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The Science or Fiction Podcast

The Science or Fiction Podcast
Chronic Pain
Brain-Computer Interface
Huntington's Disease
Chatgpt
Ultra-Processed Foods
Loneliness
Peacs
Racial Disparities In Healthcare
Biopsychosocial Model
Gene Therapy
Clinical Trials
Norway
Aarhus University
Mental Health Care Systems
Nutrition Research
Neuralink
Sickle Cell Disease
UK Healthcare System / Pain Clinics
University Of Pittsburgh
Alzheimer's Disease

We interview researchers to separate the science from the fiction in news headlines. Catch new episodes on the first Monday of the month. www.scienceorfiction.co.uk

PublishesInfrequentlyEpisodes26Founded4 years ago
Categories
ScienceHealth & FitnessSocial SciencesMental Health

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Artwork for The Science or Fiction Podcast

Latest Episodes

What is ultra-processed food? Why do things like sweets and crisps fall under the same ultra-processed label as plant milks and cereals?

Produced by and co-hosted with MSc Health Psychology student, Emily McLaughlin, we asked how ultra-processed fo... more

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Not only can we get any question answered at any time, but we can also have human-like conversations without interacting with a single person. AI-powered chatbots, systems like ChatGPT that simulate two-way conversations with the user, are now widely... more

YouTube

It is the first week of February and my alarm has woken me up to another dark, Monday morning. As I make a cup of tea with my eyes half closed struggling against the big light in the kitchen, I’m already dreaming of sunny summer days and dreading the... more

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Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that causes neurodegeneration - the progressive loss of neurons in the brain. This can lead to changes in movement, thinking, and mood. Reports of a breakthrough hit the headlines last week: a press rele... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Sam Dickens
Research fellow at University College London
University College London
Episode: Are ultra-processed foods harming our health?
Arthur Bran Herbener
PhD student researching human-AI social relationships
Aarhus University, Denmark
Episode: Are chatbots making us lonely?
Kari Leibowitz
House psychologist and author of How to Winter
Independent researcher/Author
Episode: Rewind: Can embracing winter improve mental health?
Rachael Scahill
Associate Director of the Huntington's Disease Centre at University College London
University College London
Episode: Can gene therapy cure Huntington's disease?
Hunter Schone
Post-doctoral researcher (neuroscience)
Rehab Neural Engineering Labs, University of Pittsburgh
Episode: What is a brain-computer interface, and can it read your mind?
Misha Gardner
Project manager for the PEACs programme
Mind & Body Programme, Kings Health Partners
Episode: How do we address inequalities in chronic pain treatment?
Dr. Anna Hood
Chronic pain expert
University of Manchester
Episode: What does it mean to live with chronic pain?

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 10 ratings
  • Great podcast

    So much information delivered in way that’s easy to understand. Really interesting podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GBU94
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • Awesome!

    Brilliant podcast. The presenter is very charismatic, engaging, and interesting.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    waiting4huddo
    United Kingdom4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

High-quality hosting and engaging delivery.
Guests are credible and well-selected, with practical takeaways.
Strong on nuanced discussion and evidence-based critique.
Listeners praise clear explanations of complex topics.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

What is a brain-computer interface, and can it read your mind?
Q: Could you tell us a bit about what you do, how you got there and what role brain computer interfaces play in your work?
The guest explains his role as a neuroscientist and post-doctoral researcher, detailing his journey from medicine to neuroscience and describing how the team works across brain signal decoding, surgical implantation, and rehabilitation to develop BCIs that restore movement and sensation for people with severe motor disabilities.
What does it mean to live with chronic pain?
Q: What role does bias and racism play in pain management, and how can care be improved for minoritized groups?
Racism and unconscious bias influence when and how pain is treated, leading to delayed care and unequal analgesia; improving care involves recognizing social drivers, advocating for equitable access, and co-designing services with communities.
What does it mean to live with chronic pain?
Q: Can you explain the difference between acute and chronic pain, and how that affects daily life for young people?
Chronic pain lasts beyond three months and can vary in location and intensity, overwhelming daily activities and requiring a long-term, multifaceted approach rather than a quick fix.
Are ultra-processed foods harming our health?
Q: What does this mean for people trying to eat healthier in everyday life?
Focus on overall dietary quality guided by recommendations like the EatWell Guide, pay attention to calorie density and texture, and recognize that reducing UPF alone may not be sufficient; broader access and affordability of healthy foods and behavioral support are essential.
Are ultra-processed foods harming our health?
Q: How does the trial you conducted strengthen the evidence about UPFs?
The study used a randomized crossover design where participants consumed both a minimally processed diet and an ultra-processed diet under real-world conditions, helping to isolate the effects of processing from other dietary factors and showing nuanced outcomes beyond simple associations.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Science or Fiction Podcast

What is The Science or Fiction Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A scientifically minded program that brings researchers and practitioners to the mic to separate research from hype across topics like nutrition, neuroscience, mental health, and health systems. Episodes frequently feature university-affiliated experts and clinicians who translate complex findings into practical implications for policy, care, and everyday life. Notable strengths include rigorous discussion of evidence, balanced framing, and guest perspectives that bridge academia, healthcare, and real-world impact. The show often highlights systemic issues (inequities in care, access to therapies) and emerging technologies (BCIs, gene therapy) with a clear emphasis on nuance and responsible science communication.

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The Science or Fiction Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 26 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Science or Fiction Podcast?

Recent guests on The Science or Fiction Podcast include:

1. Sam Dickens
2. Arthur Bran Herbener
3. Kari Leibowitz
4. Rachael Scahill
5. Hunter Schone
6. Misha Gardner
7. Dr. Anna Hood

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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