Shirtloads of Science

Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
  • 4.7 (9)
  • Physics
  • Updated Fortnightly

Dr Karl's a curious optimist. Join him as he explores the latest developments in science with leading researchers and communicators. And remember, it's never too late for a happy childhood. Series Producer: Isabelle Benton Technical Producer: Maya Cook Contact: shirtloadspodcast@gmail.com

  1. 6 days ago

    Charged Up: All Things Electric Vehicles With Toby Hagon (486)

    Motor journalist Toby Hagon joins Shirtloads of Science to talk all things electric vehicles. We break down the often-confused difference between kilowatts and kilowatt-hours, compare EVs against petrol cars on performance, energy use, and cost, and explore everything from single to quad-motor setups. Toby unpacks AC vs DC charging and battery basics, looks at how servicing costs stack up, and separates real EV fire statistics from the hype. This was a big one, so we split it in two - catch part two next week evcentral.com.au outbacktravelaustralia.com.au

  2. 1 Aug

    Growing Mini Retinas To Fight Blindness With Anai Gonzalez-Cordero (485)

    Associate Professor Anai Gonzalez-Cordero joins us on Shirtloads to explore the remarkable world of stem cells and how they can develop into almost any cell in the human body! She explains how her team is using stem cell technology to better understand and develop potential treatments for inherited retinal diseases, including Stargardt disease and Usher syndrome. We also discuss her work at the Children's Medical Research Institute and the importance of supporting genetic research through Jeans for Genes Day (coming up on the 7th of August!) If you'd like to help fund life-changing genetic research, consider making a donation this Jeans for Genes Day www.cmrijeansforgenes.org.au/

  3. 25 July

    Beyond "Survival of the Fittest" with Rowan Hooper (484)

    What if evolution isn't just about the survival of the fittest? Rowan Hooper, senior editor at New Scientist, joins Shirtloads to discuss his new book Togetherness - a challenge to the idea that nature is defined purely by competition. From the fig and wasp's ancient partnership to the mycorrhizal fungal networks threading through forest soils, Hooper makes a compelling case that relationships and symbiosis are overlooked fundamental aspects of evolution.

  4. 18 July

    In Dedication: Richard Scolyer on Risk, Hope and Radical Cancer Treatment (483)

    This conversation was originally recorded and published in November, 2024. In light of Richard's passing, we wanted to share it again because his insights remain as inspiring and relevant as ever. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

  5. 11 July

    Beasts Behaving Badly with Dr. Ann Jones (482)

    Dr. Ann Jones joins me to chat about her hilarious new What the Duck? series, Nature's Most Wanted, which dives into the wild world of criminal animals. We investigate some of nature's strangest case files… a duck caught speeding (twice), drug-addicted parrots, an underwear-nicking cat, drunk elephants, and heavyweight hamsters! A funny look at the surprising ways animals collide with the human rules we've created. What The Duck?! Nature's Most Wanted

  6. 4 July

    Seaweed! The Humble Organism Fighting Climate Change with Assoc. Prof. Alex Campbell (481)

    Marine Ecologist Assoc. Professor Alex Campbell takes us into the wonderful, under-appreciated world of seaweed and makes the case that it might be one of our most powerful allies against climate change! We dive into seaweed's evolutionary history and the troubling decline now underway: as ocean temperatures rise, marine organisms are shifting toward the poles at a rate of over 60km per decade to escape the heat, with Tasmania's once-thriving giant kelp forests shrinking by a staggering 90% since the 1990s due to devastating changes to their habitat.
 But the story isn't all bad news. Seaweed also holds genuine promise as a climate solution - from carbon sequestration and biofuel production, to a renewable alternative to plastic, to livestock feed additives that can dramatically cut methane emissions. Alex makes a compelling case for why this humble marine organisms deserves a much bigger role in how we tackle climate change.

  7. 27 June

    Why Weight Loss Drugs Don't Work On Their Own Dr. Nick Fuller (480)

    I'm joined by Dr Nick Fuller to dissect the long-term effectiveness of weight loss medications and why lasting results do actually require more than medication alone. Nick explains why evidence-based behavioural weight management programs remain the first-line approach to weight loss built on three key pillars: diet, exercise and sleep (did you even know that sleep plays a big role in regulating hunger hormones?!) Drawing on his team's research, Nick shares why many people regain weight after stopping medication and why behavioural change is essential for sustainable success (and keeping weight off for good!)

  8. 20 June

    Inside Microsoft's Global Research Lab With Dr. Peter Lee (479)

    This episode I'm joined by Dr Peter Lee, Head of Research at Microsoft, to explore the ideas shaping the future of technology. Leading 14 research laboratories globally and overseeing a research and development program that receives more than 10% of Microsoft's overall budget, Dr Lee shares his journey to the top of one of the world's largest innovation engines. From AI tools transforming early cancer detection and predicting protein structures in hours (instead of years!), to discovering new battery materials and improving weather forecasting through deep learning, the conversation reveals how research is moving from possibility to real-world impact. We also explore Microsoft's investment in open-ended innovation, research not driven by immediate products, but by imagining entirely new experiences and technologies. Encrypted Spaces - Microsoft Research | Microsoft Research

See All (472)

Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Dr Karl's a curious optimist. Join him as he explores the latest developments in science with leading researchers and communicators. And remember, it's never too late for a happy childhood. Series Producer: Isabelle Benton Technical Producer: Maya Cook Contact: shirtloadspodcast@gmail.com

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    472
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Shirtloads of Science