In this edition: Two ways to make plastic more sustainable, Mental Health First Aiders, and the past and future of science communication.

Download the complete podcast (mp3)

OR listen to individual chapters:

News: Eradicating malarial mosquitos and human brain cell transplants – We delve into a powerful new tool in the fight against malaria and a better way to watch human brain cells in action.

Sustainable plastic designs – 45,0000 Eiffel Towers’ worth of plastic was produced last year, and 90% of it was not recycled. We explore two ways plastic can be better: by being made from biodegradable materials, and by being sorted more easily for recycling.

Mental health in academia – Academics at every level, from students to professors, can face mental health issues such as impostor syndrome and problems with work-life balance. We talk to two of Imperial’s Mental Health First Aiders to find out how they can help.

Science communication: the next 25 years – Against a backdrop of fake news and dodgy experts, the Science Communication Masters programme at Imperial celebrated its 25th year with an event looking at the future.

–

The podcast is presented by Gareth Mitchell, a lecturer on Imperial's MSc Science Communication course and the presenter of Click Radio on the BBC World Service, with contributions from our roving reporters in the Research Communications group.

-

The Imperial College Podcast is now also available on the brand new visual podcast app, Entale.

If you have an iPhone, download the app and search for ‘Imperial College Podcast’. You’ll see how our episodes really come alive on the exciting new platform. Download Entale for free on iOS.