KYTOS Biology

Research suggests that conservation investment will become inconsequential as the human population grows. Why is that? In this podcast, I try to provide some answers to one of the biggest questions, we as a society, must ask ourselves - is the vast amount of money spent on wildlife conservation actually worth it?  What is clear, is that conservation must be focused on crucial organisms that maintain environments and our efforts must be redesigned to better protect these species in a more economically efficient way. 

On the face of it, you can look at this movie as a coming of age story, or perhaps one about family, redemption and even power struggles. If we take a slightly different approach, however, you might be surprised at just how many key biological concepts and principles are in this film. 

Do shows like CSI have a negative influence on peoples’ interpretation of the criminal justice system, and on forensic science practices? In this podcast, Mr I discusses what the latest research suggests is the case.

In this podcast, I delve into the story behind Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that scientists often hail as a wonder drug. Quite astonishingly, there are thought to be over 1000 clinical trials involving Aspirin conducted every single year - in 1950, it was declared the biggest selling painkiller in the world.

Why is it important to breed with members of the same species? Is there any benefit to forming a committed pair bond with your partner...and what exactly are birds saying to one another through their birdsong? Discover the answer to all of these questions in this podcast on courtship behaviours and 'flirting'.

A vaccine is the administration of a weak or dead pathogen, designed to stimulate a primary immune response. What exactly does that response entail, and why would anyone deliberately inject a pathogen into themselves? In this podcast, Mr I will answer these questions by explaining how vaccines work in controlling the spread of infectious disease.  

Thank you for listening to this special podcast on the UCAT (formerly known as UKCAT) and BMAT – these are the two big entrance exams that students must sit to get onto certain Medical, Dental, Veterinary and Biomedical undergraduate courses. In this podcast, I describe what both tests entail, but more importantly, give tips on what candidates should be doing to maximise their chances!

As the title suggests, this podcast is all about bones – why study them, what can they tell us about their owners, and how can that information be applied in a court of law. Forensic anthropology is a special sub-field of physical anthropology that involves applying skeletal analysis and techniques in archaeology to solving criminal cases.  

In this podcast, Mr I will discuss hair structure and morphology, and how forensic analysis of fibres can help bring about a conviction, or simply be used as a means of identification.   

In this thought-provoking, and perhaps controversial podcast, Mr I sits down with the Head of Psychology at Tormead, Mr Dan Wilkinson, to explore the arguments for a world without males.