Recent research — and one surprising season of The Biggest Loser — has scientists wondering whether some of the most basic things they know about metabolism are wrong.
Guest: Julia Belluz, author of Food Intelligence
For show transcripts, go to vox.com/unxtranscriptsFor more, go to vox.com/unexplainable ... Show More
Oct 12
What’s cooler than being cool?
The future of quantum computing depends on getting way colder than ice cold — down to some of the coldest temperatures in the universe. The quest to build these super refrigerators takes us to nuclear bomb stockpiles, the moon, and … Party City? Guest: Zack Savitsky, science jour ... Show More
28m 34s
Apr 2025
Keto: what’s the science behind the diet?
While other diet fads come and go, the ultra low carbohydrate Keto diet seems to endure. But as scientists begin to understand how the diet works, more is also being discovered about its risks. To find out more, Madeleine Finlay speaks to Javier Gonzalez, professor in the departm ... Show More
17m 16s
Aug 2021
Can you really ‘boost your metabolism’?
All manner of diet and exercise hacks are claimed to ‘boost your metabolism’, but what, if anything are they really doing to your body? In this podcast, I’ll explain what exactly is meant when you hear the term ‘metabolism boosting’, the factors that you can and can’t control tha ... Show More
11m 39s
Jul 2025
Fitter fat cells, and Earth spins slightly faster
This week, the cells that vanish when we slim down: are these the link between obesity and health problems like diabetes? Also, the bacteria that might be able to shield us from the "forever chemicals" we're all eating. Plus, why will 3 days over the next month be a millisecond s ... Show More
41m 40s
Jan 2025
Revisited: does the evidence on glucose tracking add up?
You might have noticed that everyone has recently become a bit obsessed with blood sugar, or glucose. Wellness firms such as Zoe in the UK – as well as Nutrisense, Levels and Signos – claim to offer insights into how our bodies process food based on monitoring our blood glucose, ... Show More
30m 6s
Jun 2025
Weight loss jab concerns, and crafty bribing caterpillars
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, weight loss jabs being prescribed by GPs in England, but do we know enough about the side effects? Also, a new simple test to replace endoscopies for patients with Barrett's oesophagus. And we hear from one of the engineers at the Vera Rub ... Show More
35m 31s
Jan 2025
Sunday Pick: Can I speed up my metabolism? | Body Stuff
Each Sunday, TED shares an episode of another podcast we think you'll love, handpicked for you… by us. From metabolism gummies to spicy foods, the Keto diet to intricate exercise routines — it seems there’s always something that is being sold or promoted to speed up your metaboli ... Show More
31m 47s