The Information Entropy Podcast

Extremophiles

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of extremophiles – the extraordinary organisms that thrive in the most inhospitable places on Earth. From the scorching hot springs to the icy depths of the Antarctic, these resilient creatures will blow your mind! What are extremophiles and why do they matter? What unique adaptations do they have and how did they get them? What do they teach us about potential alien life?

Mysterious Mycology

Get ready to dive into the mysterious and marvellous world of Mycology (fungi) on this week's episode of The Information Entropy Podcast! Ever wondered what those mushrooms in your garden are really up to? Or how a slime mould could map the Tokyo subway system? Join us as we uncover the hidden secrets of fungi, from the incredible mycelium networks beneath our feet to the mind-bending powers of psilocybin mushrooms.

Morality

Morality! What is it? Where does it come from? And do we all have the same morals? Find out this week as the boys explore this deeply personal and subjective topic. Mitch defines morality for us and the key aspects that underpin it in the scientific community. Tom then explores four key areas of philosophical thought on morality: Kantian, Utilitarianism, Virtue Ethics, and Confucian ethics. The boys then discuss various moral dilemmas and what they would do in that situation.

Conservation

This week the boys are talking about Conservation! Mitch defines it for us and gives us knowledge on bees! Should we still care about them or are they doing well? Tom takes us on a tour of the IUCN and it’s red list of threatened species. How do we help species on the brink of extinction and what about those species that might go extinct before we even have chance to discover that they are there? Music: HOME – Above All

Episode 100: A Review

Welcome one and all to episode 100! We made it! On this weeks extra special episode the boys take time out to thank all of you amazing listeners who make this worthwhile. Mitch and Tom take a look back at some of their favourite moments, episodes, and topics. They provide some interesting updates to some old stories and tangent where their hearts desire. So, sit back and relax as the boys reminisce!

The Science of Stories: Why do we tell them?

Storytelling! Why do we read books? Why do we tell each other stories of the past? Why is this, uniquely human behaviour, ubiquitous across the human race and prevalent in every single culture? Well, sit back and relax this week as we aim to explore just that! Tom explores the evolution of storytelling, was this a relatively new human tradition or did it evolve in a way that was vital to our survival? Mitch looks at the brain regions associated with reading and why it makes us feel the way we do. The boys also explore emotion, storytelling as therapy, and aphantasia/hyperphantasia.

Genetic Enieering: Should We Edit Our Genome?

GENETIC ENGINEERING! This week on the show Mitch and Tom explore how our DNA makes us who we are and the incredible ways in which scientists are able to hack into that system and edit our genes. To start the show Tom explores what genes are in the first place and how they are expressed before Mitch moves onto exploring the various methods of genetic engineering and how they are utilised. The boys debate the use of genetically modified crops as well as the ethics of genetically modifying animals and humans. Music: HOME – Above AllTop of Form

Dinosaurs and Fossils

DINOSAURS AND FOSSILS! This week on the show Mitch and Tom travel back to when reptiles held dominion over Earth. Tom explores the Mesozoic era and how flight developed in pterosaurs while Mitch explores how these beasts became things we find in the ground. The boys both explore their favourite dinosaurs and of course tangent along the way. Music: HOME – Above All

Ancient Civilisations: Japan II

Mitch and Tom return to where honour and tradition rules above all else, of course… it is Japan! What scientific innovations and technologies did the Japanese culture produce and how did they do it? Mitch looks at their time keeping system and production of intricate water clocks while Tom investigates the making of fabrics and the development of rural aquaculture as a traditional practice. Music: HOME – Above All

Ancient Civilisations: Japan

This week your hosts take you back in time to where a sword on your hip decided your fate, where the art of calligraphy passed laws, and where tea ceremonies were the norm… Historic Japan! Tom explains why we do not refer to historic Japan as “ancient” before the boys launch into their research. Mitch reveals the impressive metallurgy skills developed in Japan over 500 years ago as well as their method of producing the highest quality ink. Tom investigates the architecture of Japan and how they built earthquake resistant architecture! Music: HOME – Above AllTop of Form