- BM204 – The Science of Sleep2023/08/06
In 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 Research2023/06/04
In 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 Rays2023/05/30
In 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 Space2022/10/03
In 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 Turbines2021/08/22
In 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?2021/03/15
In 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?2020/12/30
In 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 STEM2020/10/25
In 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 Team2020/09/27
In 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 Chlamydia2020/09/05
In 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 School2020/07/19
In 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 Lockdown2020/05/17
In 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 Planets2020/03/19
In 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 Kenya2020/01/10
In 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 Year2020/01/10
I hope everyone has a wonderful 2020! Get ready for more shows coming out this year.
- 190 – Nick Robinson – The Wild Top End2019/09/15
In 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 Journalist2019/09/10
In 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 3D2019/04/01
In 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 Genetics2019/03/31
In 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 Conservation2018/06/10
With 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 Astronmy2018/05/22
In 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 Outreach2017/09/30
In 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 […]
- Competition2017/08/01
Hi 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 Fun2017/06/03
In 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 Molecules2017/06/02
In 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 Galaxies2017/04/05
In 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 Matter2016/11/03
This 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 – Supernovae2016/10/28
In 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 Bubbles2016/08/30
In 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 GAMA2016/05/12
I 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 Vaccines2016/05/07
Do 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?2016/04/04
Listen 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 Teaching2015/09/03
Listen 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 Hiatus2015/09/03
Hi 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 Weather2014/12/06
In 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 SKA2014/08/18
In 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 Sessions2013/11/16
During 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 Sessions2013/08/17
During 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 .
- 169 – Dr Charley Lineweaver – The Birth, Life, and Death of our Planet… and the Universe2013/08/06
The 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 Gene2013/07/14
In 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 22013/05/26
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 second part of a two part interview. Topics we discuss […]
- 166 – Robert Lloyd – 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who – Part 12013/05/12
Something 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 Process2013/04/26
In 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 22013/04/24
This 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 12013/04/24
This 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 Statistics2013/03/22
In 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 Science2013/02/28
In 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 – Buckminsterfullerine2013/02/12
In 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 32012/12/23
Today’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 […]
- 158 – Where is my flying car? – Part 22012/10/31
Today’s episode is part 2 of a 3 part series called “Where is my flying car?†organised and hosted by the University of Melbourne’s Physics Students Society. Hosted by Dr Roger Rassool, panel members included: Dr Andi Horvath, Museum Victoria, Dr Erica Sloan, Monash Institute on Pharmaceutical Science, Tim Thwaites, Science writer, and myself. The […]
