Heatwaves are becoming more and more common across the world and with the mercury frequently reaching 37 degrees and above our bodies can struggle to keep our temperature regulated.

But what impact does heat have on the body? And how does your body try to cool itself down? Luke explains the science behind it and how your genes could make you more susceptible to the adverse effects of heat.

Board games may be a well known source of rows and cause of tantrums, but there are many benefits to them too! Especially for growing children. This week, Luke explains the value of board games in preparing for real life.

If you're using headphones to listen to this episode, you might have noticed some earwax built up on the earbuds. It can be flaky or wet, dark or light, but no matter what it looks like it all serves the same purpose. Luke explains what earwax is made of and why our body produces it.

As climate change impacts their natural habitat and the range of mosquitoes grows, so too has the chance of them spreading malaria. However, scientists and experts are working hard to eradicate the disease through vaccines and public health measures. Luke explains why the disease is so hard to fight and how Belize became the latest country to be certified as malaria free.

Rabies, Flu, HIV and Covid-19 are all some of the worlds most deadly viruses, but which is the worst? And how do you measure 'deadliness'?

Luke takes us through the list and updates us on the treatments available and the vaccines being developed against them.

Blood clotting is an essential part of our body's response to injury. Not only does it prevent blood loss, it also helps to slow the spread of bacteria and infection. But, excessive clotting can have negative consequences. Luke explains how clotting is triggered in the body and how his lab's new research could prevent unwanted clotting and the harmful effects associated with it.

While we may not hear as much about Covid-19 today as we did a year or two ago, it continues to be an important topic for scientists around the world researching the deadly virus. Luke talks us through the latest updates including new variants, vaccines, and therapies to treat long Covid.

Is a cure for cancer becoming more likely? New research has found improved treatments for lung, breast and ovarian cancers, and the development of tests to detect cancer from just a single breath or a drop of blood mean early intervention is much more likely. Luke takes us through all the latest findings and explains what they mean for the future of cancer treatment.

New scientific research has found that taurine, an amino acid often found in energy drinks, could help to slow down aging with successful results from tests on monkeys, mice and worms. Luke explains the latest findings, and explains why you shouldn't rush out to buy yourself an energy drink just yet!

Where do new melodies come from? Why do so many great songwriters report that some of their best songs came to them in a dream? Luke explains the science behind this phenomenon and what we know about musical inspiration.