Science Savvy
Science Savvy is a science and health podcast hosted by Carmen Fairley, drawing on a background in Pharmacology and Biomedical Engineering to explore the science behind everyday life. Each episode turns complex research into clear, engaging stories, covering the human body, the brain, medicine, sleep, memory, pain, and scientific discovery. Topics include women's health and hormones (PMS vs PMDD), the neuroscience of pain and how painkillers work, the science of sleep and dreams, near-death experiences and what happens when we die, and the biology of attraction, with expert interviews featuring doctors, researchers, and health founders. Science Savvy is educational only and does not provide medical advice. Please speak with a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical questions. Follow now and never miss an episode.
Episodes
Why are we attracted to certain people but not others? In this episode we explore what science reveals about romantic and sexual preferences, focusing on how the brain's reward system, hormones, and evolutionary pressures shape attraction. We discuss dopamine and oxytocin's roles, hormonal influences across the menstrual cycle, immune-genetic cues, and how personal experiences and cultural context create individual "types."
The epi...
In this episode, we explore the science of dying. We examine what happens in the brain after cardiac arrest, why consciousness usually fades within seconds, and the remarkable discoveries of brief bursts of brain activity after your heart has stopped.
We also dive into the mystery of near-death experiences. Why do some survivors describe tunnels of light, out-of-body experiences, or profound feelings of peace? Could these experienc...
In this episode (Part 2 of PMDD vs PMS), I interview Liv Nono, co-founder of Velora Salud, about her PMDD diagnosis journey. She tell us all she has learned so far, from tracking her cyclical symptoms to the challenges of getting proper care early. Of course, we discuss the science behind PMDD, so you can understand exactly what differentiates it from PMS.
We cover treatment options, including pharmacological and non-pharmacologica...
Why do some women feel bloated, emotional, or irritable before their period, while others feel like they become a completely different person? In this episode of Science Savvy Podcast, Professor Rossella Nappi (gynecologist, endocrinologist, and sexologist) breaks down the crucial difference between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and why PMDD is far more than “just bad PMS.” Toge...
In this episode of Science Savvy, I speak with Pablo Otero, who holds a PhD from Imperial College London, about how certain substances can affect the body in social settings.
We discuss how mixing substances can increase the chance of unwanted effects, how the body responds under different conditions, and why avoiding recreational substance use is the lowest-risk choice.
This episode is for educational purposes only. It does not en...
This episode explores how pain is shaped by the brain, body signals, context, expectations, and emotions.
We look at why stress can sometimes reduce pain, why mood can change how pain feels, and how approaches such as movement, relaxation, education, and social connection can help people understand pain better.
This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice.
Reading list: Available on request.
Part two of the Science Savvy pain series explains how common pain medicines work and why pain relief can vary from person to person.
The episode covers medicines such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, local anaesthetics, and other prescription treatments, while also exploring how expectations, support, and non-medicine approaches can shape the pain experience.
This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice.
Reading ...
Pain is strange: we feel it in the body, but the brain plays a central role in creating the experience.
In part one of this series, we explore how pain signals travel, why reflexes can happen before conscious awareness, why chronic pain can persist, and why two people with similar injuries may feel pain differently.
This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice.
Reading list: Available on request.
This episode explores sleep patterns, naps, circadian rhythms, and how daytime habits can affect nighttime rest.
We also cover how sleep needs can vary across life stages, the possible effects of too little or too much sleep, and practical habits that may help improve sleep quality.
This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice.
Reading list: Available on request.
This episode explores why sleep matters for body repair, immune function, brain maintenance, and long-term health.
We also look at dreams, why we may dream, and how sleep differs across animals.
This episode is educational only and does not provide medical advice.
Reading list: Available on request.
In this episode, I explore the research history and neuroscience of psychedelic compounds, including how they interact with brain receptors and why they are being studied in controlled clinical settings.
The episode discusses current research, study limitations, practical challenges, and why these compounds should only be used within approved clinical or research environments.
This episode is educational only and does not encourage...
In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore how memory works and why it matters for learning, decision-making, and daily life.
The episode covers how memories are formed, stored, and retrieved, which brain regions are involved, and practical ways to improve recall.
Reading list: Available on request.
In this episode of Science Savvy, I speak with Elena Muyo, Scientific Projects & Partnerships Lead at CRIS Cancer UK, about how research funding can help advance new cancer treatments.
We discuss how projects are selected, why early research matters, and how scientific discovery can create new options for patients over time.
Reading list: Available on request.
In this episode, I speak with Aitana Padilla about genetics, the brain, and schizophrenia research.
We explore how DNA can influence biological pathways, how researchers study complex conditions, and why genetics is only one part of a much bigger scientific picture.
Reading list: Available on request.
In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science of happiness: what it is, why it exists, and how the brain helps create feelings of joy, satisfaction, and connection.
Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I look beyond the simple idea that happiness is “just dopamine” and unpack the wider biology behind positive emotions. This episode explores reward pathways, gratitude, social con...
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,...
In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science behind Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, often shortened to PCOS. Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down how hormones, metabolism, insulin, and lifestyle factors can interact in this complex condition.
I’m joined by Dr. Basma Faris, a board-certified OB/GYN and certified culinary medicine specialist, to discuss why PCOS is about much m...
In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the fascinating science behind how food interacts with the brain and body. Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down how taste, smell, texture, nutrients, and the gut-brain connection can influence how we think, feel, and experience everyday life.
Joined by Pablo and Alicia, a food-loving couple, we discuss why food can feel rewarding, how it links ...
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...
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