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I discuss a variety of topics in both the natural and social sciences, exploring the many fascinating insights that the scientific method yields about the world around us.
Episodes
21 minutes ago
21 minutes ago
1 hr 25 min
An introduction to the technologies and methods used in the study and manipulation of DNA and genes. We begin with an overview of basic methods for gene isolation and manipulation, including restriction enzymes, gel electrophoresis, cloning vectors, and the polymerase chain reaction. We then examine various techniques of gene sequencing, beginning with Sanger sequencing and then discussing various next generation and third generation sequencing methods. We conclude with a review of genetic engineering, including methods for gene delivery and how CRISPR cas9 has revolutionised the ability to make precise gene edits to specified locations in the genome. Recommended pre-listening is Episodes 34 and 35: DNA Structure and Function Parts 1 and 2.
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Aug 30, 2026
Aug 30, 2026
1 hr 4 min
We conclude our series on the standard model with an introduction to gauge theory. We discuss how the requirement of local gauge invariance generates interaction terms in the Lagrangian, and introduce the U(1) x SU(2) x SU(3) group structure of the standard model. We also consider the problem of massive W and Z bosons, and how this was resolved by the introduction of the Higgs field and the mechanism of spontaneous symmetry breaking. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 163: The Standard Model of Particle Physics.
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Aug 9, 2026
Aug 9, 2026
45 min
An introduction to the particles and forces that constitute the standard model of particle physics. After some historical background, we introduce each of the three fundamental forces that comprise the standard model - electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, and the weak nuclear force. We then compare and contrast the different types of particles these forces interact with, including the difference between fermions and bosons, and between quarks and leptons. We consider the types of interactions experienced by these particles and the three generations of matter. Recommended pre-listening is Episodes 158 & 159: Quantum Electrodynamics Parts 1 and 2.
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Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
1 hr 26 min
Beginning with primitive Cynodonts in the late Permian, we our evolutionary development through Mesozoic mammaliaforms, the divergence of monotremes from marsupials and placentals, and culiminating in the emergence of primates in the early Cenozoic. Along the way we discuss the emergence of important traits such as the mammalian ear and various primate adaptations for arboreal life. We then discuss the sequence of hominin species in the lead up to to humans, including Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, Homo erectus, and Neanderthals. We conclude with an analysis of the emergence of distinctive human traits, including bipedalism, encephalisation, and extensive tool use. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 161: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Reptiles.
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Jun 1, 2026
Jun 1, 2026
1 hr 33 min
A survey of extinct animal species from the Permian through the Cretaceous periods. We discuss important differences between anapsids, synapsids, and diapsids, and then review diverse species from all groups, including pelycosaurs, therapsids, parareptiles, euryapsids, pterosaurs, pseudosuchia, and dinosaurs. We also consider aspects including bipedal gait, endothermy, gigantism, and the cause of the end Cretaceous mass extinction. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 160: The Evolution of Animals.
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May 1, 2026
May 1, 2026
1 hr 23 min
A journey through the evolutionary history of animals, beginning with the split of the metazoans from protists about 760 million years ago and ending with the rise of the amniotes about 340 million years ago. The focus is the development of key morphological traits necessary for more complex animal forms, including the origin of true tissues, bilaterial symmetry, the complete gut, the coelom, internal skeletons, and limbs. We conclude with an analysis of key adaptions that allowed amniotes to life in a wider range of terrestrial habitats. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 155: Embryology and Development and Episode 157: The Geologic Time Scale.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Apr 1, 2026
Apr 1, 2026
45 min
Continuing from quantum electrodynamics part 1, here we explore the mathematical machinery used to compute interactions between particles, including propagators, Feynman diagrams, cross sections. We then walk through a simple example calculation to illustrate how these tools are applied. I conclude with an introduction to the problem of divergent loop integrals and how these can be resolved using renormalisation. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 158: Quantum Electrodynamics Part 1.
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Mar 2, 2026
Mar 2, 2026
51 min
A detailed look into the physics and mathematics of quantum electrodynamics, the theory of how light and matter interact. We discuss the generalisation of the Schrodinger equation to the Klein-Gordon and Dirac equations, and howw these describe the propogation of light and fermions respectively. We then consider the process of computing transition probabilities between quantum states, including the S matrix and perturbation theory, and Wick's theorem. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 85: Introduction to Quantum Field Theory.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Jan 17, 2026
Jan 17, 2026
1 hr 1 min
A survey of the Earth's history through the lens of the geologic timescale. We begin with a discussion of the terminology of geochronologic units and how they are specified using 'golden spikes'. We then review the development of Earth's atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere through the Hadean, Archean, Proterozoic, and Phanerozoic eons. We cover many topics including the supercontinent cycle, the great oxidation event, the evolution of eukaryotes, the Cambrian explosion, and mass extinctions. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 156: Fossils and Dating Methods.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
Dec 1, 2025
Dec 1, 2025
1 hr 10 min
An introduction to the techniques used to study the history and ages of geological speciments. We begin with an overview of chronostratigraphy, covering principles of relative dating, way up indicators, and biostratigraphy. We then discuss geochronology, including a review of early attempts to determine the age of the Earth, the principles and assumptions of radiometric dating, and the radioisotopes most commonly used for dating. Finally, we discuss processes and mechanisms of fossilisation, and review some of the most important classes of index fossils. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 74: Minerals and Rocks, and Episode 77: Nuclear Physics.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.