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. 2025-07-30

    Episode 6: Nuclear energy - we need more plasma parties!

    Hello and welcome back to Spectral Science! Today’s episode is all about nuclear energy, one of the most powerful (and sometimes controversial) ways we generate electricity. We’ll dive into how nuclear fission works, what goes on inside a reactor, and why it produces such a huge amount of energy. But we’re also talking about the risks: nuclear accidents, radioactive waste, and the big questions around long-term safety. We’ll also look at the future with nuclear fusion and explore what it would take to finally achieve this clean, almost limitless energy source. 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 :) References: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Nuclear Fission basicsNuclear Fusion basicsHow to recycle nuclear wasteChernobyl historyFukushima historyHot to contain plasma on Earth!Cool podcast episode on nucelar waste (Huge* if true)

    36 min

  3. 2025-06-20

    Episode 5: Weight loss drugs - semaglutide and the lizard man

    Hello and welcome back to Spectral Science! Today's episode is all about GLP-1 inhibitors, the class of drugs that’s shaking up medicine, metabolism, and even pop culture. We’ll trace their surprising origin story, from a naturally occurring human hormone to a breakthrough inspired by the venom of a lizard. Then we’ll dig into how these drugs actually work in the body, what they’re being used for, and why they’re causing such a stir socially and ethically. From molecular mimicry to weight loss to debates about access, we're diving into one of the most talked-about treatments of our time. 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 :) References: ⁠Johann Hari - The Magic PillChris Van Tulken UltraProcessed PeopleSvetlana Mosjov overlooked for GLP-1 researchDNP 2,4 Dinitrophenol Lorcaserin Kelly Osbourne

    41 min

  4. 2025-05-21

    Episode 4: Black Holes - can we cook an egg on the accretion disk?

    Hello and welcome back to Spectral Science! Today's episode is all about black holes, these iconic cosmic objects that have captured imaginations in science fiction for decades. We'll talk about what they actually are, how they form, and what might happen if you fall into one. From accretion disks to event horizons to the mysterious singularity, we’re going deep into the weirdest corners of space and time. 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 :) References: This was less of a technical episode, all the information come from the many black hole themed books I read in high school and during uni, so here are my suggestions: A brief history of time - Stephen HawkingBlack holes, baby universes and other essays - Stephen HawkingBlack holes and time warps - Kip ThorneBlack Holes: The Key to Understanding the Universe - Brian CoxWhite holes - Carlo Rovelli

    36 min

  5. 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

  6. 2025-03-05

    Episode 2: Dark Matter - Spiderman goo?

    Hello and welcome back to spectral science! Today's episode is all about dark matter, this mysterious thing which makes up 85% of the mass of our universe! We will talk about how we know dark matter exists, what scientists think it could be and how they are looking for it. 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 are always very interested to better your experience! Make sure to follow us on instagram at @spectral_science :) References: Zwicky paper on coma cluster observationVera Rubin paper on rotation of the Andromeda galaxy Paper on dark matter candidatesxkcd comic on dark matter candidatesPaper on WIMPs as dark matter candidatesDark matter detection paperLUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) website

    33 min
  7. Episode 1: Epigenetics - Lamarck was right?

    2025-02-05

    Episode 1: Epigenetics - Lamarck was right?

    HELLO! Welcome to the first episode of spectral science! We are so excited that you are here. This episode is all about the Epigenome, DNA tagging, and how our behaviour shapes us. 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. This is our first ever podcast and first ever episode so it will not be perfect, please do leave a review and feedback but be kind! You can also find us on instagram at @spectral_science References: What epigenetics is. Yoyo dieting and weight control. Famine and colorectal cancer Famine and epigenetics The biggest loser and epigenetics adaptation Epigenetics and metabolic disease Cocaine use and corticostriatal circuits Cocaine and epigenetics Epigenetic treatments and cancer Romidespin and azacitidine Romidespin and Veronistat Epigenetic deacetylase inhibition

    28 min
  • 7 Episodes

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Linda Charlotte
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Linda Charlotte
  • Show Website
    Spectral Science