Dr Karl Podcast

Dr Karl Podcast

Join Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Lucy Smith and their scientific guests, with a bunch of curious triple j listeners for a weekly injection of science, myth-bashing and answers!
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Sažetak epizode

In this episode of Science with Dr. Karl, the hosts explore a wide range of scientific curiosities, from the biological mechanisms of avocado trees and the physics of heat absorption in cookware to the mechanics of bruising and wound healing. The discussion also covers why cyclones do not cross the equator due to the Coriolis effect and the impact of saltwater on sinus pressure. Dr. Karl further addresses listener questions regarding the expansion of the universe, the speed of light, and medical topics such as bunions and epilepsy-related déjà vu. The episode concludes with insights into sauna thermodynamics and information on how listeners can submit their own scientific inquiries.

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Najvažniji dijelovi

The trees change sex twice a day.

00:00:39 · Dr. Carl shares an interesting fact about the biological mechanism of avocado trees.

And the black enamel one will store the heat, will catch the heat better than the shiny stainless one.

00:06:51 · Dr. Carl explains the physics of heat absorption and conduction in different types of cookware.

It's actually due to conservation... of angular momentum.

00:17:29 · The speaker explains the scientific principle behind why cyclones spin in different directions on either side of the equator.

It's like putting some dough with raisins in an oven. The dough expands. The raisins get carried further apart. They're like galaxies.

00:28:26 · Dr. Karl uses a dough and raisin analogy to explain how galaxies are carried by the expansion of space.

When you throw the hot water onto the rocks, then you create more mist in the air, you increase the humidity. So the sweat will still evaporate, not 100% humidity, but more slowly.

00:38:01 · Dr. Karl explains how increased humidity in a sauna hinders the body's ability to cool itself through evaporation.

Epizode

1241-

Bruising, cockatoo schedules and roasted potatoes

In this episode of Science with Dr. Karl, the hosts explore a wide range of scientific curiosities, from the biological mechanisms of avocado trees and the physics of heat absorption in cookware to the mechanics of bruising and wound healing. The discussion also covers why cyclones do not cross the equator due to the Coriolis effect and the impact of saltwater on sinus pressure. Dr. Karl further addresses listener questions regarding the expansion of the universe, the speed of light, and medical topics such as bunions and epilepsy-related déjà vu. The episode concludes with insights into sauna thermodynamics and information on how listeners can submit their own scientific inquiries.

22 lis 2026
1240-

Coral bleaching, bioluminescence and intelligent fish

Host Lucy Smith sits down with marine scientists Mike Emsley and Daniel Ceccarelli from the Australian Institute of Marine Science to explore the complexities of reef monitoring, fish ecology, and the impacts of climate change. The discussion covers the daily work of surveying the Great Barrier Reef, the effectiveness of marine protected areas, and the environmental threats posed by deforestation and El Niño. The episode also addresses a variety of listener questions, ranging from shark behavior and evolutionary timelines to plant movement, bioluminescence, and fish intelligence. The experts conclude by discussing fish sentience, venomous species, and how the public can monitor reef health via the AIMS dashboard.

15 lis 2026
1239-

Dyslexia, El Niño and itchy ears

In this episode of Science Hour, Dr. Carl and Dr. Tanya Bunter discuss recent Nobel Prize discoveries regarding brain stimulation and neutrinos, while addressing listener questions on topics ranging from the physics of how cats land on their feet to why crying causes itchy ears. The discussion explores the complexities of serotonin production, the evolutionary origins of language, and the mechanics of weather patterns like El Niño. The episode also delves into various scientific curiosities, including the ability to smell diseases, the neurodevelopmental nature of dyslexia, and the science behind dancing rhythms. The doctors conclude by investigating the physiological sensation of frisson and the chemical mystery of why saliva can effectively remove bloodstains from fabric.

08 lis 2026
1238-

Glowing planets, shrinking brains and living till you're 150

In this episode of The Science Hour, Dr. Karl corrects previous mistakes regarding food reheating safety and breath-holding risks while exploring the mechanics of daydreaming, bone fractures, hair color changes, and sweat gland function. Dr. Carl and Dr. Tanya further discuss topics ranging from longevity and genetics to the physics of sunsets and space observation. The episode also covers mosquito navigation, the biological effects of sleep deprivation on creativity, brain aging, and the recent discovery of a decagon pattern on Saturn.

01 lis 2026
1237-

The full moon, earworms and tickling

In this episode of Science with Dr. Carl, the hosts explore a wide range of scientific inquiries, beginning with a near-death shark encounter and moving into the mechanics of thermal imaging and how beverage containers affect taste. The discussion also covers the physical processes behind joint cracking and B12 injections. Dr. Carl further addresses listener questions regarding physiological phenomena such as sneezing in hot cars, why we cannot tickle ourselves, and the science of 'earworms.' The episode concludes with essential information on hydration, electrolytes, food safety when reheating meat, and the biological triggers behind breath-holding underwater.

24 ruj 2026