Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill

We might understand what causes an itch in theory: an insect bite, a healing wound, a poisonous plant. But, where does the urge come from? And what's going on within our bodies to make us scratch? Luke explains the science and the latest research which might finally result in remedies for those suffering with issues like dermatitis or eczema.

A dark tunnel with a light at the end, family and friends who have already passed on, or a religious figure are all common visions following near death experiences. But, what really happens when our hearts stop? And where do these visions come from? A new study of resuscitated patients in 3 hospitals across the world sought to answer these questions and in this episode Luke explains their findings...

As we begin a new year bound to bring with it a multitude of exciting scientific discoveries, Luke takes stock of the year just gone and all of the exceptional breakthroughs from 2023. It was a big year for science, as aging was reversed, Alzheimer's slowed, and the true number of steps needed for health revealed. AI has already had a big impact on science and this year was no different, Luke talk...

Proteins are the work horses of life and the building blocks for everything from enzymes and antibodies to hormones and of course muscles. Many gym goers add additional protein to their diet in order to build extra muscle. Luke explains how your body build muscles and the benefits of protein supplements, as well as exploring what is actually in them and asking if there is really science behind the...

Frankincense and myrrh are probably most famous for being two of the three gifts brought by the Wise Men to the newborn baby Jesus, along with gold. But, they are also ancient herbal remedies. The salve extracted from the myrrh tree was used to heal wounds while frankincense had its own uses such as in religious ceremonies and as a perfume. Luke explains why these were so valuable in ancient times...

Our immune system is constantly working hard to protect us from infection and disease, but try as it may it has always struggled to defend our bodies from tumours and cancerous growths. For years, scientists have been looking for a way to stimulate the immune response more effectively in the fight against cancer. Luke takes us through the various successful and unsuccessful attempts to do just thi...

We all know that our muscles get tired after we use them, but what about our brain? Does it need rest too after strenuous use? Luke delves into the world of mental exhaustion to explain what we know, as well as the latest breakthroughs and how they might lead to cures for Alzheimer's and allow us to focus for longer.

Did you know that being a heavy metal music fan might actually help the climate crisis - Or at the very least that's one of the aims of the musical genre where the lyrics frequently call out inequality and problems within society. Listening to the distorted guitar riffs and stylized vocals can also help improve mental health, while head banging along has it's own benefits too, provided you don't g...

Everyone loves a trip away, but when you're afflicted by motion sickness it can make the journey and any necessary travel plans very arduous - Be they on a plane, in a car or onboard a ship. Luke explains the causes of motion sickness, the various symptoms and the breakthrough that means a cure might not be too far away!

The winners of the 2023 Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology have been announced! And the coveted prize has been awarded to two scientists, Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their research on how to use RNA in a vaccine. Luke tells us about the winners, and talks us through their work as well as it's significance for the world of science and medicine.

Could bacteria and viruses cause psychiatric disorders? This week Luke receives a request from a concerned grandmother and is happy to seek out the answers she needs. He explores a fascinating new arena of medical science, and tell us about work being done to develop therapies, and even vaccines, to combat major psychiatric disorders in children.

Artificial intelligence is a new frontier for scientists and researchers to explore. Luke talks us through some of the applications of the new technology, including as an educational tool, as a way of filtering online hate, and even to speed up the development of new drug therapies. He also addresses some of the concerns around the proliferation of AI and explains why we should embrace it.

Aquamation is a new alternative to traditional burial or cremation after a loved one has passed away. The process involves exposing the remains to a mixture of a strong alkali and water which eventually dissolves away the remains. Luke explains how it works and why it's better for the environment than the traditional ways of handling a remains.

Pollen, shellfish, nuts, cats, penicillin - The list of allergens is never ending. But, what exactly is an allergy and why do certain people's bodies react so strongly to seemingly harmless things? Luke explains what's happening internally during an allergic reaction and updates us on the latest scientific research that might lead to a cure.

The Earth formed 4.5 billion years ago and relative to that human life, and even life in general is a considered quite a new phenomenon. But, where exactly did life come from? And how did we eventually evolve to where we are today? Luke brings us right back to the start and takes us through the origins of life as we know them.

A colony on Mars is the next big step in space exploration. But, with such a long journey ahead of them, in such a confined area, how does the team of astronauts get chosen? Luke explains the science and psychology behind choosing the team and their motto - 'Leave the jerks at home.'

A mysterious serpent that lives beneath the dark waters? A hoax? An abnormally large eel? There are many theories about the existence, or not, of the Loch Ness Monster. Now, the largest ever study of the murky lake has taken place as scientists search for a definitive answer. Luke takes us through the study, and the theories that inspired it.

The vagus nerve is the electrical superhighway of our nervous system - But just what does it do? And could triggering it be one potential solution to issues as wide ranging as obesity and depression to rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease? Luke takes us through the latest research into the vagus nerve and explains how simply zapping it with electricity or triggering it through the ear might ha...

We've all heard that we should be getting 10,00 steps a day - But is this backed up by science? How many steps do we actually need to see benefits for our health? Luke takes us through the latest science that suggests less than half of that figure may be enough to reduce your risk of dying.

Our genome is the recipe that makes us who we are and the day the human genome was finally mapped out was one of great celebration for scientists across the world. Yet, we still do not know what one fifth of those genes do. But, as Luke explains, thanks to new research some of these gaps in our knowledge are being filled.

Does crossing your fingers make you luckier? Does a coin toss landing on heads 100 times in a row make it more likely for tails to come up the next time? Well, scientists may not be the most superstitious group, but there are still some facts and statistics behind good luck. Luke explains why we might feel lucky and asks whether it actually improves our chances of having good things happen to us.

Heatwaves are becoming more and more common across the world and with the mercury frequently reaching 37 degrees and above our bodies can struggle to keep our temperature regulated. But what impact does heat have on the body? And how does your body try to cool itself down? Luke explains the science behind it and how your genes could make you more susceptible to the adverse effects of heat.

Board games may be a well known source of rows and cause of tantrums, but there are many benefits to them too! Especially for growing children. This week, Luke explains the value of board games in preparing for real life.

If you're using headphones to listen to this episode, you might have noticed some earwax built up on the earbuds. It can be flaky or wet, dark or light, but no matter what it looks like it all serves the same purpose. Luke explains what earwax is made of and why our body produces it.

As climate change impacts their natural habitat and the range of mosquitoes grows, so too has the chance of them spreading malaria. However, scientists and experts are working hard to eradicate the disease through vaccines and public health measures. Luke explains why the disease is so hard to fight and how Belize became the latest country to be certified as malaria free.