Science Natters

In conversation with Dr Jennifer Mensch and Dr Michael Olson: How did philosophy lead to ideas of race and human difference?

In this episode of Science Natters, Dr Jennifer Mensch from Western Sydney University in Australia and Dr Michael Olson from Marquette University in the US talk to us about a philosophical anthology that they have collated that explores the ideas that led to the concepts of race and human difference. In this conversation, Jennifer and Mike tell us more about their project and we discuss the importance of philosophy in our everyday lives. Learn more about Jen and Mike's research - doi.org/10.33424/FUTURUM424 [https://futurumcareers.com/how-philosophers-have-influenced-the-way-you-think-about-race] Download the transcript and discover more episodes at sciencenatters.com

In conversation with Professor Siwei Lyu: how can we detect deepfakes?

In this episode of Science Natters, Professor Siwei Lyu from University at Buffalo The State University of New York, talks to us about his research in the field of generative AI and media forensics, which focuses on the detection and prevention of deepfake media. In this conversation, we speak about how we can protect ourselves from being tricked by fake images and videos that we might see online, the potential dangers of these deepfakes and why it is so important for all of us to be aware of these dangers. Learn more about Siwei's research - doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-49803-9_11 [https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-49803-9_11] Download the transcript and discover more episodes at sciencenatters.com

In conversation with Dr Laurel Lynch: How do Tasmanian devil diets affect ecosystems?

In this episode of Science Natters, Dr Laurel Lynch, an ecosystems ecologist from the University of Idaho, talks to us about her field research on Tasmanian devils. In this conversation, we speak about the important role that Tasmanian devils play in recycling nutrients in their ecosystems, the highs and lows of field research, and the importance of collaboration and teamwork to tackle science’s big questions. Read the paper - doi: 10.1111/gcb.17413 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.17413] Download the transcript and discover more episodes at sciencenatters.com

Professor Lali Medina-Kauwe: Building a new protein to fight brain tumours

In this episode of Science Natters, we learn about a recent study authored by Professor Lali Medina-Kauwe from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the US. In this study, Professor Medina-Kauwe and her team show that a new bioengineered protein that they have created, called HPK, is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver targeted cancer drugs directly to brain tumours. This new therapeutic method could revolutionise the treatment of aggressive cancers and improve outcomes for patients with brain tumours. Read the paper - doi: 10.1038/s41565-025-01867-7 [Building a new protein to fight brain tumours] Download the transcript and discover more episodes at sciencenatters.com