S2E11: Level Up Human is a podcast on a mission to redesign the human body.

This week, Simon and Rach chat to naturalist and broadcaster Steve Backshall and visual perception scientist Kate Storrs.

We discuss enhanced vision, limb regeneration, gecko hands, super kidneys and re-breathing.

Extended show notes including edited transcripts are available here.

In the news 

Kate is tickled and baffled by a news story about Microsoft

Steve's news story is entitled, 'Venomous Frogs use Heads as Weapons.'

Rach's levelled up human is Bertolt Meyer, who has hacked his prosthetic hand to hook it up to his synth.

The pitches 

Steve wants to borrow the abilities of the Iberian sharp-ribbed newt, a type of salamander which can regenerate limbs and organs.

Kate thinks the human body should be able to see the polarisation of light

Plus pitches from our audience and Mother Nature herself 🌱

Mentioned this episode

Microsoft's new patent: https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a32318654/microsoft-brainwaves-mine-cryptocurrency

Venomous frogs use heads as weapons: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280753150_Venomous_Frogs_Use_Heads_as_Weapons

Bertolt Meyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSKBtEBRWi4

'Scuba-diving' lizard, Anolis aquaticus: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-03/bu-lc032019.php

Steve's Home Schooling (9.30am, Wednesdays): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm-URP49TgSgyIU1rgh2m7A/videos

The Mirror Trap: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mirror-trap-online-tickets-104125171190

Stay In for Towel Day: https://www.savetherhino.org/get-involved/events/stay-in-for-towel-day-2020/

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