RTÉ Brainstorm: Recent Episodes
RTÉ
New ideas and insights about the world around us. From RTÉ in co-operation with Irish universities and the Irish Research Council.
Hidden and lost weather observations contain hugely valuable information about historical climate variability and changes. By Kevin Healion, Simon Noone, David Smyth, Peter Thorne, Maynooth University; Ciara Ryan, Met Éireann and Ed Hawkins, University of Reading.
We should consider such factors as ease of movement between providers, increasing broadband speed and falling prices. By Catarina Marvão, TU Dublin.
It is easy to be fooled by the charming behaviour of a psychopath in the workplace, but their meanness is a particularly sinister trait. By Melrona Kirrane, DCU.
Oweynagat is a cave linked to many colourful tales in Irish folklore, especially around Halloween. By Gary Dempsey, ATU.
We don't yet fully understood the science of tornadoes, but we get a surprising number of them in Ireland every year. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm.
History records that Ireland has long occupied a place in the strategic military planning of other nations. By David Murphy, Maynooth University.
A 'wizard on the ball', O'Brien became one of the first Irish women to play the game at an international level 50 years ago. By Helena Byrne, British Library.
Reforming the bidding process could potentially achieve some much needed stability for prospective home owners. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm.
The travel costs of getting from your home to work includes much more than just the price of petrol or the bus fare. By Conor O'Driscoll, University of Groningen and Kevin Credit, Maynooth University.
When it comes to knowing where you are, multiple factors feed into your ability to know where things or places are located. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm.
Gerald Bruton's campaign to cut energy costs and emissions involved both new technologies and behavioural change. By Ken Bruton, UCC.
We need a prescription to end the confusion of patients leaving hospitals, pharmacies and GP surgeries with more questions than answers. By Laura Jane Sahm, UCC.
The Dublin-born correspondent of The Times became synonymous with the work of the war reporter in the 19th century. By David Murphy, Maynooth University.
Getting divorced in Ireland is not as simple as just signing a piece of paper and moving on. By Méabh Browne, TU Dublin.
These reviled figures were involved in the evictions of some 250,000 Irish families during the 1840s and 1850s. By Ciarán Reilly, Maynooth University
The BurrenLIFE project developed a blueprint for sustainable farming to meet the needs of both farmers and the environment. By Anne Kinsella, Teagasc.
These names are real signifiers of our diverse native landscape and are shaped by local knowledge and past generations. By Aengus Ó Fionnagáin, University of Limerick.
How a simple corrugated box made it possible for us to access global products in a timely, secure and cost-effective manner. By Maurice Brady, TU Dublin
Marino was a testing ground for a number of Dublin Corporation housing policies which influenced the city for many years afterwards. By Ruth McManus, DCU
It joins 'quiet quitting' as another pinch point between employers and employees over the future of the workplace. By Professor Kevin Murphy, University of Limerick
The story of the 19th century Tipperary tennis ace and 'dark horse' who won the Wimbledon tournament in 1890. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, RTÉ Brainstorm
One of the most noticeable byproducts of vaping is the increase in particulate matter pollution and poor indoor air quality. By Asit Kumar Mishra, UCC
The stadium hosted Tex Austin's travelling rodeo featuring bronc riding, calf roping and other Wild West entertainments. By Conor Heffernan, Ulster University
The Eblana theatre ensured the capital city's main bus station was also a busy cultural and social space for many decades. By Barry Houlihan, University of Galway.
The rules and rituals around Amhrán na bhFiann at matches have lead to controversy, resistance and protests. By Siobhán Doyle, Brainstorm.
Depending on who you ask, where you are and what's included, it can cost from an estimated €318,365 to €461,000. By Orla Hegarty, UCD.
Audience members chatting all the way through a live show is yet another example of bad gig behaviour. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, RTÉ Brainstorm
The Carnsore Point festivals in the 1970s helped put a stop to the ESB's plans for a nuclear power plant. By Séan Ó Duibhir, University of Galway.
The first task for a would-be employee might be to sift through the jargon and waffle to figure out what exactly the job is. By Chris Fitzgerald, Mary Immaculate College.
'Perhaps it is time that the diversity discussion in the workplace begins to include socio-economic status'. By Vicki O'Reilly, TU Dublin
It's a comparison which is unproductive at best and dangerous at worst as it effectively kills public debate. By Constance de Saint Laurent, Maynooth University.
Using air quality data, the app would suggest routes through the city for pedestrians and cyclists avoiding the worst pollution. By Mingming Liu, Dublin City University.
Abdominal breathing allows you to regain control of a situation that is both terrifying and unrestrained. By Clodagh Ni Ghallachoir, TU Dublin.
We can learn a lot from the psychology of financial decisions to help avoid losing money. By Deirdre Robertson, ESRI.
A woman was effectively banished from the country for the crime of kissing of a boy in public in Co Louth in 1937. By Michael Mary Murphy, Institute of Art, Design + Technology Dún Laoghaire.
We seem to be increasingly missing out on learning invaluable bits and pieces from our colleagues, managers or even the new intern. By Arpita Pal, TU Dublin.
Research has found disparities between areas are not due to population size, but are more to do with differences in educational provision. By J. M. Mancini, Maynooth University.
4 tips to manage the time demands of digital communication when there's just so much to do. By Anna Navin Young, UCC.
Her diaries tell the story of an innovative and revolutionary activist devoted to the cause of women, workers and Ireland. By Mary McAuliffe, UCD and Harriet Wheelock, RCPI.
Gaeilge is deeply intertwined with Ireland's religious history, which explains so many phrases about saints, devils and eternal life. By Peter Weakliam, DCU.
Winter means having the heating on more often so here's how to have a comfortable home with optimal energy use. By Asit Kumar Mishra, UCC.
Irish funerals and wakes since ancient times have always highlighted the importance of food, feasting and hospitality
Irish dance has deep historical ties with cultural nationalism and identity, but its financial importance for women cannot be overlooked
The impact of Ireland's marriage bar on the affected women's professional lives and careers is still felt to this day. By Jennifer Redmond, Maynooth University; Judith Harford, UCD and Deirdre Foley, UCC.
As fans gather for the Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever in Dublin, a look at the life, work and Irish connections of Kate Bush
From the "black loaf" to a shortage of tea, the Emergency's hardships forced Ireland to try out many alternative foodstuffs
One of the mainstays of city life for over 170 years, the store's iconic clock provided a meeting place for generations of Dubliners
The good news is that they're highly recyclable, but the process can be hazardous due to potential fires and other dangers
You'll find very few positive depictions of old age sexuality yet research confirms the importance of active sex lives to this cohort
The D7 Play Streets initiative is about showing what a simple reallocation of public space which puts children first and which returns the street to a source of social life could look like
Altering words in some way to conceal their meaning to those outside the group is typical of jargons the world over
If organisations won't create safe, welcoming and positive workplaces, they shouldn't be surprised if employees won't put up with it. By Professor Kevin Murphy, University of Limerick.
How a coffee laced with whiskey, sugar and cream came to be seen as the height of sophistication. By Barry Houlihan, University of Galway
The price of a ticket to see your favourite act has increased dramatically for a plethora of reasons. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, RTÉ Brainstorm.
The pop star's references to books and classic literature allows us to see her self-awareness and growth as an artist. By Ellen Howley, DCU.
The WRC is a one stop shop for the resolution of a myriad of employment law issues and disputes. By Brenda Daly, DCU
We don't just break into a blast of 'Ole Ole Ole' at soccer matches, but also at gigs, homecomings and other celebrations. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm
The mystery, romance and cult around Michael Collins has created an idealised version of the Irish leader. By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, RTÉ Brainstorm
Dirt on a blade's surface can decrease a wind turbine's efficiency by up to 40% after just two weeks of operation. By Seamus Cummins, DCU
Many people embark on jobs on the side to maximise their talent, make full use of potential and earn some extra income. By Bhuvan Israni, TU Dublin
What we say and how we behave is influenced by cultural norms and can lead to critical (and sometimes funny) incidents. By Florence Le Baron-Earle, University of Limerick
Connla Mac an Leagha's 16th century collection contains many remedies and treatments intended to enhance the appearance of the medieval Irish man and woman. By Siobhán Barrett, Maynooth University.
When a player is shot dead in the middle of a match, there's only one lad to turn to for answers and that's detective Réics Carlos. By Siobhán Doyle, Brainstorm.
We are much further removed from becoming a cashless society than some might like to think. By Olive McCarthy, UCC.
Boyfriend characters in many novels can show women how a potential romantic partner's toxic behaviour should act as a warning. By Maria Butler, UCC.
Listening to Gaelic games on the radio is a way for many of the Irish diaspora to maintain their sense of Irishness. By Daithí McMahon, University of Derby
The Irish connection grid means we're always striving to find a link to make the world smaller. By Gail Flanagan, University of Limerick
There have been numerous proposals over the years to reclaim land from Dublin Bay to use for everything from housing to an airport. By Ruth McManus - School of History and Geography, DCU.
As challenging as it is to be a teenager, it's equally so for parents as all grapple with new roles and responsibilities. By Aidan Farrelly, Maynooth University
Our network changes over the course of our lives, but how many friends do we really need? Here's what the research tells us (By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm)
While other jurisdictions are trialing law by artificial intelligence, there are many reasons why this might not be a good idea (By Rónán Kennedy, University of Galway)
The waterproof coat protected soldiers from rain, thorns and mud, but the advantage for the IRA was it also concealed weapons (By Jane Tynan, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam)
There was a high level of tetchiness between Ireland and the US when it came to transatlantic aviation in the 1960s (By Michael Kennedy, Royal Irish Academy)
When it comes to our taste in music, the soundtrack of our lives is curated by neuroscience and environment (By Aoife Ryan-Christensen, Brainstorm)
Research has found that 15 minutes of music listening at lunchtime may increase employees' work engagement in the afternoon (By Avery Torres, Hilary Moss and Deirdre O'Shea, University of Limerick)
Here's how budding women business owners and entrepreneurs can overcome the pitfalls and challenges they face (By Maura McAdam, DCU)
We need to send the message that public transport really matters by making it safe, easy to use and part of the neighbourhood (By Sarah Rock and David O'Connor, TU Dublin)
Job titles may be the least important signifier of a successful approach to managing and motivating staff (By Brian J Murphy, TU Dublin)
We subconsciously choose our words carefully when it comes to keeping the conversation indirect and polite (By Gail Flanagan, University of Limerick)
You can expect a simple system of six to eight solar panels to generate about one third of your home's electricity needs (By Paul Deane, UCC)
94% of match officials have experienced verbal abuse during their career and 23% have experienced some form of physical abuse. (By Noel Brick, Gavin Breslin, Mark Shevlin and Stephen Shannon, Ulster University)
The good news is that we now have sufficient research to understand what's going wrong and how to put it right. (By Michael Byrne, UCD)
Deciphering the complex numbers around energy costs, mortgages and supermarket prices is key to making good financial decisions
We can often experience the same psychological and physiological benefits of love with strangers
We're moving to a world where more and more of our home appliances are connected to the internet and and thus more hackable
The man who ate the Salmon of Knowledge was a complex character and not always likeable, but he was certainly thought-provoking
Frank Capra's masterpiece remains a Christmas classic because the film still speaks to many to us at this time of year
The queen bee syndrome may be why women usually find it more stressful to work for female bosses than for male bosses
New technologies have allowed researchers to retrace Newtown without having to take a spade to the site
as there is no one-size-fits-all employment contract, here's a guide to the various contracts which employees may be offered
Surf therapy has been shown to boost those factors that help protect young people against the development of mental illness
The proposed charge on disposable coffee cups may not be popular, but levies really are effective in changing consumer behaviour
Cheaper and handier than retrofitting your house, wearing a woolly jumper out is one individual action to counter climate change. By Kevin Berwick ,TU Dublin
We love our "bank holidays" in Ireland. But where did they come from and who gets to decide when they are?
HR departments are often criticised by employees, but do they really deserve this bad rep?
A short history of a term which has been long employed in a derogatory way in Irish politics since the days of O'Connell and Parnell
Reducing energy use is the most immediate measure we can do to reduce our exposure to high energy bills
Aside from climate change, local exacerbating factors are behind rising sea levels in Irish coastal cities. By Gerard McCarthy, Katherine Dooley, Amin Shoari Nejad, Andrew Parnell, Maynooth University and Zoe Roseby, Trinity College Dublin.
No family rivalled the prominence of the Ryans during the War of Independence, but few were as bitterly divided by the aftermath. By Michael Loughman, DCU.
The chants sung by fans have their origins in hymns, opera, folksong, advertising jingles and nursery rhymes
Here's a look at the engineering that underpins this technology and its potential for heating our homes
People usually do not realise how much information is out there about them - and the work required to remove it
Rumours, gossip and the "he said/she said" grapevine are an inevitable part of almost all organisations
We have found a number of linguistic clues that may point to the reasons why people choose to meet one another again – or not
One way to deal with the estimated 200,000 tonnes of blade waste per year is to use them for other products like bridges
From cakes marking the 1916 Rising to a Scent of War candle, some historical merchandise has been colourful to say the least
Lack of competition, cumbersome procedures and a reluctance to change combine to keep costs high
Carlisle Bridge was at the heart of new commercial and social life in Dublin and quickly became a pivotal feature in the city
There are many solutions to tackle the problem of heavy, fuel-hungry SUVs, but all require bold action from policymakers
The infamous five in a row fiasco at Croke Park in 2014 was a turning point in the megastar's complex relationship with Irish music fans
In this extract from the 2020 Brainstorm Radio programme, we go on a journey beyond the sink and the drain to find out what happens next. With presenter Ella McSweeney and guests Jean O'Dwyer (UCC and Irish Research Council) and Tom Curran (UCD).
The many challenges Eitnne Pentony faced in the 1930s did not stop her becoming a successful golfer at home and abroad
The story of Ulysses unfolds through the food Leopold Bloom eats as he travels around Dublin by day and night
The electric scooter's economic and environmental credentials make it a transport winner
There is much evidence to suggest that the traits of narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathology are linked to career advancement.
The painting embodies many of the complexities that deny a simple representation of modern Irish history. By Dr Siobhán Doyle, TU Dublin.
The capital's first housing architect played a key role in the battle with unfit housing conditions in the 1930s and 1940s. By Ruth McManus - School of History and Geography, DCU.
While determined to remain neutral, Ireland could not remain aloof from the potentially devastating implications of the Cold War. By Eoin Kinsella, Royal Irish Academy.
Many of us first think about healthy ageing the day we turn 65, but age-related changes in our bodies start long before that. By Caoileann Murphy and Sinéad McCarthy, Teagasc
The work of early Irish scholars and astronomical experts on developing mathematical tables helped to solve the thorny problems of Easter-calculation. By Dáibhí Ó Cróinín, Department of History
There has been tremendous interest in using artificial intelligence tools to streamline hiring decisions in organisations, but the blind use of them without understanding why the algorithm prefers some candidates to others is risky. By Professor Kevin Murphy, University of Limerick8
'Wwhen I say that I have a difficult name, I should also ask: difficult for who? And difficult for what reasons?'. By Bhargabi Das, Maynooth University.
No family rivalled the prominence of the Ryans during the War of Independence, but few were as bitterly divided by the aftermath. By Michael Loughman, DCU.
Despite his fame, the exact location of the body of St Patrick has been a bone of contention for over a millennium. By Niamh Wycherley, Maynooth University.
Just how did "Danny Boy" became a song loved and hated in equal measures? By Aileen Dillane, University of Limerick
The creative model for the blockbuster Irish dance show was partly forged by a collaboration with a Kerry dance company. By Ciarán Walsh, Maynooth University.
The impact of this potential talent exodus on any organisation's future performance is hugely significant. By Sarah Kieran and Deirdre O'Shea, University of Limerick
There really is no one-size-fits-all solution to hydration, but your pee will tell you if you need to drink more. By Catherine Norton, University of Limerick.
Researchers have been looking at how whey proteins could be the answer to this particular pickle. By Oleksandr Nychyk, Wiley Barton, Paul D. Cotter and Kanishka N. Nilaweera, Teagasc
Shannon was the first town to be designed and built from scratch in Ireland in almost 300 years. By Susan Hegarty, DCU.
Our online activity is monitored and monitised by marketers who deliberately make it difficult for us to stop being tracked. By Jennifer Edmond, TCD.
Changes in running distance, speed, surface, footwear, environment and stress levels can all cause a running injury. By Peter Francis, Institute of Technology Carlow
Santa Claus and his elf-scientists use some very smart climate-friendly science to get Christmas done. By Barry Fitzgerald, TU Delft.
Frank Capra's masterpiece remains a Christmas classic because the film still speaks to many to us at this time of year. By Declan McKenna, Ulster University
Changing priorities, peer influence and a lack of confidence are some of the reasons why so many quit sport, but this can be turned around. By Sara McQuinn, Mary Rose Sweeney, Sarahjane Belton and Anthony Staines, DCU
There's a lot of talk at present around basic incomes so is it time to introduce the concept to Ireland? By Joe Whelan, UCC.
While there's no mention of godparents in the Bible, parents choose godfathers and godmothers for their children for many reasons. By Bernadette Sweetman, DCU
There are many benefits to a digital detox so how do you know if you need one? By Noel Carroll, NUI Galway.
As the huge growth in cookbook publishing shows, what we eat and cook has become an indicator of lifestyle and identity
From politics to academia, ignorance in British society about Ireland has profound implications for relations between the two nations
Halloween is a great time watch a scary movie, but what's the science behind why we keep watching even when it scares us?
In the recent past in rural Ireland, many ringforts were associated with fairy activity and supernatural happenings. By Marion McGarry, RTÉ Brainstorm.
When we think of catching killers or solving crimes, we often think of DNA matching, but what does that actually mean? By Seán McDermott, TU Dublin.
Here's why you consider swapping the bike for the barbell on your next visit to the gym. By Leanne Quinn, University of Limerick.
Email has become the bane of many people's working and personal life so is there any way back? By Professor Kevin Murphy, University of Limerick.
It was common practice for people in rural Ireland to migrate to the hills for the summer right up to the early 1900s. By Eugene Costello, UCC
The way we are treated at work can shape our beliefs about how others should be treated. By Lorraine Ryan and Thomas Turner, University of Limerick.
We can all learn from the comedian's ability on his TV show to see and draw out the value in people. By Sarah Kieran, University of Limerick
From more trees to fewer cars, turning cities into better walking environments is of benefit to all. By Ken Boyle, TU Dublin
The Irish Free State stamps of the 1920s were a way of decolonising the Irish visual imagination. By Billy Shortall, TCD.
Ireland's cultural exports to France at the time included learned pilgrims, cheeky philosophers and ideas on the science of time
How hot things get in your mouth depends on the capsaicin chemicals to be found in the chilli peppers in your food
Meet the spider who can live for up to five years, produce 1,000 babies annually and whose bite can land you in hospital. By John P. Dunbar, Aiste Vitkauskaite, Sean Rayner and Michel M. Dugon, NUI Galway.
Our four-legged friends teach us patience, understanding, generosity, kindness, and are a catalyst for other healthy behaviours in our lives.
The rise of the radical right reflects a 40 year trend in politics across Europe as socities and economies have changed
could regional franchises and budget caps overcome GAA conservatism to create a level playing pitch for all 32 counties?
This preoccupation with elegant tableware was designed to draw attention to the gentlemen's good taste and wealth
The world has become a hairier place since we first heard those ominous words, "Covid-19". The lockdown on barbers, hairdressers and beauticians has led to a flourishing of beards, hair and body fur around the globe. Many people are working from home, allowing a degree of freedom from conventional norms around appearance and personal grooming.
Sharing your DNA information for a genetic profile may well have potentially harmful privacy infringements for you and your family
Forget Bumble or Tinder or First Dates, our ancestors got the shift at gatherings like fairs, pattern days and wakes.
We all instinctively click the box which says 'I have read and understood the terms and conditions', but should we read the fine print?
The infamous five in a row fiasco at Croke Park in 2014 was a turning point in the megastar's complex relationship with Irish music fans
New research finds that one in 10 employees in Ireland have experience of being bullied and the problem is unlikely to go away with remote working
A new bill aims to ensure employers do not discriminate against job applicants or employees because of their accent
How the chocolate industry relies on the right scientific recipe to keep customers happy
Creating a legal personality and classification for robots raises a number of interesting issues
International companies often package their product with specific language and imagery in an effort to connect with local consumers
Despite his fame, the exact location of the body of St Patrick has been a bone of contention for over a millennium
The electric scooter's economic and environmental credentials make it a transport winner
Irish swimming places have always welcomed people regardless of body shape, size, skin or what you're wearing
With huge numbers due to retire in the coming years, the Irish civil service will require increased recruitment among younger generations
Romantic relationships have taken centre place in the evolution of culture over the last century
Buying online from our nearest neighbour now comes with extra risks for consumers trying to enforce their legal rights
If selfies are emblematic of modern trends, they are also symptomatic of major changes which have redefined Western societies.
In the first 10 minutes of an attack, it's the general public who must deal with the actions of terrorists
An extract from Gillian O'Brien's new book The Darkness Echoing: Exploring Ireland's Places of Famine, Death and Rebellion
Santa Claus and his elf-scientists use some very smart climate-friendly science to get Christmas done
Frank Capra's masterpiece remains a Christmas classic because the film still speaks to many to us at this time of year
We know the physical and mental benefits of outdoor swimming, but we should pay more attention to the places and spaces where swimmers meet
Frank Murray used Gaeilge to keep diary entries secret in Japanese prisoner of war camps during the Second World War
Here are the factors involved in why women really feel colder than men in the same room.
Working from home has shown many employees that they do not need a manager or superviser to get work done
Halloween is a great time watch a scary movie, but why do we like being scared and what makes a great horror film?
Whether they like it or not, some players' nicknames are better known than the names on their birth certificates
Victorian anthropologist Alfred Haddon used skull measuring to investigate the racial origins of isolated communities in the west of Ireland
Ireland's native red squirrel is enjoying a reversal of fortunes in the battle with the grey squirrel thanks to the pine marten
The response to the current pandemic requires massive action from governments, industry and citizens to reduce the spread of infection
What our kids are eating has become a major focal point in many of the discussions around food and health. Presenter Ella McSweeney and guests - Grace O'Malley, Liz O'Sullivan and Janas Harrington - ask if we worry unduly about children's diets and what should children eat to give them the best chance in life.
What happens inside the infant brain, and how it develops, appears to lay down fundamental patterns for the rest of our lives. Presenter Ella McSweeney and guests - Malie Coyne and Rhodri Cusack - look at what the brain needs to produce healthy and resilient children and adults.
From the current Covid pandemic to such horrific past occurrences as wars and acts of terrorism, traumatic events can have long-lasting impacts on our mental health. Presenter Ella McSweeney and guests - Orla Muldoon and Mark Maguire - look at what is trauma and how we manage it.
Bogs hold a special place in the Irish imagination, but these unique landscapes bursting with species that aren't found elsewhere also provide much more than just turf. In the latest Brainstorm show, Ella McSweeney and guests - Catherine Farrell and Raymond Flynn - look at why and how we should preserve our bogs
Every single day, we deal with wastewater, human waste, grease and chemicals by putting it out of sight, but it still has to be processed and dealt with. In the latest Brainstorm show, Ella McSweeney and guests - Jean O'Dwyer and Tom Curran - look at what happens to the stuff that goes down the drain in your kitchen and bathroom.
Climate change is going to have a huge impact on future weather in Ireland into the future so what's the science behind forecasting these changes? Ella McSweeney and guests - Conor Murphy, Conor Sweeney and Paul Dunlop - look at how climate modelling works and what past data about our weather can tell us about what comes next.
The recent lockdown has given us a glimpse about what the future of work might look like so are we ready for it? Ella McSweeney and guests - David Collings, Alma McCarthy and Kevin Murphy - look at how everything from working from home to technology and data will change our working lives.
Athletes and sportsmen have got scientific in their search for an edge to be best in their field. Ella McSweeney and guests - sports scientists Niamh Mallon, Brendan Egan and Tom Comyns - look at how science has transformed how we think about the limits of human performance.
Long before Amazon or Deliveroo, Irish people used the post office parcel service to send and receive everything from turkeys to tea
A good and healthy start would be to accept who you are and treat yourself with kindness and respect.
The world has become a hairier place since we first heard those ominous words, "Covid-19". The lockdown on barbers, hairdressers and beauticians has led to a flourishing of beards, hair and body fur around the globe. Many people are working from home, allowing a degree of freedom from conventional norms around appearance and personal grooming.
There are some serious health implications from breathing in the air of a home that has been sealed up to be more energy-efficient
How we live in urban areas has created the ideal ecosystem for urban foxes to thrive (and it's not good news for grey squirrels)
From collars to crewnecks, flatcaps to helmets and Ciarán McDonald to Brian Cody, the GAA has a fashion history all of its own
The changes caused by the coronavirus are of a different stripe to anything Irelands publicans have seen before
There's now an opportunity for Ireland to get off the Leaving Cert merry-go-round and introduce a new system for students and universities
With more and more of us wearing face masks in public during this pandemic, here's a guide to what to do - and what not to do.
From hospitals to shops and policing, the use of drones and robots to carry out critical services can save lives during an epidemic
How the chocolate industry relies on the right scientific recipe to keep customers happy
As the 1832 "Day of the Straws" demonstrates, Ireland was not immune to fake news and quack cures during previous pandemics
It's down to a bitter price war between the world's biggest oil producing nations rather than the coronavirus outbreak
Netflix has revolutionised film and television viewing but its distribution model and system of recommendations bear closer scrutiny.
What should we be observing, recording, noting and collecting in the coming weeks which will be of help to future historians?
How to deal with such unprecedented events as self-isolation, social distancing and a national lockdown
Some tips on how to keep yourself and your kids moving while maintaining a social distance during the coronavirus lockdown
There's no specific food guaranteed to protect you from the coronavirus so general healthy eating guidelines are the best advice for now
Despite his fame, the exact location of the body of St Patrick has been a bone of contention for over a millennium
It is difficult to see future generations having any desire to drive or get driving licenses once self-driving cars become mainstream
Opinion: To deal with mental health seriously, companies have to undertake a deep dive review rather than treat it as a PR or HR exercise.
Modern mathematical tools can provide police forces with a greater understanding of how crime and criminal gangs work
We spend too much time worrying about what we can't control and this feeling of not having control feeds into our anxiety.
Building up professional networks is a long-term endeavour that does not necessarily deliver immediate returns
Open-plan offices are getting a bad rep, but how can we design good quality open-plan spaces that encourage collaboration while facilitating other types of work?
The next generation of workers may have awesome digital skills, but what about communicating and working face-to-face and offline?
We do it anything from 7 to 25 times a day but what exactly is behind that passing of gas and is it bad for us?
Children need to do at least one hour of physical activity a day to get their hearts and lungs working
It's time for the birds hatched at Easter to become the stars of the show on the Christmas dinner table
Frank Capra's masterpiece is a Christmas classic because is still speaks to many to us at this time of year
Stress, anxiety and worry can make us more prone to getting back pain and less likely to recover from it
From Lana Del Rey to the 1975, pop music is getting to grips with the climate emergency in spectacular fashion
A look at life before popping into the chemist for some paracetamol to relieve an headache.
We've never had more music to listen to or more ways to do so, but has this changed how we use and respond to songs and sounds?
Halloween is a great time watch a scary movie, but why do we like being scared and what makes a great horror film?
Here's how those 26.2 miles effect your body, from heart and joints to sweat glands and blood volume.
Luxury used to mean craftsmanship, skill and a high price point, but it now signifies many things to many people.
There is much to suggest that career advancement owes much to narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathology.
We look into the issues around state and institutional secrecy and what the public can do to find out what's going on behind closed doors.
A deep look at how we use modern antibiotics and why antibiotic resistance is on the rise.
Because of our insatiable hunger for energy and the need to combat climate change, should we be looking again at the option of nuclear power?
With so much of our city space given over to cars, are car-free cities the way to cut through the gridlock?
What will our future farms and farmers look like? From technology to crops, we dig into what will be happening in the future on, off, over and under the land.
From body clocks and shift work to mental health and teenagers sleeping all day, just how can we have proper downtime in an always on world?
From Ring-a-ring-a-rosie to ring-fencing the kids. How we used to play as kids vs now, and what we are missing out on in today's serious business of play.
Where have all the bees gone? What are the invasive species we should look out for? Ella McSweeney discusses soprano bees, nightclubs for spiders and more with Dara Stanley and Michel Dugon. Brainstorm brings you ideas and insights about the world around us. From RTÉ in co-operation with Irish universities and the Irish Research Council.