The Information Entropy Podcast

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

Ancient Civilisations: Ancient Egypt II

This week Mitch and Tom return to the land of the Nile and all that it touches: Ancient Egypt! This time your hosts actually discuss the making of the pyramids! How were the pyramids of Giza constructed? How were the rocks transported there? Was it Aliens or genius beyond its time? Tom speaks about solar eclipses in ancient times and the effect that it had while Mithc investigates the advancement of mathematics and astronomy Music: HOME – Above AllTop of Form

Ancient Civilisations: Ancient Egypt

This week your hosts elope to where gods rules amongst humankind: Ancient Egypt! The boys carry on their historical They discuss the bounds of the ancient Egyptian empire and one of their most famous acts: mummification and the advances in medicine it led to! Tom explores what Egyptian life was like in the cities and rural areas and it’s not what you might expect! Mitch highlights the Rosetta Stone and its historical importance in our understanding of Egyptian culture!Music: HOME – Above All

Ancient Civilisations: Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome! The boys start a historical journey this week of ancient civilisations! What technological and scientific innovations did the Roman civilisation give to the world? When was “Ancient Rome” in the first place and how far did it expand? The boys explore the ingenious aqueduct system used to transport water hundreds of kilometres as well as the advent of the famous Roman cement! What civilisation should we explore next? Music: HOME – Above All

Stress and Anxiety

Stress and Anxiety! Feelings and emotions that we all experience on varying scales… but how does it actually impact us? The boys explore the physiological impacts of stress on the body and how your body forms the stress response. Mitch explores the fight or flight response which now been expanded to include two new actions in the stress response: fawn and freeze! The boys speak about acute and chronic stress and how they differ in their impacts on your daily life and also how you can attempt to manage your stress. But remember you are not alone so check our show and socials for links that could help you. Music: HOME – Above All

The Body Plan

Welcome back to The Information Entropy Podcast! The body plan: how does your body know where to grow an arm? A nose? Or your legs? Find out here! Tom explores the homeobox genes and how stem cells are vital for growing into new body parts and the different kind of body plans that are exhibited in the animal kingdom. Meanwhile, Mitch takes us on a guided tour of the evolution of the body plan and asking whether it is a conserved or converged trait! Music: HOME – Above All