ResearchPod

Obesity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, yet public campaigns on diet and exercise have struggled to reverse rising global rates.
Assistant Professor Xuan Zhang from the School of Economics at Singapore Management University explores how a simple, low-cost intervention – a series of short, personalised text messages – can help people better understand their weight classification and adopt healthier habits.
Her team’s randomised controlled trial found that regular digital reminders significantly improved weight perception and diet among older adults, showing how behavioural insights can drive meaningful change in public health.
Read the original research: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2024.04.029

Professor Keon West has long been interested in the gap between what people think they know about racism and what the science actually shows.
Alongside his academic work, he regularly appears at events like Cheltenham Science Festival, opening up conversations about bias, scientific literacy, and why facts matter even in the most emotionally charged topics.
In this episode, we talk about applying science to racism, the misconceptions that persist, and what happens when research meets real-world audiences.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating concept of sensory living networks with Prof. Dimitra Simeonidou, director of the Smart Internet Lab, Paul Wilson, chair of the advisory board for SmartCitiesWorld and Simon Saunders, honorary professor at the Smart Internet Lab. Discover how these intelligent networks can revolutionise emergency responses and provide critical data to enhance urban living. Join us as we delve into the potential benefits and ethical considerations of utilising such technology for the greater good of society.

Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:15) Sensory Living Networks Explained
(05:30) Emergency Services and Data Utilisation
(10:00) The Role of Regulation
(15:45) Global Standards and Cooperation
(20:30) Future of AI and Data Governance
(25:00) Conclusion

This is an 18Sixty Production.

In this final episode of the series, we join a round-table discussion among experts from the Smart Internet Lab at the University of Bristol. Join Dimitra Simeonidou, Simon Saunders, and Paul Wilson as they explore the future of telecommunications and the exciting advancements in network technology.
 Discover how AI and sensing capabilities are transforming networks into intelligent systems that not only communicate but also 'feel' the environment. This episode delves into the implications of these innovations for smart cities, crisis management, and the ethical considerations that come with them.

Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:30) The Evolution of Telecommunications
(10:15) AI and Sensing in Networks
(20:00) Future Networks Scenarios
(30:00) Ethical Considerations and Governance
(40:00) Closing Thoughts

This is an 18Sixty Production.

In this episode, we explore the revolutionary concept of a living network with Prof. Dimitra Simeonidou, Director of the Smart Internet Lab. Discover how data and AI can transform our urban environments into intelligent ecosystems that enhance our quality of life. From traffic management to public health, learn how the infrastructure we already have can become a sensor-rich network, improving our cities for both citizens and nature. 

Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Smart Internet Lab
(01:15) The concept of a living network
(05:30) The role of sensors in urban environments
(10:45) AI and the evolution of smart networks
(15:10) The implications of conscious networks
(20:00) Future applications and the timeline for implementation
(25:30) Conclusion and next episode preview

This is an 18Sixty Production.