Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill
Professor Luke O'Neill explores a different scientific topic each week, ranging from the serious to the silly. The podcast explains why we laugh, whether you can die of a broken heart, and more. It is a production of Newstalk, Ireland's national independent talk station. New episodes are released every Thursday.
Episodes
The Science of Plagues
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O’Neill looks at the science of plagues.
The Science of Ultra-Processed Foods
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at the science of ultra processed food
The Science of HYROX
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at the science of the exercise craze known as HYROX.
The Science of Breast Feeding
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at the science of Breast Feeding.
The Science of Celiac Disease
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at the science of Celiac disease.This is a listener request in from Monica Nolan.
The Science of ADHD
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at the science of ADHD.
The Science of Stings
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at the science of Stings.These include wasp, bee and nettle stings - a listener request that came in from Linda Crawford!
The Science of Vitamins
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at the science of vitamins.Should everyone be taking them, or are some unnecessary?
The Science of Morning Sickness
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at the science of morning sickness.
The Science of Sperm
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill on the science of sperm. Are sperm counts falling?
The Science of Cell Death
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill discusses the science of cell death…
The Science of Alzheimer’s
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill discusses the science of Alzheimer's disease.The World Health Organisation has issued guidelines on what you can do to decrease your risk...
The Science of Hantavirus
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill discusses the Hantavirus.
The Science of Forests
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill discusses the benefits of ‘forest bathing’ and spending time walking in a forest.Studies show it can reduce stress and anxiety, and that it stops rumination.Find out more about all of the benefits on this episode!
The Science of Football Fans
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the science of being a football fan.
The Science of Saliva
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill talks about the science of saliva!This is a listener request from Sarah from Kerry.
The Science of Cancer Cures
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill talks about a recent cancer conference in Chicago, where they announced some remarkable new results...
The Science of Wearables
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the science of wearables, from smart watches to smart rings.Are they useful to people overall?
The Science of Navigation
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the science of how animals navigate and find their way home. In particular, pigeons, and how the immune system helps them to navigate.
The Science of Ozempic
This week on Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the science of Ozempic, Mounjaro, GLP 1 and more broadly, the science of Peptides.
The Science of Ebola
This week on Show Me the Science, Luke O'Neill takes a look at the Ebola virus and the current outbreak happening in Africa.The current outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo virus. The last outbreak of the Bundibugyo virus was in 2012.What are the symptoms? Is there a vaccine? And is there a risk of the virus coming to Europe?
The Science of Exercise
The VHI Women's Mini Marathon is on this week, and on this episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the science of Exercise.Why is exercise good for us?What are the current guidelines?Is housework as good as a run for your heart?The impact on the brain after exercising.And how exercise can benefit your mental health.
The Science of Gut Health
This week on Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the science of the gut microbiome, how the health of your gut is important for your health overall and new findings on bacteria and cancers.
The Science of Saunas
This week on Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the science of saunas.How does taking a sauna benefit your health and mood, and exactly how much time should you spend in a sauna?
The Science of Sibling Rivalry
This week on Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the science of sibling rivalry.Does the order you come in your family influence your wealth and health prospects for life?
The Science of Osteoporosis
This week on Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the science of the human bone and diseases of the bone, including osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
The Science of Psoriasis
This week on Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O'Neill takes a look at the skin condition psoriasis.Psoriasis causes red patches of skin which are dry and flaky. It's prevalent on areas such as your scalp, elbows or knees. But you can get it anywhere on your body, and it's estimated that 5% of the population have some form of it.Luke has worked on this topic, and also has psoriasis...
The Science of the Artemis Moon Mission
This week, the Artemis Moon Mission, the first moon mission in over 50 years, landed safely back on Earth.On July 20th, 1969, Luke O’Neill was 5 years of age. He remembers vividly watching Neil Armstrong and Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin Jr landing on the Moon, and that inspired him to become a scientist.He filled up his copy books, after watching the landing, with rocket ships.There is a lot to talk
The Science of Music
We as humans have been listening to music for over forty thousand years, and recent research has shown that music is really beneficial for us.So, on this week's episode, Professor Luke O'Neill looks at four benefits you can get from music!
The Science of Snacks
On this episode of the podcast, and just in time for Easter, Professor Luke O'Neill is looking at the science of snacking.What are the main reasons why we snack? Why do we like a crunchy snack? And what is 'food noise'?
The Science of Meningitis
There has been an outbreak of meningitis centred in Kent, in the UK, in recent weeks.On this episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill explains why this has happened, and what the two types of meningitis are...
The Science of Transplanted Wombs
This week, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into one of the most remarkable stories in modern medicine: the birth of Hugo, the first child in the UK to be born from a womb transplanted from a deceased donor. His mother, Grace Bell, born without a womb due to MRKH syndrome, calls her baby son “simply a miracle.” Luke explores the incredible medical journey behind this milestone. The 10-hour womb t
The Science of St Patrick
With St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, Professor Luke O’Neill takes a closer look at the man behind the legend—and the science behind the stories. Drawing on Patrick’s own Confessio, Luke explores how the saint lived a long life, likely thanks to a mix of lifestyle and genetics. Could there have been two Patricks, Patricius and Palladius? Luke unpacks this theory and shares its surpris
The Science of Winter Sports
Winter sports look clean and crystalline on the surface. Snow, ice, precision, courage. But scratch that frozen surface and you find molecular biology doing quiet, mischievous work. In this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O'Neill takes us from the ski jump ramp to the veg aisle, via one of the strangest alleged performance hacks of the recent Winter Olympics. First stop: hyaluronic acid.
The Science of Cholesterol
Cholesterol has a reputation problem. We tend to think of it as the enemy, but your body makes it for a reason. Every cell membrane relies on it, and it’s the building block for key hormones like oestrogen, progesterone, and corticosteroids. You also get cholesterol from your diet. The real issue isn’t cholesterol itself — it’s where it ends up. In the early 1900s, pathologists examining peop
The Science of Sweat
Why do we sweat? And what secrets does it hold about our bodies? On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O'Neill dives into the fascinating science of sweat. From keeping our body temperature in check to signalling stress and even potential mate selection, sweat is far more than just water and salt. The podcast explores how sweat is made by specialized eccrine glands, originating from plasma i
The Science of Weather and Flood Forecasting
Weather forecasts are famously imperfect, but the science behind them is far cleverer than we usually give it credit for. In this week's podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill explores how weather forecasting works, and why floods remain one of the hardest things to predict. Luke isn’t a meteorologist — although he did briefly consider it in college — but too much physics put him off. Still, he’s an
The Science of Marathon Running
Why does the marathon push the human body to its absolute limits? And why do some people seem built to keep going when everyone else hits the wall? On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill takes a biochemical deep dive into marathon running, sparked by a listener’s request. The modern marathon may trace its roots back to Ancient Greece, but what happens inside the body during those 26.2 mile
The Science of Turmeric
Turmeric is everywhere – in teas, capsules, curry powders and health ads – but what does it actually do? On this week's podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill explores the science behind the golden root, explaining why it’s been used for centuries in Eastern medicine and what modern research tells us about its effects. We dive into curcumin, turmeric’s active ingredient, and learn how it fights infl
The Science of Lewy Body Dementia
This week on the podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill turns his attention to a condition that’s often misunderstood and far more common than many people realise: Lewy Body Dementia. Requested by listener Eben Stewart ahead of World Lewy Body Dementia Day on January 28th, the episode looks at what causes LBD, how it differs from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and why so many people are living with it
The Science of Taste
Why do some people love wine, while others can’t stand it? Why did Covid strip food of its pleasure for so many? And how much of what we call “taste” is really happening in the nose, the brain, and even our memories? This week's podcast takes on a listener-requested topic: the science of taste and flavour. Professor Luke O’Neill explains why taste is far more complex than the tongue alone, wi
The Science of the Current Flu Outbreak
Ireland, like much of Europe, is in the middle of a serious flu outbreak. This week’s podcast focuses on why this year’s influenza wave is hitting so hard, who is most at risk, and what actually helps. Professor Luke O’Neill explains why flu thrives in winter, spreading easily indoors where ventilation is poor. He outlines the classic flu symptoms — high temperature, severe fatigue, aches and
The Science of New Year Resolutions
Every January, millions of us promise that this will be the year we finally change our habits. We’ll sleep more, stress less, move our bodies, eat better, learn something new, or finally tackle the clutter that’s been quietly judging us from the corner of the room. But by spring, most of those resolutions are long forgotten. On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill digs into what resear
The Science of Kissing
For his Christmas podcast, Professor Luke dives into one of the oldest, strangest and most delightful human behaviours: kissing. And yes, there really are scientists who study it. Kissologists? Why not. Someone has to keep the flame of enquiry burning under the mistletoe. Kissing isn’t new. In fact, our primate ancestors may have been at it 21 million years ago. Humans, chimpanzees, bonobos a
The Science of the Hangover
It’s that time of year when the big nights out collide with the biological reality of the morning after… and Professor Luke is here to explain exactly what’s going on in your head, your liver and your rattled nervous system. Hangovers are ancient — literally. Chimps get tipsy on fermented fruit, so our ancestors were drinking alcohol millions of years before the first Christmas party. Humans
The Science of Haemochromatosis
This week, Professor Luke dives into a condition that affects Ireland more than almost anywhere else on Earth: haemochromatosis, the iron-overload disorder sometimes dubbed “the Celtic disease”. And we owe this one to two listeners, Kayden and Kari, who emailed Luke asking him to shine a light on it. Here’s the remarkable thing: 1 in 83 Irish people have haemochromatosis. Globally, it’s close
The Science of Cancer and the Immune System
This week, Professor Luke digs into one of the biggest questions in cancer research: how to train the immune system to hunt tumours. Immunotherapy already works in cancers like melanoma and lung cancer — but only 20–30% of patients respond. A major new study in Nature Medicine may shift that. It tracked more than a thousand patients and found that people who’d had the Covid-19 vaccine respond
The Science of the Large Hadron Collider
Ireland has finally joined CERN as an associate member, opening the doors of the world’s biggest scientific instrument to Irish researchers for the first time. And what a machine to step into. This week, Professor Luke takes us deep inside the Large Hadron Collider — the 27-kilometre, super-cooled, magnet-driven particle racetrack buried under the Franco-Swiss border, where protons are hurled arou
The Science of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Why do so many of us feel the gloom set in when the clocks go back and the days get short? In this week’s podcast, Luke O’Neill delves into the biology of Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, a form of depression that appears in winter and lifts again when the light returns. First identified about fifty years ago in northern Europe, SAD affects around one in every hundred people severely, and
The Science of Cellulitis
This week, Professor Luke O’Neill turns his microscope to a condition he knows all too well — cellulitis. It’s one of the most common bacterial infections there is, affecting about one in every 500 people each year. The skin turns red, swollen, and sore, and you might even feel flu-ish as your immune system fights back. Left untreated, it can spiral into sepsis, making early diagnosis vital.&
The Science of Hallowe’en
This week, Show Me The Science gets a little darker — and a little stranger. Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the science of Hallowe’en, tracing its roots back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, the ancient Irish celebration marking the start of winter — that “dead time” when the veil between worlds was said to thin. It’s not about ghosts and ghouls, Luke explains, but about remembering ance
The Science of Regulatory T Cells
Ever wondered what keeps your immune system in check when it starts misbehaving? On this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill explains the world of regulatory T cells—the immune system’s very own “military police.” These tiny guardians stop other cells from attacking the body, helping prevent autoimmune diseases and keeping us healthy. Luke takes us through the Nobel Prize-winning discoveri
The Science of Performance Enhancing Drugs
An Irish Olympian has decided to take a bold and controversial leap. Swimmer Shane Ryan has retired from conventional competition to join the Enhanced Games, a new event where athletes will be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs. In this week’s podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill looks at the science and the ethics behind this radical sporting experiment. The Games’ creator,
The Science of Accents
Taylor Swift has changed her accent over the years – and science can prove it. A quirky new study from the University of Minnesota analysed hours of Swift interviews to show how her voice shifted depending on what era she was in. For Professor Luke O’Neill, it’s the perfect excuse to dive into one of his favourite subjects: accents and dialects. From the five distinct dialects of Ireland to t
The Science of Phage
They look like alien spacecrafts under a microscope, but bacteriophages — viruses that infect and kill bacteria — could hold the key to one of the biggest medical challenges of our time: antibiotic resistance. First described more than a century ago, phages became a hot topic of research in the mid-20th century, especially in the Soviet Union, before slipping into obscurity with the rise of antibi
The Science of Extinction
Earth has always been a planet of comebacks. Life has thrived, collapsed, and reinvented itself in astonishing ways. Scientists call the five great wipe-outs of the past the “Big Five” – huge mass extinctions that reset the clock on life. Without them, we wouldn’t even be here to talk about it. This week, Luke O’Neill dives into what these extinction events can teach us - from the ancient Ord
The Science of Breast Milk
Breast milk is often called “nature’s first vaccine” and, in this week's podcast, Luke O’Neill explains why. From the moment a baby is born, its immune system is still immature and wide open to infection. Breast milk steps in as the baby’s first line of defence, passing on antibodies, immune cells and even the benefits of vaccines the mother has received.Luke explores how this “passive immunisatio
The Science of Type-1 Diabetes
Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the science behind Type-1 Diabetes for this week's podcast, answering a question from listener Sarah. Luke explains the key differences between Type-1 and other forms of diabetes, guiding us through the early symptoms—intense thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, vision issues, and nausea—and highlighting the serious long-term complications
The Science of Speech-making
Why do some speeches stick in your mind while others fade before the applause ends? In this unusual episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill swaps the lab for the lectern to reveal the science of captivating public speaking. Drawing on decades of experience addressing audiences from classrooms to conferences, Luke shares his top tips for giving speeches that resonate, whether it’s a
The Science of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) - has long baffled doctors and patients alike. It leaves people with crushing fatigue, brain fog, pain, sleep disturbance and a body that just won’t bounce back after even mild exertion. For too many sufferers, it’s meant years of being dismissed, neglected, or told it was all in their head. But the science is finally mov
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
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 wh
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 particu
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 evolv
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 pr
The Science of Hayfever
As Ireland basks in an unusual spell of hot weather, many are dealing with another less-welcome side effect of summer: hayfever. In this week’s episode of Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O’Neill unpacks the biology behind this common allergic reaction and explains the science that’s literally in the air.Luke explores what hayfever actually is – and clears up a common misconception: despite the
The Science Of The Shingles Vaccine
In this week’s episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke tackles a topic that has been requested: the shingles vaccine. Recent studies suggest that getting vaccinated not only decreases your risk of shingles but might also reduce the chances of developing dementia by 20% for those over 50. Luke dives into how the shingles vaccine works, explaining the underlying science behind the varicella
The Science Of The Manopause
In this week's episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke dives into the intriguing topic of "manopause." Is there really a parallel transition for men similar to women's menopause? Luke explores the scientific evidence behind the fatigue, depression, and libido changes reported by many men in their middle years.He juxtaposes this with the well-studied menopause in women, uncovering fascinatin
The Science Of Coffee
In this caffeinated episode of Show Me The Science, Luke dives into the fascinating world of coffee! From its rich history to its surprising health benefits, discover why this beloved brew has captured the hearts—and minds—of millions.Luke explores the science behind caffeine and how it keeps us alert by blocking adenosine in the brain. He unpacks the complex chemistry of coffee, revealing compoun
221. The Science Of Magnesium
In this episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke delves into the intriguing relationship between magnesium and sleep, sparked by a listener's request. Is there any truth to the claims that magnesium supplements can help you catch some Zs? Luke explores the essential role of magnesium in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body and how it affects processes like DNA replication and energy prod
220. The Science Of A.I
In this episode, Professor Luke dives into the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. From cutting-edge research to practical applications, the breakthroughs in AI are not only fascinating but potentially transformative.Discover how innovative tools like the 'co-scientist' AI could revolutionize scientific collaboration, and explore the unique educational potential of AI using histori
219. The Science Of Revision
In this week’s episode, Luke O'Neill dives into the fascinating science of revision just in time for the leaving cert exams! Discover essential tips to improve your study techniques and enhance your exam performance, whether you’re cramming or preparing ahead.Luke shares scientifically backed strategies, from the importance of planning and taking breaks to the benefits of methods like mind mapping
218. The Science Of Snake Venom
Thanks to St Patrick, we’re fine here in Ireland… However, around the world there are 140,000 deaths per year due to snake bites!New research has shown that a universal treatment for snake bites may soon be possible.How has an 18-year hobby of keeping pet snakes, turned into the basis for a universal anti-venom?This is episode 218 - The Science Of Snake Venom.
217. The Science Of Overindulgence
Over drinking, smoking and lack of exercise can cause major damage from an early age.Luke takes a look at what this does to our body & why we are less able to deal with it all as we get older.Lets dive in and find out how does overindulgence affect out Metal & physical health…
216. The Science Of Urine
We all know what it is, but why is this a fascinating subject to science?What is the urea cycle?How do we clear out the toxins?And why is the color so important?Welcome to episode 216: The Science Of Urine
215. The Science Of Lab Grown Meat
After recent new discoveries, Luke looks at The Science of Lab Grown Meat.You can now buy lab grown meat in pet food, but will it soon be in the shops for human consumption?Why is there massive investment in this new industry?And how is this lab grown meat saving the planet?
214. The Science Of Motor Neurone Disease
A very import request in this week, from Shane Conway.Shane’s mother has sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease.Such an important topic, so this week Luke looks at The Science of Motor Neurone Disease…
213. The Science Of Coeliac Disease
This week, it’s a request from Sean, in which he asks Luke to look at the Science Of Coeliac Disease.Lets dive in and look at how this family of proteins i.e. gluten can cause pain to the small intestine.Why does the immune system over react in response to gluten?1 in 100 people in Ireland have been diagnosed with it, but how can science help?This week, it’s the Science Of Coeliac Disease.
212. The Science Of Vaping
It’s getting banned in different parts of the world, so this week Luke looks at the science behind vaping…What does the science tell us about vapes?What chemical is causing the most damage?And are they less risky than smoking cigarettes?
211. The Science Of The European Research Council
Welcome to Episode 211 of The Science Of The Science.This week Luke looks at the European Research Council.What type of funding do they provide?Why is it important, particularly with the current state of science finding in America?And how can it help us here in Ireland?
