In this episode of Science Refresh, Grace and Meg deep dive into the weird and wacky of the human body, as they celebrate one year of Science Refresh being out in the world!

Meg discusses brains and pregnancy, and whether period syncing is fact or myth!

Grace shares the developmental biology that explains why everyone has nipples, as well as the anatomical reasons for being double jointed.

But what about you? What science stories caught your eye last month? Let us know on our socials: Twitter (@SciRefreshPod) and Instagram (@sciencerefreshpodcast). You can also email us at sciencerefreshpod@gmail.com.

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Gene editing tool could be used to treat inherited blindness
• AI Surveillence Software for Elephants
• Chasing the aurora borealis
• Green energy win
• Impact of the brain during pregnancy article by New York Times
• Why some men might be able to produce breastmilk

Presented by Grace Tyrrell and Megan Thomas.

Edited by Grace Tyrrell and Megan Thomas.

“Jazzy Abstract Beat” by Coma-Media

https://pixabay.com/music/beats-jazzy-abstract-beat-11254/

License https://pixabay.com/service/terms/

“Flabby” by Coma-Media

https://pixabay.com/music/beats-flabby-172888/

License https://pixabay.com/service/terms/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Science Refresh, Grace and Meg wander into the world of conspiracy theories.

Grace delves into the science to help explain why people believe certain conspiracy theories, from fight or flight to biases.

Meg explores how interest in conspiracy theories may, or may not, have changed over time.

As always, Grace and Meg share their top headlines from the past month, as well as those quirky science stories that grabbed their attention.

But what about you? What science stories caught your eye last month? Let us know on our socials: Twitter (@SciRefreshPod) and Instagram (@sciencerefreshpodcast). You can also email us at sciencerefreshpod@gmail.com.

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Bias in medical devices needs immediate action
• Blood test trial for Alzheimer’s
• Women vs European Courts of human rights
• Kidney Transplant from pig to human
• End of the world or just a solar eclipse?
• Combatting confirmation bias on social media
• Have conspiracy theories increased over time?
• Using AI to monitor hedgehog populations
• Discovery of 4000 year old tooth in Ireland

Presented by Grace Tyrrell and Megan Thomas.

Edited by Grace Tyrrell and Megan Thomas.

“Jazzy Abstract Beat” by Coma-Media

https://pixabay.com/music/beats-jazzy-abstract-beat-11254/

License https://pixabay.com/service/terms/

“Flabby” by Coma-Media

https://pixabay.com/music/beats-flabby-172888/

License https://pixabay.com/service/terms/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Science Refresh, Grace and Meg each share a science story that caught their eye in the month of December.

Grace sparks a conversation about electric eels, and how electricity from electric eels can promote the uptake of DNA into animals.

Next Meg shares a sweet study looking towards glycans to help improve cancer diagnostics!

Finally, to jump on the festive bandwagon, Grace shares some festive stories and the girls reflect on their favourite science picks of 2023!

But what about you? What science stories caught your eye last month? Let us know on our socials: Twitter (@SciRefreshPod) and Instagram (@sciencerefreshpodcast). You can also email us at sciencerefreshpod@gmail.com. Keep an eye out for our new weekly newsletter on Instagram!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Science Refresh, Grace and Meg dive into COP28, spilling the tea on this year’s climate conference.

From the first ever global stocktake, to the decision to ‘transition’ away from fossil fuels, this year's COP in UAE was filled with negotiations and pledges, as well as its fair share of controversy.

Grace shares a new insight into the politics of COP28, talking about the role of big emitters as well as the issue of individual vs governmental responsibility.

Meg dives deeper into the money at the heart of COP28, talking about the multi-billion dollar schemes that are being funded to help tackle the climate crisis.

But what about you? What happened at COP28 that piqued your interest? Let us know on our socials: Twitter (@SciRefreshPod) and Instagram (@sciencerefreshpodcast). You can also email us at sciencerefreshpod@gmail.com.

Keep your eyes peeled for our weekly newsletter, sharing some of the latest science stories from the past week…

Also mentioned in this episode:

What is COP28?

Kyoto Protocol

Rishi Sunak takes a private jet once every eight days

Global Carbon Budget 2023

Arrests of peaceful climate protestors

How many attendees

$700 million investment into the loss and damage fund

The UK TRUTHS mission

Presented by Grace Tyrrell and Megan Thomas.

Edited by Grace Tyrrell.

“Jazzy Abstract Beat” by Coma-Media

https://pixabay.com/music/beats-jazzy-abstract-beat-11254/

Licence https://pixabay.com/service/terms/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Science Refresh, Grace and Meg each share a science story that caught their eye in the month of November.

Grace talks about the recent NICE recommendation for cognitive behaviour therapy to be offered as a treatment for menopause.

We all know Meg loves coffee - but this month she walks us through the newly introduced coffee beans in Colombia, one of the largest coffee exports in the world, which have nutritional, economic and environmental benefits.

Finally, following the topical news of CRISPR-Cas9 approval in the UK for Sickle Cell disease, Grace and Meg discuss their thoughts, as well as alternative research about CRISPR-Cas9 and other diseases.

But what about you? What science stories caught your eye last month? Let us know on our socials: Twitter (@SciRefreshPod) and Instagram (@sciencerefreshpodcast). You can also email us at sciencerefreshpod@gmail.com. Keep an eye out for our new weekly newsletter on Instagram!

Also mentioned in this episode:

Nature - UK first to approve CRISPR treatment for diseases: what you need to know

Nature - The world’s first CRISPR therapy is approved: who will receive it?

Presented by Grace Tyrrell and Megan Thomas.

Edited by Grace Tyrrell and Megan Thomas.

“Jazzy Abstract Beat” by Coma-Media

https://pixabay.com/music/beats-jazzy-abstract-beat-11254/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Science Refresh, Grace and Meg deep dive into the gut microbiome, discussing what it is, why it’s of interest at the moment, and how it impacts your body more broadly.

Meg shares some historic insights into the gut microbiome, talking about what the poop of our ancient ancestors could tell us about their diet and gut health.

Grace explores the gut-brain axis, sharing research that links the nervous system within the gut and the development of neurodegenerative disease Parkinson’s.

Finally, Meg and Grace speak about the wider implications of trying to maintain a healthy gut, asking questions that many don't associate with the gut microbiome.

But what about you? What science stories caught your eye last month? Let us know on our socials: Twitter (@SciRefreshPod) and Instagram (@sciencerefreshpodcast). You can also email us at sciencerefreshpod@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to catch up on the latest science and technology news with our weekly newsletter, posted each Friday on our Instagram.

Also mentioned in this episode:

GutTok

What exists in the gut

Phage “morons”

The evolution of the diet and gut microbiome

Specific microbes are higher and lower in Parkinson’s patients

August 2023 study published in Nature, linking socio-economic status and microbiome diversity

Presented by Grace Tyrrell and Megan Thomas.

Edited by Grace Tyrrell and Megan Thomas.

“Jazzy Abstract Beat” by Coma-Media

https://pixabay.com/music/beats-jazzy-abstract-beat-11254/

Licence https://pixabay.com/service/terms/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.