Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill

Rabies, Flu, HIV and Covid-19 are all some of the worlds most deadly viruses, but which is the worst? And how do you measure 'deadliness'? Luke takes us through the list and updates us on the treatments available and the vaccines being developed against them.

Blood clotting is an essential part of our body's response to injury. Not only does it prevent blood loss, it also helps to slow the spread of bacteria and infection. But, excessive clotting can have negative consequences. Luke explains how clotting is triggered in the body and how his lab's new research could prevent unwanted clotting and the harmful effects associated with it.

While we may not hear as much about Covid-19 today as we did a year or two ago, it continues to be an important topic for scientists around the world researching the deadly virus. Luke talks us through the latest updates including new variants, vaccines, and therapies to treat long Covid.

Is a cure for cancer becoming more likely? New research has found improved treatments for lung, breast and ovarian cancers, and the development of tests to detect cancer from just a single breath or a drop of blood mean early intervention is much more likely. Luke takes us through all the latest findings and explains what they mean for the future of cancer treatment.

New scientific research has found that taurine, an amino acid often found in energy drinks, could help to slow down aging with successful results from tests on monkeys, mice and worms. Luke explains the latest findings, and explains why you shouldn't rush out to buy yourself an energy drink just yet!

Where do new melodies come from? Why do so many great songwriters report that some of their best songs came to them in a dream? Luke explains the science behind this phenomenon and what we know about musical inspiration.

What is happiness and what are the factors that contribute to us living a happy life? A study that first began in 1938 and followed participants throughout their lives has offered up some insights which Luke shared to help make us all happier.

Michael J Fox's new film Still about his life with Parkinson's disease has inspired Luke to look at the impacts of the disease, the available treatments and to explain what causes the degeneration. With numbers of those diagnosed with Parkinson's expected to double by 2030, Luke also talks through the latest research findings.

Stresses on the body such as pregnancy, surgery, Covid-19 and PTSD can all damage your cells and tissues to age your body prematurely. But, a new study now has found that this process is reversible and that the damage can be undone. Luke explains the impacts of stress and how this new study might help us live longer and healthier lives.

The last time humans walked on the moon was back in 1972. But now, there are new and exciting plans to head back to the moon, and much further beyond. Luke talks us through the plans for the next 10 years which could see space travel becoming much more common.

What makes people believe in a conspiracy? Is it to do with education? Is it just the way certain people think? Or is it all down to stress? Luke goes through the latest research on why people believe them and explains how to prevent yourself from falling for misinformation.

Sleep is a universal need, yet it can affect us all differently. Some people walk around in their sleep while others suffer with sleep paralysis that makes it impossible for them to move when they first wake up. Luke explains what happens to our brains when we sleep and takes us through new research into nightmares and dreaming.

A baby mouse has been born with two fathers in a major scientific breakthrough. Luke explains how scientists manipulated the X and Y chromosomes from male cells to create a viable egg which could then be fertilised and explored what these changes could mean for humans going forward.

Where did life on Earth all begin? It's one of science's most pondered questions, and new research shows that asteroids may have played an important role in the creation of the first cell. Luke explains the findings and how the scientists behind the discovery gathered a pristine uncontaminated sample of an asteroid to test.

Ever gone back to work after a bank holiday wishing every week had a three day weekend? Well, if you're thinking of suggesting it to your boss, Luke has all the supporting evidence you need to convince them that it could actually make you more productive at work.

While the worst of the recent pandemic seems to be passed us humans, birds are now facing their own deadly virus. But, could the avian flu that has been infecting flocks across the world jump from birds to humans? Luke explains how viruses cross from one species to another and looks at the likelihood of another pandemic.

Despite being one of the most studied autoimmune diseases, the root cause of lupus is still unknown and although treatments are advancing, patients with the disease still deal with significant symptoms. Luke explains what's happening within their body to cause these symptoms and how his own lab's exciting scientific discovery might help to find a cure.

We all do it without even thinking, but how much control do you have over your breathing and are there benefits to taking deeper, slower breaths? Luke looks at the calming effects of carbon dioxide, and explains the physical changes that happen inside your body when you sigh.

How would you stave off hypothermia out in the wild? There are lots of ways to keep warm in the great outdoors including digging trenches, warming up rocks for your own version of central heating and building shelters from snow or tree branches. Luke goes through all the options to see which might be best...

Could moon dust be the answer to the climate crisis? Recent studies have proposed that adding lunar dust to the atmosphere could reduce intensity of the sun and the impacts it has on the Earth's temperature. Luke explains the thinking behind this seemingly wacky idea.

Curious about where chocolate comes from and just what makes it so delicious? Luke delves into the science behind one of the world's favourite treats and explains why we find it so tasty!

Ageing has been reversed in mice in a major scientific breakthrough. But how does it work? And what does this mean for humans? Luke explains the process behind ageing and how this new discovery can undo its effects.

Non-alcoholic beers have never tasted better, or been more popular, but what's caused this change? This week Luke explains the scientific advancements allowing brewers to remove the alcohol without losing all the flavour.

Addiction comes in many forms - from drugs to alcohol to gambling - but what is it that drives us to become addicted? Is there something built into us that makes us vulnerable to the draw of these patterns of behaviour? And what can be done to break the cycle?

Why does hair grow? What decides hair colour? Why do some go bald? Can baldness be stopped? Science has the answers to everything you want to know about hair, and Luke delves into the studies to find us the most important and interesting information about all things hair.