PODCAST · science
The Science Basement Podcast
by The Science Basement
We are a team of scientists based in Helsinki and we want to show you how cool science is! Follow us having semi-serious conversations with our sci-guests. New episode every month.
Episodes
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6.7 The Hidden Architecture of Sleep
Why is getting a good night’s sleep so difficult? What actually happens in our brains while we sleep, and is deep sleep really the most important kind of sleep? In this episode of The Science Basement podcast, we sit down with Dr. Hanna Antila, an Academy Research Fellow at the Neuroscience…
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6.6 Preparing for the Next Pandemic: Understanding Viruses from Wildlife to Humans
What can wildlife viruses teach us about the next pandemic? In this episode, we’re joined by Vinaya Venkat, a doctoral researcher working on wildlife coronaviruses, virus surveillance, diagnostics and pandemic preparedness. From bats and rodents to AI and environmental change, we explore how...
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6.5 How Ultraprocessed Foods Rewire the Brain with Arsene Kanyamibwa
Diet and obesity research has shifted dramatically over the past few decades, and ultraprocessed foods have taken center stage. In this episode of The Science Basement podcast, we sit down with Arsene Kanyamibwa from the O’Brain lab at the University of Helsinki to unpack the evolving world of...
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6.4 Inside Muscle Recovery: The Science Behind Repair, Strength, and Ageing
Episode 6.4 of Science Basement: Inside Muscle Recovery: The Science Behind Repair, Strength, and Ageing Have you ever wondered what actually happens inside your muscles after a workout? Why does recovery feel different over time, and what changes as we age? In this episode of The Science…
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6.3 The Science of Conversation
Have you ever wondered what actually makes a conversation flow or fall apart? Why do some interactions feel effortless, while others feel awkward or draining? In Episode 6.3 of The Science Basement, we sit down with Ville Harjunen from the Interaction Analysis Lab to explore the hidden science of...
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6.2 The ghost-like particle: What are neutrinos and why are the so elusive?
Episode 6.2 of Science Basement: The ghost-like particle: What are neutrinos and why are the so elusive? Have you ever wondered what a neutrino really is? How does it fit in with protons, neutrons and electrons? And why is it so ghost-like? In episode 6.2 of The Science Basement podcast we sit…
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6.1 The Science Basement Roundtable: 2025 in Review
Episode 6.1 opens Season 6 of Science Basement with a roundtable discussion reflecting on the year 2025 in science. The hosts share their favourite scientific discoveries, influential papers, emerging research trends, and personal highlights from the past year. The conversation also looks ahead…
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5.9 On Thin Ice: How Data and Models Reveal Antarctic Sea-Ice Thickness/ w Shreya Trivedi, Sujai & Touqeer
Welcome to the last episode of this season! We dive beneath the flat maps of Antarctic sea ice and ask a deeper question: how thick is the ice—and why does that matter? As Antarctic sea ice reaches record lows, we explore why ice extent alone cannot capture the real state of the system. Joined by...
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5.8 Journey from Junior Researcher to Principal Investigator- w/ Heli, Nidal, Veijo & Rhiannon
Are you wondering what your next career step is and if academia is for you? Join us for our live podcast event for the 2nd HiLIFE science days where we explore the dynamic career path of three newly established principal investigators: Heli Mönttinen, Nidal Karagic, and Veijo Salo. Our guests…
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5.7 Seeds of the Sky: From Boreal Forests to Penguin Poop w/ Zoé, Matthew, Sujai & Touqeer
In Episode 5.7, we journey into the hidden world of particles that shape the sky. We speak with Zoé Brasseur, who studies the rare ice nucleating particles drifting from boreal forests into clouds, and Matthew Boyer, who traces how distant penguin colonies in Antarctica release gases that spark…
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5.6. Ancient Clues, Modern Risks: How Paleontology tells the future-w/ David Polly, Emmi & Rhiannon
Have you ever wondered what fossils really are? And how can looking into the past tell us anything about our future? In this episode of The Science Basement, we talk with Professor David Polly, a palaeontologist based at Indiana University, who studies ancient carnivores and the environments that...
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5.5. Why Science? The Motivations, Challenges, and Triumphs- w/ Victor & Roselydiah
How do you know if you should pursue an advanced degree in science—and once you do, how do you set yourself up for success? In this episode of The Science Basement, we sit down with Dr. Victor Oria, to explore the real challenges and rewards of life in research. From growing up in rural Kenya to...
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5.4 Breast Milk, Babies, and the Microbiome- w/ Dollwin, Roselydiah & Rhiannon
Have you ever wondered why breastfeeding is so highly recommended for newborns? What makes breast milk truly special compared to formula? In this episode of the Science Basement podcast, we sit down with Dr. Dollwin Matharu, who specializes in the infant gut microbiome. Dr. Matharu shares her...
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5.3 ReproducibiliTea: Grassroots Action for Open Science w/ Vootele, Anastasiia, & Sujai
The last decade has been called the decade of the reproducibility crisis—but this isn’t just a temporary flare-up. It’s a chronic, structural issue that cuts across disciplines and impacts the very foundation of how we produce and trust scientific knowledge. In this episode, we speak with members...
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5.2 Unlocking puberty: How does the onset of puberty begin? w/ Nidhi, Rhiannon & Uranbaigal
Puberty, a process nearly all of us are familiar with - voice cracks and growth spurts to sudden mood swings and acne surprises all included! But how does puberty actually begin? In this episode, Rhianon and Uka sit down with Nidhi Madhusudan, to talk about the key to puberty - Gonadotropin...
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5.1 Birds, Bees, & Sustainability: A Year in Review with the Basement Crew w/Sujai, Emmi, Uranbaigal
We’re kicking off Season 5 with a roundtable chat between the hosts! In this episode, we look back at some of the most interesting research we’ve come across over the past year—those discoveries that made us say, “Whoa, that’s amazing!” From scavenger birds and learning bees to tackling...
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The Innovation Journey: From Academia to Impact w/ Sarah, Rhiannon & Rose
In our final episode of TSB x HiLife series, we discuss how to translate research into impactful innovations. We spoke to Sarah O’Keefe, a passionate scientist and innovator, about practical strategies for bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications. Drawing from her own journey...
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Into the wild: A Biologist’s Notes on wildlife adaptation to climate change w/ Katja, Sujai & Emmi
What does it take to study the natural world up close? In this episode, your hosts, Sujai & Emmi, explore the dual challenges of understanding species’ remarkable adaptations to environmental change and navigating the risks of fieldwork. Our guest, Dr Katja Rönkä, shares fascinating insights into...
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Does high-impact equal high quality in scientific publishing? w/ Pekka, Rafael, Rhiannon, & Sujai
This episode kicks off our TSB x HiLIFE mini-series collaboration: Experience the thrill of discovery. In this first episode of the podcast our hosts, Rhiannon & Sujai, dive into the intersection of scientific publishing and impact with two insightful guests, Pekka & Rafael. Together, they share...
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4.13 Twisted Spaces: A Look at Quasi-conformal geometry – w/ Jonathan, Sujai & Rhiannon
How do shapes transform when stretched, twisted, or deformed, yet still retain key properties? In this episode, Sujai and Rhiannon sit down with Jonathan Pim, a curious doctoral student trying to figure out just this. Together, they explore how quasi-conformal geometry allows mathematicians to…
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4.12 Engineering hope: Cancer treatment & synthetic biology – w/ Nisa, Ardalan, Sujai & Rhiannon
Cancer has long been one of the most formidable challenges in healthcare, with traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation often coming with severe side effects and limited effectiveness. But now, synthetic biology is offering new hope. By designing and engineering biological systems…
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4.11 Tackling scientific misinformation using iHealthFacts – w/ Paula, Rhiannon & Rose
Scientific misinformation is all around us. How can we tell fact from fiction when it comes to our health? Where can we find clear and credible sources of information to help us answer our questions? Join us in this week’s episode of The Science Basement podcast as Rhiannon and Rose learn all…
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4.10 Fresh for Longer: How Packaging Extends Agri-Produce Shelf Life – w/ Kateřina, Rhiannon & Rose
Ever thought how your fruits and vegetables are transported from field to supermarket shelf? And how does packaging play its role in keeping produce fresh? Join us in this week’s episode of The Science Basement podcast as Rhiannon and Rose chat to Kateřina to learn all about her research into...
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4.9 Tiny Tech, Big Impact: The World of Biosensors – w/ Martin, Katja & Rhiannon
Have you ever wondered how a COVID-19 or flu test works? Or how these types of biosensors are made? Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of biosensors and uncover why these tiny devices are revolutionizing healthcare and technology. In this episode, we explore the critical role of...
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4.8 The first five days of embryo development: the key to IVF success – w/ Nina, Rhiannon & Rose
Ever wondered what happens within the first five days after conception? What genes are responsible for triggering the first few cell divisions of embryo development? And how can understanding this process lead to improved IVF success rates? Join this week's episode of The Science Basement podcast...
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4.7 Closing the loop: How your discarded clothes get a new life- w/ Anubhuti, Rhiannon & Sujai
Let's take a journey into the afterlife of your closet. What happens to the clothes that do not go to the charity shops or second hand retailers? Who manages that waste and who is impacted by it? Find out the answers in this episode of the science basement as the hosts Rhiannon and Sujai speak to...
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4.6 Growing mini-brains as models for Alzheimer's disease - w/ Alejandra, Giuliano & Pritakshi
Explore Alzheimer's disease with us on this episode of The Science Basement Podcast! Hosts Giuliano and Pritakshi chat with Alejandra Castilla B. Together, we dive into what causes Alzheimer's disease and all the latest research surrounding the models to study the disease. From animal models to...
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4.5 The Anatomy of Agony: Deciphering Pain Perception
Ever stubbed your toe and questioned reality? Buckle up, because this episode dives deep into the "ouch" that binds us all! Join us as we unravel the mysteries of pain perception. Our guest, Helena Hartmann shares her insights into the intricate anatomy of agony, drawing from her extensive…
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4.4 Our favourite episodes of 2023 - w/ Anastasiia, Eleanna, Rhiannon, & Sujai
As another productive year is coming to an end, we are reflecting on all the wonderful topics we got to explore. In this episode, Eleanna, Rhiannon, Sujai, and Anastasiia are sharing their favourite The Science Basement episodes of 2023. Undoubtedly, the hardest choices they had to make the whole...
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Societal impact of research | HiLIFE series Ep5 w/ Marjo Saastamoinen & Kirsi Mikkonen
While being captivated by the constant chase for publications, researchers should not neglect other aspects of their work. Every project is driven by a noble goal to improve lives and futures of people. It is not uncommon for research to translate beyond the lab bench applications. It also...
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Research support with leadership and infrastructure | HiLIFE Ep4 w/ Juha Huiskonen&Maria Vartiainen
Research excels when needs and wishes of the community are heard. It is through adept leadership practices that institutional heads address diverse needs, ensuring robust infrastructures. Join us and our guests, Juha Huiskonen and Maria Vartiainen, as we explore the nuances of academic leadership...
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Mentoring scientific talents | HiLIFE series Ep3 w/ Rhiannon, Anastasiia, E.Castrén & O.Pietiläinen
Peer support, such as mentorship, is inarguably one of the keys to success in academia. Mentoring often comes from senior colleagues. Still, stay sharp since one can also receive that valuable guidance from someone unexpected. Everyone is in need of mentorship independent of their career stages...
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At the crossroads of research and business | HiLIFE series Ep2 w/ Andrea Ganna & Johan Lundin
Being absorbed in their work, how often do researchers think about transitioning their ideas beyond the scope of the main question? With ubiquitous university campaigns, it’s hard to overlook the business form of such enterprises. In this episode, our guests Johan Lundin and Andrea Ganna share...
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Leading a big academic institution | HiLIFE mini-series Ep1 w/ Eleanna, Anastasiia & Jari Koistinaho
We all know who they are, they listen to our voices yet we may not even have met them in person, they carry the weight of the community’s concerns while tackling the big problems - this is the regular perception of our directors. One thing is different, they are more accessible than you think.…
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4.3 Quantum computing: safeguarding data in photon parcels -w/Eleanna,Anastasiia&Valentin Averchenko
Data security is a hot topic and its relevance is increasing with advancing technologies. Because of that, scientists have been putting their minds to work out ways to deliver information quickly yet securely. One doesn’t need to go far to see one of the ways to do it. It’s light! Indeed, we can...
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4.2 From friends to foes: the origins and struggles of mitochondrial diseases -w/Rohit Verma
Mitochondria are the irreplaceable assistants managing a myriad of cellular processes. Should they go out of hand, the cell will bear the consequences, often leading to severe disorders for which we have no found cures. In this episode, we delve into how mitochondrial diseases originate, daily...
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Let's talk about harassment in academia | Spinoff Episode 6 - w/ Anastasiia & Eleanna
We all have experienced the heat of the moment: utter words that weren’t meant to be said and often make things worse. It is natural to have rough days and can easily resolve such situations. Now imagine if this behaviour becomes a norm. When you, or someone else, find yourself under constant…
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4.1 The secrets of ants' resilience to changing climate - w/ Eleanna, Katja & Beatriz Portinha
Welcome back to the enchanting world of ants! This time, we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of how ants adapt to different temperatures. What makes hybrid ants the champions of temperature adaptation? And how does this help them overcome the struggles of climate change? The guest for...
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Let's talk about an epidemic of misinformation | Spinoff Episode 5 - w/ Anastasiia & Eleanna
Tell us if you are not confused when you scroll your newsfeed or change TV channels and see a whole array of opinions on each and every topic. One example you can probably relate to is the COVID crisis: vaccines or no vaccines, masks or no masks - which information is true? Who should we listen…
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3.27 Vegan diet in children - w/ Anastasiia, Rhiannon and Topi Hovinen
Following a vegan diet is becoming more and more common these days for many reasons. In this episode, we are discussing veganism from a health science perspective! More specifically children following a vegan diet. To help us learn about this, we are joined by Topi Hovinen, who tells us about his...
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Let's talk about why people run from academia | Spinoff Episode 4 - w/ Anastasiia & Eleanna
Academia like any other place comes as a package of good and bad traits. Sometimes, however, the frustration from the latter reaches the boiling point. In case of many, people start to abandon academia and switch to other career avenues (most commonly to industry). In our case, we decided to make...
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3.26 Magnifying nature: expressing your science in an art book - w/ Christopher Jackson
Do you know what tooth paste looks like? You might think so, but imagine peering into the finest details and seeing it beyond the capabilities of our eyes. That is what Dr. Chris Jackson has come to provide us with, joining our hosts to discuss microscopy and his new book unveiling a whole...
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Let's talk about the art of networking | Spinoff Episode 3 - w/ Anastasiia & Eleanna
Nothing is done in vacuum - this very well applies to research. Good communication skills are often the key to success both in one’s career and personal life. The best way to hone these communication skills is through active networking. In this episode, we discuss how, where and why to network....
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3.25 Killer electrons in space - w/ Eleanna, Tomàs & Harriet George
Did you know that there are killer electrons in space? No need to panic though, here on the ground you are quite safe! The Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere shield us from them. But satellites in space and astronauts cannot say the same! In this episode Dr. Harriet George will explain all…
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Let’s talk about supervising and being supervised | Spinoff Episode 2 - w/ Anastasiia & Eleanna
Eleanna and Anastasiia are back with the second episode of our spinoff series! This time they are talking about supervising in academia. Come listen to find out how to manage students, establish good dynamics with them, what the differences between supervisors and mentors are, and more. To assist...
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3.24 Self-medicating ants - w/ Katja, Pritakshi & Jason Rissanen
In this episode Katja and Pritakshi interview Jason Rissanen about his PhD centred around insects familiar to us all: ants! Have you ever thought that just like us humans, ants might have ways to take care of their health? Turns out one’s hair lightener could be another one’s medicine. Jason...
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Let's talk about choosing your future group | Spinoff Episode 1 - w/ Anastasiia & Eleanna
Let's talk about choosing your future research group! Are you in the process of searching for a new research group to join? Are you wondering if you are making the best decision? Or maybe you don't even know where to start! In the first episode of "Let's talk about...", a new spin-off series of…
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3.23 The ups and downs of doing a PhD - w/ Anastasiia, Katja & Laura Suominen
Interested in doing a PhD? Or curious to hear PhD advice from fellow students? Just feel like listening to a conversation? Well, you’re in luck, as Anastasiia, Katja and guest Laura Suominen discuss all about the upsides and downsides of doing a PhD, with some input from our lovely listeners.…
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3.22 Diabetes: can stem cells be a solution? - w/ Giuliano, Rhiannon & Tom Barsby
Strap in for a fun episode on a very serious topic: diabetes. This week, postdoc researcher Tom Barsby joins in to discuss how diabetes could be treated with lab-grown cells. Given they can be made "quack"! Tom Barsby is a postdoctoral researcher in the Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program…
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3.21 Top 3 scientific highlights of 2022 - w/ Anastasiia, Rhiannon & Giuliano
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! In this end-of-the-year episode, TSB members discuss fun and interesting scientific articles from the past year (or at least that was the idea). We have a stocking filled with ice cream, attraction and bacteria. Make sure to listen or yule be sorry! References:...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
We are a team of scientists based in Helsinki and we want to show you how cool science is! Follow us having semi-serious conversations with our sci-guests. New episode every month.
HOSTED BY
The Science Basement
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Science Basement Podcast have?
The Science Basement Podcast currently has 105 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Science Basement Podcast about?
We are a team of scientists based in Helsinki and we want to show you how cool science is! Follow us having semi-serious conversations with our sci-guests. New episode every month.
How often does The Science Basement Podcast release new episodes?
The Science Basement Podcast publishes regularly with 105 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to The Science Basement Podcast 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 The Science Basement Podcast?
The Science Basement Podcast is created and hosted by The Science Basement.
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