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Straight Talking Science

Straight Talking Science

By: Straight Talking Science
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 Straight Talking Science is your monthly dose of clear, engaging conversations about the science behind better health. Hosted by Barry Skillington of Atlantia Clinical Trials, each episode features expert guests who share practical, easy-to-follow insights from their specialist fields. From the gut–brain connection and women’s hormonal health to fermented foods, skin health, and healthy ageing, we explore a wide range of topics to help you understand your body and make informed choices for your wellbeing. Whether you’re curious about the latest research or looking for ways to support yourStraight Talking Science Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Why Women's Health Has Been Overlooked: The FemTech Solution | Ep. 9 (ft. Dr. Tanya Mulcahy)

    Why Women's Health Has Been Overlooked: The FemTech Solution | Ep. 9 (ft. Dr. Tanya Mulcahy)
    Apr 9 2026
    Why has women's health been overlooked for so long? What is FemTech, and how is it finally closing the gaps that have left women underserved for decades? Dr. Tanya Mulcahyfrom the Health Innovation Hub Ireland joins us to unpack the science, the history, and the future of technology designed for women's health. From puberty to menopause and beyond, women experience a lifetime of hormonal shifts, health conditions, and medical challenges that differ drastically from men. Yet for decades, women were excluded from clinical trials, leaving researchers with little data and even fewer solutions. Now, innovators are stepping up to develop evidence-based technologies that address everything from endometriosis and fertility to continuous hormone monitoring and preventative care. Topics covered: Dr. Tanya Mulcahy's work supporting health innovation and FemTech development Why women were historically excluded from clinical trials and the impact it had What FemTech actually is: technology for women's health across the lifespan The unique health journey women face from puberty through aging Endometriosis: what it is, why it takes 9 years to diagnose, and why you need to know about it How the Health Innovation Hub supports FemTech startups and innovators Why clinical evidence is non-negotiable for credible women's health products The investment gap: why FemTech struggles to secure funding and how that's changing The future of continuous hormone monitoring and what it means for fertility, menopause, and beyond Preventative medicine, lifestyle tech, and keeping women healthier for longer Continuous glucose monitoring and real-time health feedback loops Pink washing vs. real medical solutions: how to spot the difference Rethinking outdated medical devices like the mammogram for better patient experiences How to turn your idea into reality: support systems, grants, and taking the leap Overcoming fear, building confidence, and why failure is part of the process The massive opportunity for the next generation of innovators Working with clinicians and why they want to help solve these problems The bottom line? Women's health has been underfunded, under-researched, and overlooked for too long. But the tide is turning. If you've ever thought "there must be a better way," you might be onto something. The gaps are real, the need is urgent, and the opportunity to make a difference has never been greater. Don't wait for someone else to solve it. Take the leap. Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/ LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/ Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/ Check out Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z #FemTech #WomensHealth #HealthInnovation #Endometriosis #ClinicalEvidence #SciencePodcast #MedicalDevices #Menopause
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    32 mins
  • Medical Misinformation: How to Spot Myths & Trust the Science | Ep. 8 (ft. Dr. Nantakozal Yusef)

    Medical Misinformation: How to Spot Myths & Trust the Science | Ep. 8 (ft. Dr. Nantakozal Yusef)
    Mar 12 2026
    Confused by conflicting health advice? Wondering if you should trust that viral TikTok cure or stick with your doctor's prescription? Dr. Nantakozal Yusef, a GP with over 15 years of experience across Africa and Ireland, joins us to cut through the noise and help you navigate the overwhelming world of medical misinformation. From snake oil supplements to outdated health myths, Nantakozal breaks down what misinformation really is, why it spreads so easily, and how to spot red flags before making health decisions you might regret. Whether it's "ancient detox secrets," miracle cures, or fear mongering about lifelong medications, this episode gives you the tools to think critically and protect yourself in the age of Dr. Google and wellness influencers. Topics covered: What medical misinformation actually is and why it matters The spectrum from harmless myths to dangerous health decisions Why anecdotal evidence isn't enough for serious health choices How clinical trials work and why they're the gold standard Red flags to watch for: vague claims, instant results, and "one cure for everything" The problem with influencers, social media algorithms, and echo chambers Why Dr. Google lacks context and can't replace your GP When to trust your doctor and when to seek a second opinion The truth about lifelong medications and why they're not the enemy How pharmaceutical research really works and why safety comes first Why product recalls are actually a good thing Debunking detox teas, ancient secrets, and other wellness myths Practical tips: annual checkups, self checks, and knowing when to see a doctor How to evaluate health claims and check your sources The bottom line? Not all information is created equal. Before you make a health decision based on a viral post or a friend's testimonial, pause and ask yourself: where's the evidence? Medicine evolves, guidelines change, and your health is too important to leave to guesswork. Stay curious, stay skeptical, and trust the science. Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/ LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/ Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/ Check out Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z #MedicalMisinformation #HealthMyths #ClinicalResearch #TrustTheScience #SciencePodcast #HealthLiteracy #DrGoogle
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    36 mins
  • Why Diets Don't Work: The Science of Appetite | Ep. 7 (ft. Dr. Harriët Schellekens)

    Why Diets Don't Work: The Science of Appetite | Ep. 7 (ft. Dr. Harriët Schellekens)
    Feb 12 2026
    Hungry all the time? Struggling with weight management? Wondering if those GLP-1 drugs everyone's talking about are right for you? Dr. Harriët Schellekens, senior lecturer in Anatomy and Neuroscience at UCC and leading expert on the hunger hormone ghrelin, joins us to unpack the complex biology of appetite, weight, and why willpower alone isn't the answer. From gut hormones to microbiome signaling, Harriët explains how your body decides when you're hungry, why ultra-processed foods hijack your brain's reward system, and how your gut bacteria might actually be driving your food cravings. If you've ever felt like your biology is working against you, this episode will help you understand why - and what you can actually do about it. Topics covered: What GLP-1 drugs actually do - and who they're really for The hunger hormone ghrelin and how it drives food intake Why obesity is a disease, not a lifestyle problem The pre-digestive vs. post-digestive mismatch in ultra-processed foods How high-fat, high-sugar foods create a "false promise" in your gut Sugar substitutes: the good, the bad, and the gut-friendly How your gut microbiome influences weight gain and food preferences Why crash diets backfire (and what to do instead) The role of stress, cortisol, and emotional eating Early-life food exposure and how it shapes lifelong eating habits Probiotics, prebiotics, and targeting the microbiome for better appetite control Practical tips for parents navigating kids' diets and food choices The bottom line? Your food choices aren't just about willpower - they're about biology. Understanding how your gut, brain, and microbiome communicate can help you make better decisions, break unhealthy cycles, and stop fighting your own body. Don't eat less. Eat better. Website: https://atlantiaclinicaltrials.com/ LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/company/atlantia-clinical-trials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atlantia_clinicaltrials/ Meta: https://www.facebook.com/AtlantiaClinicalTrials/ Check out Straight Talking Science on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vdjz93jVdKlY0Arl6rQ7Z #AppetiteScience #GutHealth #WeightManagement #GLP1 #Microbiome #Ghrelin #SciencePodcast #HealthyEating #Obesity
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    44 mins
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