Science Academy Podcasts: Recent Episodes

Science Academy (OUASSA)

Students from isolated or under-served communities from around the country have come to Dunedin for an intensive week submerged in the world of science. Listen in as they share their experiences.

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How antibiotics were first discovered and developed into modern medicines, and why they remain essential as we confront the increasing threat of antibiotic resistant-bacteria. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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What would happen if honey bees disappeared and why should we care if they did?! This podcast is a brief overview of how New Zealand would be affected if honey bees disappeared. In said podcast I talk about what honey bees do and how that can benefits humans and nature, I then go on to talk about the affects that the abstinence of honey bees would course and if other insects would step up, with a interview with Dr Pomeroy. I end the podcast with how we can help and protect the honey bees that we rely on. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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A deep dive into the science, ethics, and emotions behind animal euthanasia - when it's used, how it's done, and why people feel so differently about it. Discussions around pets, farm animals, and wildlife. Includes interviews from Mannix, Sunshine, Tim, Aimee, Amaru, Teri, and Darwish. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Humans; who, what, where, when, why? A short story about Human Evolution, Where we came from, How we got here, the different species of us. A general fact and question answering about Humans, Apes and all sorts of monkeys. The direct changes in evolution across a time period and influences of how we ended up where we are today. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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This podcast covers the effects of high doses of radiation on the human body. It follows the journey of victims of the accident at the Chernobyl in 1986 and the journey of Hisashi Ouchi, a victim of an isolated nuclear accident in 1999. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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My podcast is about the neuroscience behind why we connect so strongly with music. It explores how the songs we listen to aren't just entertainment - they actually interact with different parts of our brain and influence the way we feel, think, focus and remember experiences. The podcast is built around three questions: Is the algorithm hacking our reward system? Can your study playlist actually tune your brain? and why is your 'on repeat' playlist basically a time machine? The main message of my podcast is that music is much more than just something we listen to. It's closely linked to brain chemistry, memory, emotion and learning. By understanding the neuroscience behind music, we can better understand why certain songs have such a powerful impact on our lives and why everyone's musical experience is unique. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Have you ever wondered why you can read a sentence easily when all the letters are scrambled? aoccdrning to rscheearch, it deosn't mttaer waht oreder teh ltteers in a wrod are. In this episode, we will explore the science behind why that happens and what it has to do with misheard song lyrics, otherwise known as mondegreens. We will dive into surprisingly related psychological concepts such as top-down processing, confirmation bias, phonemic restoration, lexical segmentation and the McGurk Effect. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Learning is about more than just intelligence. In this episode, I investigate the science behind why students learn differently, exploring the role of scholastic disposition, growth mindset, and perseverance. Combining psychological research with personal reflection and a teacher interview, this podcast examines how our attitudes towards learning shape success both inside and beyond the classroom. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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The podcast is about how emotions impact your decisions, character, and life story. Alongside how change can be beneficial to your future. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Crime shows simplify forensics. One clue, one analysis and its over. Its not like that in real life. This episode explores the three branches of forensic science: physical, biological and digital. We look at how each "sees" evidence. By exploring the intersection of these different areas, this podcast explains why real world crimes aren't solved with one piece of evidence. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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We'll discuss the strange yet meaningful courtship ritual of pebble giving in penguins. What it is, why it matters and what humans could learn from something so small... especially as the world turns for the worse. Hosted by Morgan Barraclough and Tarome Langston. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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This episode details the medicinal purposes of Aotearoa native plants and how they can be used to treat everyday minor ailments. We interviewed several people on their experiences using native plants to treat injuries and illnesses in their everyday lives. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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How climate change affects Emperor Penguins. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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From simple plants, to life changing drugs, antibiotics have evolved incredibly since their discovery. But how did they come to be, and do we really know what we are putting into our bodies? With bacterial infections constantly mutating and evolving, will our antibiotics last forever? Hosted by Jordin Tolentino, Nico Hargreaves and Aliette Parsons. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Caffeine; really a performance booster? In this episode Alexander Sever, Leona Harley, and Emma Morgan, are discussing the side effects of caffeine consumption in the sports industry. It's not all glamourous, there's a dark side to it. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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How fruit evolved through human intervention. Hosted by Jarred Monteith, Lucas McCormick, Stephne Maea and Willem Veldhuizen. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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In this episode, Toroa Charteris, Nicole Schoneveld and Caitlin Ealam discuss the effects that humans have on our rivers, including pollution, harvesting and agriculture. Join in and listen along as they dive into what pollution really is and the effects it has on not just the organisms living in our rivers but also humans as a whole. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Learn about what genetic modification is, the history of how it began, the benefits it could bring our society, and the laws that surround this in New Zealand, as well as what our NZ scientists have to say about such a new and exciting field of science. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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G'day, my name is Levi Phipps and for my OUSSA podcast along with the help of Kelly and Miss Hannah-Ryan, we discuss about how Mechanical Engineering enhances Architecture in the Modern landscapes around us. Sit back and ponder with us on this interesting topic and trust that it's fun. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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The Scientific World of Sleep and Dreams. We've slept for half of our entire lives and yet we still don't really know why or what is happening when we are comatose in our beds. So, delve into the brain with me and learn about the science behind all things dreams and why you really, really need sleep. Or you might go a little crazy. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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As part of the Otago Science Academy, join Maddison Hilliam in learning what an unconscious bias is, with examples, explanations of where they come from, and ways to reduce these biases. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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This podcast talks about how music influences our minds and the layers of the brain that are relevant to sound and music with its interesting niches. This podcast uses Michael Spitzer's research and his video on YouTube from Big Think. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Nanotechnology is a subject that many will see as a complicated, distant, scientific topic. I talked about some of the history of nanotechnology as well as common, everyday, or well-known products that include it. I also shared what exactly makes it so interesting and why we should care about it, based on how instrumental it can be in the future. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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In the current age, a green future is a goal we all can look towards. But when big corporations run the world, how can you be truly sure what the truth is? Join as we delve into what the world really needs most, and maybe find out a few things you never knew before... This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Have you ever wondered if the water out of your tap is safe? Has it ever tasted like chlorine or feet? Tune in to Chanel Beeslaar's podcast to find out if your drinking water is safe to drink. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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An overview about electric vehicles and how it may impact New Zealand. Falo Fifita hopes to create a different perspective and understanding so that the audience can make a decision for themselves whether electric cars are good or not. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Join Luji Awad inside the life of Ellie, a "grossing anatomy technician." An embalmer who is responsible for human cadavers. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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'Mycoplasma Who?' will spark a new interest in you to learn more about the health of cattle, a part of one of New Zealand’s most important industries. In the podcast, Amelia Murphy interviews an expert in the field of diseases in cattle, and together, we will go on a journey to learn more about Mycoplasma bovis. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Do you want to learn a handstand? Avi Ihaka shares these basic mechanics and expert advice to learn one. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Extremophiles are one of the most resilient organisms on this earth. Extremophiles help us in many aspects of our lives from biotechnology to space exploration but how? In this podcast, Amelia Holland will unravel the mysteries surrounding these death defying organisms. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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If you were given $13.50 for each time you named a good movie, how much money would you make?As for me, Tipu Howe, I would be a millionaire, and let me explain why...As the topic of my podcast is the science in movies, I have hand picked absolute banger movies to give an in-depth approach to how these movies crack down on the perception of science. Let's get the ball rolling and figure out the fiction.This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Are you keen to go on a journey across time and space to learn about Artificial Intelligence and know exactly when to prepare for a computer apocalypse? On our epic adventure we will explore Alan Turing's work as well as the recent advances in deep learning technology. So, if you are ready to take the plunge into AI, listen to Real Stupidity with Emma Philips! This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Did you know we have ten times as many tiny helpers as body cells? Well, the scientific term is microbes. The idea of tiny things crawling inside and on you might not be appealing, but Molly Okona is here to tell you why it’s great! So have a listen to learn about microbes within the human body. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Have you ever wanted to know the basics of cells? Or are you just passionate to learn more about these small lego blocks of life? Well during this podcast you’ll learn the basics you need to know about cells and how they function. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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A deeper look into what's really happening when you wash and moisturise your skin.This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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"Tekki!" - the word shouted to warn of an incoming enemy plane. Today we explore the physics behind how the first atomic weapons used in war were made, as well as look deeper into the devastating and tragic events of August 6 and August 9, 1945. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Have you ever wondered what black holes could be? Come and dive into a chaotic journey of what could possibly be the end of the world. This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Have you ever wondered why earthquakes and tsunamis happen? How they are measured? And what they do to humans, animals and their environments? Tune in to this short podcast and you will come away with a better understanding of this mysterious world.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Fungi aren't considered by many something that would have use in today's society, however in this podcast we are going to be looking at how it's being used now and the ways it can be used in the future.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Do you trust your ears? Are you sure about that? Join Nathaniel in his podcast and you will be questioning the quality of your ears.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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During the January 2022 camp, students from around Aotearoa came together to immerse themselves in the world of science. This year a group of nine students create their first podcast covering: The world's weirdest science jobs, Why it is so cold in Dunedin and the use of Social Media and Technology while studying in Lockdown.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Quite often when people think of radiation, they think explosions and it being harmful but radiation is often used in medicine for things that can save your life. I will be talking about these things in my podcast.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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Today I will be defining the undefinable, explaining the inexplicable and clarifying the unclear that is the adolescent mind. Tune in as I explain the adolescent mind through science.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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It is written in history that the greatest explorers of the world were founded on conquest and fuelled by bravery, with stories like the Vikings sailing off to discover new lands.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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I was recently thinking about the size of the earth and how big it is compared to us, and how it is so small compared to the sun, and how the sun is so small compared to the universe. In this podcast I will take you on a journey to give you a sense of scale, so that you can understand where you fit in.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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In this episode of the Science Academy Podcast, we will go beyond the atom to learn how they were discovered and what they are made of. Think like a proton and always be positive!

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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A majority of the world's population use fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal and natural gases to generate energy. This podcast aims to describe the chemical processes of converting fuel to energy and we will explore the environmental impact.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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In this episode of the Science Academy Podcast, we will be exploring the ways that animals and plants respond to changes in their environments.

This show was broadcast on OAR 105.4FM Dunedin www.oar.org.nz

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The first group project from University of Otago’s 2021 Science Academy science communication group. Keep an eye out for their individual projects later this year.

In this episode:

  • Shayla, Aeryn and Daniel talk about Dinosaurs.
  • Jordan, Alena and Mary discuss Science in Action in their own lives.
  • Marc and Makaleta talk about Sleep and Why it is so important to us.

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By Caroline Kyle

Do you ever wonder why you matter? I would like to shed light on how our mass 'that takes up space' does not mean we are just space takers, but just like matter we all have volume.

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The first group project from University of Otago’s 2020 Science Academy science communication group. Keep an eye out for their individual projects later this year.

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by Seruwaia Matairavula

In this podcast I discuss Genetics at Otago University and how the study can benefit humanity. I am accompanied by Sean, a Masters student studying genetics, and Science Academy attendee, Cameron.

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Students from the University of Otago Advanced School Science Academy present their first exploit into science communication podcasting.