Avsnitt
-
In the third episode of this month, we re-explore the world of lunar resource utilization with Timon Schild, a PhD student at the European Space Resources Innovation Center (ESRIC). Join us as Timon unpacks the concept of In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and its implications for future lunar missions.
Timon shares insights on lunar regolith—what it is, how it forms, and the unique challenges it presents for exploration and extraction. We also discuss cutting-edge technologies like molten salt electrolysis that could enable us to extract oxygen and metals directly from lunar material.
USEFUL LINKS
ESRIC - https://www.esric.lu/
Space Resources Week 2025 - https://www.spaceresourcesweek.lu/
More about Timon Schild - https://www.list.lu/en/news/spotlight-on-phd-student-timon-schild-eyes-on-the-moon-and-feet-on-the-ground/?no_cache=1&cHash=1eeb39a62b3a2d51ccc7f97d41a753ab
Take-Off Show Episode about Space - https://youtu.be/O5keQCzCJ8w?si=QA-E69iZcrT_LrXN
-
In this week's episode, we talked to Professor Charles Spence, head of the Crossmodal Research Laboratory at the University of Oxford. Known for his innovative research on how our senses interact to shape our experiences, Professor Spence shares fascinating insights into the psychology of taste and smell.
Join us as we explore the implications of this research for food design, the ethics of sensory manipulation, and the future of dining experiences. From the impact of cutlery weight to the role of sensory overload in our modern lives, this episode is a rich tapestry of science, curiosity, and culinary delight.
USEFUL LINKS:
The Crossmodal Research Laboratory at the University of Oxford - https://www.futureoffood.ox.ac.uk/article/crossmodal-research-laboratory
More about Prof. Charles Spence - https://www.psy.ox.ac.uk/people/charles-spence
Gastrophysics: The New Science of Eating by Charles Spence - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32970441-gastrophysics
Senshacking by Charles Spence - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42184219-sensehacking
-
Saknas det avsnitt?
-
And what if we looked closer at our hair?
In our latest episode, our guest is Prof. Brice Appenzeller, head of the Human Biomonitoring Research Unit at the Luxembourg Institute of Health. After reminding our listeners what exposome is, Brice elaborates on the various agents we may be exposed to, including physical, microbiological, and chemical pollutants. He emphasizes that while we often hear about individual pollutants, the reality is that we are exposed to a complex mixture of chemicals on a daily basis. This multifaceted exposure can significantly impact our health, making it crucial for us to understand and monitor these interactions.
One of the key methods Brice discusses is biomonitoring, which involves analyzing biological samples—such as urine, blood, and hair—to detect the presence of chemicals or their by-products. Hair samples, in particular, offer a fascinating insight into long-term exposure and can reveal compounds that may not be detectable in other types of samples. And this is Brice's specialisation.USEFUL LINKS
Brice Appenzeller on LIH Website - https://researchportal.lih.lu/en/persons/brice-appenzeller/projects/
Society of Hair Testing - https://www.soht.org/
RELATED EPISODES:
- Interview with Prof. Emma Schymanski: https://www.scilux.eu/episodes/unknown-chemicals
- Interview with Dr. Dagny Aurich: https://www.scilux.eu/episodes/exposomics
- Interview with Dr. Guy Fagherazzi: https://www.scilux.eu/episodes/colive-voice
The episode cover is designed using a graphic downloaded from vecteezy.com
-
In this episode learn more about environmental engineering from Dr. Silvia Venditti, an expert in nature-based solutions for water treatment. With a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London, Silvia is currently working at the University of Luxembourg, focusing on the removal of micropollutants from wastewater.
Silvia explains how nature-based solutions mimic natural processes to restore ecosystems, offering low-cost, resilient alternatives to traditional high-tech methods. Discover the challenges and innovations in using constructed wetlands to tackle micropollutants and the potential for creating valuable resources from waste.
Silvia also shares insights into her projects aiming to integrate nature-based solutions in urban areas and address stormwater runoff.
USEFUL LINKS
Silvia Venditti's research - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Silvia-Venditti
More about nature-based solutions - https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/nature-based-solutions_en
EmiSûre project - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duH7tUYrXB8
Constructed wetlands - FNR Highlights: https://www.fnr.lu/research-with-impact-fnr-highlight/spotlight-on-young-researchers-constructed-wetlands-a-new-approach-to-treating-wastewater/
Amazing Polish book about water - https://wydawnictwopoznanskie.pl/produkt/woda-historia-pewnego-porwania-seria-reporterska-wydawnictwa-poznanskiego/ -
Buckle up and embark on a journey beyond our solar system with the latest episode featuring Professor Christiane Helling, director of the Space Research Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and a professor at Graz University of Technology. With a focus on exoplanets and cloud formation, Professor Helling offers a glimpse into the fascinating field of space science.
This episode is not just a scientific discourse; it's a celebration of human curiosity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge - and as Prof. Helling puts it, it's a community effort.
USEFUL LINKS
Austrian Academy of Sciences - https://www.oeaw.ac.at/en
Graz University of Technology - https://www.tugraz.at/en/home/
SuperWASP telescope - https://www.superwasp.org/
TESS mission - https://science.nasa.gov/mission/tess
CHEOPS mission - https://cheops.unibe.ch/
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) - https://science.nasa.gov/mission/webb/ -
Join us as we talk with Professor Massimo Morelli, whose research spans economics, politics, and law. Having worked at top universities and now researching at LISER, he explains how trust shapes our economy and politics.
He breaks down two types of trust: trust between people and businesses (horizontal), and trust in our institutions (vertical). Both are key to how well countries and markets work.
We then discuss why populism is growing and how it affects the economy. Morelli explains that populist leaders win support by making straightforward promises, like protecting local jobs, even if these solutions oversimplify complex problems.
The discussion also extends to the European Union, where Professor Morelli sees opportunities for rebuilding trust through global and European policies that address common challenges, such as unemployment insurance and tax reforms.
USEFUL LINKS
Massimo Morelli's Website: https://massimomorelli.eu/
Massimo Morelli on TedX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBkoXabxsxQ&pp=ygUPbWFzc2ltbyBtb3JlbGxp
Lecture at the University of Auckland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luAUTYFYHc8
From Weber to Kafka: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OulhWPno_8 -
Step into the world of small states and islands with Professor Godfrey Baldacchino (University of Malta), Malta's first thematic ambassador for islands and small states. In our latest podcast episode, we unravel the complex tapestry of smallness, exploring how seemingly minor entities can wield significant influence on the global stage.
Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small states and islands. It is really worth letting Prof. Baldacchino be your guide.
USEFUL LINKS
About Godfrey Baldacchino - https://www.um.edu.mt/profile/godfreybaldacchino
University of Malta - https://www.um.edu.mt/
Godfrey Baldacchino on Smallness - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6--l2FLAOCk&t=179s
Alliance of Small Island States - https://www.aosis.org/ -
In this captivating episode of SciLux, we visit the digital history realm with Professor Valérie Schafer, a leading researcher in Contemporary European History at the Luxembourg Centre for Contemporary and Digital History (C2DH). Professor Schafer guides us through the concept of born digital heritage, uncovering the layers of web archives and their significance in preserving our digital past.
We also explore the dynamic world of online virality, discussing the unpredictable yet impactful nature of viral phenomena. From the early days of the Internet to the rise of memes, discover how digital culture has evolved and continues to shape our online interactions. Also learn about the role of emotions in virality and journey through the history of CD-ROMs, Prof. Schafer's next project.
USEFUL LINKS (more links on our Website):
Prof. Schafer on C2DH Website: https://www.c2dh.uni.lu/people/valerie-schafer
Wayback Machine - http://web.archive.org/
C2DH Podcast with Valerie and Niels Bruger - https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dYIHFp8qfdofgvMAwXdxy?si=HbsQv1hxQ3ywlWqTbDoluA
HIVI project - https://hivi.uni.lu/
Online Virality publication - https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783111311371/html
Know your Meme - https://knowyourmeme.com/
Minitel - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minitel
(Dist)dances : an anthropology of dance on the Internet: "(Dist)danses: une anthropologie des danses sur internet" - Sous la direction de Elina Djebbari, Mahalia Lassibille et Laura Stei: https://journals.openedition.org/emulations/1770 -
We're coming back to the topic of space thanks to the winner of this year's Luxembourg Science Slam, Citlali Bruce Rosete, PhD student at the Space Systems Engineering Research Group of SnT, University of Luxembourg.
We explore the intricacies of space technology, discussing the challenges and innovations in satellite design, the importance of sustainability in space, and the potential of swarms of satellites in distributed beamforming missions.
From the excitement of winning the Science Slam to the technical details of satellite orbits and propulsion systems, Citlali provides a comprehensive overview of the field. We also touch on the regulatory aspects of launching satellites and the future possibilities for these tiny marvels in space exploration and research.
Podcast Cover Photo Credit: The POQUITO Team
USEFUL LINKS
SnT - https://www.uni.lu/snt-en/
Luxembourg Science Slam - https://scienceslam.uni.lu/
AstriaGraph (University of Texas) - visualisation of objects around the Earth: http://astria.tacc.utexas.edu/AstriaGraph/
AlbaOrbital - https://www.albaorbital.com/ -
In this episode of SciLux, we visit the world of evolutionary biology with Dr. Kalina Kapralova from the University of Iceland. Dr. Kapralova studies Arctic charr in the unique environment of Iceland's lakes and together we explore the intricacies of evolutionary biology, discussing adaptive divergence, parallel evolution, and the process of speciation. Dr. Kapralova also sheds light on the impact of climate change on salmonid species and the potential for adaptation in the face of rapidly changing environments. A fully charged episode!
USEFUL LINKS
University of Iceland - https://www.hi.is/enDr. Kapralova's work - https://scholar.google.is/citations?user=I_PzR8UAAAAJ&hl=en
A short documentary about the arctic charr mating behaviour in Lake Thingvallavatn, Iceland by Edite Fiskoviča et al.- https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=xW3VS73PJSw -
On this episode of SciLux, we sit down with Dr. Alexandros Gerakis, a Senior Research and Technology Associate at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and an Adjunct Professor at Texas A&M University. Dr. Gerakis shares his fascinating journey from studying optical lattices during his PhD at University College London to his current work pioneering laser diagnostics for neutral gas flows and plasma research.
We explore various applications of lasers, including their use in diagnostics and the manipulation of matter. We also discuss the potential of plasma in fields like nanofabrication and fusion energy.
USEFUL LINKS
Alexandros Gerakis's Publications - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=dmHz_DEAAAAJ&hl=en
LIST - https://www.list.lu/
Texas A&M University, Department of Aerospace Engineering
https://engineering.tamu.edu/aerospace/index.html
Princeton Plasma Physics Lab
https://www.pppl.gov/
Dr. Evil about laser - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voSpOrimkMY
A Beautiful Mind (Film)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0268978/
CERN
https://home.cern/ -
It was refreshing to chat to Dr. Carlos Vega, Research Engineer at the Luxembourg Institute of Health and a teacher at the University of Luxembourg. Carlos, who recently distinguished himself in the science.lu Science Writing competition, is a very good communicator. In this episode we explore the practical challenges of data collection, processing, and visualisation, highlighting the pitfalls and ethical considerations that accompany the use of data in scientific research.
Carlos uses vivid analogies, such as the omelette analogy from his award-winning article, to illustrate complex concepts in a relatable manner. The conversation also touches on the role of inductive reasoning and the potential for errors in data interpretation.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of data science, ethics, and technology.
-
Today we embark on a new journey exploring European researchers and their contributions to science and society. Our first European guest, Tina de Gendt, a public historian, curator, writer and journalist recently received the European Heritage Europa Nostra Award for the Square Kilometre Project coordinated and funded by STAM Ghent City Museum and the Ghent Heritage Cell.
Tina shares her insights on the concept of public history, a field dedicated to involving the public in the historical narrative. She discusses the challenges and rewards of engaging with diverse communities, the importance of negotiating narratives, and the ethical principles guiding her work. Discover how Tina's unique approach as a freelance historian allows her to bridge the gap between institutional history and the lived experiences of people in super-diverse urban neighbourhoods.
We also explore Tina's innovative projects, such as the Square Kilometre Project, and her work as a historian in residence, where she collaborates with local communities to uncover hidden histories and bring them to life through exhibitions, podcasts, and more. Learn how these initiatives foster a deeper understanding of migration, urban transformation, and the past that connects us all.
USEFUL LINKS
Tina de Gendt: https://sites.google.com/view/tinadegendt/homepage
STAM Ghent City Museum: https://stamgent.be/en
Square Kilometre Project: https://stamgent.be/en/thesquarekilometre
European Heritage Awards: https://www.europeanheritageawards.eu/winners/the-square-kilometre/
About the 'Turkey on the Lys' book: https://www.journalismfund.eu/supported-projects/turkish-people-belgium
Master in Digital and Public History at the University of Luxembourg: https://www.uni.lu/fhse-en/study-programs/master-in-digital-and-public-history/ -
In this episode of SciLux, we talk about mitochondrial biology with Professor Anne Grünewald, a neuroscientist at the LCSB (Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine), University of Luxembourg. We explore the intricate role of mitochondria and their significance in energy production and cellular processes. Professor Grünewald shares her journey from biotechnology to neuroscience, highlighting the pivotal influence of inspiring educators and the dynamic nature of scientific exploration.
The conversation navigates through the complexities of mitochondrial function, their genetic components, and the implications of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's. We discuss the potential of mitochondrial research in understanding and possibly predicting the onset of Parkinson's disease, along with the challenges and opportunities in translating genetic insights into therapeutic strategies.
USEFUL LINKS
LCSB (Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine) - https://www.uni.lu/lcsb
University of Luxembourg - https://wwwen.uni.lu/
Anne Grunewald, the ATTRACT Fellow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GLm4nzgcrU&pp=ygUOYW5uZSBncnVuZXdhbGQ%3D
ATTRACT Fellowship of FNR - https://www.fnr.lu/funding-instruments/attract/
More about Professor Yamanaka - https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2012/yamanaka/facts/
Related SciLux episodes:
- Episode with Prof. Emma Schymanski - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1412332/episodes/10331298
- Episode with Dr. Ibrahim Boussad - https://www.buzzsprout.com/1412332/episodes/11616471 -
In this episode of SciLux, we talk about digital twins with Dr. German Castignani, AI and Data Analytics Platform Leader at the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). Dr. Castignani, who also manages the Digital Twin Innovation Centre, shares his insights on the practical applications and potential of digital twins, vehicular technologies, and predictive modelling for energy and mobility systems. Additionally, we touch upon the evolution of mobility data analytics, the journey of founding Motion-S, and the future of AI adoption in industry.
Don't miss the pub quiz question on the limits of digital twins and find out the answer as usual at the end of the episode!
USEFUL LINKS
German Castignani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gercastignani/
German Castignani on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.fr/citations?user=iq_ttaUAAAAJ&hl=fr
LIST: https://www.list.lu/ -
In this SciLux Original we go behind the scenes of the other science podcast – you guessed it right, Hanna talked to Max Kasel from Mäin Element. Discover how he navigates interviews with scientists, his approach to making science accessible and entertaining, and the importance of highlighting the personal stories behind scientific achievements.
Max and Hanna discuss the challenges and rewards of interviewing both introverted and extroverted guests and the art of storytelling in science communication. Plus, we explore the impact of mentors in academia and the intricate balance of preparing for interviews while staying open to spontaneous discoveries.
USEFUL LINKS
Mäin Element - https://open.spotify.com/show/2qnjCT9xVWtZ9MqavnkjmQ
The Lëtzebuerger Journal - https://journal.lu/en -
In this episode of SciLux, we have a closer look at lunar water with Dr. Veneranda López Días from the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). We explore the parallels between the water cycles on Earth and the Moon, the various forms in which water exists on the lunar surface, and the scientific methods used to detect and analyse it.
Discover the intriguing theories about how water migrates on the Moon, the potential for future lunar missions, and the technological advancements required to extract and utilise this precious resource. From thermal extraction techniques to the challenges of conducting in situ analysis, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the current state of lunar water research and its implications for future space exploration.
USEFUL LINKS
About Dr. Veneranda López Días on Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Veneranda-Lopez-Dias
Dr. López Días on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veneranda-l%C3%B3pez-d%C3%ADas-b4b26b96/
PITMS: https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/experiment/display.action?id=PEREGRN-1-05
PROSPECT mission: https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2020/10/What_is_Prospect
SciLux Related Episodes:
- Solar Panels with Philip Dale: https://scilux.buzzsprout.com/1412332/episodes/15464113-season-4-episode-23-solar-panels
- Mass Spectrometry and Unknown Chemicals with Emma Schymanski: https://scilux.buzzsprout.com/1412332/episodes/10331298-episode-18-prof-dr-emma-schymanski-lcsb-unknown-chemicals
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes. Subscribe to SciLux and follow us for the latest updates. -
In today's episode of Scilux, we look at music performance and education in Luxembourg. Joined by Eva Klein from In Tune (the Philharmonie Luxembourg podcast) and our guest, Luc Nijs, Associate Professor in early childhood music education, we explore the intersection of technology and traditional music practices. Discover the importance of physical preparation for musicians and the fascinating ways in which digital tools and wearable devices can change the musical landscape and feed creativity.
USEFUL LINKS
In Tune podcast - https://play.rtl.lu/shows/en/in-tune-philharmonie/episodes
More about Luc Nijs - https://www.lucnijs.be
More about the IAS Audacity projects - https://www.uni.lu/research-en/ias/funded-projects/audacity/ -
Time to learn more about solar energy with an exceptional guide: Professor Phillip Dale, Head of the Laboratory for Energy Materials at the University of Luxembourg. Discover the photovoltaic technology, from the basics of solar cells to advanced research on tandem solar cells and light concentration methods. Philip explains the science behind solar energy in an engaging and accessible manner, making complex concepts easy to grasp.
Moreover, this episodes also gives you a chance to explore the challenges of social acceptance of solar panels and the innovative efforts to integrate them into urban landscapes seamlessly. Learn about the exciting collaboration with Professor Catherine Jones to assess public opinion on coloured and patterned photovoltaic panels.
USEFUL LINKS
Professor Philip Dale: https://www.uni.lu/fstm-en/people/phillip-dale/
The lab: https://pace.uni.lu/phillip-dale/
Participate in the survey: https://solarzukunft.uni.lu/ -
This time we look at European and comparative labour law with Luca Ratti, Associate Professor at the University of Luxembourg. Luca shares his journey of making labour law engaging for students and discusses his research on minimum wages and European social citizenship. Additionally, Luca provides insights into the right to disconnect, a topic that has gained prominence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SHOW NOTES
About Luca Ratti: https://www.uni.lu/fdef-en/people/luca-ratti/
Students about Luca Ratti: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tMNQQ5YDH8
Guiding Principles on Implementing Workers' Right to Disconnect: https://www.europeanlawinstitute.eu/projects-publications/publications/eli-guiding-principles-on-implementing-workers-right-to-disconnect/
European Law Institute: https://www.europeanlawinstitute.eu
Directive 2022 on Adequate Minimum Wages:
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32022L2041 - Visa fler
