Leafing Through Science
Leafing Through Science
Podcast Description
Every two weeks, the new podcast series Leafing Through Science brings together host Hedi Young, Champalimaud Foundation neuroscientist and science communicator, with the authors behind some of the most fascinating non-fiction books in the life sciences. From new releases to timeless classics, we explore everything from the mysteries of consciousness and free will, to broken hearts, alien hands, and minds under siege. Expect page-turning ideas, head-spinning science, and stories that might just change how you see the world – and yourself.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores a wide range of topics within life sciences, including consciousness, bodily awareness, and neurological phenomena, as seen in episodes like the inaugural one with Moheb Costandi discussing his book Body Am I, which delves into the intricate sense of self and bodily ownership.
Every two weeks, the new podcast series Leafing Through Science brings together host Hedi Young, Champalimaud Foundation neuroscientist and science communicator, with the authors behind some of the most fascinating non-fiction books in the life sciences. From new releases to timeless classics, we explore everything from the mysteries of consciousness and free will, to broken hearts, alien hands, and minds under siege. Expect page-turning ideas, head-spinning science, and stories that might just change how you see the world – and yourself.
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Champalimaud Foundation.
Following Episode 5 – Part 1, where we explored the hidden world of the hypothalamus and the “love hormone” oxytocin, this second part of Hedi’s conversation with neuroendocrinologist Gareth Leng takes us even deeper. You’ll hear how neurons in the hypothalamus can change the very language they speak and who they’re speaking to; discover the astonishing experiment where researchers transplanted brain tissue from one animal to another, resetting the host’s internal clock; and meet a molecule so strange it can suppress appetite, boost libido, and even give you a tan.
From circadian rhythms to the science of obesity, settle in as Gareth guides us further into the secrets of the brain below.
Every two weeks, the new podcast series Leafing Through Science brings together host Hedi Young, Champalimaud Foundation neuroscientist and science communicator, with the authors behind some of the most fascinating non-fiction books in the life sciences. From new releases to timeless classics, we explore everything from the mysteries of consciousness and free will, to alien hands and minds under siege. Expect page-turning ideas, head-spinning science, and stories that might just change how you see the world – and yourself.
Relevant links:
“The Heart of the Brain: The Hypothalamus and Its Hormones” by Gareth Leng
Chapters:
(00:22) Introduction
(01:57) Saving Every Drop
(06:11) Relay Runners in Your Brain
(07:29) Neurons That Speak Many Tongues
(12:47) Transplanting Clocks into Brains
(18:13) Why Morning Light Wakes You Up
(21:34) Appetite and Desire (and Tans)
(27:46) The Mystery of Stable Weight
(32:28) A Long Argument with Yourself
(35:46) Gareth’s Reading Recommendations
Episode Credits:
Creator & Series Producer: Hedi Young
Concept Development & Curation: Ana Rita Mendes, António Monteiro, Carla Emilie Pereira, Catarina Ramos, Diana Cadete, Hedi Young, João Van Zelst, John Lee, Marta Correia, Thaïs Lindemann and Teresa Fernandes
Host: Hedi Young
Guest: Gareth Leng
Graphic Design: Marta Correia
Sound Design: João Van Zelst
Dissemination: Ana Rita Mendes and Diana Cadete
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Champalimaud Foundation.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.