THE SCIENCE INSIDE

On our monthly Feature Scientist, we talk to Vivey Phasha, a product development technician at CSIR (The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) on the science behind beauty and cosmetic products. In our science news we discover a polymer coating that can make buildings cooler and the benefits of making kind decisions. In Unscience, we discover that smiling doesn't necessarily mean you're happy. Later on, Vivey Pasha takes us through a journey of her personal life. wits.journalism.co.za

A recent development in Artificial Intelligence will make use of human language development. In UnScience we discover a new kind of fish species that melts when brought to the surface. Later on, we talk more on Artificial Intelligence. wits.journalism.co.za

In the news this week we chat microdosing LSD and naming satellites. A research breakthrough in the treatment haemophilia offers hope to all those with the rare blood disorder. We talk to the lead author and researcher Prof Johnny Mahlangu from Wits University about the work. In UnScience, find out about an unconventional paper batter powered by bacteria!. Later on in the show, Dr Yagalen Naidoo, a clinical haemotologist talks to us about the genetics of haemophilia and whether you should test for it. wits.journalism.co.za

Following NASA's new solar probe we speak to Dr. Daniel Cunnama, an outreach astronomer at the South African Astronomical Observatory. In Unscience, we talk about how male birds are less likely to sing to female birds that are ingesting antidepressants. Later in the show we explore how South African monitors space weather to warn of possible threats. Listen to Mpho Tshisaphungo, a space weather practitioner at SANSA. wits.journalism.co.za

There have been over 20 000 serious adverse events reported in public hospitals in Gauteng over the last two and a half years. Dr. Elize Archer, head of the Clinical Skills Centre at the University of Stellenbosch, unpacks some of the factors that influence negative hospital experiences.

In Unscience this week we hear of a worm that uses the equivalent of algebra to find its food.

Ever wondered what would happen if arts and medicine interacted? Victoria Hume, a composer, arts manager, and researcher explains how music can influence your health. wits.journalism.co.za

Our Feature Scientist this month is Dr. Shakira Choonara. She is the obesity prevention coordinator for South Africa at the Global Advocacy Incubator and a young leader, researcher and activist at the forefront of public health. She holds several accolades including being part of the first class of Obama Foundation Africa Leadership Fellows and a Next Generation Female Researcher by the National Research Foundation. wits.journalism.co.za

Imagine a nasal spray that is able to help treat Alzheimer's disease. As hard as it is to believe, this new technology has been developed by Professor Stefan Weiss of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at the University of Witwatersrand. Debbie Beech of Alzheimer’s South Africa explains what this will mean to patients.

In Unscience we find out about a medical condition where hiccups continue for months or even years.

Later in the show, another small technological device using sound is able to help diagnose and treat diseases and it’s like something out of Star Wars. Professor Michiel Postema of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Witwatersrand speaks about this discovery. wits.journalism.co.za

Recently the world's oldest colour was discovered, so we explore how our eyes and brain work together to help us perceive different shades. We speak to Casha Meintjies, an optometrist, and founder of Eyetek Optometrists.

In Unscience, a research study finds out what ever happened to those 'cool kids' back in high school.

From optical illusions to strange blindspots, Mrs. Ingrid Metsing, a lecturer in the department of optometry at the University of Johannesburg, unpacks some more strange features of our eyes. wits.journalism.co.za

Following the launch of the MeerKAT radio telescope, SKA SA Chief Scientist Dr Fernando Camilo explains what it means for South Africa and the world. In Unscience we find out about unusual ways to kill a cockroach. Later, the link between African people and the stars is explored with author and journalist Zulumathabo Zulu and Wits University professor of physics, Vishnu Jejjela. wits.journalism.co.za

Tennis star Serena Williams recently opened up about her breastfeeding and eating choices as an elite sportswoman. We explore the interplay between fitness and nutrition with Arista Nienaber, a lecturer at the North-West University Potchefstroom campus. In Unscience, left handed people have been found to process emotions in different brain areas. Later, dietitian Estee van Lingen from the Association for Dietetics in South Africa explains whether you should really be taking all those multivitamins. wits.journalism.co.za