Science Savvy

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 available upon request

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science behind Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, often shortened to PCOS. Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down how hormones, metabolism, insulin, and lifestyle factors can interact in this complex condition. I’m joined by Dr. Basma Faris, a board-certified OB/GYN and certified culinary medicine specialist, to discuss why PCOS is about much more than ovarian cysts. We explore how insulin resistance can contribute to hormone changes, how sleep, nutrition, and stress can affect symptoms, and why clear, evidence-based information matters when navigating health advice online. Whether you have experience with PCOS or are simply curious about how hormones and metabolism connect, this episode offers a clear, thoughtful look at the science behind the condition. Science Savvy helps make science feel clear, useful, and relevant to everyday life.

Welcome to the Neuroplasticity episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the incredible adaptability of the brain and what it means for learning, healing, and growth. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind neuroplasticity and unpack how it shows up in your daily life. This episode covers the story of JJ, a boy who was born missing key brain structures but still outperformed his peers academically. We use his story to explore how the brain can rewire itself under extraordinary conditions and what that means for you. I also discuss the role of social interaction, sleep, oxytocin, exercise, and gut health in shaping brain function. Whether you're navigating a personal challenge, looking to boost your cognitive abilities, or simply want to understand how resilient your brain really is, 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 available upon request.

Welcome to the Love episode, part of Science Savvy with Carmen. In this episode, I explore the biology behind one of humanity’s most powerful emotions. With my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the science behind love and unpack how it shows up in your daily life. This episode covers the three stages of love known as lust, attraction, and attachment. Together with my friend Alejandra, we explore how hormones like oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, and cortisol shape our connections and influence everything from butterflies to heartbreak. We also look at the brain’s response to emotional bonding and the evolutionary reasons behind long-term partnerships. Whether you're curious about how love works, why it hurts when it ends, or how biology fuels connection, 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 available upon request.

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science behind ADHD and what it can look like in everyday life. Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down how attention, focus, impulsivity, motivation, and brain chemistry are connected. I’m joined by my brother Alex for a personal conversation about living with ADHD, including medication, coping strategies, creativity, and hyperfocus. We also discuss how modern life can make attention feel harder to manage, and why ADHD is best understood as a complex neurodevelopmental condition rather than a simple lack of effort or discipline. Whether you have ADHD, support someone who does, or are simply curious about how attention works, this episode offers a clear and thoughtful look at the science behind focus, behaviour, and the brain. Science Savvy helps make science feel clear, useful, and relevant to everyday life.

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science behind gut health and the gut-brain connection: how the microbes living in the gut can interact with digestion, mood, immune function, and overall wellbeing. Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down how the gut and brain communicate through biological pathways including nerves, hormones, immune signals, and microbial metabolites. This episode looks at what the microbiome is, why it matters, and how diet, lifestyle, probiotics, and prebiotics may support a healthier gut environment. Whether you are curious about digestion, mood, the microbiome, or how everyday habits can shape your body’s internal systems, this episode offers a clear and engaging look at the science behind gut health. Science Savvy helps make science feel clear, useful, and relevant to everyday life.

In this episode of Science Savvy, I explore the science behind periods and the menstrual cycle: why they happen, how hormones change across the month, and what those changes can mean for the body and brain. Drawing on my background in pharmacology and biomedical engineering, I break down the biology of menstruation in a clear and practical way. This episode looks at cycle phases, common symptoms such as bloating, skin changes, and shifts in mood or energy, and the evolutionary theories that have tried to explain why menstruation exists. Whether you are curious about how the body works or want to better understand the patterns that can appear across the cycle, this episode offers an accessible look at the science behind a familiar but often misunderstood process. Science Savvy helps make science feel clear, useful, and relevant to everyday life.