In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore how memory shapes identity and human culture.

The episode covers the evolutionary origins of memory, the brain regions involved, how memories are encoded, and how therapies (including MDMA) can help heal traumatic memories.

You will also get practical tips to improve your memory!

About Science Savvy: My name is Carmen Fairley, I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, and currently work in medical advisory. Science Savvy is a podcast that makes cutting-edge research accessible, turning complex science into stories that mean something for you.

Citations / Bibliography:

Chudek, Maciej, and Joseph Henrich. “Culture-gene coevolution, norm-psychology and the emergence of human prosociality.” Trends in cognitive sciences vol. 15,5 (2011): 218-26. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2011.03.003

Brockmeier, Jens. “Memory, Narrative, and the Consequences.” Topics in cognitive science vol. 11,4 (2019): 821-824. doi:10.1111/tops.12412

Sridhar, S., et al. Cognitive neuroscience perspective on memory. PMC 2023

Markowitsch, H. J. Memory and Self–Neuroscientific Landscapes. PMC 2013

D’Argembeau, A., et al. Brains creating stories of selves: the neural basis of autobiographical reasoning. PMC 2013

Martinelli, P., et al. Neural substrates of the self‑memory system: New insights. PMC 2012

Richerson, P. J., & Boyd, R. Gene‑culture coevolution in the age of genomics. PMC 2010

Strikwerda‑Brown, C., et al. “All is not lost” – Rethinking the nature of memory and self in dementia. PMC 2019

Repetto, C., et al. The neuroscience of body memory: Recent findings and implications. PMC 2023

Dégeilh, F., et al. Neural correlates of Self and its interaction with memory in adolescence. PMC 2015

Pais‑Vieira, C., et al. The influence of self‑awareness on emotional memory. PMC 2015

In this episode of Science Savvy, I sit down with Elena Muyo, Scientific Projects & Partnerships Lead at CRIS Cancer UK, to uncover how this unique charity is rewriting the future of cancer research. From dual CAR-T trials in children with leukemia, to a first-in-class lung cancer vaccine, to pioneering treatments for devastating childhood brain tumors, CRIS Cancer is driving science that gives patients options when medicine says “there’s nothing more we can do.”

We talk about the incredible story that started it all, how CRIS selects and funds projects that others overlook, and why every pound donated has a multiplying effect on hope and discovery. If you’ve ever wondered how patient-driven science can change the course of cancer treatment, this is the episode for you.

About Science Savvy: My name is Carmen Fairley, I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, and currently work in medical advisory. Science Savvy is the podcast that makes cutting-edge research accessible, turning complex science into stories that mean something for you.

Citations / Bibliography:

National Cancer Institute. What Is CAR T-Cell Therapy? cancer.gov

Maude SL, Frey N, Shaw PA, et al. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells for sustained remissions in leukemia. New England Journal of Medicine. (also available via PMC)

Fesnak AD, June CH, Levine BL. Engineering T cells: the intersection of synthetic biology and adoptive cell therapy. Nature Reviews Cancer.

June CH, Sadelain M. Chimeric antigen receptor therapy. New England Journal of Medicine.

Newick K, Moon E, Albelda SM. CAR T cell therapy for solid tumors. Annual Review of Medicine.

Frontiers in Immunology / Frontiers in Oncology. Articles on CAR-T in solid tumors and tumor microenvironment challenges.

Cancer Research UK / CRIS Cancer Foundation. LungVax project announcement. news.cancerresearchuk.org

Elliott T (et al.). Details of neoantigen-based lung cancer vaccine design (as reported by CRUK)

BioNTech / mRNA vaccine clinical trial reports (e.g., BNT116 in lung cancer).

PMC articles / reviews on checkpoint inhibitors in lung cancer (e.g. anti‑PD‑1 / anti‑PD‑L1 therapies).

Frontiers in Immunology / Frontiers in Oncology – studies combining immunotherapy in thoracic cancers, mechanisms of resistance, tumor microenvironment.

National Cancer Institute / NIH press / Cancer Currents. CAR T trial in DMG.

Studies on ONC201 in H3K27M mutant gliomas (e.g. University of Michigan / clinical trial reports).

Reviews of prognosis and therapeutic challenges in diffuse midline glioma (e.g., clinical trial databases, Pediatric Neuro‑Oncology journals).

American Cancer Society / Cancer.org. Overview of Clinical Trial Phases.

Cancer Research UK. Explanation of how clinical trials work, purposes of phases I, II, III.

Lupus Research / NIH / NCI / adaptive trial methodology sources. Phase I/II and Phase II/III design explanations.

In this episode we talk about "having great genes", but also weird ones, ancient viral ones, and even one named after Sonic Hedgehog (look it up!). W dive into how your DNA is more like a script with a dimmer switch than a fixed destiny. From epigenetics and retroviruses to schizophrenia research, stem cells, and the pitfalls of 23andMe, we explore the science written into your genome.

Thank you to Aitana Padilla for coming on the show. Aitana is a neuroscientist in training with a deep focus on the genetics of mental health. She currently investigates how human endogenous retroviruses (remnants of ancient viral infections embedded in our DNA) may influence schizophrenia!

Further reading and references:

Human Endogenous Retroviruses as Pathogenic Factors in Schizophrenia: Slokar G, Hasler G. Front Psychiatry. 2016;6:183. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00183.

Implication of human endogenous retroviruses in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: Ellul P, Groc L, Leboyer M. Med Sci (Paris). 2017;33(4):404-409. doi:10.1051/medsci/20173304010.

Heritability of Schizophrenia and Schizophrenia Spectrum Based on the Nationwide Danish Twin Register: Hilker R et al. Biol Psychiatry. 2018;83(6):492-498. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.08.017.

Schizophrenia as a Complex Trait: Evidence from a Meta-analysis of Twin Studies: Sullivan PF et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60(12):1187-1192. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.60.12.1187.

Huntington's Disease: A Clinical Review: Roos RA. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2010;5:40. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-5-40.

The Relationship Between Cannabis Use, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar Disorder: A Genetically Informed Study: Cheng W et al. Lancet Psychiatry. 2023;10(6):441-451. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00143-8.

Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Adult Human Fibroblasts by Defined Factors: Takahashi K et al. Cell. 2007;131(5):861-872. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2007.11.019.

Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Mouse Embryonic and Adult Fibroblast Cultures by Defined Factors: Takahashi K, Yamanaka S. Cell. 2006;126(4):663-676. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2006.07.024.

Animal Models of CNS Disorders: McGonigle P. Biochem Pharmacol. 2014;87(1):140-149. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.016.

Advances Toward Precision Medicine for Bipolar Disorder: Haggarty SJ et al. Mol Psychiatry. 2021;26(1):168-185. doi:10.1038/s41380-020-0831-4.

Welcome to this Science Savvy episode on Happiness. In this episode, I explore what happiness really is from a neuroscience & evolutionary perspective, and explain why it’s a biological miracle that we feel joy at all.

I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, and in this episode I cover why dopamine gets all the hype (but shouldn’t), how gratitude rewires your brain, why you’re not supposed to be happy all the time, and what Tibetan monks can teach us about brain waves and contentment.

Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place.

Further reading and references:

Farhud, D. D., Malmir, M., & Khanahmadi, M. (2014). Happiness & Health: The Biological Factors – Systematic Review. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 43(11), 1468–1477. (Overview of genetic, neurochemical, hormonal, and health correlates of happiness)​

Machado, L., & Cantilino, A. (2017). A systematic review of the neural correlates of positive emotions. Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry, 39(2), 172–179. (Review finding increased left frontal and decreased right frontal activity, among other regions, during happiness)​

Tan, J. J. X., Kraus, M. W., Carpenter, N. C., & Adler, N. E. (2020). The association between objective and subjective socioeconomic status and subjective well-being: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 146(11), 970–1020. (Meta-analysis of 335 studies; reports an average income-happiness correlation of ~0.23)​

Killingsworth, M. A. (2021). Experienced well-being rises with income, even above $75,000 per year. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(4), e2016976118. (Large experience-sampling study showing no plateau in happiness up to ~$200k, though marginal gains diminish at higher incomes)​

Diener, E., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2002). Very happy people. Psychological Science, 13(1), 81–84. (Study of characteristics of extremely happy individuals – they had strong social relationships as the most notable common feature)

Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. (Seminal theory paper proposing that positive emotions broaden cognitive-behavioral repertoires and build lasting resources)​

Coles, N. A., Larsen, J. T., & Lench, H. C. (2019). A meta-analysis of the facial feedback literature: Effects of facial feedback on emotional experience are small and variable. Psychological Bulletin, 145(6), 610–651. (Meta-analysis confirming that while facial expressions do influence feelings, the effects are modest)​

Cregg, D. R., & Cheavens, J. S. (2021). Gratitude interventions: Effective self-help? A meta-analysis of the impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety. Journal of Happiness Studies, 22(2), 413–445. (Meta-analysis of 27 studies showing gratitude exercises reliably improve well-being and reduce depressive symptoms)​

Moll, J., et al. (2006). Human fronto–mesolimbic networks guide decisions about charitable donation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(42), 15623–15628. (fMRI study demonstrating that donating to charity activates the brain’s reward circuits similarly to receiving a monetary reward)​

Lutz, A., Greischar, L. L., Rawlings, N. B., Ricard, M., & Davidson, R. J. (2004). Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 101(46), 16369–16373. (Research on Buddhist monks showing meditation can produce intense gamma wave synchrony, linked to positive emotional states)​

Helliwell, J. F., Huang, H., Wang, S., & Norton, M. (2023). World Happiness Report 2023. New York: Sustainable Development Solutions Network. (Annual report that uses Gallup data to rank countries by happiness and analyzes factors like GDP, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption)​ ​ Young, S. N. (2007). How to increase serotonin in the human brain without drugs. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 32(6), 394–399. (Review of the relation between serotonin and mood, noting that positive mood is associated with higher serotonin function and discussing non-pharmacological ways to boost serotonin, like sunlight and exercise)​

And my personal fave: worldhappiness.report

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Katharine D'Amico, a behavioral neuroscientist and President of the The Swala Institute for Applied Neuroscience for professional communication. We explore how your brain rapidly forms perceptions, builds (or breaks) trust, and makes high-stakes decisions.

My name is Carmen, I am the host of Science Savvy. I have a background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering. Science Savvy podcast is all about breaking down the extraordinary science behind everyday life.

In this episode, Dr. D'Amico shares her insights from mentoring over 900 startups and researching how trust and emotion shape behavior in professional environments. This episode covers why first impressions are sticky, how oxytocin builds trust and lowers stress, what role emotions really play in strategic decisions, and how to rewire your habits to make better choices. Whether you're curious about brain chemistry, leadership, mental health, or simply how to make smarter decisions, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research.

Also, the cover at the beginning of the episode is from my band! Comment if you recognise it ;)

Further reading and references: Willis, J., & Todorov, A. (2006). First impressions: Making up your mind after a 100-ms exposure to a face. Psychological Science, 17(7), 592–598. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2006.01750.x Todorov, A., Mende-Siedlecki, P., & Dotsch, R. (2013). Social judgments from faces. Current Opinion in Neurobiology, 23(3), 373–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conb.2012.12.010 Kosfeld, M., Heinrichs, M., Zak, P. J., Fischbacher, U., & Fehr, E. (2005). Oxytocin increases trust in humans. Nature, 435(7042), 673–676. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature03701 Baumgartner, T., Heinrichs, M., Vonlanthen, A., Fischbacher, U., & Fehr, E. (2008). Oxytocin shapes the neural circuitry of trust and trust adaptation in humans. Neuron, 58(4), 639–650. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2008.04.009 Crum, A. J., Salovey, P., & Achor, S. (2013). Rethinking stress: The role of mindsets in determining the stress response. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 104(4), 716–733. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0031201 Taylor, S. E. (2006). Tend and befriend: Biobehavioral bases of affiliation under stress. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 15(6), 273–277. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2006.00451.x Bechara, A., Damasio, A. R., Damasio, H., & Anderson, S. W. (1994). Insensitivity to future consequences following damage to human prefrontal cortex. Cognition, 50(1–3), 7–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-0277(94)90018-3

Welcome to the Architecture and the Brain episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how the built environment influences the way we think, feel, and connect with others. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind sensory perception and neuroarchitecture, and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers the psychology of shared spaces, the impact of natural light and materials on mood and cognition, and why we’re hardwired to respond to beauty. I’m joined by Antonio, a talented architect, as we explore how thoughtful design can support mental health, foster community, and reflect evolving cultural values. Whether you’re passionate about urban planning, curious about how light and scent influence your brain, or just want to create a more inspiring space, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research.

Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place.

Further reading and references:

Bentham, J. (1787). The Panopticon concept. Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1993). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212. Galima, S. V., Vogel, S. R., & Kowalski, A. W. (2020). Seasonal affective disorder: Common questions and answers. American Family Physician, 102(11), 668–672. Pjrek, E., et al. (2020). The efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 89(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.1159/000502891 Tao, L., et al. (2020). Light therapy in non-seasonal depression: An updated meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 291, 113247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113247 Nussbaumer, B., et al. (2015). Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD011269. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011269.pub2 Do, A., et al. (2022). Blue-light therapy for seasonal and non-seasonal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 67(10), 745–754. https://doi.org/10.1177/07067437221097903 Rolls, E. T. (2015). Limbic systems for emotion and for memory, but no single limbic system. Cortex, 62, 119–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2013.12.005 Mori, K., & Sakano, H. (2024). Circuit formation and sensory perception in the mouse olfactory system. Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 18, Article 1342576. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncir.2024.1342576 Mills, E. G. A., O'Byrne, K. T., & Comninos, A. N. (2019). Kisspeptin as a behavioral hormone. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, 37(2), 56–63. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-3400239 Gaeta, G., & Wilson, D. A. (2022). Reciprocal relationships between sleep and smell. Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 16, Article 1076354. https://doi.org/10.3389/fncir.2022.1076354 Shahsavar, P., Ghazvineh, S., & Raoufy, M. R. (2024). From nasal respiration to brain dynamic. Reviews in Neuroscience, 35(6), 639–650. https://doi.org/10.1515/revneuro-2023-0152

Welcome to the PCOS episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the science behind Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, a complex hormonal and metabolic condition that affects millions of women worldwide. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the mechanisms behind PCOS and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode features a conversation with Dr. Basma Faris, a board-certified OB/GYN and certified culinary medicine specialist. We discuss why PCOS is not just about cystic ovaries, how insulin resistance contributes to hormonal imbalance, and the ways diet, sleep, and stress management play a role in symptom control. We also talk through the myths, the science, and the danger of wellness misinformation. Whether you're navigating a diagnosis or simply curious about how hormones, metabolism, and lifestyle connect, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research.

Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place.

Further reading and references:

St-Onge, M. P., et al. (2023). The interrelationship between sleep, diet, and glucose metabolism. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 69, 101788. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60010061 Ehrhardt, N., & Al Zaghal, E. (2018). Behavior modification in prediabetes and diabetes: Potential use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 13(2), 271–275. https://doi.org/10.1177/1932296818790994 Hanefeld, M., et al. (2014). Differences in glycemic variability between normoglycemic and prediabetic subjects. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 8(2), 286–290. https://doi.org/10.1177/1932296814522739 Dmitrovic, R., et al. (2011). Continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 118(4), 878–885. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e31822c887f Tao, M., et al. (2011). Continuous glucose monitoring reveals abnormal features of postprandial glycemic excursions in women with PCOS. Postgraduate Medicine, 123(2), 185–190. https://doi.org/10.3810/pgm.2011.03.2277 Merino, J., et al. (2022). Validity of continuous glucose monitoring for categorizing glycemic responses to diet. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 115(6), 1569–1576. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqac026 Wyatt, P., et al. (2021). Postprandial glycaemic dips predict appetite and energy intake in healthy individuals. Nature Metabolism, 3(4), 523–529. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-021-00383-x Zahalka, S. J., et al. (2024). Continuous glucose monitoring for prediabetes: What are the best metrics? Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 18(4), 835–846. https://doi.org/10.1177/19322968241242487 Basiri, R., & Cheskin, L. J. (2024). Personalized nutrition therapy without weight loss counseling produces weight loss in individuals with prediabetes. Nutrients, 16(14). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142218 Joseph, J. I., et al. (2018). Glucose sensing in the subcutaneous tissue: Correlation with immune response and CGM accuracy. Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics, 20(5), 321–324. https://doi.org/10.1089/dia.2018.0106 Jospe, M. R., et al. (2024). Leveraging continuous glucose monitoring as a catalyst for behaviour change. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21(1), 74. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-024-01622-6 Zhu, J. P., et al. (2013). Increased mean glucose levels in patients with PCOS and hyperandrogenemia as determined by CGM. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 92(2), 165–171. https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.12031 Rizos, E. C., et al. (2024). Difference on glucose profile from CGM in people with prediabetes vs. normoglycemic individuals. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 18(2), 414–422. https://doi.org/10.1177/19322968221123530

Welcome to the Food and the Brain episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore how the food we eat shapes not only our physical health but also our brain, behavior, and social bonds. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind nutrition and neurobiology and unpack how it shows up in your daily life.

This episode covers how taste, smell, and texture stimulate the brain’s reward system, the role of the gut-brain axis in mood and cognition, and how specific nutrients like omega-3s can support mental clarity. I’m joined by Pablo and Alicia, a food-loving couple who bring their own flavor to a discussion on how food influences everything from cravings and memory to connection and romance. Whether you're interested in brain health, emotional eating, or the microbiome, this episode offers clear and engaging insights grounded in real research.

Science Savvy helps you understand the systems shaping your thoughts, health, and behavior. If you're ready to explore your body and brain with a little more clarity, you're in the right place.

Further reading and references:

Swanson, D., Block, R., & Mousa, S. A. (2012). Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: Health benefits throughout life. Advances in Nutrition, 3(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.111.000893 Carabotti, M., Scirocco, A., Maselli, M. A., & Severi, C. (2015). The gut-brain axis: Interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems. Annals of Gastroenterology, 28(2), 203 Yano, J. M., Yu, K., Donaldson, G. P., et al. (2015). Indigenous bacteria from the gut microbiota regulate host serotonin biosynthesis. Cell, 161(2), 264–276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2015.02.047 Dash, S., Clarke, G., Berk, M., & Jacka, F. N. (2015). The gut microbiome and diet in psychiatry: Focus on depression. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 28(1), 1–6 Peterson, C. T., Sharma, V., Elmen, L., & Peterson, S. N. (2015). Immune homeostasis, dysbiosis and therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiota. Clinical and Experimental Immunology, 179(3), 363–377 Calder, P. C. (2010). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Nutritional Neuroscience, 13(3), 183–188 Ruddock, H. K., Brunstrom, J. M., Vartanian, L. R., & Higgs, S. (2019). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the social facilitation of eating. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 110(4), 842–861 Berthoud, H. R., Münzberg, H., & Morrison, C. D. (2017). Blaming the brain for obesity: Integration of hedonic and homeostatic mechanisms. Gastroenterology, 152(7), 1728–1738. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2016.12.050 Post, M. J. (2012). Cultured meat from stem cells: Challenges and prospects. Meat Science, 92(3), 297–301 van Huis, A., Van Itterbeeck, J., Klunder, H., et al. (2013). Edible insects: Future prospects for food and feed security. FAO Forestry Paper. FAO: Rome