Spectral Science

Linda Charlotte

Spectral science is a podcast where we (Linda and Charlotte!) will explore different scientific topics. Charlotte will share her interest and passions relating to Biology while Linda will share hers on Physics! This way we both get the chance to explain our knowledge on science from the opposite ends of the ‘spectrum’! This will be an informal chat between the two of us like we usually have, but this time into microphones! Expect funny anecdotes, scientific analogies and a lot of accessible content! Episodes out every first Wednesday of the month!

Episodes

  1. 2025-12-21

    Episode 7 - Wood Wide Web

    Hello and welcome back to Spectral Science! Today’s episode is all about Fungi! A huge topic and a tricky one to summarise in 30 minutes! We obviously love to eat them in a creamy risotto, but what other powers do they hold? Prepare to be surprised and amazed. Join us as we cover three key topics: The Mycelium Network, Fungi as a sustainable resource, and the hidden wonders of taking a psychedelic trip. We hope you have mush-room to learn more about this moldly interesting kingdom, we hope it en-cap-sulates your mind and makes you feel like a true champignon of the topic! Please take a listen and enjoy! DISCLAIMER: The following audio is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be used for academic or educational purposes. We encourage you to read the papers in the references section and do your own research before making any official statements relating to this topic. Please leave a review, we’re always looking for ways to improve your experience! And make sure to follow us on Instagram at @spectral_science :) References1.https://www.maudsleybrc.nihr.ac.uk/stories-of-research/psilocybin-assisted-therapy-for-depression/2.University,Stellenbosch (July 2, 2024). "Twonew species of Psilocybemushrooms discovered in southern Africa". phys.org.Retrieved March 19, 2025.3.vander Merwe, B.; Rockefeller, A.; Kilian, A.; Clark, C.; Sethathi, M.;Moult, T.; Jacobs (September 2, 2024). "A description oftwo novel Psilocybe species fromsouthern Africa and some notes on African traditional hallucinogenic mushroomuse". Mycologia. 116 (5): 821–834. doi:10.1080/00275514.2024.2363137. ISSN 0027-5514. PMID 38953774.4.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9247433/5.https://earth.org/plastic-eating-mushroom-of-the-amazon-and-ecuadors-development-dilemma/6.https://earth.org/plastic-eating-mushroom-of-the-amazon-and-ecuadors-development-dilemma/

    28 min
  2. 2025-04-23

    Episode 3: Biological warfare - from Socrates to the 1970s

    Hello and welcome back to spectral science! In this episode, we explore the history and impact of biological warfare, a topic as complex as it is unsettling. From the use of poisons in ancient times to more recent cases like the anthrax letters and Agent Orange, we look at how biological agents have been used in conflict, and the ethical, scientific, and human questions they raise. We hope you’ll listen with curiosity and care. DISCLAIMER: the following audio is for entertainment purposes only, it should not be used for academic or educational purposes. We encourage you to read the papers in the references section and do your own research before making any official statements relating to this topic. Please leave a review we are always very interested to better your experience! Make sure to follow us on instagram at @spectral_science :) References: The New Killer Pathogens: Countering the Coming Bioweapons Threat The future of biological warfareFacing the future of bioterrorismFrom Biowarfare to Bioterrorism: the future of biological threats in the AI eraNext-Generation Biowarfare: Small in Scale, Sensational in Nature? Biological weapon conventionThe history of biological warfareExposure to Agent Orange damages brain tissue in ways similar to Alzheimer’s diseaseProtocol for the Prohibition of the Use of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare. Geneva, 17 June 1925Geneva protocolBiological Warfare Targeted at Livestock: Because the deliberate release of disease among US livestock could have enormous consequences, scientists and policymakers must seek to prevent such a terrorist act or mitigate its effects

    28 min

About

Spectral science is a podcast where we (Linda and Charlotte!) will explore different scientific topics. Charlotte will share her interest and passions relating to Biology while Linda will share hers on Physics! This way we both get the chance to explain our knowledge on science from the opposite ends of the ‘spectrum’! This will be an informal chat between the two of us like we usually have, but this time into microphones! Expect funny anecdotes, scientific analogies and a lot of accessible content! Episodes out every first Wednesday of the month!