Life Solved is set to spark conversation for curious thinkers and those who like to be in the know on the latest innovations in technology, medicine, the environment, social theory and beyond.

In each weekly episode, researchers talk in-depth about pioneering research, tackle thought-provoking questions, and explore life-changing innovations - from outsmarting criminals with VR and the evolution of cybersexualities, to how failure informs space research, and science could help you survive a zombie apocalypse.

You can listen to Life Solved on all major podcast players, whether via Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts or other apps. Just search for ‘Life Solved’ and press the subscribe button.

Use the links below to jump between each series of Life Solved.

Get involved

How to join in with the University's research:

Contact the Life Solved team for more information, on lifesolved@port.ac.uk.


Series 14

In the latest series of the Life Solved podcast we peer inside prisons, examine our wasteful water habits, take a journey to the South Pole for science, ask what architecture has to offer the world, and speak to female rowers trying to save our seas.

Series 13

In the latest series of the Life Solved podcast we discuss the History of the Horror Genre, the reality of radiation and address Fukushima fake news, are UFOs real, Incels and TikTok, how cravings affect our senses, and when will the cost of living crisis end?

Series 12

Series 11

Series 10

Series 9

Series 8

Series 7

How Palaeontology is unpicking the story of life on Earth

A celebration of Palaeontology, featuring guests Dr Dave Martill, Dr Nizar Ibrahim and PhD student Jeremy Lockwood.
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The truth about cold water swimming

How safe is cold water swimming? How might it improve your mental health? And is it really as good for your body as the anecdotes suggest?
Two people walking into the sea. Life Solved logo and title overlaid
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What does fairness in football look like? Part 1: Equality

In the latest episode of the Life Solved podcast, researchers from Portsmouth discuss how changes in the game can have an impact on wider society.
Close up of referee about to pull yellow card out. Life Solved logo and title overlaid
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What does fairness in football look like? Part 2: Corruption

In the latest episode, Christina Philippou and Dr Adam Cox share insights into financial mismanagement and its impacts on people in football.
Two footballers running for ball. Life solved logo and title overlaid
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Do Animals Really Know What We're Thinking?

In the latest episode of the Life Solved podcast, Dr Leanne Proops talks about the psychology of relationships between pets and humans
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Understanding the Ukraine Invasion

In this special episode of Life Solved from the University of Portsmouth, Glenn Harris speaks to academics for their insight on current world events
Understanding the Ukraine invasion
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How Technology is driving new forms of domestic abuse

In the latest episode of the Life Solved podcast, Dr Lisa Suguira shares her findings from a University of Portsmouth study into criminal behaviour online.
Facing Up to Online Abuse
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Series 6

Mapping Past and Present

In this episode, Professor Humphrey Southall and Paula Aucott tell us about a new mapping project that’s transforming the way we understand the present.
Antique map of London close up. Life Solved logo and episode title on left
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How everyday people are exploring our cosmos

The mysteries of outer space have long fascinated scientists and academics, but an innovative research project has put ordinary people at the helm of exploring our cosmos.
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How zines are capturing social history

An enormous archive of self-published magazines is helping researchers catalogue and explore social history here at Portsmouth.
Hands holding lots of small booklets of artwork (Art zines). Life Solved logo and episode title to the left
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The University of Portsmouth in space

In this special episode, staff from the ICG explain their role in the UK’s ambitious plan to double investment in the space economy by 2030.
Planets, stars and galaxies in outer space. Life Solved logo and episode title on left.
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Community resilience in world crises

Ahead of COP 26, Dr Cressida Bowyer speaks to us about insights the University will be sharing at this years climate change conference.
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COP in Focus: The Future of Construction

In this episode, Professor Mark Gaterell demystifies the role of construction in our net-zero future.
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COP in Focus: What Now?

In this episode, Professor Steve Fletcher reflects upon the outcome of conversations at COP26.
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How tech is transforming the world

This time we're taking a tour of the innovations in technology taking place here at Portsmouth.
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Representing all of us in public organisations

Professor Karen Johnston challenges the norms that are holding back women and under-represented groups.
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Series 5

In this special new series of Life Solved, we explore the trends, changes and innovations that are taking place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Across 5 episodes, find out how life is changing for all of us, and University of Portsmouth researchers share their findings, ideas and observations on what a post-Covid future might look like.

How has the pandemic changed mental health and education opportunities for young people?

In our first episode, we explore how the education and future opportunities of young people have been impacted by the pandemic, and discuss what we can learn to better support them in the future.
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Has Covid changed consumer habits for good?

In this episode of Life Solved, University of Portsmouth researchers explore the impact of the pandemic on our shopping habits and consumer attitudes.
Female student wearing blue face mask and looking away. Life Solved logo and episode title
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How tech is changing employment and women’s work lives

In this episode of Life Solved, researchers and business experts share their insights into what the Covid-19 impact means for our relationship with work in the future.
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Democracy and policing under pressure

This episode of Life Solved explores what the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions have meant for human rights, democracy, trust and policing.
High angle image of woman working at desk surrounded by paperwork. Life Solved logo and episode title on left.
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How has Covid impacted sustainability in our world and habits?

This time we’re asking if the coronavirus pandemic has created a dramatic setback for the global environmental crisis.
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For the rest of this series of Life Solved, we’re delving into the world of wildlife crime.

Working with the antique trade to change the law on ivory

Caroline Cox explains how her work in addressing the illegal trade in animals and plants led to supporting law change in the UK.
Close up of Elephant trunk and tusks. Life Solved logo and episode title on left.
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Understanding the world’s most endangered great ape

In this episode of Life Solved, Dr Marina Davila-Ross tells us about her work studying communication in Great Apes.
Close up of orangutan holding onto a branch. Life Solved logo and episode title on left.
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Fingerprinting pangolin scales to fight wildlife crime

In this episode of Life Solved, we hear about a cross-disciplinary project to help fight the illegal trade in plants and animals.
Close up of a pangolin. Life Solved podcast logo and episode title on left,
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Series 4

How witness interviewing techniques influence evidence

Professor Becky Milne explains how psychology and forensics can combine to serve justice and help save lives.
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Outsmarting criminals with VR

Understanding the minds of criminals is crucial in helping the public to outsmart crime. Professor Claire Nee explains all.
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Understanding nature’s most disastrous events

Portsmouth research is helping the island nation of Dominica become the world’s first hurricane-proof country.
Close up of volcano and lava flow. Life Solved logo and episode title
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How crowdsource mapping and drone photography can support disaster response

Making software and data affordable and easy to access can support developing countries in responding to natural disasters.
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Reading the rocks: how we can predict landslides to keep homes safe and highways open

Discover how Dr Malcolm Whitworth studies landscapes to help predict, prevent and prepare for natural hazards.
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Interpreting the Surface of the Moon

Understanding the deep history of planets and satellites in our solar system could help unveil secrets in the history of planet Earth.
Image of the red planet Mars against a dark background. Life Solved logo and title and the bottom.
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Series 3

Episode 1: Atomik Vodka

Professor Jim Smith battles the myth of Chernobyl and explains how his safe, high-quality vodka is the first consumer product to come from the area since the 1986 disaster.
Bottle of Atomik Vodka in a box
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Episode 2: Voices Against Violence

Professor Tamsin Bradley discusses her research into violence against women and how it's informing development organisations on how to respond to crises.
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Episode 3: Development Economics

Gain an insight into the complex and far-reaching world of Development Economics with Professor Andy Thorpe.
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Episode 4: 3D Printing for the Body

Hear how the work of Professor Gordon Blunn and his team are revolutionising the way artificial limbs and joint replacements are integrated with the human body.
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Episode 5: The Language of Violence

Dr Alessia Tranchese explains how she has examined the linguistics of different media to uncover the hidden violent and misogynistic narratives in our society.
Woman covering face with hand that has #METOO written on it. Life Solved logo and title and bottom
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Episode 6: Meet the Aca-fans

Professor Lincoln Geraghty introduces us to the Aca-fans: the academics who are researching the (often positive) social impact of fandom on communities and individuals.
person staring at comic books on a shelf
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Episode 7: Creative Communication for Better Health and Wellbeing

How a University of Portsmouth collaboration is using art as the conduit for vital public health messaging around the world.
Art mural on a wall in Mukuru, Life Solved logo at bottom
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Episode 8: Beyond Help? Mental health and support for vulnerable children

Children in present-day care are being failed by unconscious biases and attitudes that echo the Victorian era. Dr Wendy Sims-Schouten explains her findings.
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Episode 9: Learning and Normalising Bereavement

Death and bereavement are natural life experiences, but how is our approach to education and communication letting young people down?
Red candles in rows. Life Solved title and logo.
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Episode 10: Fashion for the Future

A Fashion Revolution Week special. Your shopping habits, buying choices and the clothes you wear might be impacting human rights, the environment and our supplies of finite resources.
Textile swatches pinned to a board. Life Solved logo and episode title.
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Series 2

Episode 1: Plastic Waste and the Economics of Sustainability

Portsmouth researchers explore the problems faced by sustainability in society today and new breakthroughs coming out of Portsmouth.
Turtle swimming with plastic bag in its mouth, with Life Solved Logo in corner
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Episode 2: The Power of Puppy Dog Eyes

Dr Juliane Kaminski chats about the eyebrow muscle that dogs use to wrap us round their paws.
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Episode 3: Parasites and Pollutants

Professor Alex Ford explores how the behaviour of sea creatures changes when zombie-like parasites thrive in polluted waters.
Professor Alex Ford smiling wearing blue shirt on beach, Life Solved logo in left hand corner
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Episode 4: The Next Generation of Antibiotics

Professor Anastasia Callaghan talks about her and her team's effort in fighting antimicrobial resistance.
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Episode 5: How Stress Shapes Our Brains

Professor Jerome Swinny has been exploring the physical link between our bodies and our life experiences.
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Episode 6: A Sweet Approach to Battling Bad Bacteria

With antibiotic resistance on the rise, Dr Sarah Fouch and her team have been looking at alternative solutions for the most pressing scenarios.
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Episode 7: Respect the Water

What should you do if you find yourself drowning in cold water? Professor Mike Tipton is campaigning for water safety to be part of the national curriculum.
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Episode 8: Politics and Packaging in the Food Industry

Less packaging isn’t always better for the environment. Professor Paul Trott explains how innovative food packaging can help tackle problems of food waste.
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Episode 9: Girls' Night Out

Dr Emily Nicholls takes us through her research on how gender is performed through drinking and sobriety in British culture.
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Episode 10: Water Blindness

Managing waste and water systems is key to human health. Professor John Williams explains how Portsmouth are rethinking those systems.
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Episode 11: Chemcatcher

Professor Gary Fones has developed technology to help water companies stay ahead of keeping our supplies clean and clear through sampling.
Algal blooms that are red against the blue ocean
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Series 1

Episode 1: The Coronavirus Toolkit

Portsmouth researchers discuss the issues that have arisen as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
3D visualisation of COVID virus cell in yellow and green. Life Solved logo and title at bottom.
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Episode 2: How Politics Became Social

Dr James Dennis explores how political behaviour is changing in the digital age.
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Episode 3: Innovations in Diagnosing Bladder Conditions

Dr John Young explores how technology is advancing treatment for many suffering with bladder conditions.
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Episode 4: Deep, Blue Thinking

Professor Steve Fletcher explains how international cooperation on our mysterious oceans could help save environments.
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Episode 5: Drone Warfare

Professor Peter Lee spoke to drone operators about how their job does not detach them from the act of killing.
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Episode 6: The Politics of Water

Dr Julia Brown discusses her research into giving water access to whole populations.
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Episode 7: Britain's Burning Future

Dr Mark Hardiman discusses climate change and how hot summers may become the norm in the UK.
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Episode 8: Vital Connections in the Brain

Professor Arthur Butt on why deeper research into glia holds the key to treating some of our biggest illnesses.
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Episode 9: Oysters in the Solent - Cleaning up our waters

Dr Joanne Preston shows us how she's been reintroducing native oysters to the Solent with pioneering tech.
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Episode 10: The Will to Change the Law

Juliet Brook explores how 180 year-old will and inheritance laws are causing problems during the pandemic.
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