This week’s episode dives into the wonderfully chaotic world of ADHD in kids and teens—where attention span isn’t “short” so much as “selective,” executive functioning is like a WiFi signal that keeps dropping, and dopamine is the mischievous chemical running the show. We unpack neurodivergence in real, human language, from high masking (especially in adolescents) to that internalised paralysis that looks like “procrastination” but is really the brain’s spinning wheel of doom. If you’ve ever wondered why a child can hyperfocus on Minecraft for hours but freezes at the sight of homework, this episode finally makes it all make sense.

Even the most resilient plants have their weak spots. In this episode, Professor Jacquie van der Waals delves into the science of Plant Pathology — where microscopic foes meet macro-scale consequences. From the citrus groves battling canker to potatoes facing down late blight, we explore how plant diseases emerge, spread, and reshape agriculture. It’s a story of spores and survival, where each infection tells a tale of evolution, adaptation, and the constant arms race between pathogen and plant.

In this episode, Shane and Caitlin sit down with Sister Jenni Clarence, an experienced midwife and passionate advocate for maternal and newborn health. She shares her journey into midwifery, the challenges and joys of the profession, and the vital role midwives play in supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

In this episode, Dr. Chia spills the tea on her latest science adventure — hunting for bacteria that might one day give mosquitoes a bit of a gut makeover. That’s right, she and her team have been busy screening a bunch of bacteria to see which ones could potentially turn these tiny vampires into malaria-fighting machines. The idea? Find the friendly bugs that could boost the mosquitoes’ immune systems and help them kick the malaria parasite to the curb. She also dishes out some wild facts about mosquitoes and malaria that might just make you the most interesting person at your next dinner party.

Special guest, Janine Bezuidenhoudt, unpacks the Mpox virus (originating from the monkey pox virus).

This viral disease has been making headlines around the world. No longer just a distant concern. It's real, it's here, and understanding it is key.

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In this episode, Shane and Caitlin introduce themselves and dive into the molecule that defines who we are—DNA. We untwist the double helix and break it down for you.

Whether you’re new to molecular biology or just curious about what makes us… us, this episode is your primer on the code of life.

Tune in, learn something new—and don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow science lovers!

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