Science Savvy

This episode explores why sleep is SUPER important for body repair, immune function, literally cleaning your brain, and protecting you from diseases like Alzheimer's.

We get into some FUN topics like dreams: why we dream, whether there are any benefits to dreaming, and how sleep is different for different animals.

Give it a listen, and stay tuned for part two!

Bibliography:

Blume C, Garbazza C, Spitschan M. Effects of light on huma...

In this episode, I explore the history, science, and clinical promise of psychedelics. This was actually my Master's Thesis topic so very fun episode for me!

We cover everything from how the psychedelics actually work, by acting brain (serotonin) receptors to increase neuroplasticity (make your brain more malleable), disrupt rigid brain patterns, and increase brain "entropy"... and, more importantly, why those effects may help us t...

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore how memory shapes identity and human culture.

The episode covers the evolutionary origins of memory, the brain regions involved, how memories are encoded, and how therapies (including MDMA) can help heal traumatic memories.

You will also get practical tips to improve your memory!

About Science Savvy: My name is Carmen Fairley, I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering...

In this episode of Science Savvy, I sit down with Elena Muyo, Scientific Projects & Partnerships Lead at CRIS Cancer UK, to uncover how this unique charity is rewriting the future of cancer research. From dual CAR-T trials in children with leukemia, to a first-in-class lung cancer vaccine, to pioneering treatments for devastating childhood brain tumors, CRIS Cancer is driving science that gives patients options when medicine sa...

In this episode we talk about "having great genes", but also weird ones, ancient viral ones, and even one named after Sonic Hedgehog (look it up!). W dive into how your DNA is more like a script with a dimmer switch than a fixed destiny. From epigenetics and retroviruses to schizophrenia research, stem cells, and the pitfalls of 23andMe, we explore the science written into your genome.

Thank you to Aitana Padilla for coming on the ...

Welcome to this Science Savvy episode on Happiness. In this episode, I explore what happiness really is from a neuroscience & evolutionary perspective, and explain why it’s a biological miracle that we feel joy at all.

I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, and in this episode I cover why dopamine gets all the hype (but shouldn’t), how gratitude rewires your brain, why you’re not supposed to be happy al...

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Katharine D'Amico, a behavioral neuroscientist and President of the The Swala Institute for Applied Neuroscience for professional communication. We explore how your brain rapidly forms perceptions, builds (or breaks) trust, and makes high-stakes decisions.

My name is Carmen, I am the host of Science Savvy. I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering. Science Savvy podcast is al...

Welcome to the Architecture and the Brain episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how the built environment influences the way we think, feel, and connect with others. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind sensory perception and neuroarchitecture, and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the psychology of shared spaces,...

Welcome to the PCOS episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science behind Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects millions of women worldwide. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the mechanisms behind PCOS and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Basma Faris, a ...

Welcome to the Food and the Brain episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how the food we eat shapes not only our physical health but also our brain, behavior, and social bonds. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind nutrition and neurobiology and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers how taste, smell, and texture stimula...

Welcome to the Migraine episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science, stigma, and impact of migraine through the lens of lived experience and neuroscience. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the biology behind migraine and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode features a conversation with Dehenna Davison, former Member of Parliament for...

Welcome to the Neuroplasticity episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the incredible adaptability of the brain and what it means for learning, healing, and growth. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind neuroplasticity and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the story of JJ, a boy who was born missing key brain structu...

Welcome to the New Year Habits episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how to build better routines using neuroscience-backed strategies. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind focus, motivation, and habit formation, and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers how dopamine drives reinforcement, how your prefrontal cortex sh...

Welcome to the Love episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the biology behind one of humanity’s most powerful emotions. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind love and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the three stages of love known as lust, attraction, and attachment. Together with my friend Alejandra, we explore ho...

In this episode of Science Savvy, I’m joined by my best friend of ten years, Dasha, to explore the science behind long-term friendship. With warmth, laughter, and a healthy dose of evidence-based insight, we look at how your brain syncs up with your closest companions, why oxytocin makes you feel safe and connected, and how staying close to your friends can actually support your physical health and longevity.

We discuss how friends...

Welcome to the ADHD episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore what it really means to live with ADHD and how science is reshaping the way we understand it. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind attention, dopamine, and neurodiversity, and unpack how it all shows up in everyday life.

This episode covers how neurotransmitters like dopamine and norep...

Welcome to the Creativity episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science behind creative thinking and how the brain fuels imagination. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind creativity and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the roles of the prefrontal cortex and default mode network, the surprising impact of dopam...

Welcome to the Gut Health episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how your gut microbiome does so much more than support digestion. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind the gut-brain connection and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers how gut bacteria influence your mood, mental health, immune function, and even decisi...

Welcome to the Consciousness episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore what it really means to be conscious and how self-awareness shapes who we are. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind consciousness and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers everything from classic philosophical ideas like Descartes’ “I think, therefore ...