Show Me the Science with Luke O'Neill

• The Science of Listeria

  In this episode, suggested by listener Barbara Douglas, Luke dives into a timely and important topic: listeria, the bacteria behind a recent outbreak in Ireland that led to recalls of ready meals and salad products by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. One person has sadly died and nine others have been affected by listeriosis, the illness caused by listeria. Luke explores why this particular outbreak has caught the attention of scientists and public health officials – especially since one batch of reheatable ready meals was implicated, even though heat usually destroys the bacteria. Luke, who has studied listeria in his own lab, explains how this remarkably resilient bacterium can survive in cold, salty, acidic, and even frozen conditions – making it a stealthy threat in food products like soft cheese, pâté, smoked salmon, and now, ready meals. You'll learn: Why pregnant women are 20 times more susceptible to listeria – and how it can contribute to miscarriage or stillbirth Why people who are immunocompromised, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, are also at higher risk How listeria spreads from soil, surfaces, water, and even through sewage and poor hand hygiene Why soap is still one of our best defences What the symptoms are – and how penicillin and antibiotics remain effective treatments Why there’s no vaccine, and why Alexander Fleming still deserves thanks today Discovered in 1926 and named after antiseptics pioneer Joseph Lister, listeria remains a bacteria to watch, but also one we can guard against with good hygiene and proper food safety practices. Luke also commends the FSAI for their rapid response in identifying sources and protecting the public. 💡 As always, if you’ve got a burning science topic you’d like to hear about on the podcast, drop Luke a line at [email protected]. That’s exactly what listener Barbara Douglas did—and look what happened!

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• The Science of Crowds

  What happens to our brains and bodies when we gather with thousands of strangers at music festivals, concerts, or gigs? This week, as All Together Now kicks off in Curraghmore, County Waterford, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating science of crowd behaviour – and why being part of a crowd can feel so good, or sometimes so dangerous. Humans are, at heart, social animals. We evolved to thrive in groups — for protection, for connection, and even for love. Whether you're losing yourself in a packed mosh pit, swaying with strangers to your favourite band, or experiencing a collective chant under the night sky, there’s a deep biological and psychological process at work. Luke explores how music festivals spark a surge in oxytocin, the so-called “magic hormone” that fuels feelings of bonding, euphoria and transcendence. He also explains how we unconsciously mirror one another in crowds, sometimes entering what he describes as a social “trance.” But it’s not all good vibes. History is full of examples of how crowds can turn deadly when density goes too far, leadership breaks down, or panic spreads. Luke unpacks the science of crowd crushes, fluid dynamics, and behavioural prediction — including real-world examples from Pamplona’s Bull Run to school corridors, and from murmurations of starlings to stampeding buffalo. We learn how the best defence against crowd risk might be shared passion — if everyone’s there for the same reason, the group behaves more cooperatively, instinctively regulating itself. That’s why the safest crowd at a festival might just be the one most in love with the music. If you're heading to a festival or concert this weekend, enjoy the crowd — you’re not just part of the atmosphere, you are the science. 🎧 Newstalk will be live at All Together Now all weekend from the Go Loud Lounge on site, with a packed schedule of interviews, games, and live events. Keep an eye on Newstalk’s socials for the full festival lineup. 🔗 More info: newstalk.com/all-together-now 📸 Instagram: @newstalkfm 🎵 TikTok: @newstalk 📬 Have a question or topic suggestion for Luke? Email him directly at [email protected]

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• The Science of Tech Bros

  In this week's podcast, Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the fascinating world of tech billionaires and their obsession with extending human life. He takes a closer look at four high-profile figures—Larry Page, Peter Thiel, Brian Johnson, and Jack Dorsey—and explores their personal and financial investments in the science of longevity.From bizarre diets to blood transfusions and even cryogenic preservation, Luke unpacks the sometimes extreme measures these men are taking to live longer. He also visits Calico, a Google-backed biotech company where around 150 scientists are studying the biology of aging—research that includes creatures like naked mole rats and bats.Luke examines how wealth impacts life expectancy, discusses the current global average lifespan of 73 years, and explores the scientific debate around whether humans might one day live up to 150. He also offers realistic, evidence-based tips for anyone hoping to extend their own life—no billionaire status required.💡Takeaway:You don’t need to be a tech mogul to live longer. While billionaires explore the edges of science, simple, proven lifestyle choices may still be the most powerful tools we have for a longer, healthier life.💡 Got a science topic you'd love Professor Luke to cover?Email your suggestions to [email protected] – your idea might feature in a future episode!

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• The Science of Hayfever

  As Ireland basks in an unusual spell of hot weather, many are dealing with another less-welcome side effect of summer: hayfever. In this week’s episode of Show Me the Science, Professor Luke O’Neill unpacks the biology behind this common allergic reaction and explains the science that’s literally in the air.Luke explores what hayfever actually is – and clears up a common misconception: despite the name, hay itself isn’t the cause. He looks back at when hayfever was first diagnosed, how our immune system responds to pollen, and why different types of pollen (from trees, grass, or weeds) affect people in different ways.You’ll also learn about leukotrienes, powerful immune system chemicals that play a big role in allergic reactions (and which sound suspiciously like Luke O’Neill’s name). He discusses why some people are more prone to hayfever than others, and introduces the hygiene hypothesis, a theory suggesting that being exposed to a bit of dirt — or even your in-laws, as he jokes — might actually help your immune system in the long run.Finally, Luke explains how antihistamines work, why they help relieve symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes, and why they don’t always provide complete relief.Whether you're suffering from seasonal allergies, curious about how the immune system overreacts to harmless particles, or just looking to understand why hayfever seems to hit harder some years, this episode is packed with useful, science-based insights.💡 Got a science topic you'd love Professor Luke to cover?Email your suggestions to [email protected] – your idea might feature in a future episode!

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• The Science Of The Shingles Vaccine

  In this week’s episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke tackles a topic that has been requested: the shingles vaccine. Recent studies suggest that getting vaccinated not only decreases your risk of shingles but might also reduce the chances of developing dementia by 20% for those over 50. Luke dives into how the shingles vaccine works, explaining the underlying science behind the varicella zoster virus and the two main vaccines available, Shingrix and Zostavax. He discusses the remarkable efficacy of Shingrix, the implications of recent research, and why understanding these vaccines is crucial for health, particularly as dementia rates continue to rise. Join Luke as he unravels the fascinating connection between shingles vaccination and cognitive health!

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