Originally published May 31st, 2021.

Learn more about SciMar at https://scimar.ca/

The Nazi scientist that powered NASA’s moonshot and the Roman emperor who built the Colosseum have more in common than you think. To find the connection, follow the money. Our most controversial episode from season 2.

Originally published January 22nd, 2022.

Learn more about SciMar at https://scimar.ca/

A man gets a lobotomy to cure his epilepsy, and the government tries to rid India of cobras. Neither of those efforts go as planned. Dan Riskin’s favourite episode from season 2

Originally published November 29th, 2021.

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Scurvy was a bigger threat to the Royal Navy than the French were, meanwhile the biggest threat to six men in a British hospital was their medicine! The connection explains how clinical trials are run. A landmark episode from season 2.

Originally published October 18th, 2021.

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What is really in ‘snake oil’ and why did an innocent man go to prison for murder. What’s the connection? Listen to find out. This is one of our favourite episodes from season 1.

Originally published April 5th, 2021.

Learn more about SciMar at https://scimar.ca/

Science communication has impacted our lives more than we ever thought it would. Getting complicated scientific and medical information out to a large number of people is crucial to our public health. And it is not easy.

We will look at how stories can help spread and preserve information. We start with the oldest true story ever told and ask why and how it stood the test of time.

Then we will listen to the most talked about radio play of all time: War of the Worlds. The lessons we can learn from that experience have so many layers, even if you think you know the story, you probably don’t.

Then we will talk to Gregory Brown, the host of ASAP Science. 

He will explain what he thinks makes a great science story and how we can combat the global pandemic of misinformation and ‘science-phobia.’

These science stories from history help shed light on the modern research being done on Type 2 Diabetes. Specifically, we highlight the work of SciMar as they examine the hormone hepatalin and the effect it has on glucose levels in people who are living with type 2 diabetes. www.SciMar.ca

Learn more about SciMar at https://scimar.ca/

Let’s talk about the use of animals in medical research. It’s not a subject that people are very comfortable discussing, but we are going to do it anyway.

We will start with an incredible story of a fire in Bar Harbor Maine that impacted the health of people all over the world for years, even though they never even knew about it.

Then we will ask the question ‘what really causes Ulcers, and how did researchers figure that out?’

Dr Wayne Lautt has used animals in his experiments for years. But his approach to it is very different from the mainstream view.

These science stories from history help shed light on the modern research being done on Type 2 Diabetes. Specifically, we highlight the work of SciMar as they examine the hormone hepatalin and the effect it has on glucose levels in people who are living with type 2 diabetes. www.SciMar.ca

Learn more about SciMar at https://scimar.ca/

The relationship between researchers and funders is complicated.

Some people think that researchers should be left to their own direction and that all financial support should be ‘no-strings attached.’ But is that possible? Is it desirable?

We look at how the Roman Colosseum was funded, and ask ‘what impact did that have on its design and its use?’

Then we turn our attention to NASA --- is the space agency funded by the military? Should it be? And how has its unique funding arrangement impacted what it does?

Finally we’ll confront the thorny question of ‘how much influence should funding agencies have over research?’

We will speak with Rachelle Bruton, the Director of the National Programs Office at the National Research Council of Canada, and Rachael Maxwell, the Executive Director of Evidence for Democracy.

These science stories from history help shed light on the modern research being done on Type 2 Diabetes. Specifically, we highlight the work of SciMar as they examine the hormone hepatalin and the effect it has on glucose levels in people who are living with type 2 diabetes. www.SciMar.ca

Learn more about SciMar at https://scimar.ca/