Science on the Table

Science on the Table
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Science on the Table is a South African science communication podcast aimed at providing innovative science updates to the general South African. More information on scienceonthetable.co.za

Episodes

  1. Episode 7 | The Great Human Roast: Ultramarathons in the Heat

    MAR 16

    Episode 7 | The Great Human Roast: Ultramarathons in the Heat

    What happens when you ask thousands of endurance runners to jog a small country’s worth of distance… in the South African sun? In this episode, we turned the thermostat up with Dr Henno Havenga, environmental scientist, and explored what really happens when ultramarathons meet serious heat. Using a thermal stress index, we map the temperature conditions runners faced along the route—because sometimes it’s not just a race, it’s a slow-motion human braai. We also look beyond the heat to the air itself, examining pollution levels on race day and asking an uncomfortable question: while runners are pushing their limits, what exactly are their lungs breathing in? From roasting road surfaces to the science of thermal strain, this episode unpacks how heat and air quality shape the ultimate test of human endurance.

    1h 1m

  2. 11/30/2025

    Episode 6- ADHD. The Dopamine Feed: Teens, Screens, and Focus

    This week’s episode dives into the wonderfully chaotic world of ADHD in kids and teens—where attention span isn’t “short” so much as “selective,” executive functioning is like a WiFi signal that keeps dropping, and dopamine is the mischievous chemical running the show. We unpack neurodivergence in real, human language, from high masking (especially in adolescents) to that internalised paralysis that looks like “procrastination” but is really the brain’s spinning wheel of doom. If you’ve ever wondered why a child can hyperfocus on Minecraft for hours but freezes at the sight of homework, this episode finally makes it all make sense.

    56 min

  3. 10/13/2025

    Episode 5- Root of All Evil: When plants catch a cold

    Even the most resilient plants have their weak spots. In this episode, Professor Jacquie van der Waals delves into the science of Plant Pathology — where microscopic foes meet macro-scale consequences. From the citrus groves battling canker to potatoes facing down late blight, we explore how plant diseases emerge, spread, and reshape agriculture. It’s a story of spores and survival, where each infection tells a tale of evolution, adaptation, and the constant arms race between pathogen and plant.

    56 min

  4. 08/27/2025

    Episode 4- Midwifery: the art of arrival

    In this episode, Shane and Caitlin sit down with Sister Jenni Clarence, an experienced midwife and passionate advocate for maternal and newborn health. She shares her journey into midwifery, the challenges and joys of the profession, and the vital role midwives play in supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

    58 min

  5. 07/22/2025

    Episode 3- Malaria

    In this episode, Dr. Chia spills the tea on her latest science adventure — hunting for bacteria that might one day give mosquitoes a bit of a gut makeover. That’s right, she and her team have been busy screening a bunch of bacteria to see which ones could potentially turn these tiny vampires into malaria-fighting machines. The idea? Find the friendly bugs that could boost the mosquitoes’ immune systems and help them kick the malaria parasite to the curb. She also dishes out some wild facts about mosquitoes and malaria that might just make you the most interesting person at your next dinner party.

    36 min

  6. 06/16/2025

    Episode 2- Mpox

    Special guest, Janine Bezuidenhoudt, unpacks the Mpox virus (originating from the monkey pox virus). This viral disease has been making headlines around the world. No longer just a distant concern. It's real, it's here, and understanding it is key. Visit scienceonthetable.co.za for more

    1 hr

  7. 06/01/2025

    Episode 1- DNA

    In this episode, Shane and Caitlin introduce themselves and dive into the molecule that defines who we are—DNA. We untwist the double helix and break it down for you. Whether you’re new to molecular biology or just curious about what makes us… us, this episode is your primer on the code of life. Tune in, learn something new—and don’t forget to share this episode with your fellow science lovers! Visit scienceonthetable.co.za for more information

    24 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Science on the Table is a South African science communication podcast aimed at providing innovative science updates to the general South African. More information on scienceonthetable.co.za

Information

  • Creator
    Science on the Table
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Science on the Table
  • Show Website
    Science on the Table