Science Savvy

This episode explores why sleep matters for body repair, immune function, brain maintenance, and long-term health.

We also look at dreams, why we may dream, and how sleep differs across animals.

This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice.

Reading list: Available on request.

In this episode, I explore the research history and neuroscience of psychedelic compounds, including how they interact with brain receptors and why they are being studied in controlled clinical settings.

The episode discusses current research, study limitations, practical challenges, and why these compounds should only be used within approved clinical or research environments.

This episode is educational only and does not encourage use outside approved settings.

Reading list: Available on request.

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore how memory works and why it matters for learning, decision-making, and daily life.

The episode covers how memories are formed, stored, and retrieved, which brain regions are involved, and practical ways to improve recall.

Reading list: Available on request.

In this episode of Science Savvy, I speak with Elena Muyo, Scientific Projects & Partnerships Lead at CRIS Cancer UK, about how research funding can help advance new cancer treatments.

We discuss how projects are selected, why early research matters, and how scientific discovery can create new options for patients over time.

Reading list: Available on request.

In this episode, I speak with Aitana Padilla about genetics, the brain, and schizophrenia research.

We explore how DNA can influence biological pathways, how researchers study complex conditions, and why genetics is only one part of a much bigger scientific picture.

Reading list: Available on request.

Welcome to the Genetics episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I am joined by neuroscientist and PhD researcher Aitana Padilla Requerey. Leveraging my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I speak with Aitana to better understand gene expression, viral DNA, and genetic editing.

This episode covers the role of ancient viral elements embedded in our genome, how epigenetics acts like a dimmer switch on gene activity, and how genetic tools like CRISPR are changing the future of medicine. Aitana earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from UCLA, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and conducting research on Multiple Sclerosis using advanced lab techniques. She went on to complete a Master of Science in Clinical Neuroscience at UCL, where she worked on mouse models to investigate molecular systems involved in antiviral responses and their relevance to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Now, as a PhD candidate, she’s investigating how ancient viruses embedded in our DNA may influence the development of schizophrenia, bridging genetics, virology, and psychiatry in her groundbreaking research.

Whether you’re curious about DNA, mental health, or how the environment shapes your biology, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research.

Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place.

Further reading and references:

Bohacek, J., & Mansuy, I. M. (2015). Epigenetic inheritance of disease and disease risk. Neuropsychopharmacology, 40(1), 245–262. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20643310/

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science of happiness: what it is, why it exists, and how the brain helps create feelings of joy, satisfaction, and connection.

Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I look beyond the simple idea that happiness is “just dopamine” and unpack the wider biology behind positive emotions. This episode explores reward pathways, gratitude, social connection, meditation, brain waves, and why humans are not built to feel happy all the time.

From everyday habits to long-term wellbeing, this episode offers a clear and engaging look at what research can teach us about feeling good, staying grounded, and understanding our emotional lives a little better.

Science Savvy helps make science feel clear, useful, and relevant to everyday life.

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Katharine D'Amico, a behavioral neuroscientist and President of the The Swala Institute for Applied Neuroscience for professional communication. We explore how your brain rapidly forms perceptions, builds (or breaks) trust, and makes high-stakes decisions.

My name is Carmen, I am the host of Science Savvy. I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering. Science Savvy podcast is all about breaking down the extraordinary science behind everyday life.

In this episode, Dr. D'Amico shares her insights from mentoring over 900 startups and researching how trust and emotion shape behavior in professional environments. This episode covers why first impressions are sticky, how oxytocin builds trust and lowers stress, what role emotions really play in strategic decisions, and how to rewire your habits to make better choices. Whether you're curious about brain chemistry, leadership, mental health, or simply how to make smarter decisions, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research.

Also, the cover at the beginning of the episode is from my band! Comment if you recognise it ;)

Further reading and references available upon request

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Katharine D'Amico, a behavioral neuroscientist and President of the The Swala Institute for Applied Neuroscience for professional communication. We explore how your brain rapidly forms perceptions, builds (or breaks) trust, and makes high-stakes decisions, often without you even realizing it. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I talk to Dr. D'Amico about break down the science behind decision-making, emotional bias, and neurochemistry, and unpack how these processes show up in leadership, relationships, and daily life.

Dr. D'Amico shares her insights from mentoring over 900 startups and researching how trust and emotion shape behavior in professional environments. This episode covers why first impressions are sticky, how oxytocin builds trust and lowers stress, what role emotions really play in strategic decisions, and how to rewire your habits to make better choices. Whether you're curious about brain chemistry, leadership, mental health, or simply how to make smarter decisions, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research.

Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place.

Further reading and references:

Willis, J., & Todorov, A. (2006). First impressions: Making up your mind after a 100-ms exposure to a face. Psychological Science, 17(7), 592–598. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01750.x

Todorov, A., Mende-Siedlecki, P., & Dotsch, R. (2013). Social judgments from faces. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 23(3), 373–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2012.12.010

Kosfeld, M., Heinrichs, M., Zak, P. J., Fischbacher, U., & Fehr, E. (2005). Oxytocin increases trust in humans. Nature, 435(7042), 673–676. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03701

Baumgartner, T., Heinrichs, M., Vonlanthen, A., Fischbacher, U., & Fehr, E. (2008). Oxytocin shapes the neural circuitry of trust and trust adaptation in humans. Neuron, 58(4), 639–650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2008.04.009

Crum, A. J., Salovey, P., & Achor, S. (2013). Rethinking stress: The role of mindsets in determining the stress response. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104(4), 716–733. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031201

Taylor, S. E. (2006). Tend and befriend: Biobehavioral bases of affiliation under stress. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(6), 273–277. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2006.00451.x

Bechara, A., Damasio, A. R., Damasio, H., & Anderson, S. W. (1994). Insensitivity to future consequences following damage to human prefrontal cortex. Cognition, 50(1–3), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0277(94)90018-3

Welcome to the Architecture and the Brain episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how the built environment influences the way we think, feel, and connect with others. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind sensory perception and neuroarchitecture, and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the psychology of shared spaces, the impact of natural light and materials on mood and cognition, and why we’re hardwired to respond to beauty. I’m joined by Antonio, a talented architect, as we explore how thoughtful design can support mental health, foster community, and reflect evolving cultural values. Whether you’re passionate about urban planning, curious about how light and scent influence your brain, or just want to create a more inspiring space, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research.

Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place.

Further reading and references available upon request