Explore every episode of the podcast Shirtloads of Science
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Food Additives: What's Safe, What's Not? with Prof. Clare Collins (451) [REPEAT] | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:28:27 | |
In this episode, I'm joined by Professor Clare Collins, Australian dietitian and Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Newcastle. Clare is my go-to expert when it comes to all things nutrition, and today she's here to unpack the often confusing world of processed and ultra-processed foods. We dive into what really separates the two, explore the role of additives, emulsifiers, and flavour enhancers, and discuss how some of these ingredients, designed to make foods more appealing, may be doing our health more harm than good. Plus, she shares practical, no-nonsense tips to help you make smarter choices next time you're wandering the grocery aisles. Check out Clare's free online resource, No Money No Time, for simple, budget-friendly recipes and nutrition advice - nomoneynotime.com.au/ | |||
| Innovative Nanotechnology for Cancer Detection with Dr. Renee Goreham (450) | 01 Nov 2025 | 00:25:41 | |
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Renee Goreham, a physicist and nanotechnologist at the University of Newcastle, and passionate science communicator. Renee is an experimental physicist exploring how our breath could hold the key to detecting lung cancer early—by identifying specific proteins as biomarkers. We also delve into her PhD student's exciting research into a new red-light laser diagnostic tool for breast cancer. Along the way, Renee breaks down the basics of cell biology and shares her inspiring, non-linear journey through physics, nanotech, and beyond. A brilliant example of multidisciplinary science in action. Follow Renee on TikTok: @dr_renee_goreham | |||
| Whales, Wildlife, and Conserving Threatened Species with Prof. Carolyn Hogg (441) | 30 Aug 2025 | 00:27:29 | |
From collecting urine samples in Antarctica to sampling whale snot to study reproduction, Dr. Carolyn Hogg's career is anything but ordinary. In this episode, she shares how her passion for protecting threatened species led her down some unexpected paths, including earning the nickname 'Dr. Snot'. We chat about her PhD on whale behaviour, wild whale facts, and the creative ways scientists gather data in the field. There was so much to cover, we had to split it into two! Part 2 dives into her groundbreaking work in conservation genetics. Linkedin: Carolyn Hogg | |||
| Tyre Chemistry with Dr Linda (354) | 17 Sep 2023 | 00:23:12 | |
Meet tyre nerd and chemist Dr Linda Mitchell. She works in stewardship - trying to improve our recycling of rubber. How many old Australian tyres are exported and burned each year? Way too many and Dr Mitchell knows how we can do better.
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| Cosmic Ripples with Professor Davis (353) | 10 Sep 2023 | 00:25:55 | |
Professor Davis and Dr Karl delve into the universal tensions and cosmic ripples. Are there frozen clumps at regular intervals leading back to the Big Bang? | |||
| Green Chemists Paul Anastas & John Warner (352) | 03 Sep 2023 | 00:26:24 | |
Dr Karl meets two Green Chemists. For 30 years they have been encouraging sustainable and cleaner chemical processes.
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| Night Skies with Prof Lisa Harvey-Smith (351) | 27 Aug 2023 | 00:22:18 | |
Auroras, fireballs and space junk. They are all visible. Prof Lisa and Dr Karl discuss how and where you might spot them. Also, how you can get your name into space. | |||
| Starry Gravity with Professor Lewis (350) | 21 Aug 2023 | 00:19:29 | |
Will 2023 be the year that we both see and feel more gravity waves? Dr Karl probes Prof Lewis about what is so exciting linking LIGO with Pulsars. | |||
| Fusion Power with Professor Wilson (349) | 13 Aug 2023 | 00:22:28 | |
Meet a scientist working to build and test a fusion power plant. Fusion Professor Howard Wilson has intimate knowledge of plasma - the stuff inside stars - and what is needed to safely contain it on earth. Prof. Wilson
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| Star Shine with Kirsten Banks (348) | 06 Aug 2023 | 00:26:52 | |
PhD student Kirsten Banks takes Dr Karl on a deep journey towards a new candle standard. Stellar seismology and the search for exoplanets may make galactic maps more accurate. @Astrokirsten
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| Gene Therapies with Professor Alexander (347) | 30 Jul 2023 | 00:31:37 | |
Gene therapies are being approved for a growing number of conditions. Professor Alexander talks to Dr Karl about how they work and the decades of testing to make them safe. | |||
| Net Zero with Aussie Research (346) | 23 Jul 2023 | 00:26:12 | |
Nature needs our help to beat global warming. Dr Karl consults Prof D'Alessandro about her team's work to pull carbon out of the air using solar power.
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| Hormones with Dr Vavrek (345) | 16 Jul 2023 | 00:24:58 | |
Around 20 years ago a worldwide hormone scare took hold. Was it a media beat-up? Dr Natasha Vavrek takes Dr Karl through the experiment that caused it and numbers that were misreported. Today HRT is called MHT and is safe again. | |||
| Lightning, Fertiliser, and the Future of Green Nitrogen with Professor PJ Cullen (440) | 23 Aug 2025 | 00:29:53 | |
In this episode, Professor PJ Cullen, Chemical Engineering expert from the University of Sydney, breaks down the global nitrogen challenge. We explore why nitrogen is essential for life, the history of fertiliser - from the Guano Wars to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process - and how today's nitrogen production is harming the planet. Cullen introduces PlasmaLeap, his startup using non-thermal plasma to mimic lightning and fix nitrogen sustainably. We also dive into the risks of nitrogen storage, the 2020 Beirut explosion, and the urgent need to electrify chemical industries. https://www.plasmaleap.com/ | |||
| Psychedelics and Therapy (344) | 09 Jul 2023 | 00:20:47 | |
Australia has implemented laws to permit the use of some psychedelic drugs in strictly controlled circumstances. Psychedelics researcher Dr Paul Liknaitsky and acclaimed author Heather Rose discuss the possibilities and complexities. #shirtloadsofscience This podcast will discuss topics of mental health. If you find parts of this content confronting or distressing contact Lifeline on 131114.
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| Neil deGrasse Tyson (343) | 02 Jul 2023 | 00:15:04 | |
Astrophysicist, author, and speaker Neil deGrasse Tyson joins Dr Karl to talk about science communication. Today needs global action based on solid science like never before - so how to frame it ? | |||
| Sunscreen Science with Geoff Mutton (342) | 25 Jun 2023 | 00:27:47 | |
What is the best way to protect your skin? Dr Karl seeks ground truths from an industrial chemist. Is it all in the science of drying paint? Ep342 | |||
| Healthy chewing and eating with Prof Collins (341) | 19 Jun 2023 | 00:24:53 | |
Healthy eating begins in the mouth. How much should you chew food? What sized bites are best? Can Dental Health affect your gut? Dr Karl masticates these topics with Dietetics Professor Collins. | |||
| Wind Physics with Dr Rosemary (340) | 11 Jun 2023 | 00:25:15 | |
Wind-powered turbines are powerful machines. So why only three blades? Dr Rosemary gives Dr Karl an introduction to the engineering and physics of getting electricity from air currents.
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| Astro Units with Dr Laura (339) | 04 Jun 2023 | 00:23:58 | |
How can we measure space? Dr Karl consults a Radio Astronomer on units. Please note: Star Wars and Hans Solo references included. | |||
| Radio Stars with Dr Laura (338) | 28 May 2023 | 00:25:31 | |
Could a black hole photobomb a star? Dr Laura Driessen explains. | |||
| Reionisation with Prof Lewis (337) | 21 May 2023 | 00:27:49 | |
Too hot for synthesis ? Too cool to stick ? The early universe is a bog for electrons . Dr Karl gets the latest on Dwarfs vs Dwarves with Prof Lewis. | |||
| Energy and Cars with Dr Bjorn Sturmberg (336) | 14 May 2023 | 00:27:19 | |
Electricity is how Australians get to 43% net zero by 2030. Transport must be part of that plan. Dr Sturmberg has been testing strategies to put electric cars on the grid, in the home and out in paddocks. Recorded in Dec 2022 information was correct then. | |||
| Dark Mythbusting with Prof Lewis (335) | 07 May 2023 | 00:23:40 | |
Matter and Energy continue to raise shadowy questions in physics. Dr Karl tests some recent dark theories with Professor Lewis. | |||
| Staying Safe Online Part 2 with Troy Hunt (439) [REPEAT] | 17 Jan 2026 | 00:27:01 | |
In part two with Online Safety Consultant Troy Hunt (Have I Been Pwned), we unpack the risks of online age verification in light of Australia's social media ban, including the personal data (often times photos or government documents) sites may demand, and how these security practices can be questionable. | |||
| The Five Kilo conundrum with Dr Nick (334) | 30 Apr 2023 | 00:24:32 | |
Why do popular weight loss programs fail just when you feel they should work ? Dr Nick applies science to a healthy body and has good news.
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| Cosmic matching with Professor Lewis (333) | 23 Apr 2023 | 00:28:50 | |
In dating shows there is always the promise of a perfect match. Can this idea be found in Astrophysics ? Dr Karl checks with Professor Lewis.
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| Quantum Computers with Dr Jessica (332) | 16 Apr 2023 | 00:29:43 | |
What are quantum computers? Dr Jessica explains the world of quantum and what to expect in the decades to come.
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| Cosmic Monsters with Dr Jessica (331) | 09 Apr 2023 | 00:25:39 | |
What are the biggest black holes called? Supermassive. Dr Jessica Bloom talks about these cosmic monsters and the amazing technology used to photograph them. | |||
| Chatting with a Bot & Professor Toby Walsh (330) | 02 Apr 2023 | 00:26:12 | |
ChatGPT launched for free in 2022. Like Google it devoured vast data but regurgitated it in human-like responses. Is it truly a marvel? Dr Karl and Prof Toby Walsh put ChatGPT to the test.
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| Bioplastics with Dr Yi Shen (329) | 26 Mar 2023 | 00:27:14 | |
Future archaeology may see our time now as an "Age of Plastic". Already sedimentary rings are forming. Dr Karl discusses solutions with Bioplastics and Dr Yi Shen.
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| Parrot Thinking with Prof Pepperberg (327) | 25 Mar 2023 | 00:32:06 | |
Bird Brains are different. Professor Irene Pepperberg has been probing their psychology for decades. She is the author of the NY Times bestseller 'Alex and Me', the story of her 30-year experiment with a grey parrot. | |||
| Universe Now with Professor Geraint Lewis (328) | 19 Mar 2023 | 00:29:11 | |
The James Webb Space Telescope has expanded our Universal view. Where is it changing? Dr Karl gets an update from Professor Geraint.
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| Sino Moon Missions with Bradley Perrett (326) | 05 Mar 2023 | 00:14:26 | |
China has a Lunar landing program. It is as ambitious as NASA was in 1969. Dr Karl probes Space journalist Bradley Perrett on how soon we might see Chinese craft on the moon. | |||
| Rocket Science 21C with Bradley Perrett (325) | 27 Feb 2023 | 00:17:58 | |
NASA vs Space X vs Virgin vs China vs Russia. Today's Space Race is multi-dimensional and growing. Australia is about to start its own program. Dr Karl talks with space journalist Bradley Perrett about the road ahead.
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| Have I been Pwned? With Troy Hunt (438) | 10 Aug 2025 | 00:26:49 | |
In this episode, we're joined by Troy Hunt, Australian online security consultant, creator of Have I Been Pwned, and one of the world's leading voices on data breaches. He breaks down the key differences between encryption and hashing, and what they mean for keeping your data safe. We dive into infamous data breaches, including the Ashley Madison case, and explore the often hidden, long-term impacts these leaks can have on people's lives. With online scams and breaches costing Australians over $3 billion every year, we also look at the rising threat of ransomware and why it's so hard to fight. This conversation opened so many cans of worms, we had to save the rest for part two. | |||
| Skeptic Success with Claire Klingenberg (324) | 19 Feb 2023 | 00:25:49 | |
"Alternative facts" ? Claire Klingenberg is an expert at debunking such things. In Europe she engages, listens and changes hardened conspiracy and "woo" theorists. She is the Chair of the European Council of Skeptical Organisations and shares her wisdom with Dr Karl. | |||
| Synthetic Biology with Professor Claudia Vickers (323) | 12 Feb 2023 | 00:28:32 | |
AI is hardware-based. It runs on electrons. Synthetic biology is where Biotech meets IT. It will revolutionise manufacturing & automation. Is a simultaneous Green & IT revolution on its way? Professor Claudia Vickers tells us more. | |||
| Museum Science with Dr. Barker (322) | 05 Feb 2023 | 00:30:58 | |
Is fair pay for workers a modern idea? How about sustainable agriculture ? A Sydney museum has artifacts to show these are ancient concepts from far away. Should they be sent home? Dr Karl discusses the merits of archaeological repatriation with Dr. Barker. | |||
| Mars #2 with Dr Adrian Brown (321) | 25 Dec 2022 | 00:16:34 | |
On the surface of Mars, the NASA Perseverance Rover is bottling rocks to be returned to Earth. How will they get back? Why are the samples so valuable? Dr Brown, Australian Scientist with the mission, has the latest news in the second part of his discussion with Dr Karl. | |||
| Mars #1 with Dr Adrian Brown (320) | 18 Dec 2022 | 00:17:28 | |
While planet earth was in Covid lockdown, a NASA spacecraft left for Mars. Perseverance ("Percy" to its friends) is on a mission to unlock planetary secrets. Dr Adrian Brown gives Dr Karl the latest news from the Martian surface. | |||
| Coral Health with Dr. Wachenfeld (319) | 11 Dec 2022 | 00:28:00 | |
The world's largest coral reef is in trouble. Chief Scientist for Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Dr Wachenfeld, talks with Dr Karl about what he is seeing. Twenty five years ago waves of hot water were first measured. They continue with intensity. Will the COP Accords be enough to save our reefs? | |||
| Dark Matter & Neutrinos with Professor Marcela Carena (318) | 04 Dec 2022 | 00:23:54 | |
Particle physics makes discoveries each day. Professor Carena gives Dr Karl the latest on the relationship between dark matter and neutrinos. | |||
| Beyond Higgs with Professor Marcela Carena (317) | 27 Nov 2022 | 00:26:19 | |
Particle physics is amazing science. Professor Carena works on the edge and gives Dr Karl an insight into why bosons matter. | |||
| Arthritis supplements with Professor Collins (316) | 20 Nov 2022 | 00:29:50 | |
Someone you know is being treated for Arthritis. Fifteen per cent of Australians suffer pain daily and there are few safe drugs. This has led to shelf loads of "supplements" and "alternatives". Does any of it work? Professor Collins compiles the best research to date. Most do nothing (so don't waste your health, time or money). Ep316 | |||
| The cost of Cancer with Professor Tindle (315) | 13 Nov 2022 | 00:19:26 | |
The last thing you expect to see at an oncology ward is a cash machine. Professor Robert Tindle discusses the unequal and sometimes unfair cost of treating cancer. Is your cancer common? Did a drug company successfully navigate the health system? In Australia the difference can be enormous. Robert's book is "Your Cash or your Cancer." | |||
| Climate After Net Zero with Prof. Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick (437) | 02 Aug 2025 | 00:26:38 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Australian climate scientist Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick to explore the story of climate science, how we first discovered the planet was warming, and what we now know about the forces driving it. Sarah breaks down the role of carbon dioxide in trapping heat like a planetary blanket and shares insights from her cutting-edge research on long-term climate modelling. What would happen if we stopped emitting CO₂ today? The answers are sobering, yet they also offer hope, underscoring why optimism remains essential in the fight for a livable future. Linked in: Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/ | |||
| Invisible Infrared: James Webb Space Telescope with Professor Tuthill (314) | 06 Nov 2022 | 00:52:53 | |
Professor Peter Tuthill and Dr Karl live on stage at Sydney Ideas. They peel back how and why the James Webb Space Telescope (our Infrared Eye in the sky) has keys for survival. Earth is already out of balance with an extra 600,000 Hiroshima atom-bombs of heat every day. The good news? Climate change is measurable and can be stopped. Sydney Ideas event and video:
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| Breakfast of Champions with Dr Nick Fuller (313) | 30 Oct 2022 | 00:30:34 | |
If Antimatter exists, why isn't there anti-food ? Stuff you can eat to lose weight. Dr Fuller has discovered interesting results from 2020 research based on thermogenisis. This is not a diet. It won't take weight off but it could cut weight gain by 250%.
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| Converging with A-Prof Ball (312) | 23 Oct 2022 | 00:30:10 | |
Data is omnipresent and society is very connected Thirty years ago futurists said tech "convergence" would deliver us seamless digital lives So are we there yet?. Dr Karl gets a fact check from "Converge" author Associate Professor Catherine Ball. | |||