Naturally Speaking

IBAHCM

The Naturally Speaking podcast is a science pod-yssey that provides cutting-edge research and ecology chat from the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine at the University of Glasgow.

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100 episodes
Updated April 18

Episodes100

Newest first

Apr 22, 2015 · 10 min
Episode 22 – Small, beautiful and wet: researching freshwater invertebrate communities
What happens to a river when it is polluted or invaded by non-native species? Can they be restored to their previous state or are the communities and functional groups permanently altered? How does the ecology change? These are the questions driving University of Glasgow and IBIS researcher Dr Jennifer Dodd. An aquatic ecologist “with a bent towards freshwater”, Jennifer has been fascinated by aquatic systems since she was old enough to wear a pair of “wellies” and go grubbing around in rivers looking for the small things: a childhood enchantment she has turned into a successful and varied career. Join us as we discuss everything from killer shrimp to jewellery, and get an insight into Jennifer’s fascinating research. Jennifer with an impressive adult trout! (source: supplied) Episode 22: Small, beautiful and wet: researching freshwater invertebrate communities. Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content, or just our podcasts. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod [CC BY 3.0]
Apr 9, 2015 · 20 min
Episode 20 – Where the land runs forever: Fifty years studying the Serengeti ecosystem
Known for its vastness and incredible wildebeest migration, the Serengeti ecosystem in East Africa continues to captivate both tourists and scientists alike. Professor Tony Sinclair of the University of British Columbia joins Laurie Baker to talk about how his interest in biology at a young age sparked a lifetime studying the history and biology of one of the world’s most highly treasured ecosystems. Tune in to this episode of Naturally Speaking Shorts as Tony takes us on a remarkable personal journey studying this ecosystem, recounting some of the trials and tribulations as well as the adventures and successes of his life’s work. Tony Sinclair: 50 years of study have shown how the Serengeti ecosystem is connected. Episode 20- Where the Land Runs Forever Check out more of the story here: Serengeti Story Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive our latest podcasts here
Apr 1, 2015 · 12 min
Episode 19 – Ecology of Ageing and Immunity, Interview with Mark Haussmann and Simon Babayan
In this instalment of Naturally Speaking Shorts we present a double-interview as Shaun Killen chats with Prof Mark Haussmann (Bucknell University) and Dr Simon Babayan (University of Glasgow). Mark studies the physiological and ecological factors underlying ageing in animals, while Simon studies how ecology interacts with the mechanics of the immune system in wild and laboratory animals. Why do some animal species age faster than others? How do parasites control their hosts? In this short episode, listen as Mark and Simon touch on these issues and offer some advice to aspiring young scientists. Don’t forget you can subscribe to automatically receive all our latest content, or just our podcasts. Episode 19 – The Ecology of Ageing and Immunity Simon Babayan (right), University of Glasgow Mark Haussmann, Bucknell University
Mar 25, 2015 · 17 min
Episode 18 – On the Wings of a Giant, Interview with Richard Phillips (British Antarctic Survey)
This is the first in our series of Naturally Speaking Shorts where we interview visiting and IBAHCM researchers about their work and how they ended up in science. In this episode, we interview University of Glasgow alumnus, Dr. Richard Phillips (British Antarctic Survey), about his work with albatrosses in South Georgia and his advice for young ecologists entering the field. Richard Phillips with an albatross on Bird Island, South Georgia. © Richard Phillips Tune in to hear Richard discuss his team’s exciting research findings about these iconic birds and the biggest threats to their populations. Episode 18: On the Wings of a Giant, Interview with Richard Phillips (British Antarctic Survey) Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Mar 17, 2015 · 19 min
Special – The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (Naturally Speaking with theGIST)
This is the first in our series of joint podcasts with theGIST, a student science magazine, blog, podcast and YouTube channel run by students from the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde . In this episode, we interviewed Prof. Ted Leighton, the former director of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, after he gave a talk to the Institute in February. Miss it? Don’t worry, tune in to hear Prof. Leighton discuss a range of subjects, from his work with the CWHC to his experiences helping develop wildlife disease monitoring capacity in Sri Lanka. The gray jay (Perisoreus canadensis), the chosen logo of the CWHC. Dan Strickland at the English language Wikipedia [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
Feb 11, 2015 · 31 min
Episode 17 – Social Media and Science Communication
Episode 17 – Social Media and Science Communication In the latest instalment in our Survivor’s Guide to Academia, we discuss how researchers can use social media to connect with other scientists, and more importantly, the general public. Shaun Killen asks James Grecian, Jim Caryl, and Jamie Gallagher about their experiences with using social media, the various platforms that are available, and how the aspiring social media mogul can get started. We also chat about some common mistakes when first venturing on-line, and ways that using social media can help your time budget instead of hindering it. There are also a range of additional resources for finding out more about the basics of social media in academics: The British Ornithologist’s Union’s Guides on Social Media A great journal article by David Shiffman on how to use Twitter in a conference setting. The Oregon State University Superfund Research Program has a comprehensive set of resources for social media for scientists. Jim Caryl has an excellent resource on developing a digital footprint covering social media and research profiles as well. There are also some high profile and useful social media phenoms that are worth checking out: Biotweeps Realscientists #realtimechem, showing the day to day live of chemists I F*cking Love Science Our own Sjurdur Hammer, who has done a great job of setting up and promoting #seabirdsaturday, which acts to bring seabird researchers from across the globe together to talk about their research. And, of course, Jamie Gallagher’s famous periodic table. Intro and outro music sampled from: “The Curtain Rises” and “Early Riser” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Oct 20, 2014 · 35 min
Episode 16 – Gender inequality in Science
LEGO responded to criticisms of gender bias by releasing an all female Research Institute set. David Pickett [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr. This latest episode of the Naturally Speaking podcast explores the increasingly prominent issue of gender inequality in science and engineering. With the help of four Institute researchers: Prof. Dan Haydon, Dr Michelle Bellingham, Dr Winnie Boner and Dr Richard Orton, we first explore the evidence for women being underrepresented in scientific research and why this bias exists. Then, we discuss the Athena Swan Charter and the action we can take to reverse this bias and promote more diverse working environments.
Jun 17, 2014 · 26 min
Episode 15 – The Science of Jaws: from shark attacks to marine biology!
The ‘Expert panel’ Deborah McNeill, David Bailey, Shaun Killen, and Zara Gladman (moderating). ©Mary Ryan In this episode, we feature a Q&A discussion that followed a recent screening of the 1975 film Jaws held at the Glasgow film theatre as part of the 2014 Glasgow Science Festival. Dr David Bailey, Dr Deborah McNeill and Dr Shaun Killen are the experts answering the questions and exploring the relative risk of shark attacks, the impact of overfishing and the realities of being a marine biologist! This event was sponsored by the British Ecological Society. Not to add a spoiler, but I think we can conclude that it is safe to go in the water… Episode 15- The Science of Jaws Great white shark at Isla Guadalupe, Mexico. Terry Goss [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.
May 20, 2014 · 29 min
Episode 14 – Linking science and policy
The Scottish Parliament Buildings, where many of the policy decisions affecting the institute are made. Bernt Rostad [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr. Science is awesome, but how do you ensure your science is relevant? We got thinking about this after reading a comment piece offering tips on interpreting scientific claims published in Nature by Bill Sutherland and colleagues. The Guardian then produced a response listing tips academics should know about policy making. In this episode of Naturally Speaking, the two James’ chat about communicating science into policy with colleagues from across the Institute. Asking: how do you link research with fisheries management? How does science inform rabies policy in the developing world? And how do we get scientific findings to policy makers? With us to discuss these topics are: Sophie Elliott, David Bailey, Rodney Beard, Lisa Boden and Katie Hampson Episode 14 – Linking science and policy
Nov 27, 2013 · 52 min
Episode 13 – The Science of Jurassic Park
This episode marks the first in a series in which we discuss the science behind some of our favourite science fiction movies. Why start with Jurassic Park? Well, it’s loaded with sciencey concepts, but this year is also 20 years (!) since it was first released and so we thought it would be a good time to check back on how it holds up. Joining the chat in this episode are Rod Page, Barbara Mable, Kirstyn Brunker, Julie Nati, , James Buckely, Darryl McLennan, and Shaun Killen. Episode 13 – The Science of Jurassic Park (Feature image of a T-Rex at Universal Studios “Jurassic Park”. Scott Kinmartin [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr.)
Oct 27, 2013 · 26 min
Episode 12 – Research Roundup: Bacteria in Chicken Eggs, Antioxidants and Lifespan, and Maternal Effects on Growth in Salmon
In this Research Roundup episode we summarise three recent research papers published by Institute members. First we discuss Maureen Bain’s recent work examining the extent to which bacteria may pass through the shells of the chicken eggs we use for food. We then chat about Colin Selman’s recent paper showing that dietary antioxidant supplements may actually decrease lifespan in some animal populations. We then finish up by reviewing Tim Burton’s research examining maternal effects on early growth trajectories in Atlantic salmon. We also touch on whether or not the titles of academic papers have become too “spoilerific”, patent a foolproof device for measuring E. coli levels in grocery store eggs, and propose that living with your parents until your middle age might actually be an optimal life-history strategy. Episode 12 – Research Roundup: Bacteria in Chicken Eggs, Antioxidants and Lifespan, and Maternal Effects on Growth in Salmon Papers Discussed: MM Bain, K McDade, R Burchmore, A Law, PW Wilson, M Schmutz, R Preisinger, IC Dunn. 2013. Enhancing the egg’s natural defence against bacterial penetration by increasing cuticle deposition. Animal Genetics. 44:661-668 C Selman, JS McLaren, AR Collins, GG Duthie, JR Speakman. 2013. Deleterious consequences of antioxidant supplementation on lifespan in a wild-derived mammal. Biology letters 9 (4) Tim Burton, S. McKelvey, D. C. Stewart, J. D. Armstrong, and N. B. Metcalfe 2013. Early maternal experience shapes offspring performance in the wild. Ecology 94:618–626. http://dx.doi.org/10.1890/12-0462.1
Jun 24, 2013 · 24 min
Episode 11 part 2: The Science of Zombies Studio Chat and Follow up!
In the second part of this episode, James Grecian, James Buckley, and Shaun Killen are joined by institute PhD student Darryl McLennan to expand on some of the topics raised in the live show (listen here), and to banter about all kinds of other topics ranging from the effects of climate change on zombies to whether or not zombies have telomeres. As it turns out, zombies are an amazing platform for talking about all kinds of topics in biology. Grab a nice bowl of brains, sit back, and have a listen! Episode 11b: Science of Zombies in Studio Chat and Follow Up (Feature image: “Turn back infected” by Kevin Tao [CC BY-ND 2.0], via Flickr.)
Jun 24, 2013 · 24 min
Episode 11 part 1: The Science of Zombies Live Show!
© Glasgow Science Festival In this very special episode we chat about the science of zombie-ism! Could zombies actually exist? Do zombies sleep? We discuss all this and more! The first part of this episode contains the recording from a live event during the Glasgow Science festival, which took place at Nice ‘n Sleazy’s pub here in Glasgow. In this event, moderated by a totally scarifying Zara Gladman, Shaun Killen and Rowland Kao took audience questions regarding zombies and zombie outbreaks. As it turns out, zombies are an amazing platform for talking about all kinds of topics in biology. In part 2 of this episode, we discuss all kinds of other zombie-related in ssues in science, including the affect of climate change on zombie-ism, how to tag andtrack zombie movements, and whether or not zombies have telomeres. Grab a nice bowl of brains, sit back, and have a listen! Episode 11a: Science of Zombies Live Show
May 1, 2013 · 30 min
Episode 10 – Understanding Infectious Disease
Hello and welcome to our 10th podcast! Child with dog © Jo Halliday In this episode we talk with Jo Halliday and Sunny Townsend about their research into epidemiology, the study of patterns, causes and effects of disease. Jo talks us through her work on the transmission of disease between people and livestock in Tanzania, and her recent paper in Philospohical Transactions of the Royal Society B. Sunny explains her work on the spread and transmission of rabies, and a recent paper in the journal Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Episode 10 – Understanding Infectious Disease Enjoy! Woman with livestock © Jo Halliday
Jan 29, 2013 · 30 min
Episode 9 – Spatial Ecology Spectacular
African elephant © James Grecian 2007 How do we understand and quantify the way animals move and interact with their environment? In the first podcastt of 2013 we talk with Grant Hopcraft and Jason Matthiopoulos who have recently joined IBAHCM and are both interested in spatial and movement ecology. Grant talks us through his work in the Serengeti and a recent paper in the Journal of Animal Ecology examining the role of body size in determining the distribution of grazers in this large grassland ecosystem. Jason then explains how to approach analysing this type of data, and we discuss his recent paper in Ecology describing how generalised functional responses can be used to examine species distributions. Episode 9 – Spatial Ecology Spectacular Enjoy!
Dec 19, 2012 · 32 min
Episode 8 – How to get research funding
In the last podcast of 2012 we discuss how to source research funding and how to write successful grant proposals. Tune in for some top tips and advice from Barbara Mable, Neil Metcalfe and Kathy Dunlop! £2 coin released to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth CGP Grey [CC BY 2.0], via Flickr. Episode 8 – How to get research funding There are hundreds of organisations that fund research, but here are a few links to the organisations mentioned in this episode: British Ecological Society Society for Conservation Biology Society for Experimental Biology Genetics Society Peoples Trust for Endangered Species Glasgow Natural History Society European Research Council Natural Environment Research Council British Antarctic Survey Marie Curie Fellows Association The Leverhulme Trust The Royal Society Kathy also talks about her work with the The Clipperton Project.
Oct 21, 2012 · 27 min
Episode 7 – Fish Evolutionary Biology, Physiology, and Schooling Behaviour
After a bit of a hiatus during the summer we’re back with a somewhat fish-themed episode in which we talk with two new faculty members in the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine at the University of Glasgow. Listen as Kevin Parsons talks about his work looking at the evolutionary biology of fishes, and Shaun Killen tells us about his work in fish physiological ecology and schooling behaviour. Episode 7 – Fish Evolutionary Biology, Physiology, and Schooling Behaviour © Shaun Killen
Jul 29, 2012 · 29 min
Episode 6 – Research Round Table: Foraging Gannets, Stickleback Growth, and Self-Fertilization
In this Research Round Table episode we discuss three recent research papers from within the institute: a paper by James Grecian and colleagues examining sex-based differences in foraging behaviour in gannets; a study by Who-Seung Lee, Pat Monaghan, and Neil Metcalfe studying the costs of rapid growth in sticklebacks; and a paper by Annabelle Haudry, Barbara Mable and colleagues investigating the consequences of self-fertilization for genetic diversity in plants. Episode 6 – Research Roundtable: Gannet Foraging, Stickleback Growth, and Self-Fertilization © Shaun Killen Papers Discussed: Stauss C, Bearhop S, Bodey TW, Garthe S, Gunn C, Grecian WJ, Inger R, Knight ME, Newton J, Patrick SC, Phillips RA, Waggit JJ, and Votier SC (2012) Sex-specific foraging behaviour in northern gannets Morus bassanus: incidence and implications. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 457:151-162 Lee, W-S, Monaghan P, and Metcalfe NB (2012) The pattern of early growth trajectories affects adult breeding performance. Ecology 93:902–912 Haudry A., Zha HG, Stift M, and Mable BK (2012), Disentangling the effects of breakdown of self-incompatibility and transition to selfing in North American Arabidopsis lyrata. Molecular Ecology, 21: 1130–1142
Jun 17, 2012 · 29 min
Episode 5 – How to Survive a Conference
With several big conferences rapidly approaching, many students will find themselves at their first scientific conference this summer! In this edition of the Survivor’s Guide to Academia, David Bailey, Rob Critchlow, Zara Gladman, and Shaun Killen chat about how to survive a conference. “Piled Higher and Deeper” by Jorge Cham http://www.phdcomics.com Tune in for tips on talks and posters, effective networking, making the most out of social events and other tales of conference hilarity and awkwardness! Episode 5 – How to Survive a Conference
Jun 5, 2012 · 18 min
Episode 4 – Glasgow Science Festival Special!
Today marks the start of Glasgow Science Festival, which runs from 5th-17th June and features an array of events across the city to suit all ages and tastes, from knit-a-microbe workshops to geometric acrobatics! The festivities kick off tonight with a celebration of 2012’s Transit of Venus. Reproduced with permission from Glasgow Science Festival. In this Naturally Speaking: Festival Special, James Buckley speaks to three event leaders, Kathy Dunlop, Cat O’Connor and Zara Gladman for a taste of what’s to come! Tune in for coral art, video games, comedy and more… Episode 4 – Glasgow Science Festival Special