Science Savvy

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science behind Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, often shortened to PCOS. Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down how hormones, metabolism, insulin, and lifestyle factors can interact in this complex condition.

I’m joined by Dr. Basma Faris, a board-certified OB/GYN and certified culinary medicine specialist, to discuss why PCOS is about much more than ovarian cysts. We explore how insulin resistance can contribute to hormone changes, how sleep, nutrition, and stress can affect symptoms, and why clear, evidence-based information matters when navigating health advice online.

Whether you have experience with PCOS or are simply curious about how hormones and metabolism connect, this episode offers a clear, thoughtful look at the science behind the condition.

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

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the fascinating science behind how food interacts with the brain and body. Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down how taste, smell, texture, nutrients, and the gut-brain connection can influence how we think, feel, and experience everyday life.

Joined by Pablo and Alicia, a food-loving couple, we discuss why food can feel rewarding, how it links to memory and mood, and why eating is often tied to comfort, connection, and shared experiences. From omega-3s and brain function to the science of cravings and the role of the gut, this episode turns complex research into clear, relatable insights.

Whether you are curious about nutrition, brain science, or simply why food plays such a big role in how we feel, this episode offers an engaging look at the science behind what we eat.

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

Welcome to the Migraine episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science, stigma, and impact of migraine through the lens of lived experience and neuroscience. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the biology behind migraine and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode features a conversation with Dehenna Davison, former Member of Parliament for Bishop Auckland, who made headlines when she stepped down from her dream job due to chronic migraine. Dehenna shares her journey from suffering in silence to securing the first UK parliamentary debate on migraine since the 1960s. As someone who also lives with migraine, this episode is personal and deeply meaningful. Whether you experience migraine yourself or care about someone who does, this conversation offers scientific insights and emotional validation in equal measure.

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:

Goadsby, P. J., Holland, P. R., Martins-Oliveira, M., Hoffmann, J., Schankin, C., & Akerman, S. (2017). Pathophysiology of migraine: A disorder of sensory processing. Physiological Reviews, 97(2), 553–622. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00034.2015

Welcome to the Neuroplasticity episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the incredible adaptability of the brain and what it means for learning, healing, and growth. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind neuroplasticity and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the story of JJ, a boy who was born missing key brain structures but still outperformed his peers academically. We use his story to explore how the brain can rewire itself under extraordinary conditions and what that means for you. I also discuss the role of social interaction, sleep, oxytocin, exercise, and gut health in shaping brain function. Whether you're navigating a personal challenge, looking to boost your cognitive abilities, or simply want to understand how resilient your brain really is, 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.

Welcome to the New Year Habits episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how to build better routines using neuroscience-backed strategies. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind focus, motivation, and habit formation, and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers how dopamine drives reinforcement, how your prefrontal cortex shapes goal setting, and how small actions can rewire your brain over time. I share five practical, research-based strategies to help you start small, reward progress, build flexibility, embrace accountability, and make decisions in advance. Whether you're trying to build healthier routines, stay off your phone, or finally stick to a New Year's resolution, this episode offers clear and actionable insights grounded in real science.

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.

Welcome to the Love episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the biology behind one of humanity’s most powerful emotions. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind love and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the three stages of love known as lust, attraction, and attachment. Together with my friend Alejandra, we explore how hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, and cortisol shape our connections and influence everything from butterflies to heartbreak. We also look at the brain’s response to emotional bonding and the evolutionary reasons behind long-term partnerships. Whether you're curious about how love works, why it hurts when it ends, or how biology fuels connection, 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.

In this episode of Science Savvy, I’m joined by my best friend of ten years, Dasha, to explore the science behind long-term friendship. With warmth, laughter, and a healthy dose of evidence-based insight, we look at how your brain syncs up with your closest companions, why oxytocin makes you feel safe and connected, and how staying close to your friends can actually support your physical health and longevity.

We discuss how friendship shapes the brain, buffers stress, and even extends lifespan. Whether you're curious about how social bonds work or simply love your bestie and want to know why it matters, this episode is packed with heart and science.

Science Savvy is about uncovering the biology behind the relationships, habits, and emotions that define our lives. If you're ready to understand how your friendships literally change your brain, this episode is for you.

Further reading and references available upon request.

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science behind ADHD and what it can look like in everyday life. Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down how attention, focus, impulsivity, motivation, and brain chemistry are connected.

I’m joined by my brother Alex for a personal conversation about living with ADHD, including medication, coping strategies, creativity, and hyperfocus. We also discuss how modern life can make attention feel harder to manage, and why ADHD is best understood as a complex neurodevelopmental condition rather than a simple lack of effort or discipline.

Whether you have ADHD, support someone who does, or are simply curious about how attention works, this episode offers a clear and thoughtful look at the science behind focus, behaviour, and the brain.

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

Welcome to the Creativity episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science behind creative thinking and how the brain fuels imagination. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind creativity and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the roles of the prefrontal cortex and default mode network, the surprising impact of dopamine on creative flow, and how certain brain states enhance idea generation. Joined by my friend Alicia, an artist and entrepreneur with a background in psychology, we look at how both science and lived experience shape creative expression. Whether you’re an artist, a science enthusiast, or just curious about where great ideas come from, 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.

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science behind gut health and the gut-brain connection: how the microbes living in the gut can interact with digestion, mood, immune function, and overall wellbeing.

Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down how the gut and brain communicate through biological pathways including nerves, hormones, immune signals, and microbial metabolites. This episode looks at what the microbiome is, why it matters, and how diet, lifestyle, probiotics, and prebiotics may support a healthier gut environment.

Whether you are curious about digestion, mood, the microbiome, or how everyday habits can shape your body’s internal systems, this episode offers a clear and engaging look at the science behind gut health.

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