Brains Matter
66 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratingsThe Podcast on Science, Curiosities, and General Knowledge. Brains Really Do Matter!
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Episodes
BM204 – The Science of Sleep
August 06, 2023 07:41 - 84.7 MBIn today’s episode, I speak to Ashen Vithana, a sleep scientist, and Alex Young, an entrepreneur and futurist, from the http://youtube.com/@thesnoozestrategists podcast. I speak to them about the following topics: – What is sleep science? – What makes for a good sleep? – Is there an impact from watching screens before bed? – Are sleeping […]
BM203 – Dr Jürgen Knödlseder – Sustainability in Science Research
June 04, 2023 08:01 - 23.5 MBIn this episode, I speak to Dr Jürgen Knödlseder on the following topics: – What are the components of a carbon footprint in science, particularly in astrophysics research? – How was the lab’s carbon footprint estimated? – How do we continue to do research and minimise our carbon footprint? – What are some new ways […]
BM202 – Dr Jürgen Knödlseder – Measuring Gamma Rays
May 30, 2023 23:04In this episode, I speak to Dr Jürgen Knödlseder on the following topics: – What are gamma rays? – How do we detect gamma rays? – The process of finding where the measurements of radioactive aluminium came from – The work Jurgen did on the Integral satellite – How do you focus gamma rays? – […]
BM201 – Ayush Pandhi – Polarisation and Magnetism in Space
October 03, 2022 09:46 - 27.6 MBIn this episode, I speak to PhD student, Ayush Pandhi on his research into how polarised light is affected by magnetism in space. Ayush’s paper referenced in this episode can be found here: https://arxiv.org/abs/2208.06417 Download MP3 of Ep 201
BM200 – Jamali Kigotho – Rooftop Wind Turbines
August 22, 2021 07:05 - 22.1 MBIn this episode, I speak to engineering student Jamali Kigotho, who talks about his work on designing rooftop wind turbines for residential areas, how it would work and the possibilities around this. Download MP3 of Ep 200
199 – Luke Steller – Does Venus have conditions for life?
March 15, 2021 09:35In this episode, PhD student Luke Steller returns to talk to us about Venus and the asteroid Bennu. We discuss: * What does the discovery of Phosphene on Venus mean? * What creates Phosphene? * Could life exist on Venus, and how could life arrive on Venus? * Could life evolve on Venus itself? * […]
198 – Luke Steller – What are the ingredients of life?
December 30, 2020 07:41 - 34 MBIn this episode, I talk to Luke Steller, who is a PhD candidate at the Australian Centre for Astrobiology at the University of New South Wales. I spoke to Luke about: – Luke’s background – How he became interested in astrobiology – Ancient life on Earth – How understanding ancient life on Earth influences the […]
197 – Dr Onisha Patel – Structural Biology & Superstars of STEM
October 25, 2020 06:34 - 38 MBIn this episode, I talk to Dr Onisha Patel, who is a structural biologist at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Melbourne, Australia I speak to her about: – How she got into science from her interest in art – What inspired her growing up – Structural Biology and what […]
196 – Monash Solar Decathlon Team
September 27, 2020 03:50 - 49.9 MBIn this episode, I talk to Bec Lin, Shiyen Perera and Cyndy Li from Monash University who are all part of the Monash Solar Decathlon Team, and took part in the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Challenge. I speak to them about: – Their backgrounds – The Monash Solar Decathlon Team itself – […]
195 – Dr Dyani Lewis – Studying Chlamydia
September 05, 2020 09:07 - 28.6 MBIn this episode, I speak to Dr Dyani Lewis on the research work she is undertaking as part of a larger team in studying chlamydia Download MP3 of Ep 195 Become a Patreon
194 – David Lee – Coding Skills at School
July 19, 2020 09:59In today’s episode I talk to Davie Lee, a technology professional who has started up a programme to work with schools to help teach coding skills. The things we talk about include: David’s background What David’s aim was with GI Jamie The skills that coding can help you learn The great things David has seen […]
193 – Troy Love – Humour in Lockdown
May 17, 2020 09:04In today’s episode I talk to Troy Love, from Great Talk and Humour Australia about the importance of humour and happiness The things we talk about include: How Troy got into his current line of work Dealing with the corporate environment when it comes to humour The value of humour to people How to use […]
192 – Dr Karen Lewis – Discovering Moons Around Extra Solar Planets
March 19, 2020 02:18In today’s episode, I speak to Dr Karen Lewis about her research into looking for moons around extra solar planets. Download MP3 of Ep 192
191 – Jamali Kigotho – Sustainability in Kenya
January 10, 2020 22:21In today’s episode, I speak to award winning Science & Engineering Monash University student, Jamali Kigotho on his keen interest in sustainability in Africa, along with a few other things! We discuss: – His background – His interest in science and engineering – The work he has done in Kenya in looking at sustainable solutions […]
Happy New Year
January 10, 2020 05:26I hope everyone has a wonderful 2020! Get ready for more shows coming out this year.
190 – Nick Robinson – The Wild Top End
September 15, 2019 08:05In today’s episode, I speak to Nick Robinson about his new IMAX documentary, “The Wild Top End 3D” We discuss: – How he got into documentary making – The process of making a documentary and an IMAX documentary – The background of making The Wild Top End – Some amazing facts from the documentary and […]
189 – Dyani Lewis – Journey to Becoming a Science Journalist
September 10, 2019 11:18In today’s episode I speak to Dyani Lewis about her path from a science researcher to the path of a science journalist. Download MP3 of Ep 189
188 – Michael Dalton-Smith – Volcanoes 3D
April 01, 2019 08:08In today’s episode I speak to Michael Dalton-Smith, who is a Canadian adventurer with over ten years of experience filming in some of the most remote and challenging places in the world. He spoke to me about the release of his latest documentary on IMAX, “Volcanoes 3D” We spoke about: – Michael’s background – What […]
187 – Dr Dyani Lewis – Plant Genetics
March 31, 2019 06:08In today’s episode, I speak to Dr Dyani Lewis on the topic of plant genetics. Download MP3 of Ep 187
186 – Dr Jake Owens – Giant Panda Conservation
June 10, 2018 09:02With the release of IMAX’s “Pandas 3D” recently, I talk to Dr Jake Owens, an American conservational biologist based at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China, and the project work he has been doing in terms of Panda re-introduction to the wild and conservation work that the documentary is based […]
185 – Kirsten Banks – Archaeoastronomy and Aboriginal Astronmy
May 22, 2018 02:35In today’s episode, I talk to Kirsten Banks, a young female physics and astronomy student at the University of New South Wales. Topics we cover include: – How Kirsten got into physics and astronomy – Her interest in archeaoastronomy – Australian Aboriginal astronomy – Research interests – Females in science and physics Download MP3 of […]
184 – Dr Zara Dennis – SciFly STEM Outreach
September 30, 2017 04:22In today’s episode I speak to Dr Zara Dennis, who has appeared on the podcast previously. We catch up on what she’s been up to since we last spoke, and I talked to her after she Topics we cover include: – Mixing Zara’s interest in flying with education – What sparked her interest in flying […]
Competition
August 01, 2017 08:58Hi all, The winner of the online tutoring competition that was mentioned in episode 183 has been announced. The winner is: Giuliana De Bellis Congratulations Giuliana! Please contact the folks out at MyWebTutor to collect your prize.
183 – Anant Tanna – Outreach and Science Fun
June 03, 2017 02:23In today’s episode, I talk to Anant Tanna once again. This time we talk about his interest in science outreach, why it’s important, and the fun of learning science. Topics we cover include: – Why is outreach important? – Why is science outreach, in particular, important? – How should outreach be approached? – Why does […]
182 – Joanna Corby – Galactic Large Organic Molecules
June 02, 2017 04:57In today’s episode, I speak to Joanna Corby, who was visiting the University of New South Wales from the University of Virginia, while doing research into Large Organic Molecules in High Mass Star Forming Regions in our galaxy. We spoke about – What region of our galaxy is being looked at? – What are the […]
181 – Anant Tanna – Searching for Invisible Galaxies
April 05, 2017 09:26In today’s episode I speak to Anant Tanna from the University of New South Wales School of Physics, about his research on looking for invisible galaxies. During our conversation, we cover: – What are invisible galaxies? – How do we find distant galaxies that we can’t see via their own light? – What are redshift […]
180 – Ten Years of Brains Matter
November 03, 2016 10:40This Episode of Brains Matter celebrates the 10 year anniversary of the show. Yes, Brains Matter has hit the double figure mark. Starting out on the 16th of October 2006, the show has covered a wide range of topics and amazing guests. In today’s show, I speak to Clive Weeks, who has been involved with […]
179 – Dr Michael Childress – Supernovae
October 28, 2016 09:20In today’s episode I speak to Dr Michael Childress from the Australian National University. He talks to me about his research into supernovae. During our conversations, we cover: – His research into the progenitors of supernovae – The techniques used to determine what type of stars they were before going supernovae – The difference between […]
178 – Dr Roland Crocker – Fermi Bubbles
August 30, 2016 06:21In this episode I speak to Dr Roland Crocker from the Australian National University on the topic of Fermi Bubbles – what are they and how do they form? Listen in to find out! Download MP3 of Ep 178
177 – Angus Wright – ICRAR and GAMA
May 12, 2016 10:27I speak to Angus Wright from ICRAR who speaks to us about the GAMA project and radio astronomy, and the work he is doing as part of his PhD in the GAMA collaboration. Download MP3 of Ep 177 This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics .
176 – Dr Anushi Rajapaksa – Spray Vaccines
May 07, 2016 07:28Do you or someone you know dislike getting the needle? Well in today’s episode, I speak to Dr Anushi Rajapaksa from the Murdoch Children’s Institute on her research into delivering vaccinations via a spray. We also talk about DNA vaccines and personalised medicine. Sounds intriguing! To find out more, listen into the episode! Download MP3 […]
175 – Dr Charley Lineweaver – Is Our Solar System Special?
April 04, 2016 11:49Listen to today’s episode as I talk to Assoc Prof Charley Lineweaver from the Australian National University on his thoughts about whether the Solar System is unique or special! Download MP3 of Ep 175
174 – Dr Zara Dennis – From Sports Science and Geophysics to Teaching
September 03, 2015 12:51Listen in as Dr Zara Dennis talks to us about her journey from sports science to teaching high school physics. In particular, Zara talks to us about: – Her interest in geophysics and outer space – Working with lasers – What led to doing her PhD – PhD that looked at electromagnetic to find gold […]
Brains Matter is Back From Hiatus
September 03, 2015 12:07Hi listeners! As you would have noticed, the Brains Matter podcast has been on a bit of a hiatus over the past year and you haven’t heard much from the show. If you’ve wondered why, well there’s been a combination of factors, from technical issues to funding issues, and in amongst this all was a […]
173 – Assoc Prof Brad Carter – Space Weather
December 06, 2014 20:34In today’s episode, I speak to Associate Professor Brad Carter from the University of Southern Queensland about Space Weather. What is it? How do we measure it? And what does it mean for the formation of life? Download MP3 of Ep 173 This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics .
172 – Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith – The SKA
August 18, 2014 02:03 - 4.72 MBIn today’s episode, I speak to Dr Lisa Harvey-Smith from the CSIRO, about the Square Kilometre Array project. – What is the the Square Kilometre Array Project? – The results of the decision on where to host the project – What are the different parts of he SKA project – The Murchison Widefield Array Download […]
171 – Sarah Bruzzese – Astronomical Society of Australia Poster Sessions
November 16, 2013 21:15 - 3.56 MBDuring the Astronomical Society of Australia conference, I went and visited the Poster Sessions where students showcased their research. In today’s episode, I speak to Sarah Bruzzese, one of the poster session presenters. Download MP3 of Ep 171 This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics .
170 – Sarah Sweet – Astronomical Society of Australia Poster Sessions
August 17, 2013 08:16During the Astronomical Society of Australia conference, I went and visited the Poster Sessions where students showcased their research. In today’s episode, I speak to Sarah Sweet, one of the poster session presenters. Download MP3 of Ep 170 This episode is supported by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics .
168 – Sa169 –w– Dr Charley Lineweaver ty of Australia Poster ––s Leukaemia and the Ikaros Gene The Birth, Life, and Death of our Planet… and the Universe
August 06, 2013 13:59The following recording is of the 2013 Astronomical Society of Australia’s Harley Wood Lecture, hosted by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics. People, planets, stars, and even universes are born, they live for a while, and then die. Associate Professor Charles Lineweaver reviews what we now about the origin of the Earth and the origin of […]
169 – Dr Charley Lineweaver – The Birth, Life, and Death of our Planet… and the Universe
August 06, 2013 13:59The following recording is of the 2013 Astronomical Society of Australia’s Harley Wood Lecture, hosted by the Monash Centre for Astrophysics. People, planets, stars, and even universes are born, they live for a while, and then die. Associate Professor Charles Lineweaver reviews what we now about the origin of the Earth and the origin of […]
168 – Matt Witkowski – Leukaemia and the Ikaros Gene
July 14, 2013 06:45In today’s episode, I talk to Matthew Witkowski, a PhD student at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, on his research into the relationship between the Ikaros Gene and Leukemia. We discuss: – Matt’s background – A definition of leukaemia – Matt’s work in his PhD – What is the Ikaros gene? – […]
167 – Robert Lloyd – 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who – Part 2
May 26, 2013 03:09This year marks the 50th anniversary of the classic science fiction show, Doctor Who. I spoke to actor and comedian (and honourary 10th Time Lord) Rob Lloyd, also known as the Number 1 Doctor Who fan in the world, about the show. This is the second part of a two part interview. Topics we discuss […]
166 – Robert Lloyd – 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who – Part 1
May 12, 2013 09:10Something a bit different for this episode – this year marks the 50th anniversary of the classic science fiction show, Doctor Who. I spoke to actor and comedian (and honourary 10th Time Lord) Rob Lloyd, also known as the Number 1 Doctor Who fan in the world, about the show. This is the first of […]
165 – Dr Michael Brown – The Peer Review Process
April 26, 2013 14:09 - 9.33 MBIn today’s episode, I talk to Dr Michael Brown from Monash University about the peer review process in science. We talk about: – What the Peer Review Process is – How the Peer Review Process helps – The issues with Peer Review – What is the issue with positive and negative scientific results? – The […]
164 – Sir Paul Nurse – Making Science Work Part 2
April 24, 2013 02:08 - 15.2 MBThis episode is part 2 of 2, of a talk given by Sir Paul Nurse, who is President of The Royal Society in the UK, and the Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology for 2001, on the wonder of science and how it enhances our culture and civilisation. He also discusses how science can not […]
163 – Sir Paul Nurse – Making Science Work Part 1
April 24, 2013 02:01 - 17.4 MBThis episode is part 1 of 2, of a talk given by Sir Paul Nurse, who is President of The Royal Society in the UK, and the Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology for 2001, on the wonder of science and how it enhances our culture and civilisation. He also discusses how science can not […]
162 – Dr Michael Brown – Lies, Damned Lies, and NRA Statistics
March 22, 2013 22:48 - 11.1 MBIn today’s episode, I talk to Dr Michael Brown from Monash University about the mis-use of statistics in the public sphere, and specifically, about the American National Rifle Associations misrepresentations of data. We talk about: – The Australian context – Australian gun control laws – The subsequent experience after the implementation of these laws – […]
161 – Sir Harry Kroto – The State of Science
February 28, 2013 12:17 - 9.83 MBIn today’s episode, I talk to Sir Harold Kroto, who shared the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for the co-discovery of carbon-60, or Buckminsterfullerine. We continue the discussion from episode 160, and talk about – Stereotypes of scientists – Science and natural philosophy – What are non-science people interested in? – Kids as scientists – […]
160 – Sir Harry Kroto – Buckminsterfullerine
February 12, 2013 07:01 - 7.84 MBIn today’s episode, I talk to Sir Harold Kroto, who shared the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry for the co-discovery of carbon-60, or Buckminsterfullerine. He talked to me about the discover of carbon-60, as well as the state of science in the UK and worldwide. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview. Today’s […]
159 – Where is my flying car? – Part 3
December 23, 2012 14:26 - 19.9 MBToday’s episode is part 3 of a 3 part series called “Where is my flying car?†organised and hosted by the University of Melbourne’s Physics Students Society. This final episode in this series primarily includes audience questions – some of the audio is difficult to hear from some parts of the audience, so apologies for […]