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Instant Genius

Instant Genius

By: Our Media
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Whether you’re curious about getting healthy, the Big Bang or the science of cooking, find out everything you need to know with Instant Genius. The team behind BBC Science Focus Magazine talk to world-leading experts to bring you two bite-sized masterclasses on a new subject each week. New episodes are released every Monday and Friday and you can subscribe to Instant Genius on Apple Podcasts to access all new episodes ad-free and all old episodes of Instant Genius Extra. Watch full episodes of Instant Genius on BBC Science Focus Magazine's YouTube channel. Follow us on X: @SFIGPodOur Media Science
Episodes
  • Why the liver is the body’s most misunderstood organ

    Why the liver is the body’s most misunderstood organ
    Jul 5 2026
    Most of us think about the liver as simply being the body’s filtration system that acts as a sponge that removes toxins from our bloodstreams. But the truth is it performs many more functions that are vital for our health such as acting as the primary organ in regulating our metabolisms, storing essential nutrients our bodies can draw from in times of need, and even producing proteins that help our blood to clot when we’re injured. However, changes in our lifestyles over the past several decades are leading to an alarming rise in the prevalence of damage and disease to this essential organ. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Quin Wills, a researcher and CEO of the biotech company Ochre Bio, who specialises in developing innovative new treatments to combat liver disease. He talks us through the many functions the liver performs in our bodies, explains some of the most common causes of the rise in chronic liver disease and looks forward to the future to detail some of the cutting-edge treatments that may be on the horizon to combat this growing issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • Why this common women’s health condition is so misunderstood

    Why this common women’s health condition is so misunderstood
    Jul 2 2026
    Despite affecting as many as 80 per cent of women by the age of 50, fibroids, lumps of tissue that grow in or around the womb, are not commonly discussed outside of specialist doctors’ offices. However, they can cause a whole host of health issues, such as heavy or painful periods, poor bladder control, chronic constipation, and even affect fertility and complicate childbirth. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Michelle Griffin, a women's health expert, author and former BBC Science Focus columnist, to talk about her latest book, Fibroids – Everything You Need to Know, From Symptoms to Diagnosis and Beyond. She tells us how the location of fibroids determines the specific symptoms and complications associated with them; the role hormones play in their development and growth and talks us through some of the latest developments in treating this common but overlooked condition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    42 mins
  • The miraculous healing ability of our brains

    The miraculous healing ability of our brains
    Jun 28 2026
    It was previously thought that once our brains suffer an injury due to stroke or trauma, the potential for recovery was severely limited. But recent developments in medicine have proven that this isn’t the case; our brains are, in fact, capable of miraculous acts of healing. This is thanks to a process known as neuroplasticity, a concept that’s changing the way that medical practitioners are helping patients suffering from brain injuries regain their health. In this episode, we’re joined by neurologist and author Orlando Swayne to talk about his latest book, How to Use a Fork – Stories of Mending the Broken Brain. He tells us what happens in our brains following injury, how learning new skills can change the structure of our brains, and how we can use this process to help people recover from strokes, aneurysms and other debilitating brain injuries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    35 mins
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