Science Vs: Recent Episodes
ABC Radio
Science journalist Wendy Zukerman dissects the latest fad framing itself as scientific fact, wading through the mass of information so you don't have to.
Science is supposed to be an unbiased way to uncover nature’s secrets. Through blinded experiments, rigorous peer review and replication – we’ve been told that by using the scientific method we’ll find trustworthy facts. But, with many scientific findings largely regarded as ‘wrong’, is science broken? To find out, science journalist Wendy Zukerman speaks to Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, Prof. Ivan Oransky, Prof. Barton Zwiebach, Ass. Prof. Alex Holcombe and Dr Alice Williamson.
We are often told that we can be happy, if we try hard enough. By shifting our mindset, changing our lifestyles, or even writing a gratitude journal – happiness is waiting for all of us! But, what does science say? To find out, science journalist Wendy Zukerman speaks to Prof. Paul Frijters, Ass. Prof. Dianne Vella Brodrick and Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas. We’re also joined by the author of The Happiness Myth, Jennifer Michael Hecht, as well as comedian Gen Fricker.
Are some of us born gay? People have argued that sexuality is determined before birth, while others believe the environment has a role to play here. So, what does the science say? To find out Wendy Zukerman spoke to Prof. Jenny Graves, Prof. Jacques Balthazart, Prof. William Rice, Dr. Ilan Dar-Nimrod as well as comedians Tom Ballard, Rhys Nicholson and Kyran Wheatley.
Electronic Cigarettes have been hailed by some as a breakthrough in the battle to help people quit smoking, while others say these devices are creating a new generation of nicotine addicts. So, what does the science say?
Pornography has been blamed for destroying our minds and our sex lives. Some even call porn addictive. But, what does the science say? To find out Wendy Zukerman speaks to Dr. Russell Pratt, Dr Simone Kühn, Prof. Brian McNair and anti porn campaigner Gabriel Deem.
Medical marijuana has been called a miracle drug - rumoured to cure an array of ailments, from cramps to cancer. But, what does the science say? To find out Wendy Zukerman speaks to Prof. Laurie Mather, Prof. David Penington, Prof. Herbert Kleber and Prof. Tamas Horvath.
Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. But, most know him as the host of the documentary series Cosmos and podcast StarTalk. Neil gained infamy as the killer of Pluto.
Dr Neil deGrasse Tyson is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. But, most know him as the host of the documentary series Cosmos and podcast StarTalk. Neil gained infamy as the killer of Pluto.
Science is supposed to be an unbiased way to uncover nature’s secrets. Through blinded experiments, rigorous peer review and replication—we’ve been told that by using the scientific method we’ll find trustworthy facts. But, with many scientific findings largely regarded as ‘wrong’, is science broken?
We are often told that we can be happy, if we try hard enough. By shifting our mindset, changing our lifestyles, or even writing a gratitude journal – happiness is waiting for all of us! But, what does science say?
We are often told that we can be happy, if we try hard enough. By shifting our mindset, changing our lifestyles, or even writing a gratitude journal – happiness is waiting for all of us! But, what does science say?
Science is supposed to be an unbiased way to uncover nature’s secrets. Through blinded experiments, rigorous peer review and replication—we’ve been told that by using the scientific method we’ll find trustworthy facts. But, with many scientific findings largely regarded as ‘wrong’, is science broken?
Are some of us born gay? People have argued that sexuality is determined before birth, while others believe the environment has a role to play here. So, what does the science say?
Are some of us born gay? People have argued that sexuality is determined before birth, while others believe the environment has a role to play here. So, what does the science say?
Electronic Cigarettes have been hailed by some as a breakthrough in the battle to help people quit smoking, while others say these devices are creating a new generation of nicotine addicts. So, what does the science say?
Electronic Cigarettes have been hailed by some as a breakthrough in the battle to help people quit smoking, while others say these devices are creating a new generation of nicotine addicts. So, what does the science say?
Pornography has been blamed for destroying our minds and our sex lives. Some even say porn is addictive. But, what does the science say?
Pornography has been blamed for destroying our minds and our sex lives. Some even say porn is addictive. But, what does the science say?
Medical marijuana has been called a miracle drug — rumoured to cure an array of ailments, from cramps to cancer. But, what does the science say?
Medical marijuana has been called a miracle drug — rumoured to cure an array of ailments, from cramps to cancer. But, what does the science say?
Sugar is no longer the sweet stuff you put in cakes. These days, some claim it's deadly, toxic and as addictive as hard drugs. But, is sugar really that bad for your health?
Sugar is no longer the sweet stuff you put in cakes. These days, some claim it's deadly, toxic and as addictive as hard drugs. But, is sugar really that bad for your health?
We've been told that in the battle of the sexes there are important differences between the brains of women and men. But, are our brains really that different?
We've been told that in the battle of the sexes there are important differences between the brains of women and men. But, are our brains really that different?
We've been told that in the battle of the sexes there are important differences between the brains of women and men. But, are our brains really that different? To find out, Wendy Zukerman speaks to three neuroscientists - Prof. Ian Hickie, Ass. Prof. Jennifer Raymond and Dr. Rachel Hill.
All our lives we've been sorted into racial groups, but - from a scientific perspective - does race exist? Wendy Zukerman speaks to geneticist Prof. Alan Templeton, evolutionary biologist Ass. Prof. Darren Curnoe, as well as comedians Michael Hing and Lewis Hobba to probe the science of race.
Does the Paleo Diet live up to the hype, and is it technically what our ancestors would have eaten? Wendy Zukerman speaks to anthropologist Prof. Katharine Milton, public health researcher Dr Jonathan Hallet and Paleo advocate Darryl Edwards.