In this podcast, I discuss three key aspects of animal behaviour, namely social organisation, the evolution of altruistic behaviour and the expression of exaggerated traits. 

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart (or more specifically, the depolarisation and repolarisation of the myocardium). In this podcast, I describe what a normal ECG trace looks like, and then explain how an atypical one may appear. The ECG is just one diagnostic tool that medics can use to form a differential diagnosis.

ASD, or autistic spectrum disorder is a developmental disorder that affects communication and behaviour. Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic intervention for patients with ASD, that incorporates animals as part of their care plan. In this podcast, I will examine how effective this has been. Current research suggests that animal exposure enhances both mental health and physical well-being, not only in autistic children, but for the general population. (With thanks to Laureanne H for conducting the research and providing the content for this podcast)

Dementia is an umbrella term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in mental ability, severe enough to affect daily life. The key question that this podcast wishes to raise, is to what extent sufferers can live independent lives; both the pharmacological and non-pharmacological components of dementia care will be discussed. (With thanks to Jhyni R for conducting the research and providing the content for this podcast)

In this podcast, I describe the structure of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and the important roles this macromolecule performs. 

How much value can we place on GSR evidence? With reference to past criminal cases, I describe what GSR (gunshot residue) is, the methods we employ to detect it, and why GSR evidence has, on occasion, been inadmissible in a court of law. 

Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes to gene function and expression that are a result of environment factors, and not the result of altering the base sequence of DNA itself. In this podcast, I discuss how acetylation and methylation alter the chemical tags that make up the epigenome, and how, despite being part of normal development, they may trigger diseases such as cancer.

In this podcast, I’ll describe the location of the thyroid gland with reference to key anatomical landmarks, discuss the significant and rather diverse roles the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 play in our body, and consider diseases and disorders of the gland, including hyper/hypothyroidism and cancer. 

In this podcast, I'm joined by Year 9 student Poppy GT, who discusses what really goes on in our brains when we sleep. She will also explain the science behind some of the most fascinating concepts, including REM sleep and how to achieve a lucid dream state. 

In this podcast, I discuss the nature of partial and generalised seizures, and explain how a diagnosis of epilepsy is made. With reference to clinical cases in my own family, I describe how the condition can be managed through surgery and anticonvulsants, and highlight the need for greater awareness and education, on what is generally thought to be a poorly understood condition.