Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill

As Ireland basks in an unusual spell of hot weather, many are dealing with another less-welcome side effect of summer: hayfever . In this week’s episode of Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O’Neill unpacks the biology behind this common allergic reaction and explains the science that’s literally in the air. Luke explores what hayfever actually is – and clears up a common misconception: despite t...

In this week’s episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke tackles a topic that has been requested: the shingles vaccine. Recent studies suggest that getting vaccinated not only decreases your risk of shingles but might also reduce the chances of developing dementia by 20% for those over 50. Luke dives into how the shingles vaccine works, explaining the underlying science behind the varicella z...

In this week's episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke dives into the intriguing topic of "manopause." Is there really a parallel transition for men similar to women's menopause? Luke explores the scientific evidence behind the fatigue, depression, and libido changes reported by many men in their middle years. He juxtaposes this with the well-studied menopause in women, uncovering fascinati...

In this caffeinated episode of Show Me The Science, Luke dives into the fascinating world of coffee! From its rich history to its surprising health benefits, discover why this beloved brew has captured the hearts—and minds—of millions. Luke explores the science behind caffeine and how it keeps us alert by blocking adenosine in the brain. He unpacks the complex chemistry of coffee, revealing compou...

In this episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke delves into the intriguing relationship between magnesium and sleep, sparked by a listener's request. Is there any truth to the claims that magnesium supplements can help you catch some Zs? Luke explores the essential role of magnesium in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and how it affects processes like DNA replication and energy prod...

In this episode, Professor Luke dives into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. From cutting-edge research to practical applications, the breakthroughs in AI are not only fascinating but potentially transformative. Discover how innovative tools like the 'co-scientist' AI could revolutionize scientific collaboration, and explore the unique educational potential of AI using histori...

In this week’s episode, Luke O'Neill dives into the fascinating science of revision just in time for the leaving cert exams! Discover essential tips to improve your study techniques and enhance your exam performance, whether you’re cramming or preparing ahead. Luke shares scientifically backed strategies, from the importance of planning and taking breaks to the benefits of methods like mind mappin...

Thanks to St Patrick, we’re fine here in Ireland… However, around the world there are 140,000 deaths per year due to snake bites! New research has shown that a universal treatment for snake bites may soon be possible. How has an 18-year hobby of keeping pet snakes, turned into the basis for a universal anti-venom? This is episode 218 - The Science Of Snake Venom.

Over drinking, smoking and lack of exercise can cause major damage from an early age. Luke takes a look at what this does to our body & why we are less able to deal with it all as we get older. Lets dive in and find out how does overindulgence affect out Metal & physical health…

We all know what it is, but why is this a fascinating subject to science? What is the urea cycle? How do we clear out the toxins? And why is the color so important? Welcome to episode 216: The Science Of Urine

After recent new discoveries, Luke looks at The Science of Lab Grown Meat. You can now buy lab grown meat in pet food, but will it soon be in the shops for human consumption? Why is there massive investment in this new industry? And how is this lab grown meat saving the planet?

A very import request in this week, from Shane Conway. Shane’s mother has sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease. Such an important topic, so this week Luke looks at The Science of Motor Neurone Disease…

This week, it’s a request from Sean, in which he asks Luke to look at the Science Of Coeliac Disease. Lets dive in and look at how this family of proteins i.e. gluten can cause pain to the small intestine. Why does the immune system over react in response to gluten? 1 in 100 people in Ireland have been diagnosed with it, but how can science help? This week, it’s the Science Of Coeliac Disease.

It’s getting banned in different parts of the world, so this week Luke looks at the science behind vaping… What does the science tell us about vapes? What chemical is causing the most damage? And are they less risky than smoking cigarettes?

Welcome to Episode 211 of The Science Of The Science. This week Luke looks at the European Research Council. What type of funding do they provide? Why is it important, particularly with the current state of science finding in America? And how can it help us here in Ireland?

Genetic testing company 23andme has gone Bankrupt. 15 million people have used this service to get their DNA analyzed. If you’re one of those users, should you delete your information from their website? If 23andme is bought, will your information be sold as part of it? This week it’s genetic testing in relation to 23andme.

This week, its all about organs aging at different rates in the human body, Using new mass spectrometry technology, scientists have discovered new information about aging organs. So dive into episode 209 of Show Me The Science.

Welcome to episode 208 - The Science Of Moisturisers... What's inside these creams? Why do some work, and other don't? And does a higher price tag really mean that it's more effective? Lets dive in and take a look at the Science Of Skin Moisturisers.

Request time - And this week it comes from David. It’s hard to believe it’s five years on, since the start of the Covid 19 pandemic. Its been reported that 400 Million people world-wide are suffering with Long Covid. And there are 200 different symptoms. So, let’s dive in and take a look at The Science Of Long Covid.

Time for another Request, and this weeks its The Science of Microplastics. Is this issue getting worse? What damage have Microplastics caused in recent years? How are they affecting the human brain? And could microplastics be irritating cells, leading to auto immune diseases? Lets dive into episode 206 - The Science of Microplastics

It's time for a request, and this week it comes from Brian. Welcome to The Science of The Origin To Life On Earth Lets go back 4.3 Billion years ago and find out how life emerged? Did an asteroids seed the earth? Let dig into The Science of The Origin To Life On Earth.

Across the world, January was the hottest month ever since climate measuring started. Lets look at those records, see how things have changed and we'll look at the science of global warming. Welcome to Episode 204 The Science Of Extreme Weather...

It's 5 years since a new virus jumped from bats, into humans... And so the Covid Pandemic was born. How had the virus changed over the last five years? And how has our immune system learned to eliminate the virus?

After a major study across 68 countries, the question was asked "Do you have trust in scientists?" So, lets dive in & find out if the public has faith in scientists. Where does Ireland rank on the list? And which Country has the least amount of trust?

Can you imagine having a twin? Who will look like you, sound like you and even have your DNA... but Digital. How are engineers making virtual versions or us, and using our digital data to test our limits, run trials and more. Welcome to Episode 201... The Science Of Digital Twins