Nature Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Nature reporter Davide Castelvecchi joins us to talk about the big science events to look out for in 2020. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special round-up episode of the Nature Podcast, our reporters choose their favourite podcast piece of 2019.In this episode:00:33 A sole sensationA study of people who do and don't wear shoes looks into whether calluses make feet less sensitive. Nature Podcast: 26 June 2019; Research article: Holowka et al.; News and Views: Your sensitive sole08:56 The make up of the far side of the MoonInitial observations from the first lander to touch down on the far side of the Moon. Nature Podcast: 15 May 2019; Research article: Li et al.15:43 Growth MindsetHow a one hour course could improve academic achievement. Nature Podcast: 07 August 2019; Research article: Yeager et al.27:44 ‘Manferences’Nature investigates the prevalence of conferences where most of the speakers are male. Nature Podcast: 11 September 2019; News Feature: How to banish manels and manferences from scientific meetings34:02 Q&A with Nobel Prize winner John GoodenoughWe talk to John Goodenough, who was jointly awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his role in the development of the lithium-ion battery. Podcast Extra: 09 October 2019 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year, Nature celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark this anniversary we’re rebroadcasting episodes from our PastCast series, highlighting key moments in the history of science.In this episode, we’re heading back to the early twentieth century, when physicists had become deeply entangled in the implications of the quantum theory. At its smallest scales was the world continuous? Or built of discrete units? It all began with Max Planck. His Nobel Prize was the subject of a Nature news article in 1920.This episode was first broadcast in December 2013.From the archiveNature 16 December 1920 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2019 will likely go down as a pivotal year for public discourse on climate change. It was the year of Greta Thunberg, the climate school strikes, and Extinction Rebellion. The global activist movement has gained support from a range of influential people, including renowned environmental lawyer Farhana Yamin.In this Podcast Extra, Nature's Chief Opinion Editor Sara Abdulla meets with Farhana to discuss why she ditched resolutions in favour of activism. This is an extended version of an interview originally broadcast in September.Comment: Why I broke the law for climate change Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of Nature's 150th anniversary celebrations, Nick Howe dives into the topic of epigenetics.Since its origin in 1942, the term 'epigenetics' has been repeatedly defined and redefined. There's always been hype around the field, but what actually is epigenetics and how much does it influence our genes?In this Podcast Extra, Nick Howe speaks to Edith Heard, Director General of the EMBL, and Giacomo Cavalli, from the Institute of Human Genetics, to guide us through these questions and find out about the history and future of epigenetics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve launched our 2019 listener survey. We want to know what you think of the show to help us make a great podcast. You can find the survey here. Thanks!This week, a solution to a centuries-old physics problem, and holiday shenanigans.In this episode:00:51 Disentangling three bodiesResearchers have been working to unpick a problem that has stumped scientists since the 1600s. Research Article: Stone and Leigh08:50 Frosty the SnowmanThe first of our festive science songs, about how a certain snowman is faring under climate change. Scroll to the transcript section below for the lyrics.11:00 Festive quiz showOur reporters battle it out to be crowned as this year’s quiz champion. Can they describe some of the top news headlines without saying certain important words? We find out.19:21 Carol of M87Our second song is about the Event Horizon Telescope collaboration’s imaging of the supermassive black hole at the centre of the M87 galaxy. Scroll to the transcript section below for the lyrics.20:33 News ChatWe hear about some of the people on Nature’s 10 this year. Feature: Nature’s 10: Ten people who mattered this year30:00 Rockin’ Around SupremacyFor our final song, we hark back to October, when Google claimed to have achieved quantum supremacy. Scroll to the transcript section below for the lyrics.TRANSCRIPTFrosty the Snowman lyrics:Frosty the Snowman was a jolly, happy soulBut the smile wore off as the globe got hot‘Cause the world used too much coal.Frosty the Snowman is a fairy tale they sayHe was made of snowBut the kids won’t know ‘cause it’s them who have to pay.Gonna’ need some magic toConvince the world to stop‘Cause now we’re running out of timeAnd he’s feeling mighty hot.Oh, Frosty the Snowman, is endangered as could beAnd the children say they wish he’d stay,But they don’t trust you and me.He led them down the streets of townRight to the climate COP.They gathered there, and Greta staredAnd together hollered “STOP”.Frosty the Snowman, had to hurry on his wayBut he said we should do all that we couldFor to change our dirty ways.Frosty the Snowman, knew the time to act was nowSo the girls and boys said make some noiseAnd we’ll get a change somehowCarol of M87 lyrics:Hark at the soundPhotons aboundRadio wavesAll seem to sayOut in the darkThis glowing sparkWe find our goalSee a black hole.(M) M Eight-se’en(Eight) As it was then(tee) eons ago(se’en) See it aglowData from theseObservatriesProcessed to giveThe first imageOne seems to seeWith EHTFire in a ringLight circlingEinstein was right,Warped is the light,See the lensingBending the ring.Now-we see-a supermassive black hole. (M – eigh-ty- se’en)How-we see-a supermassive black hole. (M – eigh-ty-se’en)(M) Space time is bent(Eight) See this event(tee) Horizon burn(ee) So... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Research groups around the world are exploring new ways of protecting coral reefs from climate change.This is an audio version of our feature: These corals could survive climate change — and help save the world’s reefs, written by Amber Dance and read by Kerri Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We recently launched our 2019 listener survey. We want to hear your views on the show to help us make it even better, so please help us by filling in the survey, thanks!In this episode:00:45 What’s next for social priming?How might a branch of psychological research move forward in the face of replication failures? News Feature: What’s next for psychology’s embattled field of social priming08:55 Research HighlightsKiller-whale grandmothers help their grandchildren survive, and the failed voyage of a reproduced ancient raft. Research Highlight: Why female orcas make killer grandmas; Research Highlight: On a model ancient raft, seafarers are up the current without a paddle11:12 The sounds of scienceWe hear the latest updates from the Acoustical Society of America's recent conference.18:44 News ChatReassessing when civilisations moved to modernity, and understanding exoplanets. News: When did societies become modern? ‘Big history’ dashes popular idea of Axial Age; News: European space telescope to launch new era of exoplanet science Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We recently launched our 2019 listener survey. We want to hear your views on the show to help us make it even better. You can find the survey here. Thanks!In this episode: 00:45 The GenomeAsia 100k projectResearchers have released the first data from an ambitious project to sequence the genomes of 100,000 people from populations across Asia. Research Article: GenomeAsia100K Consortium 08:56 Research HighlightsBare riverbanks make meanders move, and human activity affects picky penguins. Research Highlight: The meandering rivers that speed across barren landscapes; Research Highlight: Climate change splits two penguin species into winners and losers 11:18 Curbing the rise in genetic surveillanceConcerns are growing around the use of commercial DNA databases for state-level surveillance. Comment: Crack down on genomic surveillance 20:02 News ChatNASA’s Parker Solar Probe has sent back the most detailed information yet about the birthplace of solar wind. News: Sun-bombing spacecraft uncovers secrets of the solar wind    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year, Nature celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark this anniversary we’re rebroadcasting episodes from our PastCast series, highlighting key moments in the history of science.In this episode, we’re heading back to 4 November 1869, when Nature’s story began. The first issue of the journal looked very different from the way it does now and, to the dismay of the editor, it was not immediately popular. In this podcast, we hear how Nature began, and how it became the journal it is today.From the archiveNature 4 November 1869 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, delving into the results of the latest graduate student survey, and assessing ageism in science fiction literature. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, an antibiotic that targets hard-to-treat bacteria, and a roundup of the latest science news.In this episode:00:49 Discovering darobactinResearchers looked inside nematode guts and have identified a new antibiotic with some useful properties. Research Article: Imai et al.05:45 Research HighlightsUsing urine as a health metric, and sniffing out book decay with an electronic nose. Research Article: Miller et al.; Research Article: Veríssimo et al.07:54 News ChatAdding an element of chance to grant funding, a continental butterfly-sequencing project, and tracking endangered animals via traces of their DNA. News: Science funders gamble on grant lotteries; News: Every butterfly in the United States and Canada now has a genome sequence; News: Rare bird’s detection highlights promise of ‘environmental DNA’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, a new 3D printer allows quick shifting between many materials, and understanding the link between gut microbes and liver disease.00:46 A new dimension for 3D printersA new nozzle lets a 3D printer switch between materials at a rapid rate, opening the door to a range of applications. Research Article: Skylar-Scott et al.; News and Views: How to print multi-material devices in one go08:07 Research HighlightsThe slippery secrets of ice, and cells wrapping up their nuclei. Research Highlight: Viscous water holds the secret to an ice skater’s smooth glide; Research Highlight: Super-thin layer of ‘bubble wrap’ cushions a cell’s nucleus10:17 Linking bacteria to liver diseaseResearchers have isolated a bacterial strain that appears to play an important role in alcoholic liver disease. Research paper: Duan et al.; News and Views: Microbial clues to a liver disease17:10 News Chat‘Megaconstellations’ of satellites concern astronomers, and a report on the gender gap in chemistry. News: SpaceX launch highlights threat to astronomy from ‘megaconstellations’; News: Huge study documents gender gap in chemistry publishing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week marks 150 years since the first issue of Nature was published, on 4 November 1869. In this anniversary edition of Backchat, the panel take a look back at how the journal has evolved in this time, and discuss the role that Nature can play in today's society. The panel also pick a few of their favourite research papers that Nature has published, and think about where science might be headed in the next 150 years.Collection: 150 years of Nature Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, insights into the evolution of walking upright, how science needs to change in the next 150 years, and the unfinished agenda for vaccines.In this episode:00:50 Early ape locomotionThe discovery of a fossil of a new species of ape gives new insights on how bipedalism may have evolved. Research Article: Böhme et al.; News and Views: Fossil ape hints at how walking on two feet evolved; News: Fossil ape offers clues to evolution of walking on two feet07:24 Research HighlightsWomen lacking olfactory bulbs can somehow still smell, and telling whiskies apart through evaporation patterns. Research Highlight: The women who lack an odour-related brain area — and can still smell a rose; Research Highlight: Bourbon or Scotch? A droplet’s dynamics reveal the truth09:44 How should science evolve?This year is Nature’s 150th anniversary. Science has made huge strides during this time, but what needs to change to continue this progress for the next 150 years? Comment: Science must move with the times17:52 The state of vaccination in 2019Researchers assess the differences in immunization levels worldwide and identify the bottlenecks in developing new vaccines. Research article: Piot et al.23:54 News ChatAn AI figures out the sun’s place in the Solar System, and reassessing the size of the proton. News article: AI Copernicus: Neural network ‘discovers’ that Earth orbits the Sun; News: Puzzle over size of proton leaps closer to resolution Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year, Nature celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark this anniversary we’re rebroadcasting episodes from our PastCast series, highlighting key moments in the history of science.In the early 1990s, a team of astrophysicists led by Carl Sagan looked at data from the Galileo spacecraft and saw the signatures of life on a planet in our galaxy. Historian of science David Kaiser and astrobiologists Charles Cockell and Frank Drake discuss how we can tell if there is life beyond the Earth – and how optimism, as well as science, is necessary for such a venture.This episode was first broadcast in October 2013. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, a computer beats the best human players in StarCraft II, and a huge study of insects and other arthropods.In this episode:00:45 Learning to playBy studying and experimenting, an AI has reached Grandmaster level at the video game Starcraft II.Research Article: Vinyals et al.; News Article: Google AI beats experienced human players at real-time strategy game StarCraft II10:08 Research HighlightsA record-breaking lightning bolt, and identifying our grey matter’s favourite tunesResearch Highlight: Here come the lightning ‘megaflashes’; Research Highlight: Why some songs delight the human brain12:24 Arthropods in declineResearchers have surveyed how land-use change has affected arthropod diversity. Research article: Seibold et al.18:30 News ChatYoung Canadians file a lawsuit against their government, an Alzheimer’s drug gets a second chance, and South Korean efforts to curb a viral epidemic in pigs. News: Canadian kids sue government over climate change; News: Fresh push for ‘failed’ Alzheimer’s drug; News: South Korea deploys snipers and drones to fend off deadly pig virus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of Nature's 150th anniversary celebrations, we look back at an important moment in the history of science. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, a milestone in quantum computing, and rethinking early mammals.In this episode:00:43 A quantum computing milestoneA quantum computer is reported to have achieved ‘quantum supremacy’ – performing an operation that’s essentially impossible for classical computers. Research Article: Arute et al.; News and Views: Quantum computing takes flight; Editorial: A precarious milestone for quantum computing; News: Hello quantum world! Google publishes landmark quantum supremacy claim08:24 Research HighlightsThe world’s speediest ants, and the world’s loudest birdsong. Research Highlight: A land-speed record for ants set in Saharan dunes; Research Highlight: A bird’s ear-splitting shriek smashes the record for loudest song10:19 The mammals that lived with the dinosaursPaleontologists are shifting their view of the Mesozoic era mammals. News Feature: How the earliest mammals thrived alongside dinosaurs18:00 News ChatA Russian researcher’s plans to edit human embryos, and ‘prime editing’ - a more accurate gene editing system. News: Russian ‘CRISPR-baby’ scientist has started editing genes in human eggs with goal of altering deaf gene; News: Super-precise new CRISPR tool could tackle a plethora of genetic diseases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, investigating child mortality rates at a local level, and building genes from non-coding DNA.In this episode:00:43 A regional view of childhood mortalityResearchers map countries' progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Developmental Goals. Research Article: Burstein et al.; World View: Data on child deaths are a call for justice; Editorial: Protect the census07:22 Research HighlightsAstronomers identify a second visitor from beyond the solar system, and extreme snowfall stifles animal breeding in Greenland. Research Highlight: The comet that came in from interstellar space; Research Highlight: Extreme winter leads to an Arctic reproductive collapse09:22 Evolving genes from the ground upNatural selection's creative way to evolve new genes. News Feature: How evolution builds genes from scratch15:43 News ChatA spate of vaping-related deaths in the US, and Japan’s import of the Ebola virus. News: Scientists chase cause of mysterious vaping illness as death toll rises; News: Why Japan imported Ebola ahead of the 2020 Olympics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, a method for predicting follow-up earthquakes, and the issues with deep learning systems in AI.In this episode:00:47 Which is the big quake?A new technique could allow seismologists to better predict if a larger earthquake will follow an initial tremor. Research Article: Real-time discrimination of earthquake foreshocks and aftershocks; News and Views: Predicting if the worst earthquake has passed07:46 Research HighlightsVampire bats transmitting rabies in Costa Rica, and why are some octopuses warty? Research Article: Streicker et al.; Research Article: Voight et al.10:03 Problems for pattern-recognitionDeep-learning allows AIs to better understand the world, but the technique is not without its issues. News Feature: Why deep-learning AIs are so easy to fool16:31 News ChatWe roundup the 2019 Nobel Prizes for science. News: Biologists who decoded how cells sense oxygen win medicine Nobel; News: Physics Nobel goes to exoplanet and cosmology pioneers; News: Chemistry Nobel honours world-changing batteries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Podcast Extra, we speak to John B Goodenough, from the University of Texas at Austin, in the US. Today, John was announced as one of the joint winners of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Reporter Benjamin Thompson went along to the Royal Society in London to chat with him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Podcast Extra, we speak to physicist Didier Queloz, who was announced today as one of the joint winners of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics. Shortly after the winners were announced, Didier took part in a press conference to talk about his award. Reporter Benjamin Thompson went along to chat with him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, how new species may form by sexual imprinting, and a previously unknown way for mosquitoes to migrate.In this episode:00:43 New species by sexual imprinting?A Central American frog chooses mates resembling its parents, a possible route for new species to form. Research Article: Yang et al.; News and Views: Leapfrog to speciation boosted by mother’s influence09:58 Research HighlightsA light-based pacemaker, and the mathematics of the best place to park. Research Article: Mei et al.; Research Highlight: Maths tackles an eternal question: where to park?11:43 Gone with the windResearchers show that malaria mosquitoes may travel hundreds of kilometres using wind currents. Research Article: Huestis et al.; News and Views: Malaria mosquitoes go with the flow19:28 News ChatEradication of Guinea Worm pushed back, and researchers report ‘pressure to cite’. News: Exclusive: Battle to wipe out debilitating Guinea worm parasite hits 10 year delay; News: Two-thirds of researchers report ‘pressure to cite’ in Nature poll Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year, Nature celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark this anniversary we’re rebroadcasting episodes from our PastCast series, highlighting key moments in the history of science.Earthquakes, volcanoes, the formation of mountains; we understand all these phenomena in terms of plate tectonics (large-scale movements of the Earth’s crust). But when a German geologist first suggested that continents move, in the 1910s, people dismissed it as a wild idea. In this podcast, we hear how a ‘wild idea’ became the unifying theory of Earth sciences. In the 1960s, data showed that the sea floor was spreading, pushing continents apart. Fred Vine recalls the reaction when he published these findings in Nature.This episode was first broadcast in September 2013.From the archiveMagnetic Anomalies Over Oceanic Ridges, by Vine & Matthews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, diamond-containing rocks may help uncover secrets of the Earth’s mantle, and a reflection on science since the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy was published.In this episode:00:46 Earth’s EvolutionExplosive eruptions have allowed researchers to study Earth’s mysterious mantle. Research Article: Woodhead et al.; News and Views: Enigmatic origin of diamond-bearing rocks revealed06:08 Research HighlightsSupersonic cork popping, and the timing of vaccines. Research Highlight: An uncorked champagne bottle imitates a fighter jet; Research Highlight: Why midday might be a golden hour for vaccinations07:53 Don’t Panic40 years since the publication of the ‘Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy’ we reflect on how far science has come.15:22 News ChatA huge telescope with exquisite sensitivity is opening in China, and gene-editing to save bananas. News: Gigantic Chinese telescope opens to astronomers worldwide; News: CRISPR might be the banana’s only hope against a deadly fungus Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems is the new book from XKCD cartoonist Randall Munroe. In this Podcast Extra, Randall talks about the book, its inspiration and the bizarre thought experiments it contains. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:00:44 A global media collaborationThis week, Nature is taking part in the Covering Climate Now project. What is it, and why has Nature joined? Editorial: Act now and avert a climate crisis05:49 ‘Climate change’ vs ‘climate emergency’In early 2019, The Guardian changed the wording they use when covering climate stories. Our panel discusses the importance of phrasing, and how it evolves. The Guardian: Why the Guardian is changing the language it uses about the environment13:40 Choosing climate imagesWhat makes a good image for a climate change story? What do they add to a written news story?This episode of the Backchat is part of Covering Climate Now, a global collaboration of more than 250 media outlets to highlight the issue of climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, absurd advice from XKCD’s Randall Munroe, and a conversation with climate lawyer turned activist Farhana Yamin.In this episode: 00:46 How to do things (badly)Cartoonist Randall Munroe tell us about his new book: How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems.08:21 Research HighlightsHow insemination makes honeybee queens lose their way, and ‘toe maps’ in the brain. Research Highlight: Sex clouds queen bees’ vision; Research Highlight: ‘Toe maps’ in the brain guide painters born without hands10:31 From climate lawyer to climate activistAfter three decades of climate advocacy, renowned IPCC lawyer Farhana Yamin decided to join Extinction Rebellion – she tells us why. Comment: Why I broke the law for climate change17:48 News ChatHow nations are progressing towards limiting greenhouse-gas emissions, and climate cash flow. News Feature: The hard truths of climate change — by the numbers; News Feature: Where climate cash is flowing and why it’s not enoughThis episode of the Nature Podcast is part of Covering Climate Now, a global collaboration of more than 250 media outlets to highlight the issue of climate change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, modelling embryonic development, and an analysis of male dominated conferences.In this episode:00:44 Imitating implantationResearchers have created a system that uses stem cells to model the early stages of pregnancy. Research article: Zheng et al.; News and Views: Human embryo implantation modelled in microfluidic channels08:03 Research HighlightsTraces of baby turtle tracks, and Titan’s explosive past. Research Highlight: A baby sea turtle’s ancient trek is captured in a fossil; Research Highlight: Giant explosions sculpted a moon’s peculiar scenery09:36 ‘Manferences’Nature investigates the prevalence of conferences where most of the speakers are male. News Feature: How to banish manels and manferences from scientific meetings15:41 News ChatAn update on India’s latest moon mission, drugs that may reverse biological age, and this year’s Breakthrough Prize winners. News: India loses contact with its Moon lander minutes before touchdown; News: First hint that body’s ‘biological age’ can be reversed; News: First-ever picture of a black hole scoops US$3-million prize Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Salmonella spreading antibiotic resistance, and the drivers of urban heat islands.In this episode: 00:46 Antibiotic resistance reservoirsResearchers have identified how Salmonella ‘persister’ cells can spread antibiotic resistance genes in mice intestines.Research article: Bakkeren et al.08:12 Research HighlightsBright barn owls stun prey, and the evolution of dog brains. Research Highlight: Zip-lining owls reveal what really scares their prey; Research Highlight: A dog’s breed is a window onto its brain10:13 Urban heatingCities are generally hotter than their surroundings, but what are the causes of these ‘heat islands’? Research Article: Manoli et al.16:54 News ChatA cryptic Russian radiation spike, and India’s moon mission gets closer to touchdown. News: How nuclear scientists are decoding Russia’s mystery explosion; News: ‘The most terrifying moments’: India counts down to risky Moon landing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year, Nature celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark this anniversary we’re rebroadcasting episodes from our PastCast series, highlighting key moments in the history of science.They’re found in home-testing kits for pregnancy, hospital tests for MRSA, and in six out of ten of the best-selling drugs today. But monoclonal antibodies have kept a surprisingly low profile since their debut in a Nature paper in 1975. This podcast follows them from that time through patent wars, promising drug trials and finally to blockbuster status today.This episode was first broadcast in August 2013.From the archive:Continuous cultures of fused cells secreting antibody of predefined specificity, by Köhler & MilsteinMargaret Thatcher speech clips courtesy of the Margaret Thatcher Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, a computer chip based on carbon nanotubes, and the potential pitfalls of sequencing ancient-human remains.In this episode: 00:45 A nanotube microprocessorScientists are looking beyond silicon, by constructing a computer chip using carbon nanotubes.Research article: Shulaker et al. News and Views: Nanotube computer scaled up 08:38 Research HighlightsWeighing neutrinos, and discovering a hidden Zika epidemic.Research Highlight: Lightest neutrino is at least 6 million times lighter than an electron; Research Highlight: Cuba’s untold Zika outbreak uncovered 10:29 Using ancient-human remains conscientiouslyWhile genetic sequencing of ancient-human remains is providing more information than ever, these remains must be safeguarded, warn researchers. Comment Article: Use ancient remains more wisely 17:21 News ChatThe discovery of a 3.8-million-year-old hominin skull, and using CRISPR to make ‘smart’ materials.News: Rare 3.8-million-year-old skull recasts origins of iconic ‘Lucy’ fossil News: CRISPR cuts turn gels into biological watchdogs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the resilience of internet hate groups, and searching for early life.In this episode:00:46 Tackling internet hateResearchers have been modelling how hate groups interact online, and have come up with suggestions to combat this activity. Research article: Johnson et al.; News and Views: Strategies for combating online hate08:55 Research HighlightsGallstone growth, and the reproductive strategies of hitchhiking stick insects. Research Highlight: The ‘net’ that leads to excruciating stones in the belly; Research Highlight: The insect that lost its homeland — and its sex life11:23 Hunting for early lifeFinding fossil evidence of Earth’s earliest life is fraught with difficulty. Research Article: Javaux18:43 News ChatChemists create a ring made only of carbon atoms, and inoculating newborns with their mothers’ microbes. News: Chemists make first-ever ring of pure carbon; News: Do C-section babies need mum’s microbes? Trials tackle controversial idea Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, spilling nuclear secrets, and a mysterious period in the Universe’s history.In this episode:00:46 "The most dangerous spy in history"We hear the story of Klaus Fuchs, who gave away the details of building an atomic bomb. Books and Arts: The scientist-spy who spilt secrets of the bomb08:00 Research HighlightsEnvironmental impacts of electric scooters, and the Goliath frog engineers. Research Highlight: Trendy e-scooters might not be as green as they seem; Research Highlight: Enormous frogs heave rocks to build tadpole ‘nests’10:33 Signals from the ancient UniverseResearchers hope that radio signals from ancient hydrogen will further their understanding of galaxy formation News Feature: The quest to unlock the secrets of the baby Universe18:17 News ChatChanges to the US Endangered Species Act, and what a microbe might tell us about the evolution of complex life. News: Trump administration weakens Endangered Species Act; News: Scientists glimpse oddball microbe that could help explain rise of complex life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, a mindset to improve school performance, and the complex story of how mercury accumulates in fish.In this episode:00:46 Growth MindsetHow a one hour course could improve academic achievement. Research article: Yeager et al.11:47 Research HighlightsAn extinct giant parrot, and hacking Manhattan’s traffic. Research Highlight: Polly wants many crackers: fossils reveal first known giant parrot; Research Article: Vivek et al.13:42 Toxic TunaMethylmercury levels in fish may increase due to climate change and overfishing, despite declines in emissions. Research Article: Schartup et al.19:15 News ChatIndia’s proposed protections for fossils, and trust of scientists in the United States. News: India’s geologists champion law to protect fossil treasures; News: US trust in scientists is now on par with the military Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, whether the placenta is lacking microbes, and new hardware for artificial intelligence.In this episode:00:43 Microbe-free placentas?New research suggests that the placenta is sterile. Research article: de Goffau et al.; News and Views: No bacteria found in healthy placentas07:12 Research HighlightsAntacids and allergies, and the source of unexplained radioactivity. Research Article: Jordakieva et al.; Research Article: Masson et al.09:13 AI hardwareMaking technology for AI can be challenging, so scientists try a new solution. Research Article: Pei et al.15:54 News ChatA worrying spike in HIV drug resistance, and approval of research into human-animal hybrids. News: Alarming surge in drug-resistant HIV uncovered; News: Japan approves first human-animal embryo experiments Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was first broadcast in July 2013.This year, Nature celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark this anniversary we’re rebroadcasting episodes from our PastCast series, highlighting key moments in the history of science.During the Second World War, scientists worked on secret projects such as the development of radar. Their efforts were hinted at in the pages of Nature but the details, of course, couldn't be published. In this episode, historian Jon Agar explains how war work gave physicists a new outlook and led to new branches of science. We also hear from the late John Westcott, whose wartime job was to design radar systems.From the archiveNature Volume 150 Issue 3794, 18 July 1942Sound effects courtesy of daveincamas, [email protected], guitarguy1985 and acclivity at freesound.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, how the climate has changed throughout history, and why enforcing vaccination should be done with care.In this episode:00:39 Climate through timeResearchers have modelled how climate has changed throughout the past 2000 years. Research article: Neukom et al.; Research article:Neukom et al.; News and Views: The aberrant global synchrony of present-day warming06:45 Research HighlightsMaking a self-propelling liquid, and the benefit of laugh tracks. Research Highlight: How to make water flow uphill; Research Highlight: To make lame jokes funnier, cue the laugh track08:35 Make vaccines mandatory?Scientists have warned that enforcing vaccinations could backfire, so should be done carefully. Comment: Mandate vaccination with care14:15 News ChatThe UK’s new prime-minister, and the launch of an Indian moon mission. News: What Boris Johnson’s leadership could mean for science; News:India launches ambitious second Moon mission Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:01:01 Breaking NewsThe first image of a black hole took the world by storm, but what was it like reporting such a quickly developing story? News: Black hole pictured for first time — in spectacular detail; Video: The first image of a black hole: A three minute guide; Video: How scientists reacted to the first-ever image of a black hole09:01 Digital JournalismWhen a new research paper came to light about pig brains being revived, we asked our audience what they wanted to know, and got a big response. Could this be the future of journalism? News: Pig brains kept alive outside body for hours after death; News Explainer: Disembodied pig brains revived: Your questions answered15:09 The Future of gene editingWith yet more stories emerging of the editing of human embryos, we discuss the ethical implications and what should happen next? News Feature: CRISPR babies: when will the world be ready?; News: Russian biologist plans more CRISPR-edited babies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, a new advance in silicon based quantum computing and experiences of how to recover when disaster strikes.In this episode:00:45 Quantum logicA fast and accurate two-qubit logic gate has been designed in silicon. Research article: Simmons et al.07:52 Research HighlightsTeaching a computer to solve a Rubik’s cube and immigration in Chichén Itzá. Research Highlight: AI solves the Rubik’s cube; Research Highlight: Death as a human sacrifice awaited some travellers to a Mayan city10:43 Coping with calamityResearchers share how they are recovering from catastrophe. Career Feature: Explosions, floods and hurricanes: dealing with a lab disaster; News Feature: The battle to rebuild centuries of science after an epic inferno19:04 News ChatA campaign to open up the world’s research, and dinosaur egg-laying clubs. News: The plan to mine the world’s research papers; News: Ancient Mongolian nests show that dinosaurs protected their eggs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, an extended chat about all things lunar with Alex Witze.Instead of a regular edition of the Nature Podcast, this week we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of humans walking on the Moon. Nick Howe catches up with planetary science reporter, Alex Witze. They discuss the latest US plans to land people on the moon by 2024, the history of the Apollo missions, and what’s next for the lunar exploration.News: Can NASA really return people to the Moon by 2024?Books and Arts: Propulsive reading: books on the MoonNews Feature: These young scientists will shape the next 50 years of Moon researchVideo: Three generations of space experts react to the Moon landings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, using an algorithm to find properties in materials science, and the global consequences of sand-mining.In this episode:00:47 Predicting propertiesA word-association algorithm is reading millions of abstracts to discover new properties of materials. Research article: Tshitoyan et al.; News and Views: Text mining facilitates materials discovery08:28 Research HighlightsTiny robot-jellyfish, and genome mutation hot-spots. Research Article:Multi-functional soft-bodied jellyfish-like swimming; Research Highlight:How DNA ‘hotspots’ snarl the search for cancer genes10:48 Sand under strainResearchers warn that the mining of sand is unsustainable. Comment:Time is running out for sand15:44 News ChatThe results of a bullying survey, and the spread of microbial disease through opioid use. News: Germany’s prestigious Max Planck Society conducts huge bullying survey; News: The US opioid epidemic is driving a spike in infectious diseases Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year, Nature celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark this anniversary we’re rebroadcasting episodes from our PastCast series, highlighting key moments in the history of science.According to the fables of early explorers, the gorilla was a terrible, man-eating monster. It was also thought to be man’s closest relative in the animal kingdom. Naturally, scientists and the public alike wanted to see these fierce beasts for themselves. But in the mid-nineteenth century, as the evolution debate heated up, getting a live gorilla to Europe from Africa was extremely difficult. In 1876, the pages of Nature report the arrival in England of a young specimen.This episode was first broadcast in June 2013. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, how going barefoot affects what your feet can feel, and uncovering history with ancient proteins.In this episode:00:44 A sole sensationA study of people who do and don't wear shoes looks into whether calluses make feet less sensitive. Research article: Holowka et al.; News and Views: Your sensitive sole08:50 Research HighlightsMagma moving quickly, and twice-transforming 4D materials. Research Highlight: Volcano’s magma hit top speed; Research Article: Wang et al. 11:09 Dating fossils with proteinsArchaeologists turn to proteins to answer questions DNA cannot. News Feature: Move over, DNA: ancient proteins are starting to reveal humanity’s history19:38 News ChatA special report from the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the ongoing Ebola crisis. News: The doctor who beat Ebola — and inspires other survivors to care for the sick; News: Meet the Ebola workers battling a virus in a war zone; News: World Health Organization resists declaring Ebola emergency — for third time Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, what makes birds invasive, and a robotic fish powered by a blood-like battery.In this episode:00:44 How do alien bird species establish themselves?Researchers have been looking at how bird species settle in non-native locations. Research article: Redding et al.08:22 Research HighlightsCrafting the perfect crêpe, and anti-fungal wasp eggs. Research Highlight: Physicists tackle a delicate challenge: making the ideal crêpe; Research article: Strohm et al.10:09 Robot bloodMultipurpose battery fluid both moves and powers a robot fish. Research article: Aubin et al.; News: Robo-fish powered by battery ‘blood’16:30 News ChatResearchers reviewing misconduct investigations, and redefining pressure. News: What universities can learn from one of science’s biggest frauds Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, a record-breaking magnetic field, and aerosols’ potential effects on the atmosphere.In this episode:00:45 Making massive magnetsResearchers have created the world’s strongest direct current magnetic field. Research article: S. Hahn et al.08:38 Research HighlightsMacaques’ musicality and human consumption of microplastics. Research Article: Divergence in the functional organization of human and macaque auditory cortex revealed by fMRI responses to harmonic tones; Research Highlight: What a bottled-water habit means for intake of ‘microplastics’10:55 Aerosols’ impacts on the climateThere’s a still a lot to learn about how aerosols affect the climate. Comment: Soot, sulfate, dust and the climate — three ways through the fog17:03 News ChatThe launch of an X-ray space telescope, and a Russian researcher’s plans to CRISPR-edit human embryos. News:Space telescope to chart first map of the Universe in high-energy X-rays; News: Russian biologist plans more CRISPR-edited babies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, how gut microbes might be affecting drugs, and a new theory on the beginning of plate tectonics.In this episode:00:45 Microbes metabolising drugsResearchers are investigating whether the gut microbiota can alter the activity of medicinal drugs.Research article: Zimmermann et al. 06:40 Research HighlightsElephants counting with smell, and audio activity monitoring.Research Highlight: Elephants have a nose for portion sizeResearch Highlight: Deep learning monitors human activity based on sound alone08:57 The origin of plate tectonics?A new theory suggests that sediment may have lubricated the Earth’s tectonic plates, allowing them to move.Research article: Sobolev and BrownNews and Views: Earth’s evolution explored 14:14 News ChatScientists protest in Hungary, and a trial of a new post-review process to test reproducibility.News: Hungarians protest against proposed government takeover of scienceNews: Reproducibility trial publishes two conclusions for one paper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year, Nature celebrates its 150th birthday. To mark this anniversary we’re rebroadcasting episodes from our PastCast series, highlighting key moments in the history of science.The discovery of the ozone hole in the mid-1980s was a shock. Scientists suspected that man-made gases called CFCs were damaging the ozone layer, but they didn’t expect to see such a dramatic decline. Nor did they expect the discovery to be made by a small group of British scientists in Antarctica. In this podcast, we hear from the ‘little voice’ in the background whose persistence led to the reporting of the reduced ozone in Nature in May 1985. But how did it become known as the ‘ozone hole’? And what lessons are there for climate change scientists today? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, looking back at cold fusion, a ranking of gender balance in universities, and measuring the impact of wildfires. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.