Scientific research depends on some of the most environmentally destructive practices to ensure high-quality science: single-use plastic, thousands of tonnes of packaging, quick delivery of equipment just to name a few. Many would say manufacturers have a responsibility to try and reduce the impact their products have on the environment but questions remain: do these companies actually care about the environment? And what exactly are the multinational companies doing to save our little green rock? This episode Katie and Kelsey talk to Nermina Cuzovic, Global Sustainability Manager for Greiner ..read more

What causes the Northern Lights? Why are they becoming more common in the UK? How can you maximise your chances of seeing them? In this episode, Kelsey and Katie talk to geomagnetism PhD student Frederik Dahl Madsen about all things aurora. Find out why these pretty lights appear in the sky, understand the magnetic science behind the phenomenon, and discover the wonders of space weather. Keep an eye out for aurora alerts from https://aurorawatch.lancs.ac.uk/ or on Twitter/X @aurorawatchuk, @BGSauroraAlert and @BGSspaceWeather and find Frederik @fdmadsen. Not Another Science Podcast was co-c ..read more

Queer Data: who decides who counts? Can we accurately count and capture everyone's identities, and do we always need to? Who does it help? And how can methodology for collecting data on LGBTQ+ people be used in other, completely unconnected fields? In this episode we’re joined by Dr Kevin Guyan, a researcher and historian focusing on the intersection of data and identity, to talk about how his work answers these questions - and many more - through the lens of queer identities in Scotland and the wider world.  So grab a hot drink and settle in for a fascinating conversation about improving ..read more

Could artificial intelligence and robotics revolutionise recycling? How do you go about creating a start-up as a student? We talk to Amy (Xiaoyan) Ma, CEO of Danu Robotics and a High Performance Computing MSc graduate from the University of Edinburgh. Danu Robotics’ technology uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to identify and sort recyclable material so that waste can be processed more efficiently. Amy tells us how her ideas were developed and discusses the challenges, opportunities and lessons involved in setting up your own company. You can find out more at https://danur ..read more

Cancer treatment in children is clearly vital and lifesaving, but can unintentionally impact the future fertility of cancer survivors. In this episode, Emily Southworth talks to Dr Kathleen Duffin about her research on the provision of fertility preservation services for childhood cancer patients and the different methods that can be used to achieve this important aspect of cancer care. Not Another Science Podcast was co-created by Helena Cornu (@helenacornu) and Tom Edwick (@edwicktom), brought to you by Edinburgh University Science Magazine (@EUSci). The hosts are Emily Southworth (@EC_South ..read more

Why has the development of male contraceptives been so slow in comparison to female methods? Would current female contraceptives pass a modern day clinical trial? Dr John Reynolds-Wright is part of a team in Edinburgh running clinical trials for a gel that reduces sperm count. He gives us a brief history of contraceptive development, digging into the key reasons there has been less attention given to male contraceptive trials in the past. We discuss willingness in uptake of male-driven methods and the importance of improving options for everyone, as well as an exciting insight into when new ma ..read more

We kick off season 4 of Not Another Science Podcast with a mind-blowing conversation about Dr. Ana Rita Pires’ journey in unfolding origami - not the paper kind as we previously thought, but being of the symplectic mathematical manifolds type. Ana Rita is a lecturer at the School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh and (in our opinion) - the most recent reason why we love talking about maths. Our hosts learn more about the importance of using engaging food-related metaphors for teaching complex topics, the excitement of discovering that maths is right for you, and the discovery that ..read more

Ever been so hungry that you have considered eating a mound of plastic as your next meal? Dr. Jo Sadler is a newly appointed Principal Investigator at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences and an innovative builder of new molecules. Synthetic biology - the ability to manipulate biological systems using chemistry and biological processes - is Joanna’s way of breathing new life into so-called ‘waste’ materials. Jo’s newly released research paper uses polyethylene therapthlatate, or PET, found in plastic bottles to synthesize vanilla flavouring that is identical to the vanil ..read more

Get ready for this second food-themed episode to lift your spirits as Dr. Jane White - research scientist and Director of Undergraduate Studies for Distilling and Brewing at Heriot-Watt University - deep-dives into the pot of knowledge behind the ale and whisky industry in Scotland. Find out what happens chemically to the by-products of whisky and beer and answer those burning questions you have about Scotland’s alcohol such as “What is pot ale?”, “Can salmon get drunk?”, “Do alcohol proteins make good protein drinks?” and “How much whisky is produced in Scotland, really?”. To top it off, our ..read more

Think you know a lot about food? Wait until you have met Stan Blackley: Co-Programme Leader of the MSc in Gastronomy at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh. In this episode, we hear about the importance of diverse food in creating healthy lifestyles (it’ll surprise you to hear how many types of potatoes there are in the world!), how to tackle the current climate change crisis using our stomachs and food choices, and why food sciences and production can be the key to challenging social inequalities all over the world. To start on our food-themed series of pods, consider yourself now a foodie ..read more