KYTOS Biology

ADHD is diagnosed far more often than it was twenty years ago, yet arguments continue over whether it is being overdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, medicalised, misunderstood or all four at once. This episode separates screening from diagnosis, genes from environment and treatment from internet mythology, asking what current neuroscience and population data really tell us about one of the most debated neurodevelopmental conditions of our time.

Christopher Nolan's new adaptation has pushed Homer's Odyssey back into the spotlight, but behind the gods and monsters is a surprisingly rich set of biological questions. Could a giant Cyclops support its own weight? What would it actually take to turn a human body into a pig while leaving the mind intact? Could a song really override self-preservation, and could a six-headed vertebrate ever develop? Using Homer's original encounters alongside the more physical versions seen in Nolan's film, this episode tests the monsters of The Odyssey against real physiology, neuroscience, development and evolution.

Through doping, we now fully understand the use by athletes of substances prohibited by the anti-doping agencies in order to gain a competitive advantage. Since sport plays an important role in physical and mental education and in promoting international cooperation, the widespread use of doping products and methods has consequences not only on health of the athletes, but upon the image of sport more generally. Depending on the sport practiced and the physical attributes it requires, athletes will always be looking to increase body recovery capacity after training or injury, to increase muscle mass and strength or endurance, or simply decrease fat tissue. In this podcast, I will discuss how athletes can enhance their performance by injecting natural and synthetic substances - and the very real dangers of using these substances. (With thanks to our sponsor 'Curriculum Press' for providing content for this podcast)

Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood as emotional volatility, but beneath its surface lies a profound biological complexity involving neurotransmitters, genetics, circadian rhythms, and even cellular energy systems. In this podcast, I explore the scientific roots of manic and depressive episodes, the brain structures affected, and why treatments like lithium and antipsychotics work at the molecular level. Through the lens of biology, we can see bipolar disorder not as a character flaw, but as a deeply physical condition - one that demands empathy...and continued scientific inquiry.

Billions have been spent conserving the giant panda, a globalsymbol of wildlife preservation - but should it remain the poster species of conservation? This podcast explores the biological, ecological, and ethical arguments on both sides, asking whether limited resources might be better directed toward less charismatic but more endangered or ecologically crucial species. A balanced, evidence-based look at how we decide which species to save - and why.

Harold Shipman, once seen as a pillar of trust in his community, remains one of the most notorious serial killers in modern history. Over a period spanning more than two decades, he is believed to have murdered at least 215 patients, though some estimates suggest the total may have reached 250. Shipman used his position as a general practitioner to commit these crimes, exploiting the immense trust placed in him by patients, families, and colleagues alike. Central to uncovering the scale of his crimes was the rigorous application of biological evidence, particularly forensic toxicology and pathology, which ultimately exposed the patterns of murder he had meticulously concealed. This podcast explores the biology underpinning Shipman’s detection and conviction, examining how science revealed the truth behind a doctor whose professional authority had become a tool for death.

In this episode, I’m joined by student Sunike, who exploreswhether dental implants are being used too readily as a first-line treatment. She examines the ethical considerations surrounding this trend, the rise of dental tourism, the hidden complications behind implants, and why preserving natural teeth should often come first. Through evidence-based research, and real patient stories, Sunike challenges us to “go back to the roots” of good dentistry.

Ever wonder why hearing an old song or seeing a childhoodtoy can instantly pull you back into a moment that feels both distant and alive? Nostalgia isn’t just sentimentality—it’s a biological and neurological process deeply embedded in the way our brains link emotion, memory, and reward. What feels like a trip down memory lane is, in truth, a carefully orchestrated cascade of neural activity, neurotransmitter release, and sensory reactivation that binds who we were to who we are now. Far from being an indulgent whim, nostalgia is a fundamental biological function that supports mental health, resilience, and the continuity of identity - and this podcast will explore how.

Antibiotic resistance is a rapidly growing global threat, driven by misused medications and the natural evolution of bacteria. Modern technologies such as AI-guided phage therapy and AMR surveillance are opening new pathways to detect, target, and treat resistant infections more precisely. Tackling this crisis, however, requires a unified “One World” approach where countries share data, resources, and innovations to protect human, animal, and environmental health. I'm thrilled to be joined by two of our biology students, Maisie and Tilly who will have conducted and will share their own research into this fascinating subject.

The Titanic, long remembered for its tragic sinking, has transformed into an underwater laboratory, with unique biological and chemical processes actively degrading the wreck. Microbes, including iron-eating bacteria, play a pivotal role in the ship's slow decay, while a new ecosystem of marine life has taken root on the Titanic’s remains. As the wreck continues to disintegrate, it offers researchers invaluable insights into life at the deepest parts of our oceans and the resilience of nature in extreme environments.