The Science of Everything Podcast

An overview of biochemistry, covering the basic properties, structure and functions of nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. Also includes a discussion of the nature of organic molecules and the importance of carbon in living organisms. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 15: Chemical Bonding.

A discussion of the principal circumstances in which markets do not produce an optimal outcome. After formally defining market failure, I discuss the ‘big four’ market failures of market power, externalities, public goods and asymmetric information. I conclude with a brief look at transaction costs. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 12: The Price System.

An overview of the basic concepts of linear momentum, angular momentum, work and energy. Includes a discussion of the conservation of momentum, why the concept is needed, and some applications of the concept to collisions and rotating objects. The nature of energy is also discussed, along with the different forms of energy, and how the concepts of energy and work are related.

A discussion of the importance of the profit motive and freedom of competition in the efficient operation of a market economy. Includes an overview of the uniformity of profit principle, and an examination of how competition serves as both an opportunity and a disciplining agent for entrepreneurs and firms, thus promoting useful innovations while weeding out bad ideas.

An overview of how atoms bond together to form different chemical substances, including a discussion of the tree main types of bonds (covalent, ionic, and metallic), and the relationship of these bonding types to the concept of electronegativity. I also discuss the difference between polar and non-polar bonds, and conclude with some interesting applications of bonding theory to understanding the properties of materials.

An introduction to the key principles of quantum mechanics, beginning with an examination of the quantum-mechanical description of the behaviour of electrons around atomic nuclei. This is followed by an overview of some of the other major principles of quantum theory, including the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, the Pauli Exclusion Principle, quantum tunnelling and entanglement. The episode concludes with a discussion of alternative interpretations of these quantum phenomena. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 8: The Atom.

An introduction to basic Newtonian Physics, including a discussion of forces, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s three laws of motion, and some common misconceptions about forces. We also discuss circular motion and conclude with a brief look at the physics of walking and driving a car.

An examination of how the price system works, including an introduction to supply and demand theory, and the concepts of clearing the market and surplus maximisation. We also look at how the price system promotes efficiency helps to regulate economic activity. Also includes a discussion of how prices store and communicate economic information.

An overview of the chaotic inflationary theory for the origin of the universe, including a discussion of the inflaton field, quantum fluctuations, spontaneous symmetry breaking, and the zero net energy of the universe. Also includes a discussion of multiverse theory and the fine-tuning paradox.

An overview of the structure and function of cells, as well as their discovery, size, and classifications. Organelles discussed include the nucleus, plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria. Also includes with a brief discussion of the unique properties of plant cells.

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An introduction to the nature, phases, and atomic composition of matter, along with a look at elements, ions, isotopes and the periodic table. The episode concludes with an explanation of molecules, including covalent, ionic, and macromolecules.

An examination of the atom, beginning with the origin of the concept in ancient Greece, and its subsequent development as a truly scientific idea in the 19th century. I explain the various important contributions made to the field by Thomson, Rutherford, Planck, Einstein and de Broglie, and the resultant evolution of our models of the atom.

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A look into the fascinating psychological phenomenon of the introspection illusion. We explore the research behind this phenomenon, and the many implications that it has for human behaviour, including such startling conclusions as people are much more biased, much less observant and much more malleable than they think.

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An introduction to the principles of thermodynamics, including a look at temperature and heat, the laws of thermodynamics, perpetual motion, methods of transferring energy, and the phenomenon of entropy.

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An overview of current theories about how life arose from non-living matter, including an overview of the conditions on early earth, definitions of life, the source of organic monomers, the mechanisms of polymerisation of these monomers, and the possible means by which the first proto-cell developed.

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An examination of the perceived advantages of organic food in terms of safety, nutrition and taste, followed by a comparison of the costs and yield efficiencies of conventional versus organic farming techniques.

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A discussion of the history of organic agriculture, the philosophy behind it, and the main methods used. Also includes a look at the environmental benefits of organic farming, including the effects on erosion, water pollution and biodiversity.

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A discussion of gravity, beginning with a history of the concept from the ancient Greeks though to Newton. Also includes an explain Newton’s universal law of gravitation, how orbits work, how astronauts experience gravity in space, and how gravity causes the tides.

If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter.

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