Opinionated Science Episode 41: Decoding Pig Grunts, Reviving the Christmas Rat and Your Gut vs Sushi

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Last Updated: May 9, 2022

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In the latest Opinionated Science, the TN team looks at a study of pigs’ emotions that may put you off your bacon, discover why an extinct rat shows the challenges of bringing species back from the dead and explore why bacteria of oceanic origin are key to your gut’s ability to digest a humble maki roll.

Opinionated Science is Technology Networks’ homemade podcast, where our team of scientists-turned-journalists cut out the chewy jargon and serve up slices of the most fascinating stories from the world of science. Expect a new Opinionated Science every other Friday.

Read more from this podcast:

How Does Your Gut Deal With Sushi?

Pigs' Emotions Revealed by Decoding Grunts

Exploring the Limitations of “Resurrecting” Extinct Animals

Return From Extinction

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Meet the Authors

RJ Mackenzie

RJ is a freelance science writer based in Glasgow. He covers biological and biomedical science, with a focus on the complexities and curiosities of the brain and emerging AI technologies. RJ was a science writer at Technology Networks for six years, where he also worked on the site’s SEO and editorial AI strategies. He created the site’s podcast, Opinionated Science, in 2020. RJ has a Master’s degree in Clinical Neurosciences from the University of Cambridge.

Molly Coddington

Senior Science Writer

In the editorial team Molly reports on a broad range of scientific topics, covering the latest breaking news and writing long-form pieces for The Scientific Observer. She is a fervent believer that science – and science communications – should be accessible to everyone. In 2020, she created the Teach Me in 10 video series, where weekly guests discuss and teach a scientific concept in less than 10 minutes. Prior to joining Technology Networks in 2019, Molly worked as a clinical research associate in the NHS and as a freelance science writer. She has a first-class honors degree in neuroscience from the University of Leeds and received a Partnership Award for her efforts in science communication.

Kate Robinson

Assistant Editor

Kate graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences in 2020. During her studies she developed a passion for science communication and after graduating, began a science blog in order to continue writing about trending science news and topics of interest. She joined the editorial team at Technology Networks in 2021. In her role as assistant editor Kate supports the publication’s in-house writers, produces scientific content across all communities and works closely with the managing editor to help coordinate commissioned pieces.

Karen Steward, PhD

Senior Scientific Specialist

After completing an undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge in 2006, Karen became a research scientist at the Animal Health Trust, UK. During her time there, she completed a PhD in molecular microbiology and evolutionary genetics in partnership with the University of Cambridge and went on to hold a post-doctoral position. Her research focused on the fundamental biology of infectious diseases, outbreak analysis and the development of vaccines and diagnostic assays. In 2017 she left the lab to pursue a career in science communication. As senior scientific specialist, Karen employs her wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to coordinate and create a range of scientific content, tools and resources for the site and provide scientific support across the teams.