Shirtloads Of Science

Aviation expert Dr. Graham Wild returns to take us beyond the basics of flight and into the high-speed world of subsonic vs. hypersonic aircraft. We break down the engine mechanics behind these incredible machines, and I squeeze in a humblebrag about sitting in an SR-71 (yes, okay, it was grounded). It’s a theory-packed episode, so we’ve split it into two parts. Catch Part 2 next week. Connect with Dr. Graham Wild on Linkedin Twitter/ X - @aerospacedoctor

In 2020, Scientific American made waves with the provocative headline: "No One Can Explain Why Planes Stay in the Air." But is that really true? Dr. Graham Wild, senior lecturer in aviation science and technology at the University of New South Wales in Canberra, joins us to set the record straight. In this episode, we dip our toes into the complex world of flight. We scratch at the very surface of the topic in an episode that could easily take over 20 hours. Connect with Dr. Graham Wild on Linkedin Twitter/ X - @aerospacedoctor  

Most of us throw our clothes in the wash without a second thought, but what if that habit is doing more harm than good? In this episode, Dr. Holly Kaye-Smith, social change expert and communications specialist, challenges the way we think about cleanliness, climate action, and everyday laundry. From surprising stats (over 90% of washed clothes aren’t even dirty!) to the hidden environmental cost of every wash cycle, we dive into the myths, microplastics, and mindsets that shape our laundering routines. Holly shares practical refreshing techniques that save water, and why she recommends everyone have a “rewear chair.” Connect with Dr Holly Kaye Smith on Linkedin Instagram - www.instagram.com/drhollyphd/ Youtube -  www.youtube.com/@drhollyphd    

Are ice baths really the recovery miracle they're made out to be? We plunge into the science with Dr. Hunter Bennett, lecturer at the University of South Australia, exploring the pros and cons of ice baths, when they’re helpful, and when they might actually hinder your gains. We also unpack health misinformation online and Dr Hunter shares five evidence-based tips for anyone curious about cold plunges. Connect with Dr Hunter Bennett on Linkedin Dr Bennett's article on Ice Baths in The Conversation https://theconversation.com/ice-baths-are-popular-for-exercise-recovery-and-general-wellness-but-what-does-the-science-say-250649  

Dr. Brooke Nickel dives into the murky world of health misinformation on social media, exposing how overdiagnosis and unverified health claims are thriving in a mostly unregulated space. We explore the influence of online personalities, the power of personal anecdotes, and the urgent need for evidence-based guidance in digital health conversations.

Award-winning author and investigative journalist Alice Driver joins me to discuss her powerful new book, Life and Death of the American Worker. Her investigation exposes the deeply unethical practices within the meatpacking industry in the United States. For Alice, this story is personal. She grew up in Arkansas, one of the country’s poorest states and home to Tyson Foods, the largest meatpacking plant in America. We delve into the harsh realities faced by the industry’s workforce, many of whom are undocumented immigrants, with estimates suggesting that up to 30% of the labor force lacks legal status. Our conversation explores the severe health consequences these workers endure and the broader implications for workers’ rights in America today. Find Alice's book at https://www.alicedriver.com/ IG: @alice__driver

In this episode, Prof. Boris Kuhlmey and Prof. Peter Tuthill join me to discuss the Toliman Mission, a space telescope project focused on detecting Earth-like exoplanets around Alpha Centauri, our nearest star system, using precise astrometric measurements. We discuss logistics, the costs involved and the success rate of such an astronomical project. Developed by a collaboration including the University of Sydney, NASA’s JPL, and Breakthrough Initiatives, it aims to launch by 2026. University of Sydney, Faculty of Science Toliman: https://toliman.space/ Boris Kuhlmey www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/academic-staff/boris-kuhlmey.html linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/boris-kuhlmey-48b45615 Peter Tuthill www.sydney.edu.au/science/about/our-people/academic-staff/peter-tuthill.html Bluesky: https://blueskydirectory.com/profiles/spiralstar.bsky

Almost all of the regional and remote communities in Queensland do not have fluoridated drinking water, so why is this a problem? Dentist Dr Michael Foley debunks the infamous NTP report which suggested that fluoridated drinking water lowered IQ and breaks down how fluoride actually works and why it's so important for our dental health.

Dr Karl uncovers a lifelong Australian quest to restore comfort and hearing with custom made eardrum transplants. Called Cleardrums, Professor Marcus Atlas is close to passing regulatory hurdles for human trials. Ep407 [Repeat] drkarl.com

Dr Karl (former father of the year) talks with Dr Nick Fuller (recent dad) about teaching children how to eat. The good habits learned early lead to healthy lives. Ep396 [Repeat] Healthy Parents Healthy Kids by Nick Fuller DrKarl      

Why use a balloon to hunt the most elusive suff in the Universe? Dr Sirks takes Dr Karl through the history of Dark Matter and why astronomy is only part of the solution. Ep379 [Repeat] Dr Karl Dr Sirks  

Atmospheric Carbon is burning us up. CO₂ is the big culprit but what about methane? Industry calls it "natural gas" but sheep and cattle belch millions of tons. Australian scientists have a very cool answer with seaweed. drkarl.com seaforest.com.au  

Weight loss medicines are never easy. What happens when your brain says you're full? Dr Karl and Professor Clare Collins explore the promises and pitfalls plus the ones that occasionally kill. drkarl.com

Our warming world means more humidity.  You can't see it but you can feel it.  Professor Ollie Jay introduces Dr Karl to wet bulb thermometers, how sweating works and why humidity gets you down.     DrKarl.com Prof Ollie Jay  

Summer heat waves are increasing - so AC or fan, what is best? The answer becomes unclear when air temperatures are in the high 30s. Professor Jay takes Dr Karl inside your sweat glands to discover the physics of keeping cool.    DrKarl.com Prof Ollie Jay

Physics on both galactic and personal scales are explored and answered with Dr Jessica Bloom and Dr Karl. drkarl.com .

We are so lucky to be alive. Dr Sara Webb's 'The Little book of Cosmic Catastrophes' looks at dangerous galactic neighbours. So what are the chances of finding Earth 2.0 ?  drkarl.com dr sara webb

Dr Karl consults with circular economy expert, experienced waste manager, change maker and garbologist Belinda Chellingworth. Waste is expensive so well-designed product cycles makes it better for us all. drkarl.com BC Consulting

A shameless piece of cross promotion for ABC podcast 'What the Duck' with Dr Ann Jones about plant and animal reproduction. Contains names of body parts, fluids, graphic descriptions and one swear word. drkarl.com  What the duck podcasts

Global Warming is caused by burning fossil fuels.  "Slick: Australia's Toxic Relationship With Big Oil " is journalist Royce Kurmelovs' account of our role.  Dr Karl and Royce and explore how the science was silenced Down Under. drkarl.com