PODCAST · science
scientists at work
by Roger Frost
Seventy scientists talk about their work on Cambridge 105 radio. They tell how maths, physics, chemistry and biology are put to use in ways they never told us about at school. Our not naked scientists worked in health, business and in University of Cambridge research. Share to help drive STEM careers. Interviews by Roger Frost, Chris Creese and the not naked science show radio team.
Episodes
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scientist 69: the science author – Michael Freemantle says WW1 was the chemists war (2014)
The First World War, that began in 1914, put chemists to work. Their chemicals could harm as well as heal … but on balance the outcome was … horrific. As the author of two books about the First World War, Dr Michael Freemantle explains chemistry was the destructive force in the war but it also...
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scientist 68: the crop scientist – Julian Little & products for farming (2014)
A podcast about the science of food crops. The growing world population leads to a demand to farm the land several times more effectively than we used to. But growing crops comes with risks. The farmer wants a guarantee that their efforts bear fruit. Consumers obviously want a guarantee that…
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scientist 67: the guitarist – guitar types & quality (2014)
With many different types of guitars, we find out how much more is involved in the sound we get from various models, and whether or not this impacts on the price. Are we just paying for a brand name or the association with a particular musician? Today’s guest is Graham Buxton, a name that local...
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scientist 66: the science journalist – report from the MRC LMB Cambridge (2014)
Dr Chris Creese and Roger Frost tour the LMB-MRC open day exhibition and learn about body clocks and worms. Follow-up link Read more at Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology www.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk
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scientist 65: the cytologist – Melina Schuh oocytes and reproduction (2014)
The topic is how we make the eggs that make our babies or in other words: meiosis in mammalian oocytes. Molecular biology research happens at the Medical Research Council lab of Molecular Biology in Cambridge. The LMB houses 50 research groups and over 400 scientists and one of the groups is led…
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scientist 64: the molecular biologist – Hugh Pelham at MRC LMB Cambridge (2014)
The Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge is credited for landmark discoveries and cutting-edge techniques. This podcast offers an overview of what the LMB do. On the occasion of the Medical Research Council centenary, and a visit by HRH The Queen, Roger Frost speaks with the director of…
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scientist 63: the molecular gastronomist – Peter Barham on gastronomy (2014)
We talk with Peter Barham, a professor of ‘Molecular Gastronomy’ about what his delicious subject entails. He wrote the book “The Science of Cooking”. His idea is that “a kitchen is like science laboratory” and that cookery is indeed an experimental science. Professor Barham has worked with...
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scientist 62: the science writer – big questions in popular science (2013)
The author of a riveting book called “The Big Questions in Science” explains how they researched How did life begin? Why do we dream? And when can I have a robot butler? Science writer Mun Keat Looi talks about some of the most exciting and pressing questions facing humanity. Mun Keat explains…
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scientist 70: the biotechnologist – biosciences for Africa BFA (2014)
A Cambridge project seeks to improve farming practices in Africa by sharing advances in biotechnology. They’re called Biosciences for Farming in Africa (www.b4fa.org). Chris Creese meets one of their founders Dr David Bennett. There’s a ‘demonstration farm’ in Cambridge called the National...
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scientist 61: the grain business manager – Andrew Wingate wheat and flours (2014)
CAMGRAIN is a farmer-owned central storage co-operative, set up 20 years ago to provide facilities for storing, analysing, cleaning and distributing grain to the food industry such as those who mill, brew and make breakfast cereal. This interview is about what happens when wheat leaves the farm.…
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scientist 60: the astronomer – Paul Fellows explains why we do astronomy (2014)
What is about the study of the stars that captivates so many? Paul Fellows of the Cambridge Astronomical Association fills us in and updates us on news. Hear about dark matter, isotopes, space probes and his association’s weekly events in Cambridge. All ages are welcome to join a weekly astronomy...
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scientist 59: the psychiatrist – Karen Ersche cocaine addiction (2013)
Dr Karen Ersche tells about her research into cocaine addiction. The work investigates the finding that cocaine addiction affects some people and not others. Also, unlike other addictions, there are no substitute chemicals that can be used in cocaine addiction. However Karen Ersche’s research is...
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scientist 58: the archaeologist – John Creese ceremonial pipes (2013)
Dr John Creese tells about the science of archaeology and the investigative techniques they use. Dr Creese is a researcher at the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research. Interviewer Roger Frost asks how is archaeology distinguished from history which is surely not a science? Follow-up…
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scientist 57: the gastroenterologist – Stephen Middleton Smart pill for IBS (2013)
An electronic medical procedure offers an innovative way for doctors to find out what’s going on inside the intestine. The ‘SmartPill’ is a tablet-sized device with sensors to take measurements inside your gut and transmit them wirelessly outside the body. This procedure is available at the…
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scientist 56: the motor vehicle development manager – Nissan LEAF electric car (2014)
The technology behind the world’s best selling electric vehicle. Called the Nissan LEAF, it’s a car to drive across town with the thought that you’re not polluting, or adding to the traffic noise. We speak with Nissan’s vehicle development manager Steve Groves to hear about the science of the...
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scientist 55: the cancer researcher – Hayley Whittaker – prostate cancer markers (2014)
Every year 41,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK. Dr Hayley Whitaker is a Cancer Research UK scientist who specialises in prostate cancer. We hear about her quest for better screening for the disease. Dr Whitaker is lead author of a study about how a particular protein helps...
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scientist 54: the anesthetist – Dr Kentish is an anesthesiologist (2013)
Have you ever had surgery in an operating theatre? If like us you wondered what the anaesthetist does while you're out, hear Dr Jessica Kentish tell what her work entails. We met Dr Kentish on her holiday to Cambridge, UK and she told us about the chemicals she uses in her work in Denver…
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scientist 53: the civil engineer in aerodynamics – Prof Holger Babinsky (2014)
We find out about aerodynamics and what it involves. We meet Professor Holger Babinsky at Cambridge University Engineering Department. He talks about wind tunnels and the need for bumps on aeroplane wings. Follow-up link See ‘how wings really work’ at...
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scientist 52: the civil engineer – Robert Mair on Crossrail and Westminster (2014)
Asking someone to send you an “engineer” will conjure up all sorts of people who build and fix things. But today’s show is about civil engineers. Professor Robert Mair of the University of Cambridge Engineering Department will explain what do they do. What’s the difference between a civil…
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scientist 51: the climate physicist – Tim Palmer predicts climate change (2015)
Can we believe that the climate will change in the long term, when we can’t even predict tomorrow’s weather? Our guest Tim Palmer is a Professor in Climate Physics at the University of Oxford, and President of the Royal Meteorological Society at the time. In this interview Professor Palmer tell…
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scientist 50: the chemical engineer – Mark Haw fluid and process engineering (2013)
Hear about measuring the properties of materials that are not just solids or liquids or gases but are all three in one. The soil under your feet is one such material – it is of course a solid with air and water mixed in. Knowing how soil behaves is especially helpful when you intend to build on…
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scientist 49: the building scientist – heat pumps and an eco-home (2012)
Building scientist David Crowther in Cambridge explains how a heat pump, under floor heating and good insulation keep a house warm. He talks to the Science Show’s Nicola Terry 05/02/2012 Tagged engineering, home energy, Nicola Terry, physics, Roger Frost, environment
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scientist 48: the religious paleontologist – Rob Asher on evolution and belief (2013)
The author of ‘Evolution and Belief’ tells why understanding evolution is less of a challenge to religious belief, and doesn’t make people into atheists. Dr Rob Asher shares evidence for the evolution of animals and sheds light on misunderstandings about science and religion. He also considers...
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scientist 47: the drug discovery chemist – how medicines are discovered (2012)
In this podcast, a Cambridge chemist talks about drug discovery. Sean McKenna, a scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, describes techniques that take the guesswork out of making pills. We think you will be intrigued by techniques that take some of the guesswork out of making useful pills....
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scientist 46: the bioengineer – Michelle Oyen develops and uses new materials (2012)
Dr Michelle Oyen is a Reader in bioengineering at the University of Cambridge. Dy Oyen explains how materials science can be put to use in medicine where there’s a need to create surgical implants and new tissues. We hear about measuring the properties of bone and ‘hydrogels’ and discuss the…
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scientist 45: the headteacher – a science technical college UTC Cambridge (2012)
Cambridge’s newest secondary school opened to start teaching in 2014. Called University Technical College – Cambridge, it specialises in biomedical and environmental science and technology. The UTC is a state funded school open to students with a flair for science. Today’s show has an exclusive...
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scientist 44: the entrepreneur – water and fracking for oil and gas (2013)
Fracking was once uneconomic, but today’s energy crisis has led to new options. As the government has issued licences to drill in the UK, there have been protests in the UK. This podcast wises-up on what ‘fracking’ is by looking at the USA experience where 95% of the oil and gas wells are...
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scientist 43: the virologist – Derek Smith influenza mutation and vaccination (2013)
Did you know you have a 1 in 10 chance of getting the flu? In times when cancers can be treated, FLU or INFLUENZA continues to infect vast numbers of people. Professor Derek Smith of Cambridge University tells how influenza, so successfully eludes the immune system. And why is it that the FLU...
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scientist 42: the clinical immunologist – Mark Larche on pet and grass allergies (2013)
A UK biotechnology company has been testing vaccines for common allergies. The vaccines use SPIREs (synthetic peptides that regulate immune system cells) to help people fend off their allergies to cats, grasses and dust mites. The Science Show’s Chris Creese spoke with Professor Mark Larché who…
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scientist 41: the earth scientist – British Antarctic Survey and the ionosphere (2013)
Dr Ingrid Cnossen is an earth scientist who works for the British Antarctic Survey. She studies the ionosphere, a layer of the upper atmosphere where satellites orbit the earth. Related podcasts Professor John Pyle works on computer models at the Centre for Atmospheric Science at Cambridge...
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scientist 40: the science presenter – the ugly animal society – Simon Watt (2013)
Hear about a fun campaign to save the ‘ugly’ animals. Simon Watt of the Ugly Animal Preservation Society tell us that ugly animals face extinction because the cute creatures, like cuddly pandas, “steal all the glory”. He encourages everyone to vote for their favourite ugly animal. Follow-up link:...
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scientist 39: the plant breeder – Gillian Covey developing wheat at KWS (2013)
You may wonder how today’s farmers are able to grow wheat reliably. We talk with plant scientist Gillian Covey, who explains how different strains of wheat can be bred to make better seeds for farmers. We learn some of techniques available to plant breeders, such as ‘single cross’ and ‘doubled...
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scientist 38: the bee keeper – Steve Poyser making honey (2012)
Long-time beekeeper Steve Poyser tells us how honey bees work and how nectar turns into the stuff we buy. The Science Show’s Roger Frost asks about clear versus creamed honey. He also wonders why honey bees are called social insects when the bee at his last BBQ was more anti-social than social....
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scientist 37: the farmer – catchment sensitive farming (2013)
A government initiative to help farmers keep the water supply free of pollutants. We visit a farm in Duxford, England where Andrew Down from ‘Natural England’ explains what is meant by “Catchment Sensitive Farming”. Environment is such an issue today. ‘Natural England’ is an NGO and they connect...
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scientist 36: the research biotechnologist – Alan Tunnacliffe & the bdelloid rotifer (2013)
Professor Alan Tunnacliffe of the Cambridge University Department of Chemical Engineering tells why the bdelloid rotifer has fascinated top biologists. This microscopically tiny invertebrate lives in rain puddles. The creature can survive without water for millions of years, and by now really…
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scientist 35: the biotechnologist – Difinigen clone liver cells for pharmacology (2013)
We talk to Dr Marcus Yeo about how human cell production benefits drug development. Dr Yeo is from DifiniGEN, a Cambridge company that grows liver cells used to test if new drugs are harmful. Their technology comes from the Nobel Prize-winning work of Cambridge university’s Sir John Gurdon. The...
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scientist 34: the atmospheric scientist – John Pyle & atmospheric ozone (2012)
We visit the Centre for Atmospheric Science in Cambridge University and speak to Professor John Pyle about modelling the lower atmosphere using supercomputers. Follow-up link: Centre for Atmospheric Science atm.ch.cam.ac.uk See also ‘the earth scientist’, scientist no 41 in this series with Dr...
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scientist 33: the entrepreneur – Felix Baumgartner’s skyjump (2012)
Our guest Anmol Sood of Hildago was on the team that monitored Felix Baumgartner health as he jumped from the edge of space and reached a speed of over 800 mph. Based in Cambridge UK, the company makes the Equivital Lifemonitor and are expert at handling data from sensors. Follow-up link: See…
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scientist 32: the experimental psychologist – Cambridge Cognition tests for Alzheimers disease (2012)
Dr Jenny Barnett of Cambridge Cognition speaks about the neuropsychological tests they develop including one designed for the early detection of dementia. Their test is to be used in a government-funded field trial. And Jenny has advice for how to improve memory. Cambridge Cognition…
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scientist 31: the science outreacher at Cambridge science centre (2012)
The Cambridge Science Centre is a really useful educational attraction in the city centre. Founder Dr Chris Lennard tells Roger Frost what the centre aims to do for science education. The Cambridge Science Centre opened in 2013 at 18 Jesus Lane, Cambridge, near the round church. Follow-up link:...
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scientist 30: the social psychologist – cleanliness and perception (2012)
Does cleanliness affect perception? University of Cambridge psychology PhD student, Dario Krpan thinks so. He discusses how the state of our body affects how we perceive things. For example, feeling more clean might harshen our judgement, and feeling pious might make us feel more clean.…
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scientist 29: the eco-home builder – solar panels by Polysolar (2013)
Pete McKeown, director of Cernunnos Homes and Hamish Watson, director of Polysolar tell Chris Creese about their special solar panels and offer some smart ideas for using solar energy. Follow-up link: Cernunnos Homes www.cernunnos-homes.co.uk Polysolar www.polysolar.co.uk 05/10/2013 Tagged Chris...
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scientist 28: the ice chemist – Robert Mulvanney at British Antarctic Survey (2012)
We hear how British Antarctic Survey scientists drill ice to discover how the world has changed over thousands of years. Dr. Robert Mulvaney of the British Antarctic Survey in Cambridge talks to the Science Show’s Roger Frost. He finds out that not all global warming is his fault or ours.…
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scientist 27: the conservation scientist – Andrew Balmford has Wild Hope (2012)
Speaking to The Science show’s Chris Creese, the author of “Wild Hope” explains what ecosystems do for us, and how we can help ourselves by helping the environment. Cambridge conservation scientist, Andrew Balmford, explains why there’s hope for saving the planet. Follow-up link: Andrew…
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scientist 26: the ecology researcher – Marten Scheffer critical transitions (2012)
The Science Show’s Chris Creese reports from the Ecological Society of America conference in Portland, USA. She chats with ‘critical transitions’ expert Marten Scheffer (Netherlands). They talk about Marten’s book and a collaboration on a film with artist Tone Bjordam. Follow-up link: “Critical...
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scientist 25: the computer scientist – big aims for the tiny Raspberry Pi computer (2012)
Cambridge University’s Dr Rob Mullins and Alex Bradbury, developed the inexpensive Raspberry Pi computer to bump start computing, much like the Acorn BBC Micro did thirty years ago. Follow-up link: Learn about the Raspberry Pi computer www.raspberrypi.org/ Raspberry Pi Foundation co-founder, Rob...
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scientist 24: the ecologist – phenology and public involvement in research (2012)
Chris Creese reports from the Ecological Society of America conference in Portland USA. She has the stories on how the Internet is enabling ordinary people to become get involved in scientific discovery. She talked about how we can all get involved in science research to Jake Weltzin of the USA...
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scientist 23: the engineer – Bloodhound the fastest car on earth (2012)
Roger Frost finds out about Bloodhound, an engineering initiative for students to build the world’s fastest car. He speaks with Ian Galloway, Bloodhound’s Education Professional Development Director about the bid to break the world land speed record. Follow-up link: The BLOODHOUND Project is an...
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scientist 22: the bird watcher – Cambridgeshire wetland birds (2012)
Learn about wetlands and bird habitats as Chris Creese grabs binoculars and speaks with Peter Herkenrath, Chairman of the Cambridgeshire Bird Club. Follow-up links: Cambridgeshire Bird Club cambridgebirdclub.org.uk. Bird watching sites in Cambridgeshire www.cambridgebirdclub.org.uk/topsites.html...
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scientist 21: the experimental psychologist – Alzheimers disease – love addiction (2012)
Experimental psychologist Brianne Kent talks to Chris Creese about memory, Alzheimer’s disease; and why love is a drug. Brianne Kent was working on a PhD in experimental psychology at the University of Cambridge. She studied Alzheimer’s disease and how memories form in the brain. Brianne also…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Seventy scientists talk about their work on Cambridge 105 radio. They tell how maths, physics, chemistry and biology are put to use in ways they never told us about at school. Our not naked scientists worked in health, business and in University of Cambridge research. Share to help drive STEM careers. Interviews by Roger Frost, Chris Creese and the not naked science show radio team.
HOSTED BY
Roger Frost
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scientists at work currently has 71 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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Seventy scientists talk about their work on Cambridge 105 radio. They tell how maths, physics, chemistry and biology are put to use in ways they never told us about at school. Our not naked scientists worked in health, business and in University of Cambridge research. Share to help drive STEM...
How often does scientists at work release new episodes?
scientists at work has 71 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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scientists at work is created and hosted by Roger Frost.
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