Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill

• The Science of Phage

  They look like alien spacecrafts under a microscope, but bacteriophages — viruses that infect and kill bacteria — could hold the key to one of the biggest medical challenges of our time: antibiotic resistance. First described more than a century ago, phages became a hot topic of research in the mid-20th century, especially in the Soviet Union, before slipping into obscurity with the rise of antibiotics. Now, with superbugs on the march and antibiotics losing their punch, phages are making a comeback. On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating history and biology of these tiny viral predators, from the Soviet labs of the Cold War to today’s cutting-edge clinical trials. He explains how phages can target deadly bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, why their extreme specificity is both a blessing and a challenge, and how scientists are now combining phages with antibiotics to create new treatments. With fresh lab techniques making it easier to grow and manipulate phages, the field is buzzing with new potential. Expect alien-looking viruses, a dash of Cold War intrigue, and real hope for tackling infections that antibiotics can no longer beat. Got a topic you’d like Luke to cover? Email your ideas to [email protected].

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• The Science of Extinction

  Earth has always been a planet of comebacks. Life has thrived, collapsed, and reinvented itself in astonishing ways. Scientists call the five great wipe-outs of the past the “Big Five” – huge mass extinctions that reset the clock on life. Without them, we wouldn’t even be here to talk about it. This week, Luke O’Neill dives into what these extinction events can teach us - from the ancient Ordovician seas that suddenly emptied, to the Triassic era where one wave of destruction cleared the stage for the dinosaurs, and the dramatic end of the Cretaceous, when an asteroid put an end to their reign. The most catastrophic of all came at the end of the Permian, nicknamed “the Great Dying,” when nearly everything living was snuffed out. What’s extraordinary is the sheer gulf of time between these cataclysms. Tens of millions – even hundreds of millions – of years separated one mass extinction from the next. To put it in perspective, the gap between the end-Triassic and the asteroid strike that finished the dinosaurs is longer than the time between that asteroid strike and today. These are planetary rhythms on a timescale that makes human history look like the blink of an eye. But here’s the uncomfortable twist: many scientists now argue that we’re in the early stages of a sixth great extinction. And for the first time, it wouldn’t be volcanoes or asteroids doing the damage – it would be us. Human activity, from climate change to habitat destruction, is putting pressure on life everywhere. So what does history tell us? That life will recover. But whether we will be part of that story depends on what we do next. Luke explores how science is helping us understand extinction not as an abstract tragedy, but as a warning sign – and why the choices humans make in the coming decades matter more than ever. Send your feedback or ideas for future episodes to Luke at [email protected].

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• The Science of Breast Milk

  Breast milk is often called “nature’s first vaccine” and, in this week's podcast, Luke O’Neill explains why. From the moment a baby is born, its immune system is still immature and wide open to infection. Breast milk steps in as the baby’s first line of defence, passing on antibodies, immune cells and even the benefits of vaccines the mother has received.Luke explores how this “passive immunisation” works – from the placenta before birth to breast milk afterwards – and why it’s so powerful in protecting babies against infections, hospitalisations and even long-term risks like obesity and diabetes. He also looks at the benefits for mothers, including protection against breast and ovarian cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.Along the way we learn why Ireland still struggles with low rates of breastfeeding, how more support for new mothers could ease pressure on the health system, and why vaccinating during pregnancy is such a vital public health tool. Luke highlights new research on the RSV vaccine, which shows up to 80% protection for babies when mothers are immunised, and pays tribute to Dublin-born scientist Francis Bramble, who first uncovered the secrets of mother-to-baby immunity back in the 1930s. With a wink, Luke suggests it might be time to “Make Bramble Great Again.”This episode is a reminder that breast milk isn’t just food – it’s medicine, protection, and an immune system tutor all rolled into one.Send your feedback or ideas for future episodes to Luke at [email protected].

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• The Science of Type-1 Diabetes

  Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the science behind Type-1 Diabetes for this week's podcast, answering a question from listener Sarah. Luke explains the key differences between Type-1 and other forms of diabetes, guiding us through the early symptoms—intense thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, vision issues, and nausea—and highlighting the serious long-term complications, from kidney damage to blindness and ulcers.Luke also breaks down how Type-1 Diabetes isn’t purely genetic, exploring the role of psychological stress alongside hereditary factors. He takes listeners through the latest treatments, from insulin therapy and lifestyle adjustments to cutting-edge innovations like insulin pumps and artificial pancreases.The discussion moves into the exciting frontiers of research, including stem cell treatments targeting the pancreas, and Luke’s optimism that breakthroughs in Type-1 Diabetes could pave the way for tackling other autoimmune conditions. For anyone living with or curious about the disease, Luke’s insight offers both clarity and hope.Listeners can request future topics by emailing [email protected].

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• Show Me The Science – The Science of Speech-making

  Why do some speeches stick in your mind while others fade before the applause ends? In this unusual episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill swaps the lab for the lectern to reveal the science of captivating public speaking. Drawing on decades of experience addressing audiences from classrooms to conferences, Luke shares his top tips for giving speeches that resonate, whether it’s a best man’s toast, a heartfelt eulogy, or a high-stakes commencement address. With a major speech coming up — delivering the honorary doctorate address at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland — Luke breaks down everything from crafting a strong opening and telling stories that emotionally connect, to structuring your talk so the audience follows every point. He stresses clarity and simplicity, authenticity over imitation, and the importance of ending on a note that inspires action. You can’t fake charisma, Luke warns, but you can sound inspired by yourself. And yes, he insists ChatGPT should stay out of your speech-writing. Along the way, Luke highlights the viral speech by American author Brad Meltzer, showing how structure, storytelling, and authenticity can make a short talk unforgettable. For anyone looking to improve public speaking skills, learn how to engage an audience, or simply survive the nerve-wracking moments of standing in front of a crowd, this podcast is packed with practical, scientifically-informed advice delivered with Luke’s trademark humour. Watch the Brad Meltzer speech that inspired Luke here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSO_t39lszo Got a quirky science topic you want Luke to tackle next? Send your suggestions to [email protected] — your idea could be featured in a future episode.

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