The Information Entropy Podcast

Cognitive Biases: TikTok bans and Bias in Science

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where this week are diving into the world of cognitive biases! Where do they come from and how does it impact our day to day lives? Mitch looks at the current TikTok banning as a springboard to assess the reactance bias, why are we reluctant to do things that we are told to do? He then dives into cognitive dissonance where we question performing actions that go against our morals but find ways to justify it. On the other side, Tom takes a question based approach looking at the study of heuristics and how we have to be careful of cognitive biases in science. Music: HOME - AWAY

Habits, Rules, and Resolutions

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast for our first show of the year where we will be looking at habits and resolutions! The boys explore the difference between habits and routines and the habit loop so you can understand how to best form new behaviours! Tom explores the brain and neuroscience behind habit formation while Mitch enlightens us on the difference between motivation and discipline. Music: HOME - AWAY

The Festive Episode

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast for our final show of the year. Join the boys as they take a festive approach to science exploring the past year and rambling all the way. Mitch explores where Christmas as a holiday originated along with its various traditions such as gift giving and lights in our trees. Tom looks at the neuroscience behind finding and receiving the perfect gift as well as some festive biology and finally some facts! The boys take a chill approach to the final show of the year so sit back and relax and we’ll see you all next year.  Music: HOME - AWAY

Vocal Learning: The Origin of Language

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where Tom is a lone rambling madman taking you through one of his favourite science topics: Vocal Learning. Where does language come from? Why do different places have different dialects or accents? How can we learn where language has come from through the comparative assessment of behaviour with other animals? Well you're in the right place to get all of the background information on this complex topic! Music: HOME - AWAY

Australia

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where we’re exploring the incredible: Australia! We’ve been away for a little while so we’re a bit rusty and tangents are abound in this episode (so be warned). But why does Australia host such a diverse range of species? Why do some of those species hop as their main form of locomotion and have their underdeveloped young crawl up into their puch after 30 days of pregnancy? Yes, Kangaroos are that weird. And why can everything kill you out there? Well, look no further as we have the answers! Music: HOME - AWAY

Mitchell's Solo Dive: Unravelling the Internet's Past, Present, and Future

This week on the Information Entropy Podcast, Mitchell takes the mic solo to explore the vast world of the Internet. He dives into its fascinating origins with ARPANET, traces its evolution through the rise of the World Wide Web, and examines the modern landscape shaped by social media and the Internet of Things (IoT). It’s a journey through the technology that connects us all. Tune in, subscribe, and join the conversation!

Food Preservation

In this episode, we're diving into the science of food preservation. Ever wondered how we’ve gone from food spoiling in days to some items lasting years? We’ll explore the evolution of preservation techniques, from ancient methods like salting and fermentation to the modern-day chemistry of preservatives and refrigeration. Join us as we break down how these techniques work, the science behind keeping food fresh, and what’s really happening at the molecular level to make your food last. Music: HOME - AWAY

Fear! Halloween Special

On this Halloween episode, we're diving into the science of fear. From the alarms set off in our brains to the psychological forces that drive our survival instincts, we’re unpacking what fear really is and why it shapes us so deeply. We’ll trace fear's roots back to our earliest ancestors, explore how it lingers in our memories, and examine why some fears are impossible to shake. Dim the lights and settle in as we take a closer look at the science lurking behind what makes us afraid. Music: HOME - AWAY

Disease Evolution

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast, where today Tom and Mitch are exploring how diseases evolve and their impact on humanity! So, what even is a disease anyway and how do they act on the human (or other) system? What types of diseases are there and how are they classified? How have past diseases impacted human evolution and what remnants are we still carrying around today because of them? Well, Mitch and Tom have all the answers! Music: HOME - AWAY

The Secrets of Space II

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast, where today Tom and Mitch finish their exploration of space and the secrets that it holds within. What is dark energy and is this something that we can observe or measure? Mitch has the answers! Tom instead takes us down the path of the dark worlds in our solar system, exploring the largest bodies in our solar system that are not quite planets. Finally the boys explore the cosmic web, the largest structure of the universe that connects most of the galaxies to one another, and the fermi paradox! Music: HOME - AWAY