Science Savvy

Welcome to the Consciousness episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore what it really means to be conscious and how self-awareness shapes who we are. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind consciousness and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers everything from classic philosophical ideas like Descartes’ “I think, therefore I am” to modern neuroscience frameworks such as Crick’s Astonishing Hypothesis and Tononi’s information integration theory. We explore how brain chemistry, genetics, and personal experience come together to influence identity, self-esteem, and the feeling of being a self at all. Whether you’re curious about how the brain creates your sense of self or interested in the science behind awareness and emotion, 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.

This is one of our early interview episodes. We shared a microphone and the audio is a bit raw, so feel free to check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience.

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:

Sharma, S. R., Gonda, X., Dome, P., & Tarazi, F. I. (2020). What's love got to do with it: Role of oxytocin in trauma, attachment, and resilience. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 214, 107602. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107602

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science behind periods and the menstrual cycle: why they happen, how hormones change across the month, and what those changes can mean for the body and brain.

Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the biology of menstruation in a clear and practical way. This episode looks at cycle phases, common symptoms such as bloating, skin changes, and shifts in mood or energy, and the evolutionary theories that have tried to explain why menstruation exists.

Whether you are curious about how the body works or want to better understand the patterns that can appear across the cycle, this episode offers an accessible look at the science behind a familiar but often misunderstood process.

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

This is one of our early interview episodes. We shared a microphone and I hadn't yet perfected my audio editing, so feel free to check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience.

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:

Dunbar, R. I. M. (2018). Friends: Understanding the Power of Our Most Important Relationships. Little, Brown Spark.

This is one of our early episodes. We shared a mic and the audio is a bit raw, so feel free to check out our latest episodes for a more polished experience.

Welcome to the first episode of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how our brains work as prediction machines to help us make sense of the world around us. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind how the brain constantly anticipates and adapts to everyday experiences.

This episode dives into how your brain predicts everything from the next note in a song to the social signals in a conversation. I unpack key theories in neuroscience and explain how the brain’s ability to make sense of uncertainty shapes your emotions, perceptions, and actions. If you’ve ever wondered how your brain seems to be one step ahead, this episode offers a practical and research-backed look at why prediction is at the core of everything we do.

Science Savvy is about understanding the hidden systems that guide your thoughts, your feelings, and your health. If you're curious about how your brain works and how that knowledge can empower your everyday life, you're in the right place.

Further reading and references available upon request.