Professor Luke O’Neill dives into the science behind Type-1 Diabetes for this week's podcast, answering a question from listener Sarah. Luke explains the key differences between Type-1 and other forms of diabetes, guiding us through the early symptoms—intense thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, vision issues, and nausea—and highlighting the serious long-term complications, from kidney damage to blindness and ulcers.

Luke also breaks down how Type-1 Diabetes isn’t purely genetic, exploring the role of psychological stress alongside hereditary factors. He takes listeners through the latest treatments, from insulin therapy and lifestyle adjustments to cutting-edge innovations like insulin pumps and artificial pancreases.

The discussion moves into the exciting frontiers of research, including stem cell treatments targeting the pancreas, and Luke’s optimism that breakthroughs in Type-1 Diabetes could pave the way for tackling other autoimmune conditions. For anyone living with or curious about the disease, Luke’s insight offers both clarity and hope.

Listeners can request future topics by emailing laoneill@tcd.ie.

Why do some speeches stick in your mind while others fade before the applause ends? In this unusual episode of Show Me The Science, Professor Luke O’Neill swaps the lab for the lectern to reveal the science of captivating public speaking. Drawing on decades of experience addressing audiences from classrooms to conferences, Luke shares his top tips for giving speeches that resonate, whether it’s a best man’s toast, a heartfelt eulogy, or a high-stakes commencement address.

With a major speech coming up — delivering the honorary doctorate address at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland — Luke breaks down everything from crafting a strong opening and telling stories that emotionally connect, to structuring your talk so the audience follows every point. He stresses clarity and simplicity, authenticity over imitation, and the importance of ending on a note that inspires action. You can’t fake charisma, Luke warns, but you can sound inspired by yourself. And yes, he insists ChatGPT should stay out of your speech-writing.

Along the way, Luke highlights the viral speech by American author Brad Meltzer, showing how structure, storytelling, and authenticity can make a short talk unforgettable. For anyone looking to improve public speaking skills, learn how to engage an audience, or simply survive the nerve-wracking moments of standing in front of a crowd, this podcast is packed with practical, scientifically-informed advice delivered with Luke’s trademark humour.

Watch the Brad Meltzer speech that inspired Luke here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSO_t39lszo

Got a quirky science topic you want Luke to tackle next? Send your suggestions to laoneill@tcd.ie — your idea could be featured in a future episode.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) - has long baffled doctors and patients alike. It leaves people with crushing fatigue, brain fog, pain, sleep disturbance and a body that just won’t bounce back after even mild exertion. For too many sufferers, it’s meant years of being dismissed, neglected, or told it was all in their head.

But the science is finally moving forward. Two landmark studies have now given researchers their best clues yet into what drives ME/CFS, and how we might one day diagnose and treat it.

Professor Luke O’Neill unpacks the breakthroughs. The largest-ever genetic study of ME, involving 27,000 patients, has identified eight genetic markers, many linked to immune response and pain. One possibility: in some people, a viral infection flips the immune system into permanent overdrive, leaving the body acting as if it’s still fighting off a virus long after recovery.

Another study drilled down into blood markers, immune responses and gut bacteria, feeding the data through an AI algorithm. With 90% accuracy, it could tell who had ME and who didn’t. It’s complex, expensive science, but it shows why so many patients also report IBS and gut disturbances, and why AI may hold the key to future diagnostics.

Luke explains why the condition is more common in women, why drug treatments may be more realistic than vaccines, and why he’s optimistic this research will lead to better therapies. For the 20,000 people in Ireland — and 70 million worldwide — living with ME/CFS, it’s a hopeful sign that science is finally catching up.

And if you’re living with CFS, Luke advises talking to your GP about medication, referral options and lifestyle strategies that can help manage symptoms in the meantime.

Got a burning science question you’d like Luke to tackle in a future episode? Drop him a line at laoneill@tcd.ie — he’d love to hear your ideas.