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Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill

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Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill
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  • The Science of Stem Cells
    This week, Luke rolls up his sleeves to tackle a listener request from Danny and Caroline. Caroline’s living with osteoarthritis, so stem cells seemed like just the ticket for discussion. We start with the basics: stem cells are the body’s precursors, the young all-rounders that can grow into brain neurons, cartilage-makers, or insulin-producing pancreatic cells. In theory, they can be coaxed into replacing damaged tissue—making them, as Luke puts it, a sort of “living drug.” The story begins with leukemia treatment, where donor bone marrow can regrow an entire immune system, sometimes with cure rates of up to 90%. We also meet “bubble baby disease” (SCID), where stem cells can give a child the immune system they never had. From fertilised eggs (the ultimate stem cell) to Nobel prize-winning frog cloning, Luke traces the remarkable science that shows every cell in your body carries the full blueprint for making you. He explains the controversies over embryonic stem cell research, the promise of adult-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and the exciting rise of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) which are adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic ones. No FDA-approved stem-cell therapies for major diseases just yet, but Parkinson’s trials are showing some glimmers of hope. For osteoarthritis, Luke’s verdict is: stem cells “might help a bit,” but the science isn’t slam-dunk yet, especially when you’re injecting cells into a joint that never stops moving. Other targets, like heart and lung disease, may turn out to be better bets. The market for stem-cell therapies could hit a billion dollars by 2031, so expect plenty of hype and, hopefully, plenty of progress. In the meantime, we’ve got real breakthroughs, fascinating biology, and Luke’s usual mix of optimism and caution. Got a topic you’d like Luke to tackle? Email [email protected] and your idea might make it onto the show.
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  • The Science of Male Contraception
    In this lively episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill gets into a topic that has been… well, a very long time coming: male contraception. While women have had the contraceptive pill since the 1960s, giving them control over their reproductive choices (and giving men, frankly, an easy ride), the search for a safe, reliable male birth control has been slow. Luke examines why – and whether science might finally be about to deliver. At the heart of this week’s discussion is Adam, a pioneering non-hormonal male contraceptive hydrogel. It’s injected into the vas deferens (yes, there), and in early trials it stopped sperm production for up to two years without noticeable side effects. Think of it as blocking the road before the traffic even starts moving. Adam is the most advanced of the non-surgical male contraception options in development, and Luke explains how it stacks up against hormonal gels, male contraceptive injections, and pills that mess with sperm production or motility. Luke also takes a trip down contraceptive memory lane, recalling the history of the contraceptive pill and the work of Carl Djerassi, its so-called “father.” (Luke even met him once.) The hormones in the original pill came from steroids derived from the yucca plant – so, in a sense, a humble desert shrub helped spark a social revolution. But the female pill also brought side effects, and it put the lion’s share of responsibility for contraception firmly on women’s shoulders. From there, Luke dives into the science behind hormonal male contraception. He explains how progesterone can suppress sperm production in men, much as it stops egg release in women – but with the risk of affecting libido and muscle strength. Solutions like a transdermal gel combining nestorone and testosterone are showing promise, with one Phase 2 male contraceptive trial already a success. Then there are more unusual approaches: YCT529, which interferes with vitamin A’s role in sperm production (without wrecking your eyesight, hopefully); adjudin, which stops sperm from sticking; and EP055, which stops sperm tails from spinning – because no spin means no swim. But science isn’t the only barrier. Sociologists point out that one reason for the slow rollout is trust – or lack of it. Put bluntly, some worry men might forget to take a daily pill. (Luke admits we can be a bit… feckless.) The FDA also hasn’t approved a male pill yet, in part due to low levels of testing and potential side effects. Long-lasting options like monthly patches or injectable gels could bypass the “Oops, I forgot” problem entirely. Back to Adam: Luke’s cautiously optimistic. The early human trials are tiny, but the data so far is encouraging. He wants to see much bigger studies, peer-reviewed results, and expert scrutiny from reproductive scientists and hydrogel specialists before anyone calls it a game-changer. And, as always, there’s the matter of cost – will new male contraceptives be priced like condoms, or more like designer handbags? From yucca plants to hydrogel injections, and from hormonal chemistry to the politics of gender and contraceptive responsibility, this episode takes a smart, wry, and sometimes cheeky look at the future of male birth control. If these innovations succeed, they could change the conversation – and the responsibility – for good. Got a question or an idea for a future episode? Send it straight to Luke at [email protected]. He promises to read it, and he probably won’t make fun of you on air.
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  • The Science of Listeria
    In this episode, suggested by listener Barbara Douglas, Luke dives into a timely and important topic: listeria, the bacteria behind a recent outbreak in Ireland that led to recalls of ready meals and salad products by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. One person has sadly died and nine others have been affected by listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria. Luke explores why this particular outbreak has caught the attention of scientists and public health officials – especially since one batch of reheatable ready meals was implicated, even though heat usually destroys the bacteria. Luke, who has studied listeria in his own lab, explains how this remarkably resilient bacterium can survive in cold, salty, acidic, and even frozen conditions – making it a stealthy threat in food products like soft cheese, pâté, smoked salmon, and now, ready meals. You'll learn: Why pregnant women are 20 times more susceptible to listeria – and how it can contribute to miscarriage or stillbirth Why people who are immunocompromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, are also at higher risk How listeria spreads from soil, surfaces, water, and even through sewage and poor hand hygiene Why soap is still one of our best defences What the symptoms are – and how penicillin and antibiotics remain effective treatments Why there’s no vaccine, and why Alexander Fleming still deserves thanks today Discovered in 1926 and named after antiseptics pioneer Joseph Lister, listeria remains a bacteria to watch, but also one we can guard against with good hygiene and proper food safety practices. Luke also commends the FSAI for their rapid response in identifying sources and protecting the public. 💡 As always, if you’ve got a burning science topic you’d like to hear about on the podcast, drop Luke a line at [email protected]. That’s exactly what listener Barbara Douglas did—and look what happened!
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  • The Science of Crowds
    What happens to our brains and bodies when we gather with thousands of strangers at music festivals, concerts, or gigs? This week, as All Together Now kicks off in Curraghmore, County Waterford, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating science of crowd behaviour – and why being part of a crowd can feel so good, or sometimes so dangerous. Humans are, at heart, social animals. We evolved to thrive in groups — for protection, for connection, and even for love. Whether you're losing yourself in a packed mosh pit, swaying with strangers to your favourite band, or experiencing a collective chant under the night sky, there’s a deep biological and psychological process at work. Luke explores how music festivals spark a surge in oxytocin, the so-called “magic hormone” that fuels feelings of bonding, euphoria and transcendence. He also explains how we unconsciously mirror one another in crowds, sometimes entering what he describes as a social “trance.” But it’s not all good vibes. History is full of examples of how crowds can turn deadly when density goes too far, leadership breaks down, or panic spreads. Luke unpacks the science of crowd crushes, fluid dynamics, and behavioural prediction — including real-world examples from Pamplona’s Bull Run to school corridors, and from murmurations of starlings to stampeding buffalo. We learn how the best defence against crowd risk might be shared passion — if everyone’s there for the same reason, the group behaves more cooperatively, instinctively regulating itself. That’s why the safest crowd at a festival might just be the one most in love with the music. If you're heading to a festival or concert this weekend, enjoy the crowd — you’re not just part of the atmosphere, you are the science. 🎧 Newstalk will be live at All Together Now all weekend from the Go Loud Lounge on site, with a packed schedule of interviews, games, and live events. Keep an eye on Newstalk’s socials for the full festival lineup. 🔗 More info: newstalk.com/all-together-now 📸 Instagram: @newstalkfm 🎵 TikTok: @newstalk 📬 Have a question or topic suggestion for Luke? Email him directly at [email protected]
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  • The Science of Tech Bros
    In this week's podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating world of tech billionaires and their obsession with extending human life. He takes a closer look at four high-profile figures—Larry Page, Peter Thiel, Brian Johnson, and Jack Dorsey—and explores their personal and financial investments in the science of longevity.From bizarre diets to blood transfusions and even cryogenic preservation, Luke unpacks the sometimes extreme measures these men are taking to live longer. He also visits Calico, a Google-backed biotech company where around 150 scientists are studying the biology of aging—research that includes creatures like naked mole rats and bats.Luke examines how wealth impacts life expectancy, discusses the current global average lifespan of 73 years, and explores the scientific debate around whether humans might one day live up to 150. He also offers realistic, evidence-based tips for anyone hoping to extend their own life—no billionaire status required.💡Takeaway:You don’t need to be a tech mogul to live longer. While billionaires explore the edges of science, simple, proven lifestyle choices may still be the most powerful tools we have for a longer, healthier life.💡 Got a science topic you'd love Professor Luke to cover?Email your suggestions to [email protected] – your idea might feature in a future episode!
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About Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill

Have you ever wondered why we laugh or if you can really die of a broken heart? Join Professor Luke O'Neill on ‘Show Me the Science’ as he tackles a different issue each week; from the serious to the silly, all explained through science. This Newstalk production will open the world of science to people of all ages. New episodes every Thursday. Show me the Science is with thanks to B Braun. Listen and subscribe to Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.   You can also listen to Newstalk live on newstalk.com or on Alexa, by and asking: 'Alexa, play Newstalk'
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