Dr Karl Podcast

Dr Karl Podcast

Join Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, Lucy Smith and their scientific guests, with a bunch of curious triple j listeners for a weekly injection of science, myth-bashing and answers!
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Bölümün özeti

In this episode of Science with Dr. Carl, the host and Dr. Carl explore a wide range of scientific phenomena, from the mechanics of carbonation in drinks to the receding distance of the moon from Earth. The discussion covers why hot showers can trigger goosebumps, the physics behind why the sun isn't blue, and the science of static electricity in shopping trolleys. The episode also addresses listener questions regarding mass ladybird strandings, the physiological effects of yawning on hearing, and the possibility of a living universe. Finally, the hosts discuss the sensory benefits of sun-dried towels and the scientific reasoning behind why creative breakthroughs often occur during showers.

Bölümler

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Öne çıkanlar

Water, H2O, they're bent like a boomerang. But carbon dioxide is a straight line.

00:05:09 · Dr. Carl explains the molecular geometry difference between water and carbon dioxide to describe how gas molecules fit between water molecules.

Fingernails, tectonic plates and the moon. They're all moving away at roughly the same rate, about three to four centimetres a year.

00:09:29 · Dr. Carl draws a comparison between various natural phenomena that are all experiencing a gradual recession or movement.

So what's happening is that you're accidentally activating your sympathetic nervous system.

00:13:33 · Dr. Carl explains the physiological reason why a sudden temperature change in a shower can trigger goosebumps.

So they kind of invented this study called tribology, which is the study of friction.

00:18:32 · Dr. Carl introduces the scientific term for the study of friction to explain static electricity buildup in trolley wheels.

Creative boredom is an incredibly important part of being a fully rounded human.

00:38:01 · The speaker explains why disconnecting from digital stimuli in the shower allows for creativity to emerge.

Bölümler

1244-

Shower thoughts, electric shocks and ladybirds

In this episode of Science with Dr. Carl, the host and Dr. Carl explore a wide range of scientific phenomena, from the mechanics of carbonation in drinks to the receding distance of the moon from Earth. The discussion covers why hot showers can trigger goosebumps, the physics behind why the sun isn't blue, and the science of static electricity in shopping trolleys. The episode also addresses listener questions regarding mass ladybird strandings, the physiological effects of yawning on hearing, and the possibility of a living universe. Finally, the hosts discuss the sensory benefits of sun-dried towels and the scientific reasoning behind why creative breakthroughs often occur during showers.

05 Kas 2026
1243-

BONUS EP: We're giving away a Dr Karl shirt!

Hosts Lucy and Dr. Carl announce a special giveaway for the month of November. A listener who submits a question via text or Google form and is featured on the Science with Dr. Carl segment will have the opportunity to win one of Dr. Carl's iconic, asymmetric strawberry-patterned shirts. The shirt was custom-made by Dr. Carl's wife, Mary, under her bespoke brand, the House of Mary. The winner will be selected during the final show on Thursday, November 26. Participants are encouraged to submit questions via the provided text line or show notes link and must be available to take a call to participate in the segment.

03 Kas 2026
1242-

Night sweats, time travel and dog poo

In this episode of Science with Dr. Carl, the hosts answer a wide range of listener questions covering biology, physics, and everyday phenomena. The discussion explores topics such as the effects of hurricanes on flowers, the mechanics of binoculars, and the science behind night sweats after long-distance running. The conversation also delves into complex scientific concepts including the properties of antimatter, the unpredictability of turbulent airflow, and the albedo of a hypothetical water-covered moon. Additionally, the episode touches on biological mysteries like facial asymmetry, why dogs engage in coprophagia, and the physics behind gaining speed on a bike pump track.

29 Eki 2026
1241-

Bruising, cockatoo schedules and roasted potatoes

In this episode of Science with Dr. Karl, the hosts explore a wide range of scientific curiosities, from the biological mechanisms of avocado trees and the physics of heat absorption in cookware to the mechanics of bruising and wound healing. The discussion also covers why cyclones do not cross the equator due to the Coriolis effect and the impact of saltwater on sinus pressure. Dr. Karl further addresses listener questions regarding the expansion of the universe, the speed of light, and medical topics such as bunions and epilepsy-related déjà vu. The episode concludes with insights into sauna thermodynamics and information on how listeners can submit their own scientific inquiries.

22 Eki 2026
1240-

Coral bleaching, bioluminescence and intelligent fish

Host Lucy Smith sits down with marine scientists Mike Emsley and Daniel Ceccarelli from the Australian Institute of Marine Science to explore the complexities of reef monitoring, fish ecology, and the impacts of climate change. The discussion covers the daily work of surveying the Great Barrier Reef, the effectiveness of marine protected areas, and the environmental threats posed by deforestation and El Niño. The episode also addresses a variety of listener questions, ranging from shark behavior and evolutionary timelines to plant movement, bioluminescence, and fish intelligence. The experts conclude by discussing fish sentience, venomous species, and how the public can monitor reef health via the AIMS dashboard.

15 Eki 2026