Physics World Weekly Podcast

Proteins on manuscript reveal how Renaissance medicines were made

Gleb Zilberstein is my guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. A physicist by training, Zilberstein applies the principles of proteomics to the study of historical objects including Renaissance manuscripts. He is also a director of Israel-based SpringStyle Tech Design, which has created a special film that lifts proteins from the surfaces of historical objects. Analysis of these proteins provides  important information about how those objects were used. In a recent paper, Zilberstein and colleagues studied protein residues on a well-thumbed book of medical recipes that was published in Germany in 1531. He explains how their analysis provides a new view into how medical practitioners used the book and what sorts of concoctions they were making. Astonishingly, the team found evidence that European readers had access to ingredients derived from hippopotamuses. Some papers about the application of proteomics to historical research: The Scientific Analysis of Renaissance Recipes Count Dracula Resurrected  EVA Technology and Proteomics: A Two-Pronged Attack on Cultural Heritage

Backing winners in deep tech: physicist and venture capitalist Alexandra Vidyuk

The physicist and venture capitalist Alexandra Vidyuk is our guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. She is the chief executive and founding partner of Beyond Earth Ventures, which provides funding and support to early-stage companies in deep-tech sectors including space, robotics and energy. In conversation with Physics World’s Margaret Harris, Vidyuk explains how her BSc in applied mathematics and physics and her early career in banking and fintech set her on a path to deep-tech venture capital. Vidyuk talks about the specific challenges facing deep-tech entrepreneurs and reveals what she looks for when deciding which companies to fund. She also emphasizes the importance of building an organization that understands its customers and can communicate effectively with them.

Biomedical optics play crucial roles across medicine

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features Brian Pogue, who is professor of biomedical engineering at Dartmouth College in the US. He is also the co-founder of several start-up companies that are developing optics-based systems for medicine. In conversation with Physics World’s Tami Freeman, Pogue explains that optical technologies underlie many of today’s routine medical procedures. The field of optics is also converging with the world of medical physics, and Pogue talks about exciting new techniques for guidance, dosimetry and in vivo verification of radiation therapy cancer treatments. This interview was recorded in association with the journal Physics in Medicine & Biology, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. This podcast is supported by One Physics, your trusted, local partner in medical physics and radiation safety.

How IOP Publishing cut its carbon footprint by 36% since 2020

My guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast is Liz Martin, who is sustainability lead at IOP Publishing. We chat about how the scholarly publisher has reduced its carbon emissions by 36% when compared to a 2020 baseline – and the challenges and opportunities for achieving further reductions. Martin talks about the importance of cooperation and partnerships – both internal and external – to achieving environmental goals. This includes engaging with both suppliers and employees on how to reduce carbon emissions. IOP Publishing is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute of Physics, which is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland. It produces over 100 scholarly journals, around half of which are published jointly with or on behalf of partner societies and research organizations. Physics World is also brought to you by IOP Publishing. You can download a PDF of IOP Publishing’s Sustainability Report 2025 here.

From the classroom to the committee room: Dave Robertson MP on politics and physics

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features a conversation with Dave Robertson, who was elected member of the UK parliament for Lichfield in 2024. Robertson spent eight years teaching physics after studying the subject at the University of Liverpool. He then worked for a teachers’ union, which inspired him to become a candidate for the Labour Party. He chats with Physics World’s Matin Durrani about his transition from the classroom to the committee room and how parliament “is a truly bonkers and truly bizarre workplace”. Robertson has already sponsored three physics-related events at the Palace of Westminster and he talks about his membership of various cross-party parliamentary groups – including those on nuclear energy and space. Robertson has not forgotten his roots in education and is adamant that the UK must address its nationwide shortage of physics teachers. He also urges physicists to speak out about how they can help address many of the world’s problems, notably climate change.