Life Solved

In this episode we chat to two researchers who travelled to one of the most remote inhospitable regions on the planet, in the pursuit of science. Professor Fay Couceiro and Dr Clare Boston from the University of Portsmouth travelled 7,000 nautical miles onboard a Royal Navy ship during its annual trip to the frozen continent of Antarctica. We find out why they were there, what they saw, and what life at sea is really like. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released on Thursdays and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: John Worsey Producer: Robyn Montague Sub Editors: John Worsey and Glenn Harris USEFUL LINKS Professor Fay Couceiro bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/fay-couceiro Dr Clare Boston bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/clare-boston Antarctica tales with Professor Fay Couceiro: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gMbbN6LWR8 Revolution Plastics Institute: www.port.ac.uk/research/research-groups-and-centres/revolution-plastics-institute Protector completes Antarctic mission: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2024/march/08/240308-protector-completes-antarctic-mission Royal Navy supports science mission into human impact on Antarctica: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2023/december/05/20231205-royal-navy-supports-science-mission-into-human-impact-on-antarctica Antarctic Treaty: www.ats.aq/index_e.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Instead of keeping nature out, architects around the world are looking at innovative ways to work with environments to help reduce the planet’s carbon footprint. To mark World Earth Day (April 22), this episode explores the transformative power of design and the impact of architecture on building a safe and sustainable future. We’re joined by Dr Phevos Kallitsis, Associate Head of the Portsmouth School of Architecture, and Dr Antonino Di Raimo is a Reader in Architecture at the University of Portsmouth. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released on Thursdays and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: Robyn Montague Producer: Robyn Montague Sub Editors: John Worsey and Glenn Harris USEFUL LINKS Dr Phevos Kallitsis bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/phevos-kallitsis Dr Antonino Di Raimo bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/antonino-di-raimo World Earth Day: www.earthday.org/earth-day-2024/ Portsmouth School of Architecture: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/organisational-structure/our-academic-structure/faculty-of-creative-and-cultural-industries/school-of-architecture Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark UN English Language Day (23 April), we consider how English became one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. And we find out how a mathematical model developed at the University of Portsmouth might predict its future. Dr Mario Saraceni, Associate Professor in English Language and Linguistics, explains how English spread and changed around the globe, and why speakers overseas influence how it’s spoken here in the UK. Dr James Burridge, Associate Professor in Probability and Statistical Physics, reveals how principles of physics and maths help him forecast how certain dialects of English will sound in the year 2066. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released on Thursdays and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: John Worsey Producer: Robyn Montague Sub Editors: Robyn Montague and Glenn Harris USEFUL LINKS Dr Mario Saraceni bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/mario-saraceni Dr James Burridge bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/james-burridge The problem with English: https://aeon.co/essays/how-do-you-decolonise-the-english-language Ey up northern English to become as lost as the hoddy dod: www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/ey-up-northern-english-to-become-as-lost-as-the-hoddy-dod UN English Language Day: www.un.org/en/observances/english-language-day Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does sport, science, the sea, and space all have in common? While this sounds like the start of a bad joke, the answer is actually the GB Row challenge. Using state-of-the-art equipment, rowers were able to gather incredible insights into the state of our ocean on their 2,000 mile journey. We've caught up with Maggie Hodge, one of the rowers from GB Row's all-women ⁠Team Ithaca⁠, and ⁠Laura Fantuzzi⁠, a data analyst from the University of Portsmouth and 2024 competitor. In the episode, find out what it’s like circumnavigating Great Britain’s coastline, what they’ve learnt about the state of our seas, and how sport can be a driving force for change. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released on Thursdays and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: Robyn Montague Producer: Robyn Montague Sub Editors: John Worsey and Glenn Harris USEFUL LINKS Assessing Pollution With GB Row: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-projects/gb-row GB ROW 2022 IMPACT REPORT: www.port.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2023-03/gb_row_2022_impact_report.pdf GB Row Challenge website: www.gbrowchallenge.com/ Ocean rowers set new world record for fastest female team around Great Britain: www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/ocean-rowers-set-new-world-record-for-fastest-female-team-around-great-britain RS Aqua: www.rsaqua.co.uk/ OrcaPod (RS Aqua podcast): www.podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/orcapod/id1599056224 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we peer inside a place that most people want to be kept out of, but one University of Portsmouth researcher has worked hard to get into - prisons. Professor Francis Pakes from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice purposefully incarcerated himself in an Icelandic prison for two weeks to find out what life on the inside is really like. For Life Solved, he looks at how incarceration has evolved over time, what current systems are in place around the world, and what could be done to improve them. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released on Thursdays and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: John Worsey Producer: Robyn Montague Sub Editors: John Worsey and Glenn Harris USEFUL LINKS Professor Francis Pakes bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/francis-pakes Francis Pakes piece for The Conversation, ‘I deliberately sent myself to prison in Iceland – they didn’t even lock the cell doors there’: https://theconversation.com/i-deliberately-sent-myself-to-prison-in-iceland-they-didnt-even-lock-the-cell-doors-there-105257 Out in the cold? The experiences of foreign national prisoners in Iceland's open prisons: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756061623000526?via%3Dihub Cell Block Studios: https://www.port.ac.uk/collaborate/coworking-and-office-space/cell-block-studios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EPISODE 01: What will happen when there’s no water left to drink? TX DATE: 21 March 2024 Water is our most precious resource; it underpins all aspects of life. But despite this, experts warn many of us around the world could be faced with the prospect of running out of fresh water. To mark World Water Day, in this episode we’ll be speaking to researchers from the University of Portsmouth, to find out what’s being done to help shift water habits, both here and further afield, to ensure a more sustainable future for everyone. Dr Julia Brown, Associate Professor in Sustainable Environmental Management in the School of Environment, Geography and Geosciences, is joined by Rebecca Gale, Head of Sustainability at Waterscan and PhD student. Together, they’ll unpack the growing water crisis and reveal exciting new projects to tackle the issue. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released on Thursdays and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: Robyn Montague Producer: Robyn Montague Sub Editors: John Worsey and Glenn Harris USEFUL LINKS Dr Julia Brown bio: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/julia-brown School of the Environment, Geography, and Geosciences: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/organisational-structure/our-academic-structure/faculty-of-science-and-health/school-of-the-environment-geography-and-geosciences Waterscan: waterscan.com/ Life Solved: The Politics of Water ft Dr Julia Brown 2020: /www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/podcasts/episode-6-the-politics-of-water Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the time of year when the Christmas bills start arriving through the letterbox and with national economies continuing to struggle in many places of the world, January might be feeling something of a challenge for you. Dr Robert Gausden is a senior lecturer in the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance and Dr Joe Cox is Associate Professor of Digital Economy at the University of Portsmouth. In this episode they explain the key economic terms that we need to understand. What the challenges that our financial systems currently face, And when we can expect things to feel just a little bit easier as we wait for our January pay packets to arrive. We’d love you to be part of the discussion. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. This is the last episode of series 13 of Life Solved. We’ll be back in the Spring with more. Host: John Worsey Producers: Robyn Montague & Glenn Harris for the University Of Portsmouth, Rick Simmonds & Katharine Kerr for Podcast Pioneers USEFUL LINKS Dr Robert Gausden: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/robert-gausden Dr Joe Cox: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/joe-cox University of Portsmouth’s Faculty of Business and Law: www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/organisational-structure/faculty-of-business-and-law Bank of England: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/ The productivity puzzle - Office for Budget Responsibility: https://obr.uk/box/the-productivity-puzzle/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many of us, January is the time for New Year’s resolutions, whether that be cutting out chocolate, carbs or coffee. But to what extent do our cravings come down to smell? In this episode, we explore the science of smells, and how our noses tell us more about the world than we often give them credit for. Dr Lorenzo Stafford is Associate Professor in Psychobiological Psychology at the University of Portsmouth. He will be helping us explore how understanding aromas can be a key part in treating addictions, understanding how our taste buds work alongside our olfactory senses, and why Covid-19 taught us to appreciate our sense of smell more. We’d love you to be part of the discussion. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. This is the 7th episode of series 13 of Life Solved. The final episode of the series will be released on Thursday 25th January. Host: John Worsey Producers: Robyn Montague & Glenn Harris for the University Of Portsmouth, Rick Simmonds & Katharine Kerr for Podcast Pioneers Production Assistant: Vilma Olofsson USEFUL LINKS Dr Lorenzo Stafford: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/lorenzo-stafford How do cravings affects senses: https://www.labmate-online.com/news/laboratory-products/3/breaking-news/how-do-cravings-affect-senses/49335 What the nose knows: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/02/how-scent-emotion-and-memory-are-intertwined-and-exploited/ University of Portsmouth Faculty of Science and Health: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/organisational-structure/faculty-of-science-and-health Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the concept of democracy – and ask whether it’s under threat. Leila Choukroune is Professor of International Law and Director of the Democratic Citizenship Thematic Area at the University of Portsmouth, whilst Daniel Bedford is Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead for the Law School. At a time when democracy seems particularly at risk, we take a look at its history, what is happening today – and, assuming we want to continue to live in a democratic world, how to ensure its future. We’d love you to be part of the discussion. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms – although we’re taking a Christmas break, returning in January. Host: John Worsey Producers: Robyn Montague & Glenn Harris for the University Of Portsmouth, Rick Simmonds & Katharine Kerr for Podcast Pioneers Production Assistant: Vilma Olofsson USEFUL LINKS Professor Leila Choukroune: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/leila-choukroune Daniel Bedford: https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/persons/daniel-bedford Are we losing our right to protest: https://news.sky.com/story/public-order-laws-are-we-losing-the-right-to-protest-12878592 Armistice Day protests: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/09/london-pro-palestine-armistice-day-march King Charles III Coronation protests: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/09/world/europe/uk-police-coronation-arrests.html Human Dignity and Democracy in Europe: https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/gbp/human-dignity-and-democracy-in-europe-9781789902839.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discover how social media is increasingly a breeding ground for so-called ‘Incel’ content, perpetuating misinformation, misogyny, sexism and even violence – and increasingly accessible on mainstream platforms. Anda Solea is a PhD researcher and Teaching Fellow, and together with Dr Lisa Sugiura, Associate Professor in Cybercrime & Gender in the School of Criminology & Justice at the University Of Portsmouth, you’ll hear why we should all be concerned and the steps that need to be taken by both the tech companies and internet users to keep women safe, online and in person. If you’re affected by the issues discussed, some helpful links to support are below. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: Robyn Montague Producers: Robyn Montague & Glenn Harris for the University Of Portsmouth, Rick Simmonds & Katharine Kerr for Podcast Pioneers Production Assistant: Vilma Olofsson USEFUL LINKS Anda Solea: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-an... Dr Lisa Sugiura: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/struc... Lisa's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Incel-Rebell... Lisa & Anda’s research: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10610-023-09559-5 Links to support: https://www.report-it.org.uk/organisations_that_can_help Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, whilst many of us talk about ‘UFOs’, we take a fresh look at the rebranded term ‘unidentified anomalous phenomena’ (UAPs). This comes as NASA investigates many years’ worth of seemingly out of this world sightings. Dr Chris Pattison is a research software engineer at the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, and also hosts a popular YouTube channel discussing all things ‘space’ (link below). In this podcast, you’ll hear how NASA is getting on with its probe into UAPs, how some supposed evidence of alien lifeforms can have hilarious real-world explanations, and how technology is being used to search for extraterrestrial life. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: Robyn Montague Producers: Robyn Montague & Glenn Harris for the University Of Portsmouth, Rick Simmonds & Katharine Kerr for Podcast Pioneers Production Assistant: Vilma Olofsson USEFUL LINKS Dr Christopher Pattison: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/christopher-pattison University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-groups-and-centres/institute-of-cosmology-and-gravitation NASA promises further study: https://skyandtelescope.org/astronomy-news/nasa-finds-no-evidence-ufos-are-extraterrestrial-promises-further-study/ Mexico ‘aliens’: https://www.reuters.com/fact-check/aliens-not-confirmed-by-mexican-government-ufo-hearing-2023-09-15/ Chris Pattison’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/chrispattisoncosmo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take a look at seaside towns. Often portrayed in books and films as being a unique combination of pleasure and danger, the modern day coastal town carries a lot of its past alongside the challenges of the current day. Associate Professor, Dr Tom Sykes & Dr Louis Netter from the University of Portsmouth have collaborated to produce a book called ‘Coast Of Teeth’, exploring Britain’s seaside towns through words and pictures. You’ll hear how they used a method called ‘psychogeography’ and discover some surprising facts about coastal communities around the world. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: John Worsey Producers: Robyn Montague & Glenn Harris for the University Of Portsmouth, Rick Simmonds & Katharine Kerr for Podcast Pioneers Production Assistant: Vilma Olofsson USEFUL LINKS Dr Tom Sykes: https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/en/persons/tom-sykes Dr Louis Netter: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/louis-netter University of Portsmouth’s School of Art, Design & Performance: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/organisational-structure/our-academic-structure/faculty-of-creative-and-cultural-industries/school-of-art-design-and-performance Psychogeography: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/p/psychogeography Coast Of Teeth: https://www.coastofteeth.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore the real risks of nuclear radiation – and how incorrect information can cause unnecessary concern. You might have read about Japan’s Fukushima power plant releasing its wastewater into the Pacific Ocean – and potentially some of the accusations or fears around the decision. But often it’s misinformation and lack of understanding that leads to negative news stories – with the reality of radiation being very different to what we might read. Professor Jim Smith from the University of Portsmouth explains the science behind radiation, the real story behind this internet-led panic, and what we can do to understand the nuclear industry better. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: Robyn Montague Producers: Robyn Montague & Glenn Harris for the University Of Portsmouth, Rick Simmonds & Katharine Kerr for Podcast Pioneers Production Assistant: Vilma Olofsson USEFUL LINKS Professor Jim Smith: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/jim-smith The Fukushima wastewater release: https://wakelet.com/wake/vCMQEBvBJl1OM657QMcv- Fukushima misinformation: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230905-afp-fact-check-fukushima-wastewater-release-spawns-misinformation# Atomik Vodka: https://www.atomikvodka.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate the start of season 13 of Life Solved, and as we record this just a few days before Halloween, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of horror. And what better way to record the episode, than at one of the most haunted places in Portsmouth, The New Theatre Royal. Dr Rebecca Janicker, Senior Lecturer in Film and Media Studies at the University of Portsmouth, explores the history of the horror genre, the development of scary movies, TV shows and computer games, and how it reflects our current-day culture and concerns. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. If you’ve been inspired by this episode, and want to support our research then head to port.ac.uk/lifesolved to find out how. You can also find out how to work or study with us. Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. Host: John Worsey Producers: Robyn Montague & Glenn Harris for the University Of Portsmouth, Rick Simmonds & Katharine Kerr for Podcast Pioneers Production Assistant: Vilma Olofsson USEFUL LINKS The New Theatre Royal: https://www.newtheatreroyal.com/ Dr Rebecca Janicker bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/rebecca-janicker University of Portsmouth’s School of Film, Media, and Communication: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/organisational-structure/our-academic-structure/faculty-of-creative-and-cultural-industries/school-of-film-media-and-communication Anne Rice novels: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Books-Anne-Rice/s?rh=n%3A266239%2Cp_27%3AAnne+Rice Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI and the likes of Chat GPT are possibly the biggest technological development of our age – and the subject of much discussion. But with artificial intelligence evolving at speed, this episode asks what the dangers and benefits are; both now and in the future? And if you’re still grappling with understanding what AI actually is, we tackle that too. From the creative arts to governments trying to keep up with legislation, the world of Artificial Intelligence is affecting us all – and 3 experts in the field take us through it: Oleksandra Ozcan, Lecturer in International Business; Sercan Ozcan, Reader of Innovation & Technology Management and Adrian Hopgood, Professor of Intelligent Systems at the University of Portsmouth. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. You can also find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/ This is the last episode of Life Solved in the current series. We return with Season 13 on Thursday October 26th 2023. USEFUL LINKS What is AI?: https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-ai-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-about-artificial-intelligence/ The UK AI Safety Summit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/iconic-bletchley-park-to-host-uk-ai-safety-summit-in-early-november AI Copyright: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/sep/24/an-old-master-no-its-an-image-ai-just-knocked-up-and-it-cant-be-copyrighted Oleksandra Ozcan bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/oleksandra-ozcan Sercan Ozcan bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/sercan-ozcan Professor Adrian Hopgood bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/adrian-hopgood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take a look at something nearly all expectant parents do – the reading of self-help books – and ask whether the advice they’re picking up is actually teaching unattainable goals. Dr Lexie Scherer is a senior lecturer at the University of Portsmouth and her research has discovered that parenting manuals can lead to a parent-shaming culture, affecting mothers, fathers and often children as a result. How can online forums and communities create a healthier and more supportive community for mums and dads? And how is an Australian website leading the way in supporting young families with sleep? We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. You can also find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/ Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. USEFUL LINKS Dr Lexie Scherer’s research: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/chso.12714 The Milk Meg: https://themilkmeg.com/ The Beyond Sleep Training Project Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/beyondsleeptrainingproject/ Little Sparklers: https://littlesparklers.org/ Dr Lexie Scherer bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/lexie-scherer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we take a look at something most of us take for granted – the two-day weekend. But are two days enough? Brad Beavan is a professor in social and cultural history at the University of Portsmouth. As you’ll hear, even the weekend as we know it is a relatively new development in the western world. So how did we get to where we are today, how likely is it that we’ll be enjoying a four-day working week any time soon, and how do both employees and employers feel about it? We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. You can also find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/ Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. USEFUL LINKS History of the two-day weekend offers lessons for today’s calls for a four-day week: https://theconversation.com/history-of-the-two-day-weekend-offers-lessons-for-todays-calls-for-a-four-day-week-127382 4 Day Week: https://www.4dayweek.co.uk/ A short history of the two day weekend: https://www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2023/0309/1361274-weekend-two-days-off-history/ Professor Brad Beaven bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/brad-beaven Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With World EV Day on the 9th of September, in this episode we’re looking at the power behind electric vehicles – the batteries themselves. As more of us consider ditching our petrol cars, in favour of ones we simply plug in, we’re going to explore both the positives and negatives – and the charges for-and- against this developing technology. Jamie Foster is Professor of Applied & Industrial Mathematics at the University of Portsmouth and in this wide-ranging episode, you’ll hear how batteries work, how sodium (salt) might be the replacement for the finite ingredients currently used, such as nickel and cadmium – and the steps that need to be taken to get us all comfortable with EVs when we next buy a car. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. You can also find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/ Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. USEFUL LINKS Dr Jamie Foster bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/jamie-foster University of Portsmouth’s battery modelling research: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/fresh-cash-boost-for-university-of-portsmouth-battery-research World EV Day: https://www.worldevday.org/ The future of sodium-ion batteries: https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/05/11/1072865/how-sodium-could-change-the-game-for-batteries/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Life Solved we take a look at nature’s role in cleaning our waters. There’s no doubt that us humans need to do much more to clean up our own damage, but there are experts here – and around the globe – who are giving nature the opportunity to lend a helping hand as well. Jo Preston is a Professor in Marine Ecology and Evolution at the University of Portsmouth and Gordon Watson is Professor of Marine Zoology. You’ll hear from Jo and Gordon how investing in the wellbeing of our waters – from humble kelp to sophisticated oysters – pays off in more ways than you might even imagine. We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. You can also find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/ Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. USEFUL LINKS Professor Gordon Watson bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/gordon-watson Professor Joanne Preston bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/joanne-preston Institute of Marine Sciences: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/our-facilities/lab-and-testing-facilities/institute-of-marine-sciences Solent Seascape Project: https://www.bluemarinefoundation.com/projects/solent-seascape-project/ Scientists farm seaweed in the Solent to test water quality and commercial benefits: https://www.port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/scientists-farm-seaweed-in-the-solent-to-test-water-quality-and-commercial-benefits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we take a look at the realities of Crime Scene Investigation or CSI. Zoe Cadwell from the University of Portsmouth and Selina Robinson from Winchester University both used to be Crime Scene Investigators. We ask how does the CSI activity we see in films and TV dramas compare to the real world? How do investigations differ around the world? And what are the myths of Crime Scene Investigation? We’d love you to be part of the discussion, too. Email your questions on this episode or ideas for future episodes to lifesolved@port.ac.uk. You can also find out more about this work and other research at the University of Portsmouth website: https://www.port.ac.uk/research/ Life Solved is released every Thursday and available on all major podcast platforms. USEFUL LINKS University of Portsmouth School of Criminology and Criminal Justice: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/organisational-structure/our-academic-structure/faculty-of-humanities-and-social-sciences/school-of-criminology-and-criminal-justice Zoe Cadwell bio: https://www.port.ac.uk/about-us/structure-and-governance/our-people/our-staff/zoe-cadwell Selina Robinson bio: https://www.winchester.ac.uk/about-us/leadership-and-governance/staff-directory/staff-profiles/robinson-1.php Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.