Up Close Research Talk Show

Exceptional learning expert Prof John Munro discusses how “giftedness” is assessed in children, how notions of giftedness vary across cultures, adult outcomes for gifted children, and the question of how to handle gifted children at home and in the classroom. Presented by Lynne Haultain.  Download mp3 (33.0 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Alex Halderman and Vanessa Teague, security experts in electronic and internet voting, argue that despite the speed and efficiency promises of e-balloting, it has yet to convincingly deliver the privacy, reliability and vote integrity that the democratic process requires and that voters expect. Presented by Elisabeth Lopez.  Download mp3 (29.8 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Renowned urban theorist Neil Brenner argues that the widespread notion we live in an “urban age” as people move increasingly into cities is fundamentally flawed. He also suggests that “urbanization” be redefined to include the profound impact of city growth on ever more distant hinterlands. Presented by Peter Mares.  Download mp3 (37.6 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Psychologist Jeannette Milgrom discusses mental health issues that can arise in women during pregnancy, and their effect on the developing fetus. Despite considerable research and media attention on postnatal depression (PND), we learn that the antenatal period, too, has its associated risks, and that treatment and intervention programs can have a positive impact over the entire perinatal period. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.  Download mp3 (25.4 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Medical journalist and educator Prof Ivan Oransky talks about research misconduct that, once uncovered after publication, leads to retractions of scientific papers, damaged careers, and an undermining of the scientific process. Prof Oransky suggests why retractions are on the increase, and how technology is being enlisted in the fight against fraud. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.  Download mp3 (29.6 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Chemistry researcher Assoc Prof Spencer Williams talks about the rapidly emerging understanding of human microbiota -- the diverse and numerous microorganisms that reside on and within our bodies -- and particularly how the composition of our gut flora can determine the state of our own health. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.  Download mp3 (22.8 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more