Shows
Level Up HumanLevel Up Human Extra - Listener SuggestionsSimon and Rach consider listener suggestions for human body improvements. This week, adjustable digestive tracts, floral farts, and retractable testicles. In the newsElon Musk’s baby: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52557291Ocean warming: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2242786-a-japanese-nuclear-power-plant-created-a-habitat-for-tropical-fish/Golden tongue: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-52683468Wound healing blue-green algae: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2243352-wound-healing-patch-of-blue-green-algae-mends-skin-quickly/Listener suggestions@TraceyH100 - retractable breasts and testicles@KJames_IntBio - a pause button for the di...2020-05-2700 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human - Sally Le Page vs James PiercyS2E12: Level Up Human is a podcast on a mission to redesign the human body.Simon and Rach chat to biologist and science YouTuber Sally Le Page and science communicator James Piercy.We discuss periods, expanding skulls and a rebooted ear.In the news Female female aggression in fruit flies: https://bit.ly/LUHfruitfliesThe new kilogram: physicsworld.com/a/new-definition-of-the-kilogram-comes-into-force/Robots powered by the spines of rats: https://bit.ly/LUHRatSpines2020-05-2000 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human Extra - RegenerationSimon and Rach consider regeneration. Humans are pretty rubbish at it. Some lizards, newts and salamanders are INCREDIBLE at it. How do we get it, and would we really want to? Check out…The Shining: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/THAT tweet: https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1256239815256797184Bee sniffing tech: https://phys.org/news/2010-03-bee-sniffing-technology-dangerous-vapors.htmlFaceTime some Japanese eels: https://www.businessinsider.com/video-call-eels-tokyo-aquarium-so-they-dont-forget-people-2020-5?r=US&IR=TZoo animals are lonely in lockdown: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ne...2020-05-1300 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E11 - Steve Backshall vs Kate StorrsS2E11: Level Up Human is a podcast on a mission to redesign the human body.This week, Simon and Rach chat to naturalist and broadcaster Steve Backshall and visual perception scientist Kate Storrs.We discuss enhanced vision, limb regeneration, gecko hands, super kidneys and re-breathing.Extended show notes including edited transcripts are available here.In the news Kate is tickled and baffled by a news story about MicrosoftSteve's news story is entitled, 'Venomous Frogs use Heads as Weapons.'...2020-05-0600 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human Extra - FlightEpisode summarySimon and Rachel take a detailed look at flight. Why can’t we fly, how could we achieve it, and wouldn't it be exhausting?An edited transcript is available here.Mentioned this episodeAlan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, the most attractive man in the world, according to Simon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZhCCu-2gbwStarlink: https://www.starlink.com/Hitchhiker’s Gu...2020-04-2900 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human Extra - RNASimon and Rachel recap Episode 10 of Series 2, where we chatted with immunologist Professor Sheena Cruickshank and microbiologist Dr. Chloe James. Plus Simon has good news for Eurovision fans.We dive deeper into what RNA is, how to train bacteriophages, and how we know humans are still evolving.An edited transcript is available here.Mentioned this episode2001: A Space Odyssey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2001:_A_Space_Odyssey_(film)Patrick Moore’s Gamesmaster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...2020-04-2000 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E10 - Self-scratching backsRachel and Simon are locked down in London. Joining them from Liverpool and Manchester are microbiologist Dr. Chloe James and immunologist Professor Sheena Cruickshank.A full transcript is available here. Episode summary We discuss if it’s possible for scientists to work from home, cytokine storms and a brand new 'magic' toilet. Our panellists this week make pitches for command over our internal armies of bacteria phages and reprogramming our immune cells. The audience wa...2020-04-1500 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E9 - Snake skinIn the last of our Barbican centre recordings from November 2019, Simon and Rachel are souping up the homo sapien once again. Our guest experts are professor of experimental psychopathology from the university of Birkbeck, Naz Derakshan, and Hephzi Tagoe, a skin specialist from Queen Mary, University of London. Episode summary We discuss resilience as well as the impacts of skin conditions on psychological health and wellbeing. Rach has news of an ant with a six legged gallop. In our pitches for human body redesign...2020-03-2500 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human Extra - COVID-19 and DiseaseSimon and Rachel report from their respective bunkers during the March 2020 coronavirus pandemic. We take a long hard look at disease. Are humans a particularly diseased species? What can we learn from pandemics and is panic buying inevitable? Mentioned this episodeNHS advice on coronavirus: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ Pandemic board game: https://www.zmangames.com/en/games/pandemic/28 Days Later: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/28_Days_LaterOutbreak: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outbreak_(film)...2020-03-1800 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E8 - Uber OvariesSimon and Rachel are souping up Homo sapiens once again, live at the Barbican Centre with guest experts: reproductive physiologist Kim Jonas, and cardio-vascular pharmacologist, Michael Preedy. This episode was created with the support of the Physiological Society and the Biochemical Society. Episode summary We discuss the weirdest reproductive physiology on the planet, hypersexuality and how stem cells can now be reprogrammed into a new type of cell. In our news section, Rach explains why putting ice on a sprain may not longer be best practice. 2020-03-1100 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E7 - Retinal brainSimon and Rachel are live at the Barbican with marine biologist, writer and documentary maker, Helen Scales and KCL professor of developmental neurobiology, Robert Hindges. Episode summary First we look at human enhancements from around the world. Helen brings news of a man with an exo-skeleton allowing him to walk. Robert tells us about developments in prosthetics which allow users to experience feedback from artificial limbs. And Rach has evidence that thumbs are getting faster. Next: pitches from our...2020-02-2600 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E6 - Second EyelidSimon and Rachel are live at the Barbican with heart specialist Dr. Vanessa Lowe and comedian, podcaster and researcher, Dr. Cerys Bradley. Episode summary First we look at human enhancements from around the world. Vanessa has news of a heart attack vaccine from Harvard. Cerys tells us that there is a back-up ‘fight or flight’ system in the bones. Rach has found evidence of the loudest mating call on Earth. Next: pitches from our guest experts, the studio audience and...2020-02-1200 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E5 - Poo-mailSimon and Rachel are live at the Bluedot festival. They are joined by geomicrobiologist, Sarah Jones, and Holly Shiels, reader in cardiac physiology at the University of Manchester. Episode summary The news is first up as we explore some of the latest human enhancements around the globe. Sarah has a story about some scientists working on the first synthetic microbiome – but how do we ensure it stays in the body? Holly has discovered that bubble wrap is to be placed on the surface of Ma...2020-01-2900 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human Extra - Organic robots | Cultured archaea | Diego the sex tortoiseSimon and Rachel skype in with some interesting items from the science news.Episode summary On this episode of Level Up Human Extra, we have news that scientists have managed to build the first organic robots using stem cells from the African clawed frog. A team from Japan have successfully cultured an elusive species of archaea and Diego the sex tortoise is retiring. Mentioned this episodeOrganic robots: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/13...2020-01-2000 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E4 - Human homing pigeonSimon and Rachel are joined by writer and computer scientist Dr. Kate Devlin and digital artist Eric Drass.Episode summary We dive into the latest human enhancement developments before getting into pitches. Rach has news of a potential Alzheimer’s vaccine; Kate found a robotic tail at a conference and Eric warns of ‘rooms full of people’ listening as we chat to Alexa, Siri and Google.Next: pitches from our guest experts, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself.Eric w...2019-12-0400 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E3 - 14 sensesSimon and Rachel are joined at the Barbican centre by renal-cardiovascular physiologist Keith Siew and evolutionary psychologist, Dr. Gillian Forrester.Episode summaryThe team have brought news stories from the world of science to share before we kick off the pitches. Gillian shares a study that suggests that babies can recognise faces in utero, Keith has news that salt makes us hungry rather than thirsty and Rach reports on a colony of tardigrades on the moon.Then we hear pitches for how we should...2019-11-2000 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E2 - Brown fatIn June, Level Up Human went to Hatch in Manchester for the Microdot festival.Simon and Rachel are joined by bioethicist Prof. Andy Miah and physiologist and cardiovascular specialist Dr. Sarah Withers, both from the University of Salford.If you’d like to see us live, we’re in the middle of a residency at the Barbican in London. Please join us on November 7th 2019. You can reserve free tickets at https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/level-up-humanEpisode summary2019-11-0600 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human S2E1 - Tempered testosteroneLevel Up Human is back redesigning the human body! This series we are supported by the Physiological Society. This episode was created with the help of the Society for Endocrinology, a world leading authority on hormones.This episode was recorded at the Barbican as part of the Life Rewired season. Host Simon Watt and judge Rachel Wheeley are joined by Dr. Miles Levy, consultant endocrinologist and honorary associate professor at University Hospitals of Leicester. And by Dr. Clare Jonas, psychologist and blogger at That Thinking Feeling.If you’d li...2019-10-2300 minLevel Up HumanLevel Up Human Series 2 trailerSimon breaks exciting news about the brand new series of Level Up Human - hitting your podcast device next Wednesday October 23rd.We've been recording episodes as part of our residency at the Barbican and you can join us at two more recordings happening on October 28th and November 7th.https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/level-up-humanThis series of Level Up Human is supported by the Physiological Society. Specials for the Endocrinology Society and the Biochemical Society are coming up soon. 2019-10-1600 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 13 - Lab Grown MeatRach and Simon dive into lab grown meat. Would you eat it, what are the pros and cons and as always, is this the beginning of the end of civilisation?
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
More information about the series is at www.leveluphuman.com and you can support us at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out...2018-03-2200 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 12 - Gene DrivesSimon and Rach take a deep dive into gene drives this week, examining the work being done to make island conservation less lethal to the inhabitants it is supposed to be protecting.
We consider how CRISPR technology might be able to help with this, how it works and what the unintended consequences of using it might be.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
More information about the series is at www.leveluphuman.com and you can support...2018-03-0800 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 11 - 3D Printing and Generative DesignSimon and Rachel are bickering again, this time about 3D printing. Is it old news, or are recent developments in generative design enough to make it fascinating? Simon thinks it's a toy, no more likely to catch on than Betamax, Rach thinks it's the future of everything. Who is right? We will have to wait and see.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
More information about the series is at www.leveluphuman.com and you can support...2018-02-2200 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 10 - Giant RocketsProducer Rachel and Simon discuss Elon Musk's Falcon Heavy launch, what it means for the future of space travel and whether putting a Tesla onboard was the greatest PR stunt of all time.
In this episode we chat with David McKeown, a real rocket scientist. He explains how the two side booster rockets landed, and what the launch means for the Irish space programme.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
More information about the series is at...2018-02-1000 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 9 - Flying CarsSimon Watt and Rachel Wheeley rifle through the science pages in search of stories about the future of humanity. This week we are excited about flying cars, considering what information the apocalypse survivors will need and considering a way to mobilise the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
More information about the series is at www.leveluphuman.com and you can support us at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman Support this...2018-01-2500 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 8 - Womb TanksHappy New Year! Rach and Simon are fisking the science pages once again in search of human enhancement stories. This week they tackle all the most futuristic predictions that came true in 2017.
The march of Artificial Intelligence, back-flipping cyborg soldiers and Simon has received the coolest Christmas present of all time.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. Support the project via www.patreon.com/leveluphuman Support this show...2018-01-1000 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 7 - Sex RobotsSimon and Rach finally tackle the big one: sex robots. We discuss what is driving the fastest development in AI, when a robot will join a company's board of directors, Rach has a fact and Simon explains why we should cuddle more.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. Support the project via www.patreon.com/leveluphuman Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
...2017-12-2700 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 6 - Bio-hackingRach and Simon siphon the science news in search for human enhancement stories.
This week, why Simon is a harbinger of doom, how to kidnap the Queen and why living in cities might not be such a good idea after all.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.2017-12-2000 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 43 - Super SmellNeil Delamere joins Simon Watt to determine the future of the human body. Our experts here at the Cork Science Festival are biochemist Julie O'Sullivan and marine ecologist Ash Bennison.
In this episode we find out how we could listen to the bacteria on our bodies, why acne is evolutionarily useful and how seabirds 'see' the ocean using an odourscape.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this...2017-12-1300 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 5 - Co-evolving with RobotsSimon and Rachel consider co-evolving with AI. Plus! Space salad, seaweed glitter, how spinach is a fraud and why you should never transport dry ice in a lift.
Referenced in this episode are Samuel Youd's* novel 'The Death of Grass', Michael Pollan's 'The Botany of Desire' and 17th century bitcoin: the tulip.
If you are enjoying the podcast, you can support us via Patreon, at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more...2017-12-0600 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 42 - Third ButtockNeil Delamere joins Simon to sculpt the next human at Cork Science Festival. Joining them are engineer and researcher Alison O'Shea and zoologist and seal enthusiast Cian Luck.
The panel discuss how goats have put the Faroe islands on Google Street view, how babies know to be scared of snakes and a creature that doesn't poo.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show http://supporter.acast...2017-11-2900 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 4 - Graphene TattoosRach and Simon are on the hunt for human upgrades again. This week: origami robots, the menopause, why old people exist, the CAPTCHA test, magnetic kids, fish with human teeth and the gob faced squid.
If you enjoyed this episode you can now become a patron of the show via Patreon, at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show http://supporter.acast...2017-11-2200 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 41 - Fat ArmourStuart Goldsmith improves human with Simon Watt in this special episode recorded in association with the Society for Endocrinology at Latitude Festival. Our experts are materials scientist Anna Ploszajski and Neuroscientist Dr. Giles Yeo.
The panel discuss why camels put all their fat in their backs, whether fecal transplants are better as 'transpoosions' or 'crapsules', and whether human knees are still fit for purpose.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman, support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman...2017-11-1500 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 3 - RobobeesSimon and Rachel rifle through the week's science news in search for human upgrades. This week, reproductive isolation, robobees and why aliens might already have landed.
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
See acast.com/privacy for...2017-11-0800 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 40 - Reversible DeathSamantha Baines is looking for upgrades which can utilise social media in this episode, recorded at the Wellcome Genome Campus. Joining Simon this week are computational geneticist Dr. Carl Anderson, and postdoctoral research fellow Dr. Shanade Dunn to suggest upgrades for humans from their areas of research. Plus we have audience suggestions and an intriguing idea inspired by a camel.
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from...2017-11-0100 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 2 - Head FreezingSimon and a somewhat fragile Rach leaf through the latest science news in search for advances for the human race. This week: a company that promises to offer a head freezing service within a decade, honey making wasps, why Quakers make the best chocolate and the pitfalls of receiving a phone call directly into your brain.
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The...2017-10-2500 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 39 - Unihemispheric SleepBen van der Velde joins Simon to judge suggestions by sleep expert Russell Foster and researcher Catherine Green.
The panel discuss sleep, why you should clean your teeth in the dark and whether humans have a squirrelly ancestor.
Listen right to the end for a message from our friends at the Worst Foot Forward podcast!
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer...2017-10-1800 minLevel Up HumanLUH Extra 1 - Designer BabiesLUH producer, Rachel Wheeley, joins Simon for a brand new 'extra' show to sort through some topical science news. On the pile this week:
- Scientists at Sun Yat-sen University in China have used base editing for the first time in human embryos to change a single letter in a faulty gene.
- Why a barn owls' hearing is awesome, and why it doesn't deteriorate with age.
- How we could one day be represented in court by a computer.
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme...2017-10-1100 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 38 - Universal LesbianismPaul Sinha joins Simon to judge Royal Society fellows Liz Tunbridge, Robert Pal and the studio audience at the Science Museum in London.
The panel discuss why horse tranquilisers might be useful in the treatment of depression, why researchers are stockpiling legal highs and Paul is concerned that many upgrades will make it easier for people to cheat in quizzes.
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from...2017-10-0400 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 37 - Conversations with MicrobesSam Baines joins Simon to sort the genetic wheat from the chaff in this episode recorded live at the Wellcome Genome Campus during Cambridge Science Festival.
Postdoctoral fellow Anne Neville and Andy Yates, head of the Genomic Technology Infrastructure team, pitch suggestions for human improvement along with the studio audience and an emerald sea slug.
The panel discuss elephant fit bits, an egalitarian society and why we should learn to love the microbes that live in and on us.
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music...2017-09-2000 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 36 - TranslucencyNeil Delamere judges suggestions for future humans by Lara Dungan and David McKeown with Simon Watt attempting to keep some kind of order.
The panel discuss memory foam people, somebody offers Neil a hug and we find out why owls might not be as wise as people think.
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go...2017-09-0600 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 35 - Misinformation ClaxonZoe Lyons joins Simon to find an upgrade for Human 2.0 from England rugby cap Dame Maggie Alphonsi, Dean Burnett and the studio audience at Winchester Science Festival.
The panel discuss motivation, limb regeneration and an unusual approach to birth control.
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. Support this show...2017-08-2300 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 34 - Downloading DreamsJay Lafferty joins Simon to judge suggestions for the next humans from hummingbird expert Dr. Sue Healy and cross cultural researcher Erin Robbins.
The panel discuss internal fit bits, how animals lie and why you might need to vape on your baby.
Recorded as part of Explorathon, the European Researchers' Night at St. Andrews University.
If you enjoyed this podcast you can now become a patron of the show: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer...2017-08-0900 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 33 - The Kebab NeuronPaul Sinha joins Simon for this special episode in collaboration with the Royal Society. Paul judges suggestions from neuroscientist Dr. Holly Bridge, bio-physical chemistry researcher Steve Lee and the studio audience live at the Science Museum.
The team discuss fluorescing frogs, brain plasticity and why we need to milk a lot of spiders to improve care for stroke patients.
If you enjoy Level Up Human you can now donate via Patreon: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust...2017-07-2600 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 32 - Male MenopauseJack Heal judges suggestions by Hayley Pye, Maddy Coke and the Omni tent audience, Einstein's Garden at the 2016 Green Man festival. Simon Watt is in the chair as ever.
The panel discuss whether we need leaders, a blood test that can reveal every virus you've ever had, and whether we actually need bodies any more at all.
If you're enjoying the podcast, you can make a regular donation via our Patreon: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust...2017-07-1200 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 31 - EarlidsEllie Taylor joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions by archaeologist Paul Duncan McGarrity, psychologist Dr. Julia Shaw and the studio audience at the Science Museum.
The panel discuss the imperfect nature of memory, why spiders scare us and how easy it is to desecrate graves.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a week before everyone else AND you can buy Level...2017-06-2800 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 30 - Wrinkly BrainsSteve Cross, Mathew Tata and Catie Williams join Simon for some more Level Up fun at the first ever recording at the Bloomsbury theatre studio.
The team discuss a loggerhead turtle with a titanium jaw, a machine that monitors your face to understand your emotions and Steve wants to rip everyone's spines out to replace them with more efficient titanium.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release...2017-06-1400 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 29 - Pre-cognitionJack Heal joins Simon to sort the wheat from the evolutionary chaff in this special episode recorded at the 2016 Green Man Festival.
Melissa Bovis and Jon Chase pitch ideas from their areas of expertise and we have contributions from the live audience in the Omni Tent in Einstein's garden. Only one suggestion can win!
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a...2017-05-3100 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 28 - ChromatophoresAmy Howerska judges suggestions for human improvement from writer and broadcaster Timandra Harkness and then Dr. James Logan, now Professor James Logan!
The panel discuss landmine clearing 'hero' rats, how to remember names and Amy Howerska's world of improved empathy where hospitals are run by high-functioning sociopaths.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a week before everyone else. Join them at...2017-05-1700 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 27 - WhiskersDanielle Ward joins Simon along with Cam Robinson and Nick Hawes. This episode was recorded before we had a guest judge, so the suggestions are judged by the studio audience at the Science Museum!
Pitches include enhanced navigation, tails and people nappies?!
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a week before everyone else. Join them at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman. Thank...2017-05-0300 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 26 - Nano RobotsGemma Flynn just wants an easy life. Vying for her attention are philosopher Michael Wheeler and roboticist Eli Sheppard, with Simon Watt keeping score. We get a helping gene or two from the scrotum frog, and find out about the evolution of the haircut.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a week before everyone else. Join them at www.patreon.com...2017-04-1900 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 25 - Chimp StrengthRobert Llewellyn joins Simon to judge suggestions for the next humans from chemist Kathryn Harkup, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod, the studio audience at the Cheltenham Science Festival and the amazing lyre bird.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a week before everyone else. Join them at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman. Thank you for listening! Support this show http://supporter.acast...2017-04-0500 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 24 - Metal BonesJonny Berliner judges suggestions for levelled up humans by bio-engineer Dr. Michelle Rogers, biodiversity theorist Dr. James Rosindell and the studio audience at Imperial College.
The panel discuss naturally occurring gyroscopes, telescopic generation and why you shouldn't drill a hole in your skull.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release each episode to our patrons a week before everyone else. Join them at www.patreon.com/leveluphuman...2017-03-2200 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 23 - Giraffe LegsJay Lafferty settles in to judge suggestions for human enhancement from psychologist Dr. Kate Cross and researcher, lecturer and podcaster, Dr. Anindya Raychaudhuri. Simon Watt officiates as ever.
The panel discuss sequential hermaphroditism, head transplants and the incredible legs of the giraffe. We find out why cooking has ruined our digestive abilities and why female hyenas are bigger than males.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com. We release...2017-03-0800 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 22 - Beards for AllLorcan McGrane joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions for future humans by Helen Arney and Tony Bjourson.
The panel discuss fecal transplants, and then more about fecal transplants. There is talk of beards for all, and we find out why Helen Arney's ukelele never gets any bigger.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com and if you'd like to receive the next LUH episode before everyone else, become a...2017-02-2200 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 21 - Skin RuffsDan Schreiber joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions from neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott and real life levelled up human Frank Swain at the Albany theatre as part of SMASHfest.
This episode is absolutely jam packed full of stuff including a demonstration of audible wifi signals, the fourteen facial expressions of horses, running so fast it makes you blind, and the reason animals can't talk.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www...2017-02-0800 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 20 - Lego LimbsBen van der Velde judges suggestions from Steinar Halldorsson, Dr. Catherine Green and the studio audience under the watchful eye of Simon Watt.
The panel discuss immuno-privileged organs, dislocating limbs and whether you'd want to try a crème brûlée made from the eggs and milk of a duck billed platypus.
This episode was recorded live at the Amey theatre as part of Oxfordshire Science Festival.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more inf...2017-01-2500 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 19 - Shark SkinNeil Delamere sifts through evolutionary upgrades suggested by rocket scientist David McKeown and soon to be double doctor, Lara Dungan. Simon Watt is in the chair.
The panel discuss whether shark skin would be useful to humans, whether it's worth evolving immortality, and find out why David wants to put giant electromagnets in our chests.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show http://supporter.acast...2017-01-1100 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 18 - Finger TorchesJo Caulfield chooses human improvements with pitches by Dr. Kate Shoenrock, Shaun Killen, Mother Nature and the studio audience at the Glasgow Science Festival. Simon Watt is in the chair.
The panel discuss bio-electrics, how pigeons outperform humans at task-switching and why you might want a fish in your drink.
Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
See...2016-12-2800 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 17 - Cuddle VisionRobin Ince joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions for human enhancement from science writer and broadcaster, Kat Arney, zoologist Jules Howard and the audience at Brighton Science Festival.
Jules Howard has written off Robin Ince for being too old, Kat Arney wants a hangover free life and we discuss audience suggestions including cuddling improvements and more knee caps.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust.
For more information, go to...2016-12-1400 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 16 - Bird BrainsZoe Lyons chooses ideas for future human, taking in suggestions from doctor of neuroscience Dean Burnett, champion rugby player Maggie Alphonsi, the studio audience at Winchester Science Festival and the 'smurf bird' cassowary.
We discuss bird brains, horse health monitors and whether it's time for an alternative, doped, Olympics?
Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics are by Theo Weedon and web design by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust.
You can now support us directly with a donation: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman - help us land...2016-11-3000 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 15 - Mutant TesticlesMatthew Collins joins Simon Watt at the Northern Ireland Science Festival to judge evolutionary suggestions from glyco-biologist Triona O'Connell, clinical geneticist Shane McKee and the studio audience at the Black Box Theatre.
Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics are by Theo Weedon and website design is by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust.
You can now support us directly with a donation: www.patreon.com/leveluphuman - help us land a resident gig and continue to make more podcasts! Patreons receive new episodes before anyone else...2016-11-1600 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 14 - Fertility SwitchSteve Cross joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions from Mathew Tata and Catie Williams at the Bloomsbury Theatre, UCL.
In this episode the team discuss what gods they'd like to be, why naked mole rats are better than humans and whether if we level up as a species, all the challenges we face will level up too, 'to keep the comic interesting.'
Theme music by Laurence Owen, graphic design by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman. Produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show...2016-11-0200 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 13 - Babel FishGemma Flynn joins Simon Watt, Eli Sheppard and Michael Wheeler at the Edinburgh International Science Festival to explain why there's never anything in the bagging area, why a babel fish upgrade is not around the corner, and why Netflix is choosing what you watch on TV.
Eli Sheppard has some very specific ideas on exactly when the machines are going to take over. This man is worth keeping an eye on.
Theme music by Laurence Owen, graphic design by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman. Produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust.
For more information, go...2016-10-1900 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 12 - Giant BabiesLindsay Sharman joins Simon Watt for a sun soaked episode from the gorgeous Wilderness festival. Lindsay has to consider pitches from geneticist Maia Elliott and biologist Jamie Upton, our lively audience and Mother Nature herself.
The panel discuss death, harvesting your own buttocks for stem cells and how a poo transplant could help fight infections. This is all grist to the Level Up Human mill by this stage. However we also need to tell Jamie Upton where babies come from, as he seems to have been misled.
Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics are by Theo...2016-10-0500 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 11 - Kevlar SkinHugh Dennis judges ideas for human enhancement from Professor Alice Roberts, Marcus du Sautoy and the studio audience at Glastonbury festival. Simon Watt officiates with offerings from Mother Nature's buffet table.
In this episode we discuss transcranial magnetic stimulation, how we know bees are good at maths and why there's never been a giraffe at the International Space Station.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust.
For more information, go...2016-09-2100 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 10 - Stomach MouthsElf Lyons judges suggestions from QI elf Stevyn Colgan and Dr. Joe Latimer with Simon Watt keeping tabs on everybody as best he can.
The panel discuss smart bacteria, sentient suitcases and what the 'G' in G-spot stands for. At one point, if you listen carefully, you can hear Simon suggest he's going to do something obscene to a yoghurt.
Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show...2016-09-0700 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 9 - Bum CushionsSuzi Gage, Rosie Wilby and Jim Bell join Simon Watt for a recording live at the 2015 Green Man festival in Einstein's Garden.
The panel discuss bum cushions, stackable humans and what is the best addiction?
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and...2016-08-2600 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 8 - Drunk LearningEllie Taylor judges suggestions by Paul Duncan McGarrity, Dr. Julia Shaw, the Science Museum studio audience and Mother Nature herself with Simon Watt.
The panel discuss sonogenetics, how to win at pool and why you don't necessarily want to be using 'all' of your brain.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon and web design by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out...2016-08-1000 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 7 - Polydactyl CatsHelen Arney joins Simon Watt to judge pitches for the next stage of humanity from Emma Robinson and Andrew Steele live at Impfest.
The panel discuss mind-reading fMRI scanners, polydactyl cats and the amazing planarian.
Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.2016-07-2700 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 6 - Zoom VisionAmy Howerska joins Simon Watt to judge suggestions for the next humans from Timandra Harkness, James Logan, the studio audience and Mother Nature herself in an episode recorded live at the Royal Institution.
The panel discuss olfactory resheathing, heteropaternal superfecundation and the incredible L. riparia - a generously endowed earwig.
Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
See...2016-07-1300 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 5 - Glow in the Dark GenitalsDanielle Ward joins Simon Watt with Cam Robinson and Nick Hawes to discuss ideas for the next stage of human evolution. Recorded at the Science Museum lates.
The panel discuss glow in the dark testicles, oxygen producing hair and the venomous slow loris in this wide ranging episode taking in ethics, logic and the benefits of elbow blades.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics are by Theo Weedon and our website was designed by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust.
For more information, go to...2016-06-2900 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 4 - QuadrupedalismRobert Llewellyn settles into the judge's chair for Level Up Human live from Cheltenham Science Festival. Simon Watt arbitrates as Dr. Kathryn Harkup, Ben Garrod and the studio audience vie for Robert's attention with ideas for improved humans.
Ben Garrod explains how to air-taste when you have no sense of smell and we set Kathryn Harkup the task of working out how much would be a fatal dose of marzipan.
Theme music written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more...2016-06-1500 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 3 - Frozen BrainsDan Schreiber joins Simon Watt and a panel of scientists to work out how to improve humans with the help of a live studio audience at SMASHfest. With Sophie Scott and Frank Swain.
The panel discuss lesbian lizards, the sleep/wake cycle and why birds don't have teeth.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com and if you'd like to receive the next LUH episode before everyone else, become...2016-06-1000 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 2 - Face ShazamHolly Walsh joins Simon to Level Up humans with camo-tattoos, face shazam and vampire champagne parties. Neuroscience researcher, Lewis Hou, and physicist, Matt Allinson, pitch in for a special episode recorded live at Einstein's Garden at the 2015 Green Man Festival.
Our theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen. Graphics by Theo Weedon, web design by Ian Bridgeman and support from the Wellcome Trust. The producer is Rachel Wheeley.
For more information, go to www.leveluphuman.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/leveluphuman.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.2016-06-0900 minLevel Up HumanEpisode 1 - Rainbow HairRobin Ince joins Simon Watt to decide what humans should evolve next. Expert pitches from science writer and broadcaster Kat Arney and zoologist Jules Howard. Additional pitches from the studio audience at the Brighton Science Festival and Mother Nature herself.
The panel discussed hair colour, immortality and Jules's testicles, but which suggestion made it through to be incorporated into our genome?
Theme music was written and performed by Laurence Owen, graphics by Theo Weedon and website design by Ian Bridgeman. Level Up Human is produced by Rachel Wheeley and supported by the Wellcome Trust.
For more information, go to www...2016-06-0800 min