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Oxford economist Prof Peter Neary talks about new research into international trading firms that reveals some uncomfortable truths for policy makers and governments hoping to pick export winners and encourage startups. Presented by Elisabeth Lopez.  Download mp3 (28.7 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Oxford economist Prof Peter Neary talks about new research into international trading firms that reveals some uncomfortable truths for policy makers and governments hoping to pick export winners and encourage startups. Presented by Elisabeth Lopez.  Download mp3 (28.7 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Literary theorist Prof Brian McHale explains the origins and trajectory of postmodernism, muses on its role in our cultural expression, and speculates on its demise. Presented by Lynne Haultain.  Download mp3 (30.9 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Literary theorist Prof Brian McHale explains the origins and trajectory of postmodernism, muses on its role in our cultural expression, and speculates on its demise. Presented by Lynne Haultain.  Download mp3 (30.9 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Behavioural neuroscientist Prof Anthony Hannan gives a neuro-researcher’s view of the dynamic, bidirectional interplay of brain and body, and the protective and destructive implications for both our mental and physical health. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.  Download mp3 (32.3 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Behavioural neuroscientist Prof Anthony Hannan gives a neuro-researcher’s view of the dynamic, bidirectional interplay of brain and body, and the protective and destructive implications for both our mental and physical health. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.  Download mp3 (32.3 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Psychiatrist and clinical researcher Prof David Castle discusses how cannabis represents both a public health risk and a wide-ranging therapeutic opportunity, as the once “evil weed” gains greater legal acceptance for recreational and medical use. Presented by Eric van Bemmel.  Download mp3 (27.3 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Sociologist Prof Chris Greer explores the often murky agendas of organisations, mainstream and social media, and individuals in the facilitation, denial and cover-up of institutional child sex abuse. Presented by Lynne Haultain.  Download mp3 (27.9 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Civil and environmental engineer Prof Anne Steinemann outlines the causes and consequences of poor indoor air quality, and in particular the potentially hazardous fumes generated by home cleaning and personal care products. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.  Download mp3 (24.7 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Exceptional learning expert Prof John Munro discusses how “giftedness” is assessed in children, how notions of giftedness vary across cultures, adult outcomes for gifted children, and the question of how to handle gifted children at home and in the classroom. Presented by Lynne Haultain.  Download mp3 (33.0 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Alex Halderman and Vanessa Teague, security experts in electronic and internet voting, argue that despite the speed and efficiency promises of e-balloting, it has yet to convincingly deliver the privacy, reliability and vote integrity that the democratic process requires and that voters expect. Presented by Elisabeth Lopez.  Download mp3 (29.8 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Renowned urban theorist Neil Brenner argues that the widespread notion we live in an “urban age” as people move increasingly into cities is fundamentally flawed. He also suggests that “urbanization” be redefined to include the profound impact of city growth on ever more distant hinterlands. Presented by Peter Mares.  Download mp3 (37.6 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Psychologist Jeannette Milgrom discusses mental health issues that can arise in women during pregnancy, and their effect on the developing fetus. Despite considerable research and media attention on postnatal depression (PND), we learn that the antenatal period, too, has its associated risks, and that treatment and intervention programs can have a positive impact over the entire perinatal period. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.  Download mp3 (25.4 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Medical journalist and educator Prof Ivan Oransky talks about research misconduct that, once uncovered after publication, leads to retractions of scientific papers, damaged careers, and an undermining of the scientific process. Prof Oransky suggests why retractions are on the increase, and how technology is being enlisted in the fight against fraud. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.  Download mp3 (29.6 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more

Chemistry researcher Assoc Prof Spencer Williams talks about the rapidly emerging understanding of human microbiota -- the diverse and numerous microorganisms that reside on and within our bodies -- and particularly how the composition of our gut flora can determine the state of our own health. Presented by Dr Andi Horvath.  Download mp3 (22.8 MB)      Listen now      Read transcript read more