Did you know Fuzzy Logic is one of Australia's longest running science radio shows? Its heritage is a bit misty, but we do know that 2XX was broadcasting The Science Program in May 1981.

In this interview, one of the earliest station technicians, Kimmo Vennon describes those early days. Recorded by Rod from the tower in Canberra where 2XX first broadcast in 1976. The building nearby housing communications equipment was destroyed by probable arson in 1988.

That tower dates back to 1928, making it a historical artefact, especially significant because it's a rare example of a free-standing radio tower. As Kimmo tells us, there's a surprising amount going on under the ground at this site.

Is your memory like something that can recorded and retrieved on magnetic tape? No. We can discard that as an extremely poor analogy.

Our guest on Fuzzy Logic today is an expert on how memories are laid down and recalled. It's a subtle, complex thing with many facets that we don't entirely understand. For one thing, there are different types of memory, and it's far from an immutable record. It has links to autism and PTSD, among other things.

We discuss the recent pronouncements from the USA about Tylenol 'causing' autism. Official Fuzzy Logic policy states that we support critical thinking, which means we strongly reject assertions made without evidence, especially where they relate to public health.

Dr Shaam Al Abed is a Postdoctoral Fellow from the Eccles Institute of Neuroscience, at the ANU.

Interview by Tara and Rod

Snakes are among the creatures most despised in all creation. Unfairly, we suggest. When treated with respect, a snake should inspire wonder more than fear.

With some justification, people are afraid of their venom which can be lethal. But if you look at it from the snake's point of view, it's not in their interest to bite a human. They just want to go and do their own thing, unmolested.

Emma Carlson is a registered snake catcher. In a surprise visit, she brought Cooper the rough-tailed python into the studio and after our interview, we were able to handle him. Cooper then slithered across the audio console without interfering with any vital buttons.

Cooper, we can assure you, has the most appealing face like a big cheerful puppy.

Interview by Rod, who did not require medical attention as a result.

We speak to two event holders from National Science Week in 2025

Hear from three event holders from 2025 National Science week in Canberra

Of all the effects of ageing, perhaps the most dreaded, is dementia. It's confronting for the person, their family, and everyone around them. The common perception is that there isn't much that can be done if you get it. That, however, is probably not true. Tara Jewell is studying this question for her PhD at the University of Canberra. Her work centres around the brain and healthy ageing. In particular, she's looking at personalised nutrition. Tuning nutrition for the individual is a new and promising field that has many sides, including genetics and AI.

Tara is studying at the Centre for Ageing Research and Translation at the University of Canberra. Interview by Lucy and Rod.

What was the world like ten, twenty or a hundred thousand years ago? What was the environment, the plants, the animals and the insects? And, importantly, how did these mesh into an ecosystem?

To answer these questions about deep time, we need, not just sophisticated techniques, but the skill and passion of people like our guests today. Dr Alex Wall and PhD Student Jalen Nalbant are paleoecologists.

In this interview by Sophia and Rod, we look at what that means and why it matters today.

You can help our paleoecology friends by putting a pollen trap in your garden. The samples you collect will be used to refine the models showing how pollen is distributed over an area. Simple & fun for both urban and rural.

https://www.jcu.edu.au/college-of-science-and-engineering/vegemap

Let's start with a big question: what are the pillars of civilisation?

There are a few possible answers, but our guests today might argue that the list should include soil. Humble, dirty dirt, crawling with larvae, fungus and bacteria is an under-appreciated champion because, without it, we would not be here.

To celebrate the magic of soils, Sophia Dacy-Cole has just submitted her PhD which includes an exhibition that celebrates soil (Instagram and website).

Joining us is Dr Alex Wall, a paleoecologist from the ANU. We want to know more about paleoecology; stay tuned.

Interview by Lucy and Rod.