The Catholic Laboratory Podcast

Cathlab115 - Science of TOB

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:28:18 +0100

At the beginning of May I was invited to speak to the Turnbull Ethics Group on the Science of the Theology of the Body.

The talk describes the biochemistry of attraction, sexual intercourse, pregnancy and child development. The presentation also describes how these biochemical processes are affected by casual sex, contraception, and pornography. Short comings of studies into same sex parenting are also discussed.

Please note that this talk includes references of a sexual nature, so please exercise some common sense when listening especially in the presence of children.

Cathlab114 - Biblical Archaeology Part 2

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:22:45 +0100

We continue our series on Biblical Archaeology by looking to external evidences for Israel, the King David, and a belief in one God, the God of the Israelites.

In the Lab Report we look at the Church and Ecology, TEDx, and Stephen Hawking’s comments about Pope John Paul II.

Cathlab113 - Biblical Archaeology Part 1

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 10:07:42 +0100

In this episode we look at how archaeology can help interpret the Bible and we explore attempts to find the Garden of Eden and Noah’s Ark.

In the Lab Report we look at stories related to the Shroud of Turin, Conclave smoke chemicals, and yet another example of medieval proto-science pre-empting modern day physics!

Cathlab112 - Year of Faith: The Pope And Science

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 11:13:53 +0000

In light of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation and the meeting of the Conclave to select a new Pope we continue our series on the Year of Faith and look at the contributions of Popes throughout the ages to the sciences.

We have some responses to the ‘Rainbow’ homework and there is an invitation to send us a few lines on your favourite Catholic scientist.

Cathlab111 - Biomimetics

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 21:25:45 +0000

In this episode we look at the subject of Biomimetics and ask whether mimicry of nature’s designs points to a Designer.

The Lab Report looks at the good and bad uses of 3D printing, and there’s a story about Richard III.

We have your feedback and a joke too, so please stay tuned!

Cathlab110 - Year of Faith

Sat, 2 Feb 2013 21:15:56 +0000

We take a look at the Year of Faith and what it means for science and scientists - pay attention, there is homework.

We also have a packed Lab Report with stories on Islam and science, demographics, and the Vatican responds to the National Geographic magazine’s report on use of ivory for religious devotion.

Cathlab109 - 2012/2013

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:22:44 +0000

We take a belated look back at the scientific achievements of 2012 and look forward to what 2013 might hold in store.

And there is a strange request - inspired by the #OverlyHonestMethods hashtag, what are your laboratory or research related confessions? I cannot grant absolution, but we might just have a laugh.

Cathlab108 - The Star and the Magi

Sat, 5 Jan 2013 20:48:54 +0000

The feast of the Epiphany gives us the opportunity to revisit candidates for the Star of the Bethlehem ... but what do the Magi and their search for truth say to us about science?

Cathlab107 - Patron Saints of Scientific Professionals

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 21:41:23 +0100

As a follow-up to our last episode we take a look at the patrons of scientific professionals, including Sts Jerome, Dominic, Helena and Barbara (pictured).

The Lab Report also features a couple of stem cell related breakthroughs, a story about commercial operations in space and news of a new Doctor of the Church with a scientific connection.

Cathlab106 - Patron Saints of HealthCare Professionals

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 12:06:12 +0100

Did you know that over the past week the Church has celebrated the life of several Saints who are patrons of health care professionals - who are they and are there any more? We find out in this episode.

The Lab Report features stories on the Paralympics, 3-parent IVF therapy, and a small fragment of papyrus that could be evidence of Jesus’ career as a stand-up comic.

Cathlab105 - Of Junk DNA, Stem Cells, Down Syndrome, and More

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:39:02 +0100

In this episode we play catch up and look into recent and not-so-recent science stories including reports that we should abandon the title ‘Junk DNA’, screening and the Paralympics, and why Galileo’s thermometer (pictured) should be known by another name!

Cathlab104 - Reel Science: The Lorax and Catholic Ecology

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:05:03 +0100

In this Reel Science episode we sit down with our Catholic Ecologist Bill Patenaude and discuss what The Lorax movie really says about ecology and care for creation.

Cathlab103 - Mars

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 21:37:42 +0100

In light of the successful landing of Curiosity rover on Mars earlier this week, we celebrate the Catholic contribution to the study of the red planet.

In the Lab Report we have stories on the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Cosmic Rays, St Dominic, and the Olympics.

There’s your feedback on a joke too - I hope you enjoy!

Cathlab102 - Egyptology Part 5

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 22:10:56 +0100

We conclude our series on the Catholic contribution to Egyptology with the a short biography of Giovanni Belzoni (pictured) - a circus strongman turned adventurer.

The Lab Report features stories on the Higgs Boson, Manned missions to Mars, and the ‘Red Crucifix’ Super Nova.

And don’t forget your ticket to the CNMC12!

Cathlab101 - Egyptology Part 4

Sun, 8 Jul 2012 21:45:01 +0100

In this episode we conclude our study of the Catholic contribution to the study of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. We look to several other Egyptologists like Fourier (pictured).

The Lab report features stories on screening embryos for genetic diseases, three-parent IVF, stem cells, and Fathers.

But we conclude with a reflection upon the past 100 episodes of this podcast.

Cathlab100 - Transit of Venus 2012

Mon, 4 Jun 2012 21:19:29 +0100

Celebrating the 100th episode of this podcast takes second place to the Transit of Venus on 5th and 6th June 2012. We describe Venus, explain what a Transit it, and name some of the Catholics who have studied past Transits of Venus.

And as if that wasn’t enough we also explain why studying Transits is important.

Cathlab99 - Egyptology Part 3

Sat, 2 Jun 2012 20:46:59 +0100

We continue our examination of the Catholic contribution to Egyptology and we look at the life and work of Jean François Champollion (pictured) who succeeded in deciphering the hieroglyphs

The Lab Report features stories on donor stem cell trials, Michael J Fox moves away from HESC treatments, an ancient Egyptian ear-ring, and don’t forget the transit of Venus!

There’s some feedback and a joke too - so please stay tuned!

Cathlab98 - Egyptology Part 2

Mon, 21 May 2012 20:53:04 +0100

We continue our examination of the Catholic contribution to Egyptology by taking a look at some of the names who helped decipher the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, including Cristoforo Buandelmonti, Piero Valeriano Bolzani, Athanasius Kircher, and Abbé Jean-Jacques Barthélemy.

The Lab Report features stories on Engineering Love, DIY Scientists, and the Transit of Venus.

There’s some feedback, news of Catholic Elements, and a joke too - so please stay tuned!

Cathlab97 - Egyptology Part 1

Thu, 10 May 2012 21:01:08 +0100

We’re back and we start our mini-series on Egyptology - What is it? What do you need to study to become an Egyptologist?

We look at the contributions of two Catholics to Egyptology - Felix Fabri O.P. and Clause Sicard S.J. (his map is pictured)

Stories on the Cassini mission (again), China’s demography, St Cuthbert’s Gospel, and Thoughts of Death feature in the Lab Report.

Cathlab96 - Archaeology Part 3

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 20:56:44 +0100

We continue our series on the Catholic contribution to Archaeology with the life and works of Anatole von Hügel (pictured)

We also have a packed Lab Report featuring stories on the Cassini mission (again), bio-engineered children, the Mariana Trench, World Down Syndrome Day, news of Pontifical Academy of Science events, and Chocolate - just in time for Easter!

Cathlab95 - Archaeology Part 2

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:43:43 +0000

We continue our series on the Catholic contribution to Archaeology with the life and works of Johann Joachim Winkelmann.

We also have a packed Lab Report featuring stories on the Cassini mission, the New Scientist and a lazy editorial, Christian archaeology, drug resistant STDs, and male speech patterns in the presence of fertile women.

Cathlab94 - Archaeology Part 1

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:51:10 +0000

We start our series on the Catholic contribution to Archaeology with the life and works of Flavio Biondo and Ciriaco de Pizzicolli ... and did you know there are three patron saints of Archaeology?

We also have a packed Lab Report - look out for Jupiter and Venus, Greed and Class, UK’s Climate Week, and several stories from National Geographic including one about the new game ‘Angry Birds in Space’.

Cathlab93 - Science of TOB (Again)

Sat, 3 Mar 2012 20:42:55 +0000

In this episode we revisit the Science of the Theology of the Body and take a glance at several news stories and research papers that support the Church’s teachings on sexuality and morals.

Cathlab92 - Backwards and Forwards

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:45:31 +0000

Yeah - we’re back! In this episode we take a belated look at the top science stories of 2011, and look forward to 2012. We have a packed Lab Report, your feedback and a joke too.

Cathlab91 - The Greatest Story Dawkins Doesn’t Get

Sat, 4 Feb 2012 17:15:51 +0000

In this episode we review Prof Richard Dawkins new book ‘The Magic of Reality: How We Know What’s Really True’.

We explore the meaning of stories & the Biblical creation narratives, what Catholics should make of them, and what science says about creation ... did someone say ‘miracle’?

There’s a contribution from Katie and Michael about a story they love ... and stay tuned for an unexpected Christmas message.

Happy Christmas Everyone!

Cathlab90 - Christmas Presents

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:33:25 +0000

Christmas is coming - are you prepared? We have a few ideas for the Catholic Scientist in your life - advent readings, mobile apps, not-so-mobile apps, a book or two and some Lego.

We also have a Lab Report, your feedback and a joke too.

Cathlab89 - Catholic Ecology

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 10:34:19 +0000

What is Catholic Ecology? What is the Biblical basis for caring for creation? What did the Fathers of the Church teach about creation? What does the Church teach about ecology and our environment? And what should we do about the ecology?

We sit down with Bill Patenaude, a Catholic ecologist, blogger, writer and environmental manager to answer these questions and more!

Cathlab88 - Pre-History Part 4

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:32:44 +0000

In this episode we continue our examination of the Catholic contribution to the study of pre-history by taking a look at the life and work of Dorothy Garrod (pictured).

In the Lab Report we discuss natural stem cell therapies to mend a broken heart, the new Mars Rover ‘Curiosity’, and those faster-than-light neutrinos are back!

Cathlab87 - Pre-History Part 3

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:31:03 +0000

We continue our study of the Catholic contribution to the historical sciences - more priests of pre-history: Abbé Landesque, Abbé Bayol, Fr Cau-Duban, Abbé Bardon, Brothers Abbé Jean and Mgr Amédée Bouyssonie (pictured), Abbo Sierra, Abbo Carbollo and Fr John MacEnery.

The Lab Report has a stem cell related theme - the Vatican hold a conference on the use of adult stem cells, lots of success for adult stem cells therapies, and bad news for embryonic stem cell research ... which is great news for us.

Cathlab86 - Pre-History Part 2

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 12:01:19 +0000

We continue our study of the Catholic contribution to the historical sciences - this time we look at pre-history and the works of Abbé Guibert, Abbé André Glory, Canon Edmond Albe, and Abbé Amédée Lemozi (pictured).

The Lab Report features another misrepresentation of the Church by the BBC; we welcome the 7 billionth baby even if others do not; HPV vaccine for boys; and a movie about faith and science.

And I make an apology, but good comes out of my bad!

Cathlab85 - Pre-History Part 1

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:52:33 +0100

We continue our study of the Catholic contribution to the historical sciences - this time we look at pre-history and the work of Abbé Henri Breuil.

The Lab report features several stories with a common theme, but we lighten the mood with a handful of odd stories from the Royal Society archives and a quote from Prof Richard Dawkins.

Cathlab84 - Real Pre-history

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:20:35 +0100

We sit back, relax and talk about the historical sciences with listeners Richard and David Clinnick who are paleontologists, pre-historians and archeologists.

They describe their experience of faith and science and pass on some valuable advice for all scientists.

Cathlab83 - CNMC 2011

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:12:24 +0100

I’m not in Kansas anymore! We spend this episode reflecting on what happened at the CNMC: the topics, the speakers, the delegates, the prayers, the hopes and the dreams!

We also take a trip to the Waffle House and there is a special appearance from the Trololo Man.

Do Not Be Afraid!

Cathlab82 - Reel Science: Infectious Diseases

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:44:28 +0100

In the second of an occasional series on science in movies called ‘Reel Science’ we look at the subject of Infectious Diseases.

Inspired by the movie ‘Contagion’ we will look at the Catholic Scientists who have contributed to this field of scientific endeavour.

Note: I have since learned that Alexander Flemming was not Catholic. I took my information for his life from an online source, but it appears to confuse his marriage to a Catholic with his faith. Sorry!

Cathlab81 - Paleontology Part 6

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:53:45 +0100

We conclude our series on paleontology by looking at the life and work of Fr Theodor Verhoeven and Fr Daniel Cargnin.

We discuss more science of the Theology of the Body related research in the Lab Report and have you ever wondered why scientists don’t earn much?

Cathlab80 - Paleontology Part 5

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:28:57 +0100

We continue our series on the historical sciences and paleontology by looking at the life and work of Fr Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

We discuss more adult stem research success, young marriage and facial hair in the Lab Report and a pun-based joke or three for you too.

Cathlab79 - Paleontology Part 4

Mon, 5 Sep 2011 21:22:52 +0100

We continue our series on the historical sciences and make up for lost time with two Catholic Paleontologists - Wilhelm Waagen and Oskar Kuhn.

We also have a packed Lab Report and a joke for you too.

And a big THANK YOU to everyone who nominated the Catholic Laboratory for the Catholic New Media Awards - sadly we didn’t win but thank you for your support

Cathlab78 - Paleontology Part 3

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 07:35:07 +0100

We continue our series on the historical sciences with a look at the subject of marine paleontology and Catholic scientist Pierre-Joseph van Beneden.

We also have a packed Lab Report and a joke for you too.

And a big THANK YOU to everyone who nominated the Catholic Laboratory for the Catholic New Media Awards - voting is now open so please vote for your favourite Podcast, Blog or App

Cathlab77 - Paleontology Part 2

Tue, 9 Aug 2011 21:01:26 +0100

We continue our series on the historical sciences with a look at the subject of micropaleontology and Catholic scientist Abbot Ambrogio Soldani. We also have a packed Lab Report and a joke for you too.

Cathlab76 - Paleontology Part 1

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 21:07:36 +0100

Did you know Paleontology is spelt ‘Palaeontology’ if you’re British?

We start our series on the historical sciences with a look at the subject of paleontology and Catholic scientist Joachim Barrande. We also have a packed Lab Report and a joke for you too.

Cathlab75 - Lab Report

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 08:37:55 +0100

In this episode we catch up on three weeks worth of faith & science news - neuroscience, zoobotics, planets, adult stem cells, lotteries, and more all feature. We have your feedback and a joke too, so please stay tuned.

Cathlab74 - Bioethics

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 21:01:15 +0100

In this episode we discuss bioethics, embryonic stem cell research, euthanasia and vaccines developed using foetal tissue with the Director of the Anscombe Bioethics Centre Dr David Jones.

Cathlab73 - Reel Science: Robotics

Sun, 3 Jul 2011 10:49:44 +0100

In the first of an occasional series on science in movies called ‘Reel Science’ we look at the subject of Robotics.

Inspired by the movies ‘Real Steel’ and ‘Transformers 3’ we will look at the Catholic Scientists who have contributed to this field of scientific endeavour.

Cathlab72 - Your Feedback

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:32:19 +0100

In this episode we tackle the back log and growing pile of feedback. We also look at lots of stories in the lab report and enjoy the silence of an empty house.

Cathlab71 - TOB: Conclusion

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 20:44:32 +0100

We conclude our study of the science of the Theology of the Body. There is no Catholic Scientist so we will focus three week’s worth of science related news in the Lab Report. We will save your feedback for the next episode but we two jokes for you!

Warning: In this episode we discuss matters of a sexual nature so please exercise some common sense when listening

Cathlab70 - TOB: Pornography

Sun, 15 May 2011 08:59:39 +0100

We continue our study of the science of the Theology of the Body and discuss pornography. There is no Catholic Scientist so we will focus three week’s worth of science related news in the Lab Report. We have some feedback and a joke too.

Warning: In this episode we discuss matters of a sexual nature so please exercise some common sense when listening

Cathlab69 - TOB: Abortion

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 20:53:29 +0100

We resume our study of the science of the Theology of the Body and discuss abortion. Poalo Frisi (pictured) is our next Catholic Scientist. We have a brief Lab Report, some feedback and a joke too.

Warning: In this episode we discuss matters of a sexual nature so please exercise some common sense when listening

Cathlab68 - TOB: IVF

Fri, 1 Apr 2011 09:16:17 +0100

We resume our study of the science of the Theology of the Body. To mark the International Year of Forests we run through a ‘family tree’ of Catholic Botanists, including Endlicher who named the Sequoia tree (pictured).

We have the Lab report, your feedback and a special tribute to Mothers everywhere ... from a biologist’s point of view!

Warning: In this episode we discuss matters of a sexual nature so please exercise some common sense when listening

Cathlab67 - Genesis of Science

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 07:25:52 +0000

We sit down with James Hannam (pictured) and discuss his books “God’s Philosophers” & “Genesis of Science”, the origins of science and its future.

Cathlab66 - TOB: Condoms and HIV/AIDS in Africa

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:44:07 +0000

We resume our discussion on the science of the Theology of the Body. José de Acosta is our next Catholic scientist (pictured) and we have the Lab Report, and a Joke too. Sorry - no time for feedback!

Warning: In this episode we discuss matters of a sexual nature so please exercise some common sense when listening