The Aftermath of Cosmic Collisions with Prof. Geriant Lewis (446)
In this episode, friend of the show Geriant Lewis, Professor of Astrophysics at the Sydney Institute for Astronomy within the University of Sydney, joins us to unpack a fascinating New Scientist article theorising on how a strange line of dwarf galaxies may have formed. We explore how high-speed collisions between dwarf galaxies can scatter gas and stars across space, sometimes giving rise to entirely new tidal galaxies. Geraint explains the latest thinking on where these dwarf galaxies come from, what makes a galaxy “relaxed” or “unrelated,” and how these cosmic smash-ups might even shed light on one of the biggest mysteries in physics: the true nature of dark matter. www.geraintflewis.com/ Linkedin: Geriant Lewis Bluesky: cosmic_horizons
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27:19
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27:19
The Human Side of Misinformation Part 2 with Assoc. Prof. Marian-Andrei Rizoiu (445)
In part two, Associate Professor Marian-Andrei Rizoiu from the University of Technology Sydney explains how misinformation and toxic online cultures spread. We dive into the “manosphere pipeline” targeting boys as young as 10, its real-world impacts on schools and families, and how it can escalate into radicalisation. Rizoiu outlines his team’s six-stage pipeline - from passive curiosity to active involvement - and why simply giving people facts doesn’t solve the problem. Instead, this is a human challenge, and his lab is exploring new ways to diffuse and counter online misinformation before it turns dangerous. Linkedin: Marian-Andrei Rizoiu
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25:53
The Human Side of Misinformation Part 1 with Assoc. Prof. Marian-Andrei Rizoiu (444)
In this episode, I sit down with Marian-Andrei Rizoiu, Associate Professor and head of the Behavioral Data Science Lab at the University of Technology Sydney. Drawing on a three-year research project into the misinformation ecosystem, he reveals that online conspiracies aren’t just about false facts. Instead, they meet deep human needs for belonging and identity. We explore the idea that misinformation is less a content problem and more a human problem, fueled by the attention economy. Rizoiu also weighs in on the growing debate around restricting social media use, such as proposed bans for under-16s, unpacking the potential benefits and drawbacks. Keep your ears peeled for Part 2 next week Linkedin: Marian-Andrei Rizoiu
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31:23
Science Under Siege with Prof. Michael Mann & Prof. Peter Hotez (443)
In this episode, we sit down with two of today’s most prominent defenders of science: Professor Michael Mann, world-renowned climate scientist, and Professor Peter Hotez, vaccine researcher and advocate for global health equity. Together, they’ve co-authored Science Under Siege, a powerful new book exposing the forces behind the global anti-science movement. We explore the surprising parallels between climate denial and vaccine misinformation, and how both Mann and Hotez have faced personal attacks simply for standing by the evidence. They break down the five key drivers of anti-science - plutocrats, professionals, propagandists, petrostates, and the press - and reveal how these forces shape public discourse and policy. This conversation is not just about diagnosing the problem, but about pathways forward: the urgent role of science communication, strategies to counter misinformation, and reasons to remain hopeful in the fight to reclaim trust in science. www.michaemann.net www.peterhotez.org www.scribepublications.com.au/books-authors/books/science-under-siege-9781761381669
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32:46
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32:46
From DNA to Policy: Protecting Threatened Species with Prof. Carolyn Hogg (442)
In part two of our conversation with Professor Carolyn Hogg, Research Manager of the Australasian Wildlife Genomics Group at the University of Sydney, we dive deeper into the science and strategy behind threatened species management. Carolyn shares how her team is developing crucial genetic data to guide conservation, including breed-and-release programs with species like the Tasmanian devil. We discuss the vital role of biodiversity in sustaining planetary health, and the ambitious Earth Biogenome Project, which aims to map the genomes of all 12 million species of eukaryotic life on Earth. Beyond the lab, Carolyn reveals how genetic insights are shaping real-world decisions—bridging the gap between cutting-edge science, social change, and the policies that determine the future of our ecosystems. Linkedin: Carolyn Hogg X: @HoggCarolyn, @BioplatformsAus, @ThreatenedSpGen https://wildlife-genomics.sydney.edu.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/bioplatforms-australia/
Dr Karl’s a curious optimist – a great combination for a science lover. Join him and his guests for weird facts, amazing conversation and remember, it’s never too late for a happy childhood.
https://drkarl.com/
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