WonderLabs with Chris Richardson

Hello and welcome back to WonderLabs! We are now based in Japan, and look forward to bringing you the latest in science and tech from the Far East. Before we get into Season 2, take a moment to check out this introduction to find out what's in store.

This is a bonus episode deviating from our usual format. It is a short documentary exploring the work of the Psychedelic Research Group, who we interviewed back in episode 4, and a collective called Senscapes who create music and art from their neuroimaging data. 

In the piece you'll hear from the Psychedelic Research Group, Senscapes, and an anonymous patient who participated in a clinical trial exploring the use of psilocybin as a treatment for depression. Woven into the interviews is the music created by Senscapes, aimed at taking listeners along on the patient journey. 

If you plan to take a psychedelic in the near future, please see the Psychedelic Research Group’s survey at PsychedelicSurvey.com, and head over to Senscapes.com to find out more about their projects and upcoming performances.

If you'd like to get in touch, our Gmail is "wonderlabspod".

Enjoy!

Shivani Hassard is a researcher at Queen Mary University of London exploring virtual reality, with a specific focus on game design and human-computer interaction.

In this episode we clear up some misconceptions in mixed reality, explore the importance of self-reported and physiological data in experimental design, and consider the potential end of cinema.

If you'd like to get in touch, our Gmail is "wonderlabspod".

Enjoy!

Rosie Davies is working with a group at Great Ormond Street Hospital aiming towards a personalised medicine approach within the rare diseases space.

In this episode we explore advancements in multi-omic technologies, potential issues around data security, and the involvement of big pharma in academic research.

If you'd like to get in touch, our Gmail is "wonderlabspod".

Enjoy!

Youssef Ibrahim is a researcher at Imperial College London exploring 3D printing.

In this episode we learn the mechanisms behind different types of 3D printing, the importance of bio-inspired design in manufacturing, and the potential medical applications of smart materials.

If you'd like to get in touch, our Gmail is "wonderlabspod".

Enjoy!

Anthea Lacchia is a research fellow in the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG) currently developing a training and outreach facility in western Ireland.

In this episode we get into the importance of molluscs as an index and keystone species, the giant insects and trees of the Carboniferous period, and revisit the story of revered fossilist and glass ceiling smasher Mary Anning.

If you'd like to get in touch, our Gmail is "wonderlabspod".

Enjoy!

Duncan Fraser is a researcher at the University of Oxford exploring new ways to synthesize plastics.

In this episode we learn more about his work in the field of efficient plastic production, debate the possibility of alternatives to plastics, and the role of industry in academic research.

If you'd like to get in touch, our Gmail is "wonderlabspod".

Enjoy!

Professor Sir Lord Robert Winston is Professor of Science and Society and Emeritus Professor of Fertility Studies at Imperial College London.

This episode is a meta conversation about contemporary challenges in science communication. We discuss evidence denial and post-truth, the role of governments in individual well-being, and find out why Lord Winston is focusing his efforts on younger audiences as an educational strategy.

If you'd like to get in touch, our Gmail is "wonderlabspod".

Enjoy!

This is a bonus episode deviating from our usual format. It is a short art piece exploring the work of the Psychedelic Research Group, who we interviewed back in episode 4, and a collective called Senscapes who create music and art from their neuroimaging data. 

In the piece you'll hear from the Psychedelic Research Group, Senscapes, and an anonymous patient who participated in a clinical trial exploring the use of psilocybin as a treatment for depression. Woven into the interviews is the music created by Senscapes, aimed at taking listeners along on the patient journey. 

If you  plan to take a psychedelic in the near future, please see the Psychedelic Research Group’s survey at PsychedelicSurvey.com, and head over to Senscapes.com to find out more about their projects and upcoming performances.

Enjoy!

Chris Timmermann is a researcher at Imperial College London’s Psychedelic Research Group, working under supervisors David Nutt and Robin Carhart-Harris.

In this episode we look at the historical use of DMT across cultures, and what brain imaging studies reveal about brain activity during the psychedelic experience. We also dive into consciousness and the link of psychedelic experiences to meditation.

If you'd like to get in touch, our Gmail is "wonderlabspod".

Enjoy!