University of Portsmouth

Jac Reed and Dr Nick Pamment from the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Portsmouth, discuss their alternative approach to using long-standing forensic methods to help wildlife crime investigators around the world.

Dr Reuben Shipway, from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Science, talks about the extraordinary and very competitive sex lives of the shipworm, a species much maligned for its voracious appetite for eating wood.

Dr Karl Bell, reader in cultural and social history at the University of Portsmouth and director of the Supernatural Cities project, has a special interest in the supernatural. In this podcast, he discusses why people love ghost stories at Christmas time and shares a few spooky tales from the historic maritime city.

With renewable energy predicted to grow, we talk to University of Portsmouth expert Dr Amitava Roy about the different types of renewable energy, how it can be used to combat climate change and the UK government’s pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Faults in the Earth's crust result from huge plate tectonic forces, cause earthquakes and act as conduits for fluids that can create ore deposits. But how do we know when faults were active throughout geological time? Dr. Catherine Mottram joins us to discuss her recent work in the Yukon, Canada, which is helping to change the way we look at these important processes. To find out more, visit https://www.port.ac.uk/SEGG

Dr Andrew Williamson from the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation talks about gravitational waves, how they're detected and what these new findings mean for science and our quest to study the Universe. https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/bumper-crop-of-black-holes-in-new-gravitational-wave-paper

The figures are shocking - 14% of all murders are committed by a current spouse or partner; with former partners responsible for one in seven murders. “Meet Marry Murder” is a new TV series starting this week on Crime+Investigation – exploring some of these devastating crimes with the help of Dr Brian Frederick, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology and Policing at the University of Portsmouth. Now, in a short podcast from University of Portsmouth, Brian explains more about spousal murder, the...

Series 2 of Life Solved features ideas and research that is changing our understanding of human relationships with environments. John Worsey chairs two discussions exploring the world’s plastic pollution problem, and how this might be challenged with enzyme technology that’s developing here at Portsmouth. Learn about how developing nations are outstripping the developed world in adopting innovative environmental collaborations in government and hear how everyday infrastructure such as...

Professor David Martill discusses the discovery of a new species of small pterosaur - similar in size to a turkey - which is unlike any other pterosaur seen before due to its long slender toothless beak. Read more at about the discovery at https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/beak-bone-reveals-pterosaur-like-no-other

Dr. Joanne Preston shows us how she's been reintroducing native oysters to the Solent with pioneering tech. The biodiversity and water quality of benefits of these humble creatures can be astounding, but after years of over-fishing, is it possible to reintroduce them in the Solent and supercharge our waters once again? Check out how she’s built special ‘cages’ to accommodate the new population and help overcome challenges to their settling and reproduction. Subscribe for a new episode every...

Dr Juliet Brook tells us how our 180 year-old will and inheritance laws are causing problems during Coronavirus, and explains how other countries have worked in legislation to show leniency where witnesses are missing or documents aren't correctly signed. So where might a reformed UK law draw the line of leniency when it comes to these "Dispensing Powers"? Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea #lifesolved You can find out more about research taking place at the...

In this podcast, Dr Heather Massey, one of our lecturers in Sport and Exercise Physiology, hosts a series of interviews with individuals who live, work and play in Extreme Environments. She speaks to them to find out more about what they do and how the environment affects them. As a long-distance open-water swimmer Wendy Trehiou from Jersey, has completed a number of English channel swims. She explains what cold water can do to your body and how tough swimming outdoors can be. She also...

Professor Arthur Butt and his research team are obsessed with a little known type of cell in our nervous system. He explains why deeper research into glia could hold the key to treating some of our biggest illnesses, and ponders what other mysteries are yet to be discovered in our own bodies. Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea #lifesolved You can find out more about research taking place at the University of Portsmouth at port.ac.uk/SOLVE.

Dr. Mark Hardiman looks at those soaring temperatures on the Costa del Portsmouth and says climate change could soon mean long, hot summers are the norm in the UK. With this comes a greater risk of forest fires in our damp nation, so what does this mean for our future homes and lifestyles? He explains the complex history of fire ecology and our changing landscape in the UK, as well as how humans and fire have always co-existed. Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea...

It’s a basic human need. But for some, clean water is not a given. Sometimes it seems we've no shortage of rain here in the UK and it's easy to take for granted, but Dr. Julia Brown has been looking at why in some countries access to water can make all the difference to socioeconomic mobility. She explains how the rich can monopolise this vital resource where it is scarce. Her research has been looking at ways to work within different cultures to give water access to whole populations. Julia...

A former military Chaplain, Professor Peter Lee talked to drone operators and their families and found out that in spite of popular belief, operating drones in warfare does not detach operators from the act of killing, or the mental health consequences. In this episode, he explains his perspective that technology cannot remove the innately human nature of war and conflict. Advisory: Please note this episode contains material that some listeners may find disturbing. Subscribe for a new...

Some deep blue thinking here! Have you heard of the Sustainable Blue Economy? How can we unite international goals for sustainability, conservation, energy access, tourism and food supply under one umbrella? Professor Steve Fletcher explains how international cooperation on our mysterious oceans could help save environments, solve human challenges and level the playing field in global economics. Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea #lifesolved You can find out more...

Dr John Young says too many people are suffering silently and it's time for change. At least 1 in 5 adults suffers from diseases of the urinary tract today. Many people live limited lives due to such conditions and in many cases catching these early could make a huge difference. John explains how technology is making it easier for people to access treatment and how this can be less invasive and uncomfortable for sufferers who might be otherwise put off. Subscribe for a new episode every...

From the Cambridge Analytica scandal, to protest in response to the death of George Floyd, Dr James Dennis explores how social media is a gateway and amplifier to learning, engagement and civil participation in politics. Find out how political behaviour is changing in the digital age and how social media can be used as a force for change and mass participation in the issues of the day. Subscribe for a new episode every week, and share the big idea #lifesolved You can find out more about...

In this special launch episode of Life Solved, the new podcast series from the University of Portsmouth, we hear from researchers across the disciplines. We'll be discussing the issues that have arisen as a result of Coronavirus pandemic; from a rise in domestic violence to struggles with anxiety and parenting under new conditions as well as the rapid medical advances to understand and fight the spread of disease. Our researchers will be taking time out to share their findings and discuss...