As we begin a new year bound to bring with it a multitude of exciting scientific discoveries, Luke takes stock of the year just gone and all of the exceptional breakthroughs from 2023. It was a big year for science, as aging was reversed, Alzheimer's slowed, and the true number of steps needed for health revealed. AI has already had a big impact on science and this year was no different, Luke talks us through some of the highlights, while waiting to see the inevitable role it will play in the scientific advancements of 2024.

148. The Science of 2023

Have you ever wondered why we laugh or if you can really die of a broken heart? Join Professor Luke O'Neill on ‘Show Me the Science’ as he tackles a different issue each week; from the serious to the silly, all explained through science. This Newstalk production will open the world of science to people of all ages. New episodes every Thursday. Show me the Science is with thanks to B Braun.

Listen and subscribe to Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.   

You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'

Science

You know if things had worked out differently 800,000 years ago you wouldn't be here to listen to this podcast? There wouldn't even BE podcasts which is even more shocking to comprehend. In this week's episode Luke discusses how fossil records have recently revealed that there was a big disappearance of hominids which has led them to conclude that we may not have happened! 

168. How We Almost Became Extinct

There is no doubting that A.I is here to stay and it is here to revolutionise pretty much every aspect of our lives. There has been many concerns as to what that future will look like but in this week's episode Luke tries to allay at least some of those fears by identifying 4 major benefits of A.I.  

167. 4 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Scared Of A.I

Utilizing our own immune systems to fight cancer has always been an interesting idea to scientists, and now there's serious progress being made in this filed that could see us developing personalized treatments for the disease.  Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgeries are all useful treatments but a vaccine against the tumor could be much more effective without being as intrusive. Luke explains how they might make these vaccines and gives the latest update on the clinical trials going on.

166. The Science of Cancer Treatments

Between 1980 and 2009, the rate of twinning in the US increased by 76%, and this trend is seen across the world. Twins can be either fraternal where two eggs are fertilized at the same time, or identical where one fertilized egg splits in two. Both of these offer huge opportunities for scientists to learn about genetic traits and environmental impacts on development.  Luke explains what we've learned from twin studies and why they're so useful.

165. The Science of Twins

The Covid-19 pandemic may still be fresh in all our memories, but scientists are already looking ahead to the next big pandemic to allow us to prepare and get ahead of it. A flu virus seems to be the most likely cause and in particular there is concern around the H5N1 strand which has now jumped from birds to cattle, and even a few dairy farmers. Human to human transmission is the next big warning sign which is being closely monitored.  Luke explains what we learned during the last pandemic to prevent the spread of another virus and another global lockdown.

148. The Science of 2023

Download our free app to listen on your phone