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ABC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Chit Chat: Dr Karl on the weirdest question he's ever been asked, cool shirts and his live show
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has dedicated the majority of his life to answering our weirdest scientific questions with infectious enthusiasm and wildly accessible explanations of exceedingly complex concepts. But how much do we really know about the man himself? As part of Science Week, triple j is taking Dr Karl's Science Hour out of the studio for the first time in its 48-year run, with a live show at the Enmore Theatre in Eora/Sydney on August 11. Of course, ABC Entertainment took this opportunity to sit down with the veteran science broadcaster and ask him a bunch of personal questions. Read on to find out how Karl Kruszelnicki became Dr Karl, the strangest question he's ever been asked and what audiences should expect from Science with Dr Karl Live. But also so much more — prepare yourself. I was coming home from primary school and it was a really hot day and the bitumen was wet and sticky on the road and we'd been taught at school about how black absorbs heat and how plants do this photosynthesis and absorb sunlight. I thought, "Well, if black absorbs the Sun's energy really well, how come plants are green and not black?" That was my first science question ever. In 1981, I was very interested in NASA's Space Shuttle program. I'd been following it for many years and I knew a lot about it, so I thought, "Bugger it, I'll apply," and I wrote a letter to NASA saying, "Dear NASA, my name is Karl. I'm a fit young bloke, I can run a City to Surf, I do martial arts. I've got a degree in maths and physics, a master's in biomedical engineering, and soon I'll have a degree in medicine and a degree in surgery, can I be an astronaut? Yours truly, Karl." And they sent me a letter back saying, "No, we're full up, and anyway, we only employ Americans." I've still got that letter. But then I heard triple j was doing a show on the launch of the Space Shuttle … So I rang up and said I'd applied to be an astronaut on the Space Shuttle program and I knew a lot about it, and did they want me to come in and talk about it? And they said, "Sure, come in." I was out the back afterwards having a cup of hippie tea with [journalist and former triple j broadcaster] Tony Barrow, and he said, "Gee, I really need this tea to clean my kidneys." And I said, "Look, I'm sorry to disagree with you, but in fact it's the other way around. Your kidneys clean the tea out of your blood. "You see, your kidneys filter around 200 kilograms of blood every day, they pull out about half a kilogram of salt at vast metabolic cost, then they put all of this salt back into the blood stream, except for a tiny amount that goes in the urine, and the reason this happens is because God made a mistake and we're fish gone wrong." And he said, "We need you for a new segment. We'll call it 'Great Moments in Science'." Because they've got a sense of curiosity. People want to know why the sky is blue, or why, when you use really fine sandpaper on a hot day and you breathe out, you can see water vapour coming out of your mouth like you would on a cold day. Or — one classic one from the past which is possibly too rude to talk about — a lady rang in and said, "Hi Dr Karl, whenever I have oral sex with my husband and his penis is at the back of my throat, I go temporarily deaf, and I wondered about this, so I asked all my girlfriends to try it with their boyfriends and husbands and it happened to them too. Why?" I think so. Well, firstly, almost certainly this has not been discussed in the medical professional literature, so I had to wing it. But, luckily, I have 28 years of education including 16 years at university for free, because once upon a time the Australian government thought education was a worthwhile investment. So, I started working from first principles. When you're listening to the quietest noise you can possibly hear, your eardrum is vibrating backwards and forwards an incredibly small distance, roughly equal to the diameter of a hydrogen atom. Our eardrums respond to the merest change in pressure. Now, imagine you've got a sheet drying on the clothesline and you peg it at the top and the bottom is just floating free; the merest breath of wind will make it move. Suppose you bolt it to the ground, the wind won't make it move so far. With your eardrum, you've got a pipe leading to the outside world that sometimes you stick a cottonbud down. And then there's also another pipe on the other side of the eardrum going down the back of the throat. That's called the Eustachian canal and it's related to why, when you're flying in an airplane and you're coming down for landing and you've got a blocked ear, you have to swallow to make it go away. Getting back to the penis hitting the back of the throat, it hits the Eustachian tube, shoves some air up there and holds it there. And so you've got a preload on the eardrum, it's bulging out slightly and it's not free to flop and respond to the merest change in pressure like normal because it's being pushed by a fair bit of pressure from the inside. And that's what's happening with going momentarily deaf from oral sex. I made a very romantic marriage proposal. My wife [Mary Dobbie] was in Sydney and I rang her up saying, "Hi, honey, I'm in this cheap hotel in South East Asia about to inject opiates into the buttocks of a young yoga teacher and I know I'm not supposed to inject into the buttocks, but I haven't had any sleep for a couple of days, so can you remind me why and where should I inject instead? And by the way, will you marry me?" And then the line went dead. Well, it was a cheap hotel room in South East Asia. But, anyway, I rang back again and she eventually said yes. Then we had a scientific wedding where we got married inside the Arctic Circle on the longest day of the year, so on that day the sun did not set, and it was a metaphor for how the love would not set on our marriage. Questions from the audience. Plus we'll have lots of people who know stuff. When I'm live on air I'll often say, "I can give you a bit of an answer but really, what we need is a canine endocrinologist." With a bit of luck, we'll have lots of those in the audience. And we'll have a few surprise little videos as well. So, it'll be a mixture of [questions] driven by the audience, plus listening to the audience give their answers, plus a few funny things I can't share because we want to keep the element of surprise. There's a few things going on here. Number one, if you look at a bunch of people going out at night for a bit of fun, in general the female humans have gone to a lot of trouble to dress up and look good and the males have gone to lesser trouble, sometimes even wearing bloody shorts and a T-shirt, God help me. Number two, in general it's kind of accepted in our society that a female person can get away with wearing [as much colour or pattern as they want]. Whereas, the males are kind of stuck with variations of white and blue and brown or black. And third, when I was a kid growing up in Wollongong, I was about 15 and it was a rainy day in winter and I was walking down Crown Street and everyone was dressed in grey and all the faces were sort of uniformly 'blah'. Suddenly, I came around a corner and there was this woman dressed in really bright colours and everyone sort of smiled a little bit when they saw her and I thought, "Wow. If you've got a choice between happy and sad, I prefer happy. And is it that easy to get happy?" And so now I follow the rainbow theory of colour dressing, where I try to wear every single colour of the rainbow at once, every day. Science with Dr Karl Live is on at Enmore Theatre in Eora/Sydney on August 11. Quotes lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Science
- Zawya
South Africa: Brilliant university students tour innovation facilities during National Science Week
As South Africa celebrates National Science Week (NSW) 2025 under the theme "Science, technology and innovation are for everyone," 19 outstanding first-year university students embarked on an inspiring scientific journey across Gauteng and the North West. Launched over the weekend by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, NSW emphasises the importance of making science inclusive, accessible and relevant to all South Africans, regardless of age, gender, language or location. In line with this vision, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) hosts its annual Brilliants Programme, showcasing the nation's brightest young minds in science, engineering and medicine. The NSTF Brilliants are top-performing Grade 12 learners from each province, selected based on exceptional results in Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Chosen in partnership with the Department of Basic Education, these students – two male and two female per province – are pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The 2024 cohort toured cutting-edge research and innovation facilities from 27 to 30 July, beginning at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and concluding at North-West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom. Among the participants are future medical doctors, engineers, data scientists and innovators, including: • Sinothando Matsha (Eastern Cape) – MBChB at Stellenbosch University. • Sivikele Majebe (Eastern Cape) – BSc in Statistics, Data Science and Computer Science at University of Cape Town (UCT). • Susan Bender (Free State) – MBChB at University of the Free State. • Lehlohonolo Mokhothu (Free State) – BEng in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at UCT. • Kagiso Tele (Gauteng) – MBChB at Wits University • Ntsako Thato Ringane (Gauteng) – MBChB at Wits University • Matthew Christopher Wise (Western Cape) – BSc in Data Science at UCT • Kgopolo Danny Ibang (North West) – Computer Science at University of Johannesburg. Several Brilliants were also selected to represent South Africa internationally at the London International Youth Science Forum, a 15-day STEM summer camp held at Imperial College London. They are Fanelesibonge Amanda Ngema, Gugu Pioneer Rose Libambo, Takatso Obrey Sibanda, Jurie Johannes Blignaut, Andre De Boer, Lehlohonolo Mokhothu and Kagiso Tele. The four-day tour offered immersive experiences in South Africa's most advanced scientific environments. The first day started at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Agroprocessing Facility, where students explored technologies that convert raw agricultural materials into food products. They then visited Aditiv Solutions, a leading metal 3D printing company, to witness high-performance additive manufacturing systems in action. Day two was spent at Wits University's Tshimologong Digital Innovation Hub, an incubator for small businesses and tech startups. The young students engaged with innovations in gaming, animation and digital media. Other activities included visits to the National Aerospace Centre and the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, culminating at the Evolutionary Studies Institute, where students interacted with fossils and explored South Africa's rich paleontological heritage and the legacy of pioneers like Charles Darwin. Day three began with a sunrise game drive, followed by a visit to Jonker Sailplanes in Centurion – South Africa's premier manufacturer of high-performance gliders. Its co-founder and the Director of the School of Mechanical Engineering at NWU, Prof. Attie Jonker, led a full factory tour, showcasing the engineering excellence behind the design and assembly of sailplanes. The students were inspired by Prof. Jonker's message, "Passion is sometimes a decision – to decide that something is worthwhile and even fun, even when it's challenging. It's about mindset." The final stop was the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) Infrastructure Centre of Competence at NWU. Led by Prof. Dmitri Bessarabov, HySA is a flagship Department of Science, Technology and Innovation programme launched in 2007 to position South Africa as a global player in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies. Students learned about sustainable energy solutions, green hydrogen production, and South Africa's growing role in the global hydrogen economy. Reflecting on the experience, Mr Ntsako Thato Ringane said: "Most of the places we visited are doing extraordinary and unique work. I've learned the importance of following one's passion and staying curious." The NSTF Brilliants Programme not only celebrates academic excellence but also fosters a pipeline of future STEM professionals. By exposing high-achieving youth to real-world science and technology, the programme reinforces the message that science is for everyone, and that South Africa's future is being built by its brilliant young minds. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Republic of South Africa.
ABC News
04-07-2025
- Science
- ABC News
ABC highlights Australia's most underrated native animals during Science Week
For Science Week 2025, the ABC is highlighting the plight of our underrated native animals. Not the usual cuddly crowd-pleasers, but the ugly, the annoying or the lesser-known critters that are often overlooked, under-conserved and … underrated.
ABC News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Grab your loudest shirt, we're taking Science with Dr Karl live for the first time
He's been your weekly brain-busting buff, your mind-melding master, and your slick science sorcerer for years and now we're going large. Get ready for Science with Dr Karl LIVE! That's right doctors, our long-running Thursday morning science hour where Dr Karl Kruszelnicki answers all of your weirdest, wildest and most wonderful questions is leaving the studio for the very first time. For one night only in Science Week to celebrate 50 years of triple j and 48 years (!!!) of Dr Karl on triple j, we'll be taking your questions live on stage at Eora/Sydney's Enmore Theatre. So what can you expect from a live Dr Karl show? We'll have music, quizzes, live questions and more information than you'd ever thought possible as we delve into the brilliant mind of Dr Karl. Wanna come down and pitch your head-scratcher to the man himself? You gotta get yourself a ticket! Tickets are on sale from 10am Thursday 3 July (today!) and will set you back $20 + booking fee. Grab your tickets right here and start thinking of what you want Dr Karl to put his mind to. Check out all the crucial information below, and we'll see you at the big science show, doctor! Science with Dr Karl Live Monday 11 August - Enmore Theatre, Gadigal Land, Sydney NSW
Irish Examiner
15-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Examiner
Hidden in plain sight: join the search for Ireland's fossils
Lazing on the beach, a trip to the shops, or going for a hike… these activities don't normally remind us of fossils. But a new campaign from University College Cork is aiming to change that — and is urging us all to search for fossils in locations all around the country. This initiative, called 'The Great Irish Fossil Hunt', is calling on the public to discover and report any fossils they find across the island of Ireland. Simply make sure the fossil is publicly accessible (not in a private garden!) and is in solid rock (not loose). You can then send a photo of your fossil discovery to the UCC team using the instructions below. Gastropod conical on city street Few people in Ireland realise that fossils are all around us, in the natural rock outcrops at our beaches and on mountains. We are even less aware of the fossils that are locked inside the building stones that make up the footpaths, gutters, windowsills, doorsteps and paving stones of our towns and cities. Astonishingly, this means that many of us are walking past — or even walking on — fossils every day. The Great Irish Fossil Hunt is led by Professor Maria McNamara and her team of palaeontologists at UCC's School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, as part of the nationwide 'Ireland's Fossil Heritage' project funded by Research Ireland and the European Research Council. The Great Irish Fossil Hunt continues until August 31 You can send photographs of your fossil finds to the UCC team using the form on the campaign website, including the Google maps location. The team will then travel the country checking and validating the submitted photographs during the summer months. The validated sites will be used to build a new fossil map of Ireland, that will be launched during Science Week. Prof. McNamara said: 'Here in Ireland we are really lucky to have a wonderful fossil heritage that includes amazing ancient sea creatures that lived in tropical ocean reefs, and huge ancient trees that lived in swampy forests, all preserved in our limestone, sandstone and mudstone rocks. We have even more fossils visible in the building stones of our towns and cities. For historical, social and scientific reasons, however, the fossils of Ireland have been overlooked and not given the prominence that they deserve. Through the Great Irish Fossil Hunt, we want to shine a spotlight on the fossils of Ireland, and get people hunting for the fossils that are right under our noses.' Crinoid ossicles Dr Jess Franklin, senior engagement officer with the project, explains how you can get involved: 'It's really easy to make a submission. If you spot a fossil when you're out and about, simply take a photo and upload it using the form on our website. Remember to include the Google maps location, and if you have a coin handy, you can include it in the photo for scale. You can even opt-in to have your name displayed with your submission, if it's chosen for inclusion on the new fossil map.' Dr Jess Franklin with Ann Francis of Cork Camera Club examining fossils on the facade of Eason on Patrick Street, Cork The fossil submissions should be from in-situ building stones or natural rocky outcrops — fossils that are loose, or in loose stones don't qualify. The fossils should also be located in areas that are accessible to the general public, so fossils in private gardens or private farms are not eligible. The campaign raises the prospect of exciting fossil discoveries. Prof. McNamara said: 'Despite the small size of the country, Ireland has some globally important fossils. Our Devonian sandstones and siltstones include some of the oldest plants on land — including the little moss-like plant Cooksonia, from the Devil's Bit Mountains in Tipperary — and the oldest accepted evidence of animals walking on land, at the Valentia Tetrapod Trackway in Kerry. Our Carboniferous limestones are famous for their marine fossils, that record life in ancient tropical seas (see panel). There are even fossils of dinosaurs and marine reptiles preserved in Jurassic rocks in County Antrim." Crinoid ossicles cross-section "There are far more rocks exposed along our coasts and in our building stones than all the palaeontologists in Ireland can examine, so the fossil hunt campaign raises the very real possibility that members of the public might discover fossils of scientific importance.' Much of the common building stone used in Irish towns and cities is from Ireland, especially carboniferous limestone. You can find pictures of the most common Irish fossils on the Ireland's Fossil Heritage website. There are fossils locked inside the building stones that make up the footpaths, gutters, windowsills, doorsteps and paving stones of our towns and cities — this means that many of us are walking past, or even walking on, fossils every day Some building stones, however, are from Britain and further afield, and preserve additional types of fossils, such as the large spiral ammonites of the Jura limestones and the cone-shaped gastropod shells in the Portland Roach limestones. All of these fossils will be captured for the first time in the new fossil map of Ireland, making fossils accessible to the public, no matter whether they live in a built-up area or a very rural area. If you're not sure if what you've found is indeed a fossil, feel free to email the team at UCC directly. The deadline for fossil submissions is 5pm on August 31. Further details are available here Common Irish fossils Brachiopod arc Brachiopods: Brachiopods are shellfish with two shells joined by a ligament on one side, but they are often preserved in rocks as only one shell. You can recognise fossil brachiopods in rocks as whole shells, or as white crescents or circles in cross section. Solitary coral (cross-section) Corals: Corals are marine animals that gather food particles from the surrounding water using soft tentacles. Some ancient corals lived alone (these are called solitary corals) but others lived in large groups and shared a common skeleton (colonial corals). Fossil corals have a distinctive pattern of radial lines inside their skeleton, which looks like spokes on a bicycle wheel in cross section. Crinoid stems Crinoids: Irish fossil crinoids were attached to the seafloor and had feathery arms that could open like an umbrella to collect food particles drifting by on ocean currents. Most of the crinoid's hard skeleton is made up of circular plates called ossicles joined together by ligaments. When crinoids die, the ligaments rot away and the ossicles are usually scattered by waves and currents. Sometimes the plates don't separate fully and instead, we can see a stack of the plates (like a stack of polo mints).
