SciLux

#126 The Science of Sleep: Melatonin, GABA receptors and more with Prof. Ulf Ellervik

In our fast-paced world, sleep often takes a backseat to our busy schedules. But what exactly is it and what compounds help us fall asleep or keep awake? In the latest episode of our podcast, we talked with Ulf Ellervik, a Swedish professor of bio-organic chemistry at Lund University and the author of 'The Science of Sleep.' As we explore the various stages of sleep – light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep – Ulf explains how each phase plays a vital role in our overall health. For instance, deep sleep is essential for physical recovery, while REM sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and creativity. One of the most intriguing aspects of the discussion is the impact of modern inventions on our sleep patterns (also part of our usual pub quiz question!). Ulf notes that today, we sleep on average around two hours less than we did a hundred years ago – a figure widely cited in sleep research, though not without debate among some scientists. Caffeine, a common go-to for many, is also discussed in detail. Ulf explains how caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, which are responsible for making us feel sleepy. While it can provide a temporary boost in alertness, it does not alleviate sleep pressure. This means that while we may feel awake, our bodies still crave rest. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding our circadian rhythms and the dangers of relying on sleep medications. Ulf Ellervik's insights are not only informative but also serve as a reminder to prioritise our sleep in a world that often encourages us to do more and rest less. Tune in now to discover how you can improve your sleep and overall well-being! USEFUL LINKS More about Ulf Ellervik: https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/ulf-ellervik/ Ulf Ellervik's 'Science of Sleep': https://www.amazon.com/Science-Sleep-Ulf-Ellervik/dp/1493093363 Support the show

#125 The Brain's Moral Compass: Investigating Obedience and Resistance through Field Research with Prof. Emilie Caspar

Can neuroscience shed light on why some individuals choose to obey harmful orders while others risk their lives to save others? In this SciLux episode Prof. Emilie Caspar at Ghent University shares her groundbreaking field research in Rwanda and Cambodia, exploring the mechanisms of obedience and resistance during genocides. Throughout the episode, Emilie talks about her experiences of gaining trust within communities, working with NGOs, and the logistical hurdles of transporting EEG equipment to remote locations – all while making the case for the importance of field study. We also talk about the impact of empathy, sense of agency and the feeling of guilt, as well as the influence of group dynamics. USEFUL LINKS Emilie Caspar's blog: https://emiliecaspar.home.blog/ Emilie's book 'Just Following Orders': https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/just-following-orders/678F06FDADFE89B9155F3A4907AB5660 Milgram experiment: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milgram_experiment More about Rwandan genocide in Jean Hatzfeld's book 'Machete Season': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machete_Season jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis. Support the show

#124 Diagnosing the Future: Proteins, Biosensors and Fundamental Science with Prof. Eleonora Macchia

Can a single drop of blood tell you whether you'll develop pancreatic cancer — before any symptoms appear? Prof. Eleonora Macchia is working to make that a reality. This week on SciLux, we dig into biosensors, the science of proteins, and the surprising path from organic transistors to clinical trials. What you'll learn: Why the proteome is medicine's great unknown How current tests (ELISA, lateral flow) fail at ultra-low concentrations, and what SiMoT technology does differently What it actually means to detect a single molecule in a patient's blood sample Why AI in diagnostics is only as good as the physicist standing behind the data How chemometrics – AI's "old-fashioned cousin" – underpins the whole approach Key Themes: Frontier research and ERC funding advocacy Single-molecule biosensing and the SiMoT technology Preventive medicine vs. reactive diagnosis AI, chemometrics, and data quality Circular health and multidisciplinary science Gender balance in research careers Guest: Prof. Eleonora Macchia, University of Bari & Åbo Akademi University USEFUL LINKS More about Prof. Eleonora Macchia: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tj6pKhAAAAAJ&hl=en ERC Ambassadors: https://erc.europa.eu/news-events/news/network-ambassadors-erc-expands More about SiMoT: https://theanalyticalscientist.com/issues/2024/articles/apr/the-single-molecule-sensor University of Bari: https://www.uniba.it/en Åbo Akademi University: https://www.abo.fi/en/ jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis. Support the show

#123 Climate Chronicles with Dr. Sophie Nuber

This month SciLux sits down with Dr. Sophie Nuber, a Luxembourgish climate and marine scientist at the University of Washington and keynote speaker at the Young Women's Conference Luxembourg. Sophie specialises in using natural archives, including corals and foraminifera, to reconstruct historical climate data and better understand modern climate change. What you'll hear about: Marine archives and paleoclimate research – How coral skeletons and foraminifera shells preserve centuries of climate data, and why scientists rely on them to contextualise today's environmental changes. Understanding climate change through history – Sophie explains why historical climate perspective is essential: without knowing where we've been, we can't fully grasp how far we've deviated from natural norms. Climate communication and public emotion – Sophie addresses why climate science provokes fear, confusion, and denial – and how scientists can present evidence in ways that inform rather than overwhelm. A call to action – Sophie encourages listeners to engage with climate science critically and empathetically, seek credible sources, and understand that informed citizens are the foundation of effective climate policy. USEFUL LINKS Sophie Nuber's profile: https://www.ocean.washington.edu/home/Sophie_Nuber Young Women's Conference Luxembourg: https://www.ywc.lu/ More about La Benida Hui: https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2025/05/24/2003837408 An Inconvenient Truth, film written by Al Gore: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Inconvenient_Truth jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis. Support the show

#122 The Skin We’re In: Microfluidics, Bubbles, and Healthcare Solutions with Prof. David Fernández Rivas

In this episode, we sit down with Professor David Fernández Rivas from the University of Twente to talk about what engineering actually means – and why you don't need a formal qualification to think like one. Professor Rivas then takes us through microfluidics and the science of bubbles – and how both are opening doors in medicine, from needle-free injections to medical tattoos. We also talk about what it looks like when researchers take their work beyond the lab, and why Professor Rivas thinks there's a real responsibility to make sure discoveries actually reach the people who need them. Key themes: What engineering really means, and who gets to call themselves one Why modern science needs people who can work across fields Microfluidics and its role in biomedical technology The science of bubbles and where it leads Needle-free injection systems – the challenges and the breakthroughs When scientists become entrepreneurs USEFUL LINKS David's website: https://david-fernandez-rivas.com/ University of Twente: https://www.utwente.nl/en/ David Fernández Rivas's Book: Empathic Entrepreneurial Engineering: https://empathic-engineering.com/ Bubble Gun, EU-NWO funded projects: https://bubble-gun.eu/ FlowBeams: https://flowbeams.com/ Events: https://futureunderourskin.com/ https://david-fernandez-rivas.com/initiatives-projects-fuos/ Frozen Bubbles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-3Iy76DsDE jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis. Support the show

#121 Nature's Balance. Hummingbirds, Other Pollinators and Biodiversity with Prof. Ainhoa Magrach

Ever wondered why scientists keep talking about biodiversity? In this episode, Professor Ainhoa Magrach from Spain's BC3 Basque Centre for Climate Change reveals why diverse ecosystems are the foundation of everything. Think of biodiversity as nature's shock absorber. Professor Magrach uses a brilliant analogy: diversifying your ecosystem is like diversifying your investment portfolio – it protects against crashes. When heatwaves hit or droughts strike, diverse ecosystems bounce back while simplified ones collapse. That's not just good for nature; it's essential for human survival. You'll discover surprising facts about the hidden world of pollinators (did you know hummingbirds are crucial pollinators too?), learn why monoculture farming is biodiversity's enemy, and find out what practical steps farmers and citizens can take right now to make a difference. Key themes: The biodiversity-stability connection explained simply Why native species matter for your local ecosystem The fascinating world of pollinators beyond honeybees Agricultural practices that harm vs. help biodiversity What REDD+ means for forest conservation How citizen science empowers everyday people Your power to influence environmental policy USEFUL LINKS Basque Centre for Climate Change: https://www.bc3research.org/en/ Ainhoa's website: https://www.ainhoamagrach.com/ iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/ eBird: https://ebird.org/home jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis. Support the show

#120 AI Awakening: Navigating Europe's Role in the Future of Machine Learning with Prof. Søren Hauberg

The AI research landscape may be fracturing along geopolitical lines. What does this mean for European innovation? Professor Søren Hauberg from Danish Technical University tackles these questions in our latest episode, recorded live at EurIPS, a community-driven conference that made world-class AI research accessible to Europe by showcasing papers accepted at NeurIPS. The gap between machine learning research and deployment has collapsed to months, creating unprecedented opportunities. And that's why organising such a conference as EurIPS and having Søren on our show is very timely. Topics covered: European AI research Research-to-deployment pipelines in machine learning Computer vision vs. machine learning Academia-industry partnerships in AI development AI ethics and rapid deployment risks Public engagement and AI researchers ERC Consolidator Grant Recorded live at the inaugural EurIPS conference, this conversation connects technical AI research with policy implications. USEFUL LINKS EurIPS: https://eurips.cc/ NeurIPS: https://neurips.cc/ More about Søren Hauberg: https://www2.compute.dtu.dk/~sohau/ jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis. Support the show

#119 The Silent Struggle: Endometriosis and Its Impact with Dr. Marina Kvaskoff

In this episode, we look into the complexities of endometriosis with Dr. Marina Kvaskoff, a researcher who works in the Epidemiology of Gynecological Health Team of the Center for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health in Villejuif, France. Dr. Kvaskoff explains what endometriosis is, how it affects women's lives, and the significant delay in diagnosis that many women face. She elaborates on the various symptoms, the impact on quality of life, and the misconceptions surrounding menstrual pain. Dr. Kvaskoff also discusses the importance of awareness and education regarding the menstrual cycle, as well as the need for better training for healthcare professionals. We explore the various treatment options available, the role of lifestyle adjustments, and the significance of research in understanding the disease. With insights into the current state of endometriosis research, including the challenges of funding and the importance of patient participation, this episode takes a closer look at a condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women. USEFUL LINKS More about Dr. Marina Kvaskoff: https://www.marinakvaskoff.com/index.php/en-us/ Endometriosis Foundation: https://www.theendometriosisfoundation.org/ World Endometriosis Society: https://www.worldendosociety.org/ ESHRE, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology: https://www.eshre.eu/ Participate in the COMPARE endometriosis cohort: https://compare.aphp.fr/endometriose/ EPHect, Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project: https://ephect.org/ WES Mentoring Programme: https://www.worldendosociety.org/mentoring-grants-awards/mentoring Caroline Criado-Perez "Invisible Women": https://carolinecriadoperez.com/book/invisible-women/ jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis. Support the show

• Chapters

#118 Emergent Wonders, Gravity and Black Holes with Dr. Jay Armas

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jácome (Jay) Armas, a theoretical physicist who works at the Niels Bohr Institute (University of Copenhagen) and the University of Amsterdam. We spend time on the concept of emergence: how complex behaviour can arise from simple underlying rules in ways you couldn't predict just by looking at the components. Dr. Armas connects this to everything from physics to biology to social systems. The conversation also covers string theory and why some physicists moved from thinking about particles as points to viewing them as strings. We also get into why gravity is so hard to study at small scales and what we really know about black holes. And what a surprising pub quiz question Jay prepared for us! USEFUL LINKS More about Jay Armas: https://jacomearmas.org/ Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen: https://nbi.ku.dk/english/ University of Amsterdam: https://www.uva.nl/en Institute of Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam: https://ias.uva.nl/research-themes/foundations-and-methods/emergence/emergent-phenomena.html Science and Cocktails: http://www.scienceandcocktails.org/ Jay Armas' book about quantum gravity: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/conversations-on-quantum-gravity/09DF54D24DE7477F6459432540121B28 RELATED EPISODES Thermodynamics and Chemical Engines with Prof. Massimiliano Esposito and Dr. Emanuele Penocchio: https://www.scilux.eu/episodes/thermodynamics jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis. Support the show

#117 Tiny Transformations: Exploring the World of Nanomaterials with Prof. Katarzyna Siuzdak

Did you know that if you go down to nanoscale, the features of materials change completely? For example gold can have a completely different colour. It's not only aestheric, it can have profound implications in the material's applications. Want to be surprised even more? Listen to the first episode in our new 6th season in which we discuss nanomaterials with Prof. Katarzyna Siuzdak. Join us as we explore the transformative potential of nanotechnology and the exciting future it promises in energy and health. Tune in now! USEFUL LINKS Katarzyna Siuzdak on IMP PAN - https://www.imp.gda.pl/en/research-centres/o3/o3z5/staff/?tx_wecstaffdirectory_pi1[curstaff]=478 Katarzyna Siuzdak on Instagram (in Polish) - https://www.instagram.com/science_mission/ Website of Science Mission (in Polish) - https://science-mission.pl/ jingle track (get it) provided by mobygratis. Support the show

• Transcript

#116 People on the Move: The Impact of Migration on Economies with Prof. Catia Batista

Migration remains one of the most contentious and emotionally charged issues of our time. In this episode, we explore the evidence behind the debates with Catia Batista, Professor of Economics at Nova School of Business and Economics and Director of the Nova Africa Research Center. Professor Batista recently served as a visiting professor at LISER through the FNR's INTER Mobility programme. Professor Batista reframes migration as fundamentally about human well-being rather than mere statistics and border policies. Drawing on her extensive research, she challenges conventional wisdom on "brain drain" – the emigration of highly skilled workers from developing countries. Her findings reveal a paradox: the possibility of migration actually incentivizes greater educational investment at home, potentially creating a "brain gain" that benefits sending countries even after accounting for emigration losses. The conversation underscores the critical role of rigorous, evidence-based research in shaping migration policy. In an era where populist narratives and fear-driven rhetoric dominate political discourse, Professor Batista argues that researchers must strive to provide nuanced, data-driven insights that capture the complex realities of human mobility. USEFUL LINKS More about Prof. Catia Batista - https://catiabatista.org/ Nova School of Business and Economics - https://www.novasbe.unl.pt/en/ NOVAFRICA - https://novafrica.org/ LISER - https://www.liser.lu/ FNR's INTER Mobility programme - https://www.fnr.lu/funding-instruments/inter-mobility/ Support the show

#115 Gut Feelings: Understanding Microbiome Influence on Health with Prof. Paul Wilmes

The gut microbiome has become a hot topic in recent years, capturing the attention of scientists and the general public alike. In our latest podcast episode, we met with Professor Paul Wilmes, head of the Systems Ecology group at the Luxembourg Center for Systems Biomedicine (University of Luxembourg). He shares insights into the complexities of the microbiome, its role in human health, and the groundbreaking research being conducted in Luxembourg. One of the key highlights of the discussion is the impact of the gut microbiome on chronic diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease. Professor Wilmes discusses the ERC Proof of Concept grant he received to explore biomarkers that could detect early signs of Parkinson's disease through shifts in the gut microbiome. This research could pave the way for early interventions and better management of the disease. The conversation also touches on the factors that influence our microbiome, including diet, environment, and even the mode of delivery at birth. USEFUL LINKS Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine - https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/ More about Prof. Paul Wilmes - https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/people/paul-wilmes/ Human Microbiome Project - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Microbiome_Project MetaHIT - https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/201052/reporting ExpoBiome Project - https://www.uni.lu/lcsb-en/research-projects/expobiome-deciphering-the-impact-of-exposures-from-the-gut-microbiome-derived-molecular-complex-in-human-health-and-disease/ Support the show

#114 Can Data Help Manage Diabetes? (with Dr. Adam Hulman)

This episode features Dr. Adam Hulman, a mathematician with a PhD in epidemiology who specialises in bridging the gap between computer science and clinical research. Adam discusses the significant challenges involved in developing prediction models that actually work in real-world healthcare contexts, particularly in diabetes management. The conversation covers machine learning applications in medical settings, the complexities of training models with medical data, and the importance of clinical validation. Adam also shares insights about his research methodology, including his use of the LEGO Serious Play approach in scientific work. Adam's unique dual expertise in mathematics and epidemiology provides valuable perspectives on both the technical and practical aspects of healthcare data science. USEFUL LINKS: More about Adam Hulman: https://www.au.dk/en/adam.hulman@ph.au.dk/ Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus: https://www.stenoaarhus.dk/kontakt/Adam-Hulman/ LEGO Serious Play: https://www.lego.com/en-us/themes/serious-play/background Tripod: https://www.tripod-statement.org/ Support the show

#113 The Sun Affects Us All - Space Weather with Dr. Carl Shneider

Did you know Luxembourg is home to space weather experts? Space weather – a term that may sound unfamiliar to many – encompasses a broad range of solar phenomena that can significantly impact life on Earth and the technology we rely on daily. This is the specialisation of Dr. Carl Shneider from SnT (University of Luxembourg), whom we spoke with recently. One of the most fascinating aspects we discussed with Carl is the role of Earth's magnetic field in shielding us from solar radiation. He explained how the sun's magnetic field interacts with our own, creating a protective barrier that helps mitigate the effects of solar storms. However, when these storms are particularly intense, they can penetrate this shield, creating beautiful auroras but also posing potential hazards to our technology and infrastructure. Listeners will also learn about historical events, such as the Carrington Event of 1859, which caused widespread disruptions to telegraph systems and serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by solar activity. Carl emphasised that as our reliance on technology increases, so does our need for robust space weather monitoring and preparedness. USEFUL LINKS More about SnT: https://www.uni.lu/snt-en/ More about Carl Shneider: https://www.uni.lu/snt-en/people/carl-shneider/ Laschamp excursion - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laschamp_event Dynamo theory - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamo_theory Forbush decrease - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbush_decrease Goldilocks zone - https://science.nasa.gov/exoplanets/what-is-the-habitable-zone-or-goldilocks-zone/ 5 things: Space Weather - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrloxznL93s&pp=ygUNc3BhY2Ugd2VhdGhlcg%3D%3D SOHO - https://soho.nascom.nasa.gov/ Parker Solar Probe - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parker_Solar_Probe Swift Mission - https://science.nasa.gov/mission/swift/ LISA mission - https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/LISA/LISA_factsheet Books Carl talks about: *Bryan Gaensler, Extreme Cosmos: https://unsw.press/books/extreme-cosmos/ *Karel Schrijver, Living with the Stars: How the Human Body is Connected to the Life Cycles of the Earth, the Planets, and the Stars: https://academic.oup.com/book/34801 *Delores Knipp: Paper: Timelines as a tool for learning about space weather storms: https://www.swsc-journal.org/articles/swsc/full_html/2021/01/swsc200106/swsc200106.html Book: Understanding Space Weather and the Physics Behind It: https://spacetechnologyseries.com/books/Space-Weather.html Support the show

#112 Eating for Life: Talking Nutrition with Dr. Torsten Bohn

Let's look at what we eat - from a nutrition research perspective! Dr. Torsten Bohn, a food chemist and nutritionist heading the Nutrition and Health group at the Luxembourg Institute of Health, shares his insights on what constitutes a healthy diet, the challenges of adhering to dietary recommendations in real life, and the impact of modern dietary trends. We explore the complexities of food bioactives, the significance of the gut microbiome, and how our understanding of nutrition is evolving in light of new research. Torsten discusses the role of dietary fiber, and how lifestyle factors can influence our overall health. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to diet and nutrition, addressing the gaps between scientific recommendations and everyday eating habits. With a keen focus on food security and sustainability, we also touch on the future of food production and the potential of novel foods in meeting the nutritional needs of a growing global population. As we wrap up, don't miss our pub quiz question that challenges you to consider the role of nutrition in determining lifespan. USEFUL LINKS About Torsten Bohn: https://researchportal.lih.lu/en/persons/torsten-bohn Luxembourg Institute of Health: https://www.lih.lu/en/ Diet and Gut Microbiota by Dr. Torsten Bohn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8l8EPjI3Lg The EAT Lancet report: https://eatforum.org/eat-lancet-commission/ Support the show

#111 From Primes to Privacy: Number Theory and Cryptography with Prof. Jennifer Balakrishnan and Tim Seuré

What exactly is number theory, and what drives researchers to dedicate their careers to this field? How does this seemingly abstract branch of mathematics connect to the cryptography that secures our digital world? A couple of weeks ago, Luxembourg hosted the 33rd Journées Arithmétiques, providing us with the perfect opportunity to explore these questions. We sat down with two mathematicians: a visiting researcher and a local expert, offering insights from both international and Luxembourg-based perspectives. Our first guest is Prof. Jennifer Balakrishnan from Boston University, who led the team that cracked the notorious "cursed curve" problem. We couldn't resist discussing it and learning more from Jennifer about current big questions. We also explored the mathematical foundations of cryptography with Tim Seuré, a PhD student at the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg, focusing on fully homomorphic encryption. USEFUL LINKS: More about Prof. Jennifer Balakrishnan: https://math.bu.edu/people/jbala/ Quanta Magazine article about cracking the "cursed curve": https://www.quantamagazine.org/mathematicians-crack-the-cursed-curve-20171207/ 33rd Journées Arithmétiques: https://www.uni.lu/fstm-en/conferences/ja25/ Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search: https://www.mersenne.org/ Support the show

#110 Insights into Colorectal Cancer Research with Prof. Elisabeth Letellier and Dr. Mina Tsenkova

In this episode, Professor Elisabeth Letellier from the University of Luxembourg and Dr. Mina Tsenkova, now at Amgen in California, discuss colorectal cancer research and ketogenic diet. Mina won the Rolf Tarrach Award 2024 for her PhD thesis. The discussion centers around the critical role of the gut microbiome in cancer development, specifically how diet influences this relationship. Mina shares insights from her award-winning PhD research on the ketogenic diet and its effects on colorectal cancer, while Elisabeth provides an overview of the disease itself and the rising incidence among younger populations. Together, they explore the complexities of diet, microbiome interactions, and the challenges of translating research into clinical practice. USEFUL LINKS Rolf Tarrach Award for Dr. Mina Tsenkova - https://www.uni.lu/research-en/events/rolf-tarrach-award-2024/ Amgen - https://www.amgen.com/ Science in Colours - Mina Tsenkova - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGhgWsezc7c Support the show

#109 From Rocks to Rescue: The Science of Asteroids and Planetary Defense with Dr. Patrick Michel

Dr. Patrick Michel, senior researcher at CNRS and global fellow at the University of Tokyo, discusses how our understanding of asteroids has evolved dramatically since the mid-1990s. Early research relied on reflected light observations, but space missions have revealed asteroids as complex geological worlds with diverse shapes and structures. Patrick reflects on this transition from limited knowledge to groundbreaking missions that reveal the intricate features of these celestial bodies. The episode also covers Asteroid Day, celebrated annually on June 30th, which commemorates the 1908 Tunguska event when an asteroid explosion destroyed a large area of Siberian forest. Moreover, Patrick recounts the successful DART mission, which tested asteroid deflection techniques and demonstrated humanity's first deliberate alteration of a celestial body's trajectory. He introduces also the Hera mission, designed to investigate the aftermath of the DART impact on asteroid Dimorphos, gathering crucial data on asteroid composition and structure. USEFUL LINKS Hera mission - https://www.heramission.space/ More about Dr. Patrick Michel - https://www.oca.eu/michel/ DART mission - https://science.nasa.gov/mission/dart/ NASA’s OSIRIS-REx - https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex/ Asteroid Foundation - https://asteroidfoundation.org/ Support the show

#108 The Lifecycle of Change: Sustainability Strategies with Dr. Thomas Gibon

Dr. Thomas Gibon from the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology breaks down why our assumptions about "green" technology are often wrong. Electric cars, hydrogen fuel, steel production – Thomas shows how Life Cycle Assessment reveals the hidden environmental costs that many don't talk about. The conversation cuts through the usual green-tech hype. That electric car? Its environmental impact depends on how the electricity gets made and where the lithium comes from. Hydrogen as a clean fuel? Not if you're using fossil fuels to produce it. Beyond the technical analysis, Thomas tackles the harder question: how do we build a low-carbon future that people actually want to live in? The discussion moves from engineering assessments to the social and political realities of climate action – because the best technology in the world won't matter if nobody wants to use it. USEFUL LINKS More about Dr. Thomas Gibon's research: https://scholar.google.no/citations?user=I3ATYsQAAAAJ&hl=no Articles discussed: - Is green growth possible?: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13563467.2019.1598964 - How to make climate-neutral aviation fly: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-39749-y DISCUSSED EPISODES Hydrogen with Dr. Robin White: https://www.scilux.eu/episodes/hydrogen Urban Health with Dr. Camille Perchoux: https://www.scilux.eu/episodes/urban-health Empowering Communities with Dr. Gilles Evrard Essuman: https://www.scilux.eu/episodes/empowering-communities Support the show

#107 Revolutionising Orthopedic Care: The SmILE Project with Dr. Bernd Grimm and Prof. Arndt-Peter Schulz

In this episode, we connect with Dr. Bernd Grimm from the Luxembourg Institute of Health and Professor Arndt-Peter Schulz from Germany's Fraunhofer IMTE – two researchers revolutionising orthopedic medicine by looking into the fast developing field of smart implants - here comes the SmILE project. Musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis affect millions worldwide, yet barely register on our health radar. These conditions might not kill you, but they can devastate quality of life. That's why Dr. Grimm and Prof. Schulz would like to develop new smart implants which can help monitor and manage such diseases also creating a accessible database which can be used across the EU. But Dr. Grimm and Prof. Schulz also work on many other projects - listen to this episode to find out more! USEFUL LINKS More about SmILE project - https://www.horizon-smile.eu/ LIH - https://www.lih.lu/en/ Fraunhofer IMTE - https://www.imte.fraunhofer.de/en.html Support the show