I discuss a variety of topics in both the natural and social sciences, exploring the many fascinating insights that the scientific method yields about the world...
A review of the science between the metabolic syndrome, including discussion of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. We discuss the pathophysiology of how enlargement of adipocytes disrupts metabolic signalling pathways and leads to buildup of lipid intermediates. We then consider how these effects impair health, examining the causes of insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and dysregulation of blood pressure. We conclude by looking at how such symptoms lead to pathology and increased mortality in overweight and obese individuals. Recommended prelistening is Episode 151: Diet and Nutrition, and Episode 18: Biochemistry Basics.
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1:16:34
Episode 151: Diet and Nutrition
An introduction to human nutrition, in which we discuss the nutritional importance and role of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, before considering the effects of malnutrition, how it is measured, and its prevalence around the world. We conclude with an analysis of basal metabolic rate, reviewing evidence concerning its variability across persons and factors that affect it. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 18: Biochemistry Basics
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor
https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything
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1:14:45
Episode 150: How Home Appliances Work
An exploration into the exciting world of home appliances and devices. We begin with a journey through the kitchen, discussing the design and operating principles behind the refrigerator, rice cooker, convection oven, microwave, and dishwasher. We proceed to the laundry to examine how the washing machine, vacuum cleaner, clothes iron, and dryer work. Finally we take a bathroom break and consider how the flush toilet, sinks, and plumbing work.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor
https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything
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1:17:11
Episode 149: The Psychology of Personality
An introduction to the psychological study of personality, beginning with a definition of what is and is not personality and a brief history of the development of the field from Freud and Jung through the Myers-Briggs Indicator and the modern trait theories. I then discuss the Big Five personality traits, covering openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism, along with validation and criticisms of this model. I conclude with a brief discussion of values and narrative identity as additional aspects of personality.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor
https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything
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44:58
Episode 148: Control of Gene Expression
An introduction to the processes by which cells control which genes are expressed. We begin with an overview of why genetic regulation is necessary and the key stages where such regulation occurs, including key concepts such as transcription factors and DNA binding domains. We then discuss prokaryotic gene regulation, focusing on the lac operon in E. coli. We then expand the discussion to cover the various mechanisms of eukaryotic gene regulation, including chromatic remodelling, transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, RNA editing, and micro RNAs. Recommended pre-listening is Episodes 34-35: DNA Structure and Function, and Episode 118: Cell Signalling.
If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon supporter.
https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor
https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything
I discuss a variety of topics in both the natural and social sciences, exploring the many fascinating insights that the scientific method yields about the world around us.