The Curiosity Monkey

In this episode we discuss how the UK's climate has changed to present, as well as what the future may hold.Instagram: @thecuriositymonkeyEmail: [email protected] Links:https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/joc.70010 (State of the UK climate 2024 paper - open access)https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-change/effects-of-climate-changehttps://data.ceda.ac.uk/badc/ukmo-midas-open/data/uk-hourly-rain-obs/dataset-version-202507/cornwall/01395_camborne/qc-version-1 (Weather station data - Camborne)https://www.ukclimateresilience.org/news-events/climate-change-shifting-uks-high-impact-weather/https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2026/2025-is-double-record-breaker-uks-warmest-and-sunniest-year-on-recordhttps://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-change/climate-change-in-the-ukhttps://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/gdj3.78https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/progress-in-adapting-to-climate-change-2025/

In this episode, Fergus and Holly discuss future protein sources. Cricket Bean Burger: 45 g protein per serving vs 17.5 g protein for non-cricket version

In this episode, I argue that net zero is one of the most valuable goals the UK can pursue, offering significant advantages well beyond emission reductions.Readinghttps://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/the-seventh-carbon-budget/https://assets.nationbuilder.com/reformuk/pages/253/attachments/original/1718625371/Reform_UK_Our_Contract_with_You.pdf?1718625371https://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/52033-earth-day-2025-where-do-britons-stand-on-climate-changehttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/23/big-oil-445m-trump-congresshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czrp2k3m3deohttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-pollution-applying-all-our-health/air-pollution-applying-all-our-healthhttps://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Climate-costs-UK-policy-brief.pdfhttps://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/costs-of-net-zero-by-2050/https://www.solarpowerportal.co.uk/solar-pv/uk-decarbonising-fastest-among-g20-countries-claims-pwc

In this episode, Pat and Fergus explore the question of whether striving for immortality is a worthwhile pursuit for humanity.https://linktr.ee/thecuriositymonkey

In this episode Fergus and Pat look into human - AI relationships.Links: https://linktr.ee/thecuriositymonkey

In this episode Fergus discusses some of the factors that may have lead to a phytoplankton bloom off the coast of Cornwall, UK.Email: [email protected]: @thecuriositymonkey

In this episode, Holly and Fergus discuss the use of primates for labour.Email: [email protected]: @thecuriositymonkeyhttps://www.peta.org.uk/features/thai-coconut-schools-monkey/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159121002021#:~:text=Pig%2Dtailed%20macaques%20are%20used,Southeast%20Asia%20to%20harvest%20coconuts.https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.49.1258.146.b https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5597818/

In this episode, we explore how climate change denial narratives have evolved from outright rejecting climate change to adopting more nuanced forms of denial. Sources and further reading: https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/temperatures-rising-nasa-confirms-2024-warmest-year-on-record/#:~:text=The%20new%20record%20comes%20after,said%20NASA%20Administrator%20Bill%20Nelson.,  https://wmo.int/news/media-centre/wmo-confirms-2024-warmest-year-record-about-155degc-above-pre-industrial-level https://earth.org/2024-hottest-year-on-record-marks-decade-of-deadly-heat/   https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/worriesaboutclimatechangegreatbritain/septembertooctober2022   https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_SYR_SPM.pdf   https://counterhate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/CCDH-The-New-Climate-Denial_FINAL.pdf   https://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/surface/level/orthographic=18.24,61.86,580   https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms8537   https://www.desmog.com/2024/06/12/mapped-tory-network-climate-denial-fossil-fuel-funding/   https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/why-is-cheap-renewable-electricity-so-expensive/   https://www.desmog.com/2024/06/04/nigel-farage-reform-uk-party-2-3-million-fossil-fuel-interests-climate-deniers-polluters-since-2019-election/   https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07219-0 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ayub-Ulusow/publication/381963848_Climate_change_causes_economic_impact_and_mitigation/links/668659770a25e27fbc242512/Climate-change-causes-economic-impact-and-mitigation.pdf   https://grid.iamkate.com/

In this episode we discuss oceanic plastics, how they get into oceans and their effect on the environment. Stay Curious! Follow us on Instagram @thecuriositymonkey Reading: https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution (How much plastic per year) https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.abg5433 (Plastic pollution and ecosystems) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-22939-w (GPGP is growing) https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(20)31552-8 (Pollution (plastic) and marine life) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9205308/ (Microplastics and animal health) https://web.archive.org/web/20190819024029/http://swfsc.noaa.gov/publications/TM/SWFSC/NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-154_P247.PDF (History)

In this episode, Fergus and Liam each showcase a living organism with fascinating and unique traits. Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Fergus explores the latest UK sewage statistics, delving into the issue of raw sewage, its impact and potential solutions.Email: [email protected]:https://www.instagram.com/thecuriositymonkey/

Electric vehicle adoption has surged significantly in the past decade. These vehicles are equipped with large batteries capable of storing substantial amounts of energy. While some individuals worry about the potential fire risk, is this concern justified? [email protected] (Email) @thecuriositymonkey (Instagram) Further Reading: A Review of Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Suppression https://doi.org/10.3390/en13195117 A Review of Battery Fires in Electric Vehicles https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-019-00944-3

In this episode, Fergus discusses the Jellyfish that can live forever (Theoretically!). As well as this, the Turritopsis dohrnii lifecycle holds some exciting science that could help the advancement of medicine. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

In this episode of The Curiosity Monkey, we take a little look at how clouds form and why they are so important! Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

In this episode, Fergus discussed why the arctic region is warming faster than the global average. Instagram @thecuriositymonkey Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Fergus, Holly, Patrick, Liam and Oscar all come together to determine what the best Mario Kart tracks are. Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey https://www.instagram.com/thecuriositymonkey/ Email: [email protected]

Fergus and Liam each pick one interesting animal from the past to discuss on this episode of the podcast. *Note the audio quality in this episode is poorer than usual due to a microphone malfunction Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

Fergus and Oscar are back to discuss Dartmoor national park and its importance to the local area and the UK as a whole.

Fergus debates the age old question 'Can money buy happiness?'. Please share your ideas and feedback via the question box labeled 'Can Money Buy Happiness?'. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey Bibliography: Easterlin, R.A. 1973, Does Money Buy Happiness?, National Affairs, inc, New York.  Aknin, L.B. et al. (2015) Time, money, and happiness, Current Opinion in Psychology. Danna, K. et al. (2006) To your happiness? extra hours of labor supply and worker well-being. Jebb, A.T., Tay, L., Diener, E. et al. Happiness, income satiation and turning points around the world. Nat Hum Behav 2, 33–38 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-017-0277-0 https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9209/#:~:text=In%202021%2F22%2C%202.1%20million,three%2Dday%20emergency%20food%20parcels.

In this epidode, we discuss two suggested mechanisms that explain the greying process in humans. Instgram: @thecuriositymonkey Email: [email protected]

In this episode Fergus and Pat discuss the origins of chillis, including why humans began eating chillis. We also delve into the mechanism of how we taste chilli peppers and why they feel hot. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

Fergus and Holly cover some christmas themed topics! Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Fergus, Liam and Oscar all discuss insects as food (including a bug taste test at the end!). Additionally, this is the 30th episode of The Curiosity Monkey! If you enjoy this content, please drop us a follow and a rating. Check out our Instagram @thecuriositymonkey for the bug taste test video Email: [email protected]

Fergus and Liam discuss how some organisms are able to detect the earths magnetic field! Insta: @thecuriositymonkey Email: [email protected]

This episode aims to debunk some of the myths surrounding posture and back pain. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

In this episode of The Curiosity Monkey podcast, we discuss the potential health benefits of kombucha and how they have made the beverage so popular. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

Fergus and Liam discuss some of the strangest penises in the animal kingdom. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

In this episode, we cover how we eat can influence our health.

The increased prevalence of vapes, particularly in younger people, has caused a fair amount of controversy. In this episode of The Curiosity Monkey, we compare E-cigarettes to conventional cigarettes and evaluate the effects they are having on the younger population. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

People are always looking for easy ways to improve their health. It is for this reason that supplements have become so popular in the UK and Globally. This episode of The Curiosity Monkey podcast aims to explore the questions you should be asking to determine whether a supplement is going to have the effect you are looking for. Email: [email protected] Insta: @thecuriositymonkey

Pat and Fergus discuss the likely reasons as to why animals do not have wheels/propellers to move around and instead use limbs, wings and fins. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

Fergus and Holly discuss why they think humans have adopted pets into their families.

In this episode of The Curiosity Monkey podcast, Fergus delves into the stats and looks at how EVs compare against the classic internal combustion engine vehicle (ICE). Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

In a world full of information, its hard to know what to believe. This episode of The Curiosity Monkey podcast aims to discuss some of the conditions that allow misinformation to thrive. Further Reading: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-01713-6 https://www.nature.com/articles/s44159-021-00006-y https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/everyday-media/202202/why-some-groups-are-more-susceptible-believing-misinformation Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

In this episode, Fergus discusses the adaptations that allow life to survive (and thrive) under the extreme conditions of the deep sea. Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thecuriositymonkey

In this episode of The Curiosity Monkey podcast, Fergus discusses meditation. Not only do we talk about the potential benefits of meditation, but we look at the mechanisms in which meditation is able to change the structure and function of the brain in positive ways. Email: [email protected] Instagram: thecuriositymonkey DOIs: https://doi-org.uoelibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.tics.2015.07.001 https://doi-org.uoelibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.03.016 https://doi-org.uoelibrary.idm.oclc.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093423 https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02012

Mycorrhiza are the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi. In this episode Fergus discusses the different kinds of mycorrhiza and how they benefit both the plant and the fungi. We also go further, uncovering the mycorrhizal network that connects plants together allowing them to communicate and share nutrients. Email: [email protected] Instagram: thecuriositymonkey

Fergus discusses why Corvids are some of his favourite birds. The [email protected] (Email) thecuriositymonkey (Instagram)

Fergus and Patrick discuss the human microbiome focusing more on the gut microbiome. In this episode we cover what is the microbiome and why it is relevant, how we can measure it, what makes a 'healthy' microbiome and how to optimise it for better health. Thank you to Patrick for joining us this episode. If you have any wish to contact us, please do not hesitate to email [email protected] or at thecuriositymonkey on Instagram.

In this episode, Fergus and Oscar shine a spotlight on the often overlooked world of phthalates. Our email: [email protected]. Instagram at thecuriositymonkey.

Fergus, Holly and Oscar discuss the domestication of dogs. We are on instagram at thecuriositymonkey and please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] for episode suggestions an feedback.

Fergus, Liam and Oscar discuss CCS and tree planting as methods to reduce the carbon levels in the atmosphere. We are on instagram at thecuriositymonkey and please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] for episode suggestions an feedback.

Fergus, Oscar and Liam discuss how nuclear power may be vital for achieving net zero. Contact us at [email protected] or on instagram at thecuriositymonkey.

Supplements are very popular these days with global sales at an all time high. The question is, do we really need them? Email [email protected] for episode suggestions and feedback.

Fergus and Liam discuss some of the scariest animals that live around the British Isles. Email us at [email protected]. Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecuriositymonkey/

Fergus recommends some tips on how to begin your strength training journey. For episode suggestions and feedback, please contact us at [email protected]. Also, please don't forget to rate the podcast!

This episode covers why resistance training can be a powerful tool in reducing and even reversing some aspects of age related decline. For any feedback or episode suggestions, do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].

Fergus and Liam discuss the realm of marine superorganisms. For feedback or question ideas, do not hesitate to contact us by email at [email protected].

Fergus and Oscar each pick an animal and discuss the reasons why it is so terrifying. Please email feedback or episode suggestions to [email protected].

Fergus and Oscar discuss the challenges that AI poses to our society. Email [email protected] with your questions and topic ideas.