PODCAST · science
Boiling Point
by Eastside Radio 89.7FM
Boiling Point is Eastside Radio's 30-minute foray into the scientific world. The BP crew discuss obscure scientific facts, recent developments and play tunes with a tenuous connection to their topics of choice!
Episodes
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The role of memory in terrestrial ecosystems
Did you know that plants and ecosystems have memory? Not the same memory as you or I, but a type of memory nonetheless. Join us in this episode as we chat to Postdoctoral researcher Jon Page, who uses observations to explore the carbon, water, and energy cycles of terrestrial ecosystems, and...
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Zombification and Museum Collections: the Sci and Fi
Sci fi movies make blockbuster hits. But how much are they Sci and how much are they fi? Find out in this episode. [...] Read More... from Zombification and Museum Collections: the Sci and Fi
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Spying on Kangaroos
Kangaroos are iconic Australian animals that have interesting behavioural characteristics. They live in communities, and their environment plays a factor in their interactions. We are going to take a closer look at the environments kangaroos live in and how certain factors in their environment...
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What’s in a song? How urban environments change animal behaviour
Humans are affecting animals in multiple different ways. Our infrastructure is bleeding into forests and our way of life is changing how animals adapt to their environments. But are we aware of how we are impacting animals? In this episode of Boiling Point Anastasia is joined by Dr. Dominique...
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By tooth and nail: Uncovering the ancient history of marsupials
Join our host, Inna as she chats with Antonia Parker who explores the ancient history of Australian marsupials... By looking at their teeth!! [...] Read More... from By tooth and nail: Uncovering the ancient history of marsupials
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Fungi Unearthed: Digging into the Myco-Mysteries of mushrooms!
What is it about fungi that make them an exciting conversation piece in today’s media, movies, and video games? In this episode Anastasia chats Vanessa McPherson all about the natural history of fungi. Vanessa McPherson is a Research Assistant in the Environmental Microbiology and Molecular...
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What’s blind, buoyant, and brainless? Bluebottles!
They’re small, they’re blue, and they’re stingy, but they’re not a jelly fish! What are they? They’re bluebottles of course. They’re a prominent feature of summers spent by the beach, but what brings them to Australian beaches remains a bit of a mystery. Join us in this episode as we chat to two...
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What the hail is going on!?
Hailstorms are some of the costliest natural disasters that occur in Australia. One of the most infamous examples is the Sydney hailstorm of 1999 which dumped hailstones over 11cm in diameter and caused $1.7 billion in insurance damages. It’s quite surprising therefore, that we don’t have great...
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The History of Machine Learning in Automation
Some words we hear these days are “machine learning” and “automation”, but what do they actually mean, and where do they come from? In this episode, we take a closer look at the history of machine learning in automation. The origins of automation date back to the industrial revolution, and…
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Conserving Mars
Dreams of visiting Mars have been part of human imagination for centuries. But now that these dreams are closer to realization than ever before, so are the concerns of how we will treat the planets we will visit. Join us, as we chat to Clare Fletcher. Clare studies the exciting and new field of…
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Ecosystems at risk
Ecosystems are under threat of collapse from human stresses and climate change. Is your favourite ecosystem at risk? In this episode of Boiling Point, Sammy and Liz speak with Dr. Aniko Toth, a research fellow at UNSW Sydney who works in ecosystem conservation. Aniko uses modeling to combine...
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Understanding the secret language of plants
Plants are signaling and communicating with their environment in unique and remarkable ways, we just don’t always know how to interpret their signals. But observing flowers and pollination is the easiest way to tap into their secret language. In this episode Inna and Hannah chat to Ruby E.…
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Head in the skies: exploring the psychology of pilots
A risk-taking pilot sounds like the last thing anyone would want on their flight. However, if we ever want the plane to take off, some risk taking is necessary and even crucial. In this episode of Boiling Point, Griff and Inna chat to Yassmin Ebrahim. Yassmin studies the risk behavior of pilots…
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Fire – Friend and Foe?
It’s getting hot in here, but how do plants continue to thrive? In this episode of Boiling Point, Sammy and Inna chat with fire ecologist Sarah McInnes! Sarah is a researcher at UNSW Sydney who studies the impacts of fire regimes on plant re-establishment and how these may change with climate...
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Beneath the Waves: Unmasking the Coral Disease Maze
Getting sick is no joke. Your noise gets stuffy, perhaps you get a sore throat, maybe you feel so bad you have to stay in bed for days! But what happens when coral get sick? Escalating temperatures and climate change are terms that are a part of a scientists daily vocabulary, but what does it…
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Unlocking the Secrets of Intelligence
There’s an argument among some evolutionary biologists that the reason why modern humans succeeded over other species of humans was because we are such social creatures. But were not the only social animals out there, so how do other animals compare? Do more social animals show higher…
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Talking Australia’s reefs with Dr John Turnbull
Australia is universally renowned for its breathtaking underwater environments that are abundant with a diverse array of iconic marine species, such as the Great Barrier Reef. But as ocean temperatures continue to rise and population numbers continue to decline, the greater the need for thorough...
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Detecting lung diseases by breath analysis
What if detecting lung diseases such as cancer would be as easy as taking a breath? Although this sounds like science fiction, a diseases breathalyser is already under development! Join Griff and Inna as they chat to Merryn Baker who develops methods of detecting diseases with just one breath....
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The Science behind diet and exercise
Pilates, yoga, lifting weights. What is the right exercise for me? Find out on this episode of Boiling Point! In this episode, Sammy Burke and Anastasia Shavrova chat with exercise physiologist Karen Mackay from the Queensland University of Technology to talk about her work looking into human…
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Marine heatwaves explained
You’ve probably heard of heatwaves over land before – maybe you’ve even experienced the effects of one firsthand – but did you know that heatwaves also occur in the ocean? Marine heatwaves, a term first coined as recently as 2011, can have devastating impacts on marine ecosystems and societies…
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A Freezing Dive: Hannah and the Antarctic Ocean Currents
What do you think of when you hear about Antarctica? Maybe it’s the vast snow planes or the cute pinguins and seals. But one of the most important things about Antarctica, are the ocean currents around it. They transport everything from heat, to debris, to live organisms and affect our whole...
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Tash and the Sea Cucumbers!
They look like short fat worms that lie motionless on the ocean floor. But sea cucumbers are so much more. They are a high-priced delicacy in many countries, can throw up their guts for self-defense, and sometimes have a parasitizing fish living in their bum. In this episode of Boiling Point…
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Gentle Giants of the Ocean: Manta Rays
Glorious gentle giants of the sea. These 700 pound creatures are highly intelligent as they collaborate together to gather food. Yet, these creatures are a threatened species. In this episode we chat about manta rays. In this episode, Anastasia, Sammy, and Inna chat to Hannah Moloney. Hannah is a...
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Sam, Vow, and the Future of Cell-Cultured Meat!
What would you say if I told you that the answer to sustainable meat production may lie in the consumption of products made from exotic animals like alpacas, peacocks and even the extinct woolly mammoth? And that this meat would be made without harming any animals? You may say that this seems…
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What poop can tell us about whales
You are what you eat. And what you eat we can study. In this episode of Boiling Point, Anastasia, Hannah, and Sammy, chat with Aashi Parikh, a PhD Candidate from Macquarie University. Aashi looks at whale poop to find out how they live. Follow Aashi on twitter Dont forget to follow Boiling Point...
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Evading predators with colour
How do you signal “STAY AWAY”. Do you make a noise? Maybe show your teeth? Perhaps, yell? Have you every thought about wearing something bright? There is a rainbow of warning colours that animals present to fend of predators. On this episode of Boiling Point, Anastasia and new Boiling Point…
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What does a maritime archeologist do?
Australia’s coastal waters harbour more than 8,000 ship wrecks. But only a quarter of those have been found. Our guest is a maritime archaeologist and will take us on a dive into her watery world. How is maritime archaeology different from the land-based version? How do you preserve a shipwreck…
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How plants respond to climate change
Climate change has already caused some animal species to migrate and to seek new and more suitable habitat. But how do plants deal with climate change? They can’t just walk away and find a new place to live, can they? It turned out they can! Our guest is telling us all about migrations of plants...
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Nora and the kangaroos
One of the most iconic animals in Australia is the kangaroo. It’s on the Australian coat of arms and is one of the first animals most people think of when they think of Australia. Today we are going to take a closer look at one of the less-studied aspects of the kangaroos. Surprisingly, social...
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Liz and the blennies
Most people would have heard of Darwin finches, the birds that gave Darwin the idea for the theory of evolution. In this episode, we are taking a closer look at a group of species, that may look less spectacular. But they are evolution in the making. Blennies are fish that have started making…
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Griff and the importance of seagrass
It’s green and it seems to be highly abundant. But this impression is treacherous. Sea grass is in decline worldwide. Not a big deal you might think but the truth is, it’s a huge problem, as seagrasses are essential ecosystem builders that numerous marine creatures depend on. Cat chats with UNSW...
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The sixth major extinction event and illegal wildlife trafficking
Boiling Point host Cat chats with Charlotte Read. Charlotte has a degree in conservation and currently teaches children about wildlife and conservation at a zoo in Melbourne. Her interests in conservation are the human wildlife conflict, and in particular illegal wildlife trade. Since she is…
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Sarah and the sea stars
Did you know that sea stars can get sick, too? Dr Sarah Wahltinez researches the impacts of climate change on sea stars. Cat chats to her for the 2nd episode of the new podcast ‘Wildlife Health Talks’. Sarah is a PhD candidate at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida but...
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Rick and the Sydney rock oysters
They are small, slimy and most people find them delicious. I am talking about oysters. Once the Sydney rock oyster inhabited large areas of Sydney Harbour. Those days are long gone which is pretty tragic. Rock oysters provide the habitat for a large number of other marine species. Our guest…
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Hannah the jungle vet
Have you ever been to a tropical rainforest with its endless greenery and wildlife everywhere? Our guest has and she never really left. A part of her stayed and upon her return home to Germany she decided she needed to do something to protect these unique habitats and its biodiversity. So, she...
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The adventure of becoming a doctor
Australia has many export hits including iron ore, coal and gold. Another important one that’s easily overlooked is high-quality education. Over 500,000 students from all over the world currently study in Australia. Medical science is particularly popular. What is it like to train as a doctor in…
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A career in science communication
How does one get into a career in science communication? Dr. Quill Darby is our making science fun expert today. Quill co-produces events like the Sydney Science Trail and Science Tent at Splendour in the Grass and also runs Junkyard Rascals, a tiny business based on discovery through play.…
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Stressed?!
During development all animals are vulnerable. So how does the experience one encounters while developing actually impact the adult life and can these effects be passed down to their grand-children? Can overstressing due to environmental change be detrimental to the survival of animal…
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From Science to Comedy to Marketing
From serious to funny. From science to comedy. From biomedical degree to producing, marketing, acting, writing, and stand-up? How do you go from a bachelor of science to a successful career in Comedy? Anastasia sits down with Writer, Comedian, Presenter, and Actor AJ Lamarque. AJ started with a...
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Chronic Wasting Disease – the slow death of deer
Everyone old enough will remember the footage of confused ataxic cows that were not able to stand on their own anymore. The 1990s were the time of Mad Cow Disease, an illness caused by a misfolded protein, the prion. While mad cow disease in Europe is well under control by now, a similar illness…
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Solar Energy = Good Energy
Reneweable energy can make a difference in todays changing climate. Moving from environmentally damaging energy sources to ones that use the environment for more sustainable energy sources is key. But how do we do this? In this weeks episode your hosts Chon and Anastasia will be chatting to…
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Varroa mite vs feral honey bees – Boiling Point Science interviews Associate Professor Patrick O’Connor
This week on Boiling Point Science, Tim and Chantelle interview Associate Professor Patrick O’Connor from the University of Adelaide to discuss his recent article exploring the role varroa mite could play in managing feral honey bees, and help Australia’s environment Following the detection of...
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How we can support women in STEM
Academia is hard, no doubt about it. But there are things that are out of your control that can make that journey even harder. We’ve spoken on Boiling Point about 1st generation academics, struggles of university, whether to do a PhD, and so much more! Today let’s look at another perspective.…
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Shark nets kill – Help to ban shark nets!
The NSW government introduced shark nets to Sydney’s beaches in 1937. They promised to protect swimmers and surfers from shark attacks. But that’s not what shark nets do. In fact, they are a serious case of false labelling. They don’t protect people. Instead, they entangle and kill sharks and…
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Poopy Parasites
What can we learn from looking at poopy parasites? That is poops of wild animals. We ask our Ass Pro: Michelle Power! Michelle Power is an Associate Professor at Macquarie university, AND she’s a comedian. Listen in as Anastasia and Caitlin chat all things poop, feces, and guano in this weeks...
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Psychedelics – a new era in mental health treatment?
46 percent of Australians experience a mental health disorder in their lives. One eighth of Australians are on anti-depressants. And 8 Australians take their own lives every day. You can tell, the mental health situation in this country is dire. However, you might have heard of a potential light…
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PhDo or PhDont?
Why do people choose to do a PhD? Is a PhD right for you? Is it best to go from Honours to PhD, without having done a masters? Listen to four different perspectives today and decide PhDo or PhDont? Welcome to Boiling Point. This week Anastasia is joined by three PhD students: Caitlin Creak, Jess...
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Evolving out of Water
Darwin saw evolution through beetles. Our guest today sees evolution through blennies. But why are they leaving the water behind? Welcome to Boiling Point in this weeks episode our guest is Elizabeth Surovic, a PhD Candidate at UNSW. Elizabeth studies evolution in real time. Blennies, are little...
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A parasite in an invader
What happens when you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere for two years? Perhaps you awaken your passion for researching invasive parasites? Perhaps you discover a new species? This week’s episode is a show of adventure, mystery, surprise, and invasion. I, Anastasia, am sitting down with UNSW PhD...
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How dinosaurs were first discovered
Many of us loved them as a kid and still secretly love them today. I am talking about dinosaurs. What’s much less known is how they were first discovered, what consequences this huge discovery had for science and how dinosaurs inspired the myth of dragons. Let’s go back in time to answer these...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Boiling Point is Eastside Radio's 30-minute foray into the scientific world. The BP crew discuss obscure scientific facts, recent developments and play tunes with a tenuous connection to their topics of choice!
HOSTED BY
Eastside Radio 89.7FM
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Boiling Point have?
Boiling Point currently has 81 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Boiling Point about?
Boiling Point is Eastside Radio's 30-minute foray into the scientific world. The BP crew discuss obscure scientific facts, recent developments and play tunes with a tenuous connection to their topics of choice!
How often does Boiling Point release new episodes?
Boiling Point has 81 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Boiling Point?
You can listen to Boiling Point on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Boiling Point?
Boiling Point is created and hosted by Eastside Radio 89.7FM.
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