Concluding the two-part series on the circulatory and respiratory systems, I discuss the biochemical mechanisms by which red blood cells and hemoglobin molecules deliver oxygen to the tissues and carbon dioxide to the lungs, and the mechanisms which regulate these processes. I then consider the respiratory system, giving an overview of the structure and function of the lungs, the process of breathing, control of breathing, and adaptations to high altitudes. Recommended pre-listening is...

An overview of the basic concepts of linear momentum, angular momentum, work and energy. Includes a discussion of the conservation of momentum, why the concept is needed, and some applications of the concept to collisions and rotating objects. The nature of energy is also discussed, along with the different forms of energy, and how the concepts of energy and work are related. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon...

A discussion of the importance of the profit motive and freedom of competition in the efficient operation of a market economy. Includes an overview of the uniformity of profit principle, and an examination of how competition serves as both an opportunity and a disciplining agent for entrepreneurs and firms, thus promoting useful innovations while weeding out bad ideas. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon...

An overview of how atoms bond together to form different chemical substances, including a discussion of the tree main types of bonds (covalent, ionic and metallic), and the relationship of these bonding types to the concept of electronegativity. I also discuss the difference between polar and non-polar bonds, and conclude with some interesting applications of bonding theory to understanding the properties of materials. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by...

An introduction to the key principles of quantum mechanics, beginning with an examination of the quantum-mechanical description of the behaviour of electrons around atomic nuclei. This is followed by an overview of some of the other major principles of quantum theory, including the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, the Pauli Exclusion Principle, quantum tunnelling and entanglement. The episode concludes with a discussion of alternative interpretations of these quantum phenomena. Recommended...

An introduction to basic Newtonian physics, including a discussion of forces, velocity, acceleration, Newton’s three laws of motion, and some common misconceptions about forces. I also discuss circular motion, and conclude with a brief look at the physics of walking and driving a car. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

An examination of how the price system works, including an introduction to supply and demand theory, and the concepts of clearing the market and surplus maximisation. I also look at how the price system promotes efficiency helps to regulate economic activity. I conclude with a discussion of how prices store and communicate economic information. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon...

An overview of the chaotic inflationary theory for the origin of the universe, including a discussion of the inflaton field, quantum fluctuations, spontaneous symmetry breaking, and the zero net energy of the universe. Also includes a discussion of the multiverse and the fine-tuning paradox. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 14: Principles of Quantum Mechanics. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon...

An overview of the structure and function of cells, as well as their discovery, size, and classifications. Organelles discussed include the nucleus, plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus, and mitochondria. Also includes with a brief discussion of the unique properties of plant cells. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon...

An introduction to the nature, phases, and atomic composition of matter, along with a look at elements, ions, isotopes and the periodic table. The episode concludes with an explanation of molecules, including elemental, ionic and macromolecules. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

An examination of the atom, beginning with the origin of the concept in ancient Greece, and its subsequent development as a truly scientific idea in the 19th century. I explain the various important contributions made to the field by Thomson, Rutherford, Planck, Einstein and de Broglie, and the resultant evolution of our models of the atom. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon...

A look into the fascinating psychological phenomenon of the introspection illusion. We explore the research behind this phenomenon, and the many implications that it has for human behaviour, including such startling conclusions as people are much more biased, much less observant and much more malleable than they think. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon...

An introduction to the principles of thermodynamics, including a look at temperature and heat, the laws of thermodynamics, perpetual motion, methods of transferring energy, and the phenomenon of entropy. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

An analysis of corporate conspiracy theories, including the alleged suppression of the cure for cancer and sabotage of the electric car. Using economic analysis and game theory, I outline the true incentives and constraints facing the firms in these industries, and explain why any such conspiracies would be enormously difficult to pull off. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon...

An examination of the perceived advantages of organic food in terms of safety, nutrition and taste, followed by a comparison of the costs and yield efficiencies of conventional versus organic farming techniques. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

An examination of the perceived advantages of organic food in terms of safety, nutrition and taste, followed by a comparison of the costs and yield efficiencies of conventional versus organic farming techniques. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

A discussion of the history of organic agriculture, the philosophy behind it, and the main methods used. Also includes a look at the environmental benefits of organic farming, including the effects on erosion, water pollution and biodiversity. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon supporter. https://www.patreon.com/jamesfodor https://www.paypal.me/ScienceofEverything

The first in a two-part episode covering the circulatory and respiratory systems, including a discussion of the anatomy of the heart, the process of contraction, and the generation and propagation of electrical activity. I also discuss how the heart functions as a pump, the various types of blood vessels, and control of the heart rate by the brain. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 25: Tissues, Organs and Systems, and Episode 26: Human Organ Systems. If you enjoyed the podcast please...

An analysis of corporate conspiracy theories, including the alleged suppression of the cure for cancer and sabotage of the electric car. Using economic analysis and game theory, I outline the true incentives and constraints facing the firms in these industries, and explain why any such conspiracies would be enormously difficult to pull off. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a paypal donation or becoming a patreon...

An overview of the underlying mechanisms of pain, including the role of nociception, transduction of nociceptor signals by spinal pathways, the modulatory effects of opioids, and processing of these inputs in the brain. I also discuss phenomena such as referred pain, psychogenic pain, and congenital insensitivity to pain. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a Patreon...

Building on the previous discussion of Hartree-Fock Theory, I discuss the inclusion of basis functions to produce the Roothaan equations, and the method of solving these using self-consistent field methods. I then provide an introduction into techniques to incorporate electron correlation by adding Slater determinants, focusing on the Configuration Interaction method. I then provide a brief overview of semi-empirical methods, Density Functional Theory, and molecular mechanics. Recommended...

An overview of techniques of determining molecular structure, including an introduction to valance bond theory covering bond formation and orbital hybridisation, and a discussion of the basics of molecular orbital theory, covering the basics of the Hartree-Fock method for solving the Schrödinger equation and finding molecular orbitals. In the process I also discuss the Pauli exclusion principle, the effect of electron spin, and the indistinguishability of electrons. If you enjoyed the...

A discussion of cell communication and signalling, including an overview of the purpose of cell signalling, the main types of signals, and applications such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and cytokines. The difference between G protein-coupled receptors, enzyme-linked receptors, and intracellular receptors is also considered, concluding with a summary of the process of signal transduction and the role of second messengers. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 116: The Cell Membrane. If you...

A discussion of the transportation and sorting of proteins within the eukaryotic cell, including an overview of the endomembrane system, the mechanisms of nuclear transport, transmembrane transport, and vesicular transport. I also consider the structure and functions of the endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes, and how they are joined together in a complex network of protein transportation and vesicular traffic. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 116: The Cell...

An introduction to the cell membrane, including a discussion of the structure of the bilipid membrane, an overview of the structure and function of membrane proteins, a review of the fluid mosaic model, and a discussion of mechanisms of membrane transport, including both passive and active transport. Recommended pre-listening is Episode 10: The Cell, and Episode 18: Biochemistry Basics. If you enjoyed the podcast please consider supporting the show by making a PayPal donation or becoming a...