Best Dr Tom Jenks And Mitchell Gatting Podcasts (2025)

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Wrapped 2025: Music, Podcasts, and Controversy 1:05:54

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4d ago1:05:54

1:05:54

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast and our yearly wrapped episode! This is one of our favourites where we are able to talk about the podcast’s stats this year as well as reveal our own awful (or great) music listening habits. We use this as a launchpad to talk about what music means to us, how we engage with it, and we also discuss som…

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Genetic Engineering and CRISPR 1:03:10

11d ago1:03:10

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast! In this episode, we break down the building blocks of life, from atoms and molecules to DNA and RNA. We then dive into the world of genetic engineering, exploring what CRISPR is, how it works, and why it’s become one of the most important tools in modern biology and why scientists are so eager to rew…

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Winter Survival Strategies 1:06:47

18d ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where this week we are hunkering down into the cold weather and asking how other species cope with it as well. Mitch takes a deep dive into hibernation, the biology and physiology behind it, as well as what separates it from other bouts of lowered metabolic rate such as torpor (see episode for various…

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Addiction: Neurodivergence and Choice 1:04:40

25d ago1:04:40

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where this week we are continuing our exploration of addiction! Last week we covered the mechanisms of substance use disorders and behavioural addictions but this week we focus on the interaction between neurodivergence (Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD) and addiction, why some people might be more v…

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Addiction: Substance and Behaviour 1:06:52

1M ago1:06:52

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This week on The Information Entropy Podcast, we dig into what addiction actually is — beyond the stereotypes. We explore the difference between chemical dependence and behavioural addictions, trace how our understanding has shifted from the old “just say no” model to a modern brain-based view, and look at why teenagers and young adults are particu…

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Poisons and Venoms 59:31

1M ago59:31

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This week, we dive into the chemical dark arts of the natural world. What is the difference between a poison and a venom? Why do some animals weaponize their biochemistry while others simply make themselves too toxic to touch? We explore how different toxins work at the molecular level, how evolution turns simple enzymes into precision biological w…

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The 2025 Ig Nobel Prizes 31:17

2M ago31:17

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This week we dive into the wonderfully weird world of the Ig Nobel Prizes — celebrating research that makes you laugh, then think. But first, as always, we take the scenic route: detouring through music, coffee philosophy, and the art of the perfect cheese toastie before actually getting to the science. We explore whether painted cows can really fe…

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Fractals 33:55

2M ago33:55

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This week, Tom dives into the endlessly complex world of fractals, repeating patterns that appear everywhere from galaxies to your lungs. Tom explores how fractals shape the natural world, why measuring something as simple as a coastline turns out to be impossible, and what happens in the brain when people on psychedelics see fractal-like visions. …

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The 2025 Nobel Prizes 1:03:29

2M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

This week on The Information Entropy Podcast, we’re diving into the science behind the 2025 Nobel Prizes — the discoveries that shaped this year’s biggest scientific headlines. Firstly, Tom apologises for his audio, we double checked everything but sadly audacity glitches strike again. But if you can bear it, it was a very fun episode! In Physics, …

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Planetary Defence II: AI and Stellar Engines 1:03:23

2M ago1:03:23

1:03:23

This week we return for some planetary defence chat with some tangents along the way! The boys start off speaking about the changing nature of AI use and its real-world implications. Once on topic they turn to discussing how one might go about avoiding interstellar catastrophe. Is it possible to move large objects in space out of the way, what abou…

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Planetary Defense 1:03:29

2M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

This week on we’re looking at how Earth protects itself from dangers that come hurtling out of space. Mitch takes us through NASA’s DART mission and what it means for defending the planet against near-Earth objects — those asteroids and comets that occasionally pass a little too close for comfort. Meanwhile, Tom explores solar storms: massive erupt…

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Life On Mars.... and Beyond 40:42

3M ago40:42

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Are we alone in the universe? This week we dive into the science of astrobiology — the hunt for life beyond Earth. From NASA’s latest discovery of potential biosignatures on Mars to the strange possibilities of methane seas on Titan and silicon-based aliens straight out of science fiction, we explore what it takes for a world to be habitable, how s…

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Batteries: Charged Up! 1:06:35

3M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

From the phone in your pocket to the car on your driveway, batteries quietly power modern life. But how do these tiny boxes of chemistry actually work? In this episode we crack open the science of batteries — from the basics of anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes, to the differences between lithium-ion, alkaline, and lead–acid cells. We explore why …

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When a Tiny Tube Turns Terrible: Understanding Appendicitis 35:25

3M ago35:25

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Join us on this episode as we delve into the stealthy threat of appendicitis. We explore the anatomy of the appendix, why its obstruction turns emergency, how symptoms can mislead even seasoned clinicians, and what scores like Alvarado and AIR add to the diagnostic toolkit. We’ll guide you through the treatment landscape— from keyhole surgery to an…

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Hooked: Social Media and Consumer Psychology 1:02:25

3M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Ever wonder why you keep scrolling, buying, or clicking — even when you know you shouldn’t? In this episode, we dive into the science of attention and the clever tricks marketers and social media platforms use to capture it. From supermarket layouts and clever packaging to TikTok’s endless scroll and online ads, we explore how your brain is being s…

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Sleep: Why is That a Thing?! 35:25

4M ago35:25

35:25

Ever wonder why we spend a third of our lives lying in the dark trying to hallucinate? ME TOO FRIEND! So, come and dive into the science of sleep, from the stages your brain cycles through, to the surprising tricks animals use to rest, and the shocking effects of going without sleep. Plus, explore why we sometimes stay up late on purpose and what r…

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The Fermi Paradox: Are We Alone After All? 33:07

4M ago33:07

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The universe is vast—hundreds of billions of stars, trillions of planets—so where is everyone? This week we dive into the Fermi Paradox, the puzzling question of why we haven’t found any signs of intelligent extraterrestrial life despite the overwhelming odds. We break down the science behind the paradox, explore the Drake Equation, and examine pos…

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Dogs II: Are They A**holes? 1:02:47

4M ago1:02:47

1:02:47

This week we’re back in the world of dog minds, digging into whether dogs really understand the words we say, or if we’re just wishful-thinking pet parents. We explore why they might ignore our commands, whether their so-called “bad behaviour” is actually intentional, and how different training styles affect behaviour. It’s dog psychology with a he…

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The VPN Surge: Escaping the Safety Act 46:34

4M ago46:34

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The UK’s Online Safety Act just went live — and it's got nothing to do with safety. In this episode, we break down how this sweeping new law threatens free speech, demands intrusive age checks, and opens the door to mass surveillance. We’ll expose the tech behind the ID dragnet, unpack the VPN boom, and ask the big question: is this the end of onli…

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Dogs: Cognition and Psychology 1:12:08

5M ago1:12:08

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This week we dive into the minds of dogs — exploring how they interpret human gestures, what their behaviour might reveal about their emotions, and whether breed really shapes personality. We break down the science of training, cognition, and attachment — and ask what’s really going on behind those puppy-dog eyes. Turns out, your dog might be under…

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Reality TV and Game Shows: Are We Crazy?! 1:06:53

5M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

This week we dive into the twisted psychology behind reality TV. From enforced gender stereotypes to the dark influence of producers, we explore how contestants are pushed, manipulated, and reshaped for the cameras. What makes people obey, conform, or completely lose themselves on screen? Think Love Island meets the Milgram experiment—with a dose o…

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Game Show Psychology 1:05:29

5M ago1:05:29

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What makes perfectly sane people eat bugs, betray teammates, or forget their own name on national TV? This week, we dive into the wild world of game show psychology—from group conformity and mob mentality to time pressure and full-blown cognitive collapse. We unravel the science behind why the game format lowers our guard, how 30% of a group can fl…

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Episode 150!!! 1:03:57

5M ago1:03:57

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Welcome to this very special episode of the Information Entropy Podcast: Episode 150! Today we take a bit more of a relaxed approach to the structure of the episode exploring a variety of topics that we find interesting such as new space telescopes and their discoveries as well as the influence that games are having and will have on our technology …

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The Hubble Tension: Are We Missing Something Big? 36:25

5M ago36:25

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In this episode of The Information Entropy Podcast, Tom explores one of the biggest mysteries in modern cosmology: the Hubble tension. Why do we get different answers while measuring the expansion rate of the universe? Is our standard model of the cosmos missing a crucial piece of the puzzle? Join Tom as he journeys from the discovery of cosmic exp…

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Why Do We Age? 1:01:49

6M ago1:01:49

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In this episode of The Information Entropy Podcast, we explore the science of ageing—what it is, why it happens, and how it affects the body and brain over time. We dig into cellular damage, stem cell decline, and metabolic theories like the Rate of Living Hypothesis. Plus, we ask why animals like Greenland sharks live for centuries while others bu…

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Conservation II: The Big Five and Economics 1:02:07

6M ago1:02:07

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We’re back for round two on conservation — and this time we’re naming names. From habitat loss and invasive species to climate chaos and pollution, we break down the Big Five threats that are pushing species to the brink. Mitch digs into the Svalbard Seed Vault, the planet’s frozen backup drive for food and biodiversity, and we unpack the economics…

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Conservation 57:46

6M ago57:46

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This week, we’re getting into the wild world of conservation — the science of saving stuff before it disappears forever. But it’s not all noble rangers and panda logos. Conservation is complicated. It’s where ecology crashes headfirst into politics, economics, and some big ethical questions about what we value and why. We break down what conservati…

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The Middle Ages: Metallurgy and Forges 1:01:06

6M ago1:01:06

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In this final "Middle Ages" episode, we take a closer look at how medieval weapons were made—from the blacksmith’s forge to the battlefield. We explore the practical science behind forging and quenching steel, how techniques developed across Europe and Japan, and what this meant for the weapons themselves. We also examine how swordsmanship evolved …

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The Middle Ages: Rock, Paper, Halberd! 1:04:05

7M ago1:04:05

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast. This week, we are following the evolutionary arms race between medieval units. The infantry, the missile troops, and the cavalry. A delicate balance of strengths and weaknesses on the battlefield, but how and why did these roles evolve over time and what were the driving forces behind that change? As…

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The Middle Ages: Siege You Later! 1:05:18

7M ago1:05:18

1:05:18

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast. This week, we’re storming the gates—literally. From scaling walls and battering gates to digging tunnels under your enemies and flinging plague-ridden cows into castles, we dive into the gritty science and strategy behind medieval siege warfare. Learn how castles were taken (or not), how defenders fo…

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The Middle Ages: Fortress and Fire 1:05:04

7M ago1:05:04

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In this episode of The Information Entropy Podcast, we catapult ourselves into the world of medieval castles. Join us as we unpack the science and strategy behind castle defence, from murder holes and machicolations to position, structure, and power. We’re digging deep into how medieval castles were designed as layered defensive machines and the ev…

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Memories 1:03:14

7M ago1:03:14

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This week, we're diving deep into the weird and wonderful world of memory — both biological and mechanical. From how your brain stores the smell of grandma’s house to how your laptop remembers where your holiday photos are, we explore what memory actually is, how it works, and why your version of events might be completely wrong. We’ll explain how …

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Music and Orchestras 1:05:49

8M ago1:05:49

1:05:49

Welcome back to The Information Entropy Podcast! This week, we’re diving into the fascinating world of music. Mitch kicks things off with some important news and clarifications for the ASD community, clearing up a few common misconceptions. Then it’s straight into the science, as Tom unpacks the origins of musical notes — where they came from, and …

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Life History Theory: Speed or Immortality? 1:03:45

8M ago1:03:45

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where this week we are questioning why some animals live to be 500 and others less than a day! Tom starts with some out of this world news before the boys get onto the topic in a semi-reasonable time this week! The boys explore different life history strategies and the effects it has at an individual …

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Landcycling: Forests 1:04:57

8M ago1:04:57

1:04:57

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast we’re exploring the fascinating world of forests…. Eventually. First the boys get lost on their adventure and they talk about moving house and some life updates. Mitch explores the next steps in light-based computing technologies before the boys debate whether dire wolves are really back! Then onto fo…

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Landcycling: Plains 1:05:15

8M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where today we are exploring the world of Plains and Grasslands! What are plains and grasslands in the first place and why are they scientifically interesting? Mitch defines them and Tom looks at how they form. The boys then explore the important ecosystem services that plains provide in the form of c…

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Vocal Learning III: Do We Control Speech? 38:42

9M ago38:42

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where Tom is back at his lone ramblings on Vocal Learning. In the previous episodes Tom explored what vocal learning is and how we categorise/define it. This week Tom is taking a look at the implications of being able to choose when to vocalise. A crucial underpinning of proper language use is our abi…

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Landcycling: Mountains 1:04:09

9M ago1:04:09

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where this week, we’re climbing to new heights—literally—as we take a deep dive into the science of mountains! From the violent tectonic forces that build them to the brutal conditions of the Death Zone, we break down what makes these towering giants so extreme. Why do some mountains keep growing whil…

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Landcycling: Swamps (and the Immune Response) 1:02:42

9M ago1:02:42

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where today we are taking you on a wild and chaotic episode of Swamps! Yes, the wetlands that are smelly and gross… much like the opening half of the episode. Mitch takes us on a journey exploring the immune response to food poisoning to shed light on his week and it is fascinating as well as horrifyi…

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Landcycling: Islands 58:38

9M ago58:38

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where we are exploring islands! Islands are one of the most fascinating things for scientists to study and unveil massive amounts of information about the world around us. By looking at island formation we understand continents. By look at animal and plant dispersal methods to islands we extrapolate t…

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Invisible Forces: Part 2 (Tidal Forces, Heat, and the Casimere Effect) 1:03:23

9M ago1:03:23

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast! Today, we dive into the invisible forces that shape our world. Tom kicks things off by exploring the surprisingly misunderstood emu—are these birds really as dumb as they seem? Mitch takes us on a journey through the oceans and the cosmos to unravel the mysteries of tidal forces. What causes tides, a…

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Vocal Learning II: Who's Better? 37:35

10M ago37:35

37:35

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where Tom is a lone rambling madman taking you through one of his favourite science topics: Vocal Learning. Where does language come from? Why do different places have different dialects or accents? How can we learn where language has come from through the comparative assessment of behaviour with othe…

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Invisible Forces: Part 1 59:32

10M ago59:32

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where today we looking into the invisible forces that hold together our very existence. From gravity to magnetism, the universe is ruled by invisible forces we can’t see but feel every day. This week, Mitch breaks down the four fundamental forces of nature, exploring how they hold everything together—…

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Microplastics 59:46

10M ago59:46

59:46

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where today we are exploring Microplastics! Microplastics are everywhere—in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. But what happens when they make their way inside our bodies? In this episode, we explore how microplastics enter the human system, where they accumulate, and what th…

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Can "Nothing" Exist? 1:05:24

10M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where today we are exploring Nothing! No, really… can nothing even exist? Tom takes a look at the philosophical underpinnings of exploring nothingness and the journey some of the most famous minds in history have taken in understanding it. Mitch then takes us into a vacuum to see if these are really p…

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Why Are Plants so Strange? 1:05:17

11M ago1:05:17

1:05:17

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where this week we taking a look at plants. It may seem crazy to ask, but what are plants and why are they so different to animals or fungi? Well, if you are curious then find out here! Tom looks at some crazy plant behaviours and then explains how plants will communicate to each other. Mitch on the o…

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Cognitive Biases: TikTok bans and Bias in Science 1:03:41

11M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where this week are diving into the world of cognitive biases! Where do they come from and how does it impact our day to day lives? Mitch looks at the current TikTok banning as a springboard to assess the reactance bias, why are we reluctant to do things that we are told to do? He then dives into cogn…

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Habits, Rules, and Resolutions 1:03:31

11M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast for our first show of the year where we will be looking at habits and resolutions! The boys explore the difference between habits and routines and the habit loop so you can understand how to best form new behaviours! Tom explores the brain and neuroscience behind habit formation while Mitch enlightens…

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The Festive Episode 1:07:07

12M ago1:07:07

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Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast for our final show of the year. Join the boys as they take a festive approach to science exploring the past year and rambling all the way. Mitch explores where Christmas as a holiday originated along with its various traditions such as gift giving and lights in our trees. Tom looks at the neuroscience…

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Vocal Learning: The Origin of Language 35:55

12M ago35:55

35:55

Welcome back to the Information Entropy Podcast where Tom is a lone rambling madman taking you through one of his favourite science topics: Vocal Learning. Where does language come from? Why do different places have different dialects or accents? How can we learn where language has come from through the comparative assessment of behaviour with othe…