After School Science Club

For many people, when they have a diagnostic test – like a blood test or tissue biopsy – it disappears into the lab and, eventually, they hear the results from a doctor. But what actually happens in between taking that sample and receiving the result? In our season two finale, pathologists’ assistant Dennis Strenk takes us behind the doors of the magic “black box” of the lab. What does a typical d...

When you think of a scientist, you might think of a person who is stuck in a lab all day – but did you know that science can actually take you anywhere in the world? As Liv comes to the end of her six-month backpacking trip around Southeast Asia, she talks about some of the scientific activities she’s done along the way. From visiting the APOPO Center in Cambodia, where she met African giant...

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by mathematical biologist Stacey Smith? to talk about science policy and communication – with a bit of a twist. We learn about how a zombie apocalypse might begin, how scientists might handle it in the early stages, and the barriers to communicating essential scientific information to policymakers and the public. We also reminisce on the difficulties scientists...

We all have a favorite animal that we wish were still alive – whether it’s a giant armored Dunkleosteus fish or a miniature Eohippus , the 12-inch-tall prehistoric ancestor of the horse. But is there a chance that, somewhere out there, these extinct creatures may not be so extinct at all? Or could we perhaps – one day – bring them back? In this episode, we dive into the topic of de-extinction, ask...

Nowadays, we constantly hear about how AI is going to replace us – but are we being alarmists or are our robot overlords really the way of the future? In this episode, we speak with Amy McGarry-Thickitt about AI and its place in the world – now and in the future. And, because we’re science communicators, writers, and editors here on After School Science Club, we particularly want to know how it’s...

The intersection of brains and computers may seem like it falls into the realm of science fiction, but it’s actually at the forefront of scientific research. But what are brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)? Can computers really read our thoughts? And how is this technology being used to help paralyzed patients regain their independence? We talk about Neuralink, how it works, and why the company’s an...

In this week’s episode, we talk to epidemiologist Keren Landsman about plagues, pandemics, and public health. We discuss the Black Death, how it spread, and what public health measures managed to curb the disease that wiped out up to two-thirds of the population. We also ask: what’s the deal with plague doctors – did those terrifying masks even protect against disease? Fast-forward to modern-day o...

We’re kicking off season two with a return to the science behind the science – this time, focusing on science controversies. We’d like to think that everything in science runs smoothly all the time – but, like any other part of life, that’s not always the case. From Zimbardo’s Stanford prison experiment and Andrew Wakefield’s fraudulent MMR vaccine–autism claims, to smallpox vaccine development an...

We often see claims that we’ve only explored about 5% of the ocean floor, but what exactly do we mean by “explored”? And do we really know as little about it as we think? Joined by Jon Copley, deep-sea ecologist and marine biologist, we’re finishing off season one of After School Science Club strong with an exploratory descent to the ocean floor. What are some of the weirdest deep-sea creatures lu...

This podcast is all about the weird and wonderful world of science… but have you ever wondered what science actually is? How do researchers reach their conclusions? How do we know when science is “right?” And what does it actually mean when people say, “The science says…” In this episode of After School Science Club, we’re drawing back the curtain to explore the science behind the science. We also...

Double, double, toil and trouble – we’re taking a trip back in time to the infamous witch trials. Katherine Howe tells us about the influences that gave rise to beliefs in witchcraft – and why villagers thought even their next door neighbors might have been witches. Did people’s belief in witchcraft have some scientific basis? What led to the inevitable decline of witch hunts in the late 17th...

In this episode of Spooky Scary Science Club, we return with a look into parapsychology and the scientific basis of the supernatural. Can people really predict the future? Though a controversial piece of research has claimed that we can, many others have refuted the idea. But that leads us to ask – how do psychics really know so much about our lives? We dive into how tricks of psychology can convi...

October is arguably one of the best times for movie lovers. Whether you’re into classic monster stories, psychological thrillers, or more wholesome tales, there’s something for everyone. Though we may prefer cozy spooky films ( Hocus Pocus , anyone?), we’re still scientists, so we asked horror and literature expert Jon Greenaway how horror gets inside our heads – and why some people actually enjoy...

Halloween is almost upon us – and so, for the next four weeks, we’re turning the podcast into Spooky Scary Science Club! We’ll bring you a month of special episodes filled with monsters, aliens, witches, ghosts, and more from the strangest and most spine-chilling corners of science. In this week’s episode, we investigate earthquake lights, what might cause them, and the weird theories they’ve insp...

Do “lie detectors” really live up to their name – or is the truth of polygraph testing a little different than Hollywood would have us believe? Joined by expert guest Coral Dando, a Professor of Forensic Psychology and an expert on how and why humans tell lies, we take a deep dive into the psychology of lies and the science of distinguishing truth from falsehood. So how good are humans at kno...

Nature is trying to kill you – whether it’s animals, the environment, or your own body – so you might as well learn about it before it does! In this bite-sized episode, we discover a new spider in Australia that has been named after Tom Hardy and his Marvel character Venom, explore deadly spiders in the country, and find out that the ugliest ones are sometimes (but not always!) the friendliest. We...

Find out how humans first made it to the moon, the risks involved in being there, and why we haven’t gone back in person. Interested in space travel or sustainable exploration of our solar system? Join our hosts and guest Yoav Landsman, moon expert, for a conversation about humans’ relationship with Earth’s nearest neighbor – and what happens next. Show Notes Yoav Landsman is Business Development...

In the first episode of the series, Liv and Mick kick things off by covering some of the latest science stories you may – or may not – have seen in the news. Ever wondered about how black holes eat stars, what mysterious creatures live at the bottom of the sea, where dinosaurs lived, or why there are 96 bags of poop on the moon? Then this episode of After School Science Club is for you! Show Notes...