Weekly: Is personalised medicine overhyped?; Pythagoras was wrong about music; How your brain sees nothing

This podcast episode explores various topics, including personalized medicine, the limitations of genetic testing, the cultural bias in Western music theory, the concept of zero, the power of behavioral synchronization, the potential of plankton to fight climate change, and the chemical composition responsible for the taste of oranges. While personalized medicine holds promise, it has not yet delivered on its early expectations. Polygenic risk scores can provide some insight into an individual's genetic risk for certain conditions, but their usefulness is limited. Health advice often lacks specificity, and cultural assumptions shape our understanding of harmony. The concept of zero is complex, involving both literal absence and the mathematical digit "nothing". Scientists are exploring the brain's processing of "nothingness" using magnetoencephalography, which could deepen our knowledge of consciousness and mathematics. Surprisingly, behavioral synchronization can be a useful strategy for building friendships with wary dogs. Researchers are exploring the potential of plankton to mitigate climate change but face challenges in preventing carbon re-release from dying organisms. Finally, through an audit of orange flavor compounds, scientists aim to create disease-resistant citrus hybrids that maintain the beloved taste of oranges.