Science Savvy

fairleycarmen9
  • 5.0 (3)
  • LIFE SCIENCES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Science Savvy, a podcast hosted by Carmen Fairley, drawing on a background in Pharmacology and Biomedical Engineering to explore the science behind everyday life. Each episode turns complex research into clear, engaging stories, covering the human body, the brain, medicine, sleep, memory, pain, and scientific discovery. Science Savvy is educational only and does not provide medical advice. Please speak with a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical questions. Follow now and never miss an episode.

  1. 6D AGO

    Why Do I Feel So Different Before My Period? Part 1 of PMS vs PMDD

    Why do some women feel bloated, emotional, or irritable before their period, while others feel like they become a completely different person? In this episode of Science Savvy Podcast, Professor Rossella Nappi (gynecologist, endocrinologist, and sexologist) breaks down the crucial difference between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and why PMDD is far more than “just bad PMS.” Together, we explore what is really happening in the brain and body, from altered sensitivity to normal hormonal changes to the roles of serotonin, GABA, stress, trauma, and even the gut-brain axis. Professor Nappi also explains how PMDD is diagnosed, why symptom tracking is important for those seeking help from a physician, as well as the treatments that can actually help (from natural lifestyle changes to hormonal contraception and intermittent use of antidepressants). Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that severe premenstrual symptoms are real, treatable, and never something women should have to just “put up with.” This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you experience severe mood symptoms, thoughts of self-harm, or symptoms that interfere with daily life, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional or seek urgent support. As this was an interview, we do not have a "formal" bibliography. However, a list of references is available upon request (just leave a comment)!

    38 min

  2. FEB 24

    When Your Brain Turns Down the Pain: Pain and the brain part 3

    This episode explores how pain is shaped by the brain, body signals, context, expectations, and emotions. We look at why stress can sometimes reduce pain, why mood can change how pain feels, and how approaches such as movement, relaxation, education, and social connection can help people understand pain better. This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice. Reading list: Available on request.

    28 min

  3. FEB 17

    I need RELIEF!!! Pain and the brain part 2

    Part two of the Science Savvy pain series explains how common pain medicines work and why pain relief can vary from person to person. The episode covers medicines such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, local anaesthetics, and other prescription treatments, while also exploring how expectations, support, and non-medicine approaches can shape the pain experience. This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice. Reading list: Available on request.

    35 min

  4. JAN 26

    It HURTS! Pain and the Brain part 1

    Pain is strange: we feel it in the body, but the brain plays a central role in creating the experience. In part one of this series, we explore how pain signals travel, why reflexes can happen before conscious awareness, why chronic pain can persist, and why two people with similar injuries may feel pain differently. This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice. Reading list: Available on request.

    22 min

  5. 12/26/2025

    Siestas & Sleepless Nights: The Science of Sleep - Part 2

    This episode explores sleep patterns, naps, circadian rhythms, and how daytime habits can affect nighttime rest. We also cover how sleep needs can vary across life stages, the possible effects of too little or too much sleep, and practical habits that may help improve sleep quality. This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice. Reading list: Available on request.

    26 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    Sleeping Tight and Why It Matters: The Science of Sleep - Part 1

    This episode explores why sleep matters for body repair, immune function, brain maintenance, and long-term health. We also look at dreams, why we may dream, and how sleep differs across animals. This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice. Reading list: Available on request.

    31 min

  7. 10/17/2025

    You will Never Forget this Episode: Science of Memory

    In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore how memory works and why it matters for learning, decision-making, and daily life. The episode covers how memories are formed, stored, and retrieved, which brain regions are involved, and practical ways to improve recall. Reading list: Available on request.

    28 min

  8. 09/26/2025

    CRIS Cancer: Funding Tomorrow’s Cancer Research

    In this episode of Science Savvy, I speak with Elena Muyo, Scientific Projects & Partnerships Lead at CRIS Cancer UK, about how research funding can help advance new cancer treatments. We discuss how projects are selected, why early research matters, and how scientific discovery can create new options for patients over time. Reading list: Available on request.

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Science Savvy, a podcast hosted by Carmen Fairley, drawing on a background in Pharmacology and Biomedical Engineering to explore the science behind everyday life. Each episode turns complex research into clear, engaging stories, covering the human body, the brain, medicine, sleep, memory, pain, and scientific discovery. Science Savvy is educational only and does not provide medical advice. Please speak with a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical questions. Follow now and never miss an episode.

Information

  • Creator
    fairleycarmen9
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Science Savvy