Instant Genius

Our Media 668 - How to harness your brain’s underused superpowers

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: @SFIGPod

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Episodes

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Instant Genius

Episodes

How to harness your brain’s underused superpowers

How we define intelligent life

Exploring Darwin’s ideas through a queer lens

On the frontlines of our fight against dementia

Why the search for life on Mars is far from over

Why rediscovering simple pleasures may be the key to happiness

Why human urine may be our most untapped natural resource

How new technology can change our emotional lives for the better

The birth, evolution and future of microchips

What we can learn from music’s ability to evoke images in our minds

Why the liver is the body’s most misunderstood organ

Why this common women’s health condition is so misunderstood

The miraculous healing ability of our brains

How parasites play a vital role as caretakers of Earth’s ecosystems

How to keep your body younger for longer

Why wasps are one of the planet’s most misunderstood insects

Why you probably don’t need to be taking dietary supplements

Why this tiny organism is essential for the health of the planet

What happens in our bodies when our hormones misfire

What we can learn about parenting from the animal kingdom

Don’t miss the upcoming Nature’s Unsung Heroes miniseries!

Why bisexuality is everywhere

The past, present and future of DNA science

Why ecoacoustics is the future of conservation

Unlocking the invisible rainbows of the Universe

Why birdsong is the pop music of the natural world

Why walking more is the best thing you can do to boost your health

How ultrasound tech could save hedgehogs

Why ADHD is so challenging to diagnose

Inside the project helping the hard of hearing listen to music

Why your Neanderthal genes may be affecting your health

Don't miss the upcoming Science of Sound Miniseries!

How to help your brain thrive in a rapidly changing world

How to break free from imposter syndrome

The dawn chorus – why birds sing at the break of day

How to save the planet’s forests

How flowers played a key role of the evolution of life on Earth

How chemistry underpins every area of our lives

How to engage more deeply with the natural world

You’ve been pooping wrong, but here’s how to fix it

Why it’s not too late to reverse Earth’s extinction crisis

Why gout is on the rise, and how to lower your risk

How our intimate relationship with animals shaped human evolution

Why our brains struggle to keep up with a rapidly changing world

Why we need to save ugly, creepy, scary and misunderstood animals

How we look at the Universe with a radio

The best ways to spot a liar

Why understanding what makes us hungry is key to weight loss

How to slash your dementia risk in 12 weeks

Why connecting with others is vital for our mental health