The World, the Universe and Us

Episode 357 A global food shock is on the way because of the ongoing war in Iran. Your food bill is expected to rise significantly. The conflict is showing just how fragile our food system is, as spikes in fuel, fertiliser and pesticide prices begin to have knock-on effects around the world. With food availability in jeopardy, should we be stocking supplies at home? Coupled with the worsening climate and environment crises - and governments increasingly incentivising the production of biofuel - there could be tough times ahead. So how can we prepare? From eating less meat and raising less livestock, to countries focusing on renewable energy and becoming more self-sufficient - will this shock finally be what’s needed to force leaders to take action? To discuss this critical issue, Rowan Hooper is joined by climate, energy, and food systems professor Paul Behrens - and New Scientist reporter Michael Le Page. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 356 A truck carrying antimatter has been driving around the campus at CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider. But why are scientists transporting this delicate and extremely expensive substance? Antimatter is regular matter’s counterpart, first theorised in the 1920s. Producing and storing it has proved difficult, as it’s prone to annihilating the moment it meets its opposite half. But CERN scientists found a way - and it’s the only facility on Earth able to create these particles. Carrying just 92 antiprotons, this truck experiment is the first step in setting up an antimatter delivery service, allowing scientists to send little pieces of antimatter on trucks to labs around Europe. To discuss why an antimatter delivery service is even needed, Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Alex Wilkins, who recently visited the lab and saw the antimatter factory in person. We also hear from the new director-general of CERN, Mark Thomson. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 355 An entire pig’s brain has been preserved after death, using a technique that will keep the structure of the brain intact - potentially for hundreds of years. Scientists say they will offer the treatment to terminally ill humans, in the hopes that one day, in the distant future, we’ll be able to reconstruct their minds and bring them back to life. Because of the speed at which scientists need to preserve the brain tissue, the method will only work on people who opt in for assisted dying. But will we ever be able to digitally upload and reanimate a brain, or is this just offering false hope to those already suffering? And if we do develop the technology, what kind of world will these people wake up to? To discuss this new method, the ethics and science of consciousness, Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Alexandra Thompson and Thomas Lewton.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 354 Women are being erased from AI technologies. When world-changing technology is built primarily by men, the impact for women is hugely damaging. This was the focus of a recent conference at the Royal Society in London. Panellists discussed how women are being left out of this major tech revolution, with Silicon Valley becoming increasingly hostile towards them. And as the conversation increasingly shifts to the existential risks of artificial intelligence, some argue the focus is intentionally being shifted away from making this tech more inclusive. But as AI is set to completely transform how we work, educate our children and treat diseases, what happens when women are cut out of the equation? AI gender biases already show up in our datasets and chatbots…so can we fix the current models, or is it time we start all over again? Penny Sarchet discusses the issue with Catherine de Lange, who was at the conference. Also hear from Rumman Chowdhury, CEO of Humane Intelligence. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 353 The world might feel dark right now, but life is actually getting better, rapidly. From the rise of feminism and antiracism to environmental movements and shifting understandings of gender, the Western world looks nothing like it did 75 years ago. Yet despite so many historic victories for rights and ideas in recent times, it often feels like we’re living in dark times - with progress that’s stalling or going backwards. In her new book, The Beginning Comes After the End: Notes on a World of Change, writer and activist Rebecca Solnit explores how for decades social movements reshaped the world in ways we often fail to notice. Solnit argues that we are witnessing nothing less than the slow dismantling of an old worldview. And it’s time we pay attention. Rowan Hooper speaks to Solnit about the power of a good story, our growing understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and humanity - and why recognising progress may be essential to shaping the future. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 352 Notwithstanding President Trump’s efforts to slow the growth of renewable energy, the US/Israeli attack on Iran has given the green revolution a huge boost. In response to the war in Iran, the Islamic Republic has stopped almost all traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which one-fifth of global oil and one-fifth of seaborne gas supplies pass. They’ve also struck oil and gas fields with drones and missiles. This has given countries a much-needed wake-up call, showing just how precarious it is to rely so heavily on foreign states for energy security. As the cost of oil jumps from $70 to more than $100 a barrel, many countries are looking to produce more energy closer to home, accelerating plans to transition to clean and renewable energy. Rowan Hooper and Alec Luhn discuss whether this is the beginning of the end for fossil fuels. Also hear from Pavel Molchanov from Raymond James & Associates and Sam Butler-Sloss from Ember. Chapters (00:00) Intro - War in Iran speeds up the clean energy transition (00:59) A precedent set by the Ukraine/Russia war (02:27) Asia’s wake-up call (03:20) Are smaller countries pivoting to renewables already? (04:24) An energy security issue (07:16) Why oil is being impacted more than gas (08:56) Could China win big from this? (14:17) The impact on nuclear energy (15:57) When will countries give up fossil fuels for good? (18:05) The political will is shifting To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 351 Artificial intelligence is starting to solve mathematical theorems better than humans. Mathematicians say AI is now an existential threat to their work. As one professor puts it; “We are running out of places to hide.” From winning gold medals at mathematics competitions, to solving previously unanswered Erdős problems, multiple AI achievements have come together recently to exceed all expectations of its capabilities. Find out just how quickly the tech is advancing, how we can tell the AI isn’t just hallucinating answers, why it may help us formalise all of mathematics - and whether it will really put humans out of a job. And 10 years on since Google’s AlphaGo AI first beat human Go master Lee Sedol, we reflect on that epic moment and hear from Chris Maddison who saw it all unfold. Rowan Hooper is joined by New Scientist’s Alex Wilkins to discuss “one of the most remarkable stories” he’s ever worked on. Chapters (00:00) Intro - The biggest moment in the history of mathematics (01:10) The many problems AI is now solving (04:11) Are these models similar to ChatGPT or Claude? (05:09) Will AI help us advance the field of mathematics? (07:28) How can we check AI’s answers - are they just hallucinations? (10:51) Why it’s important to “formalise” maths (12:03) Will we become too reliant on this AI? (13:00) 10 years on since AI beat Lee Sedol at Go (14:54) AI creativity: The famous ‘Move 37’ (16:50) How it felt to watch this epic moment (19:21) How AlphaGo led to the LLMs of today (20:25) Are regular chatbots becoming more creative? To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 350 What If Alzheimer’s disease starts in the body, not the brain? A radical new theory upends everything we thought we knew about the disease. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia - the leading cause of death in the UK. And for 100 years we believed it all happened in the brain. Despite all of the major symptoms of Alzheimer’s being brain related, scientists studying gene activity have discovered something surprising. Most risk variants for the disease appear in the skin, lungs and gut - not the brain. This could mean the leading suspects of the disease - amyloid plaques and tau proteins - may not be to blame. But if not them, then what? Rowan Hooper is joined by New Scientist’s Australia reporter Alice Klein to discuss the findings. Chapters (00:00) Intro - A radical new understanding of Alzheimer’s (01:23) Why amyloid and tau treatments aren’t proving effective (02:16) How gum and dental health is linked to Alzheimer’s (03:09) Could proteins in the brain be a protective feature? (03:56) Why amyloid and tau really aren’t the full picture (04:35) Why scientists have gone back to the drawing board (05:37) Does Alzheimer’s start in the skin, lungs and gut? (06:14) Alzheimer’s risk genes found in the immune system and barrier tissues (07:12) Where inflammation fits into the puzzle of Alzheimer’s (09:10) The role of the blood brain barrier (10:00) How have scientists responded to these findings? (10:58) What other health conditions are linked to Alzheimer’s? (12:08) Preventative measures you can take to reduce your Alzheimer’s risk (15:03) How reframing diseases leads to better treatments To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Read the latest New Scientist CoLab article: https://newscientist.com/eternal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 349 One of the most vital systems of ocean currents - needed to keep life in northern Europe stable - is at risk of collapse. And now we can predict when it’s going to happen. Thanks to the work of climate scientists, we now have a model that tells us when major shifts in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) are expected. The AMOC is the Atlantic conveyor belt that keeps northern Europe temperate. If it turns off, northern Europe would be plunged into freezing conditions that would decimate agriculture and upend life as we know it. And it’s becoming clear that it is already weakening. Rowan Hooper is joined by climate journalist Alec Luhn. Together they explain how the AMOC and gulf stream work, why fears of a “tipping point” have been growing in recent years, and how this new model helps us prepare for the worst. Also hear from climate scientist René van Westen, who co-authored the report in Nature. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Listen to the latest episode of New Scientist CoLab: https://newscientist.com/eternalpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 348 Thought extinct for 6,000 years, two marsupial species have been discovered alive in New Guinea. Biologists have found a new genus of marsupial glider and the Pygmy Long-fingered Possum on a small Western part of the island. One biologist said this discovery was “more important than finding a living Thylacine in Tasmania”. Host Rowan Hooper is joined by Tim Flannery of the Australian Museum in Sydney, who led the team that confirmed the discovery. He tells us all about these quirky and cute creatures, one of which is held up as sacred by some Indigenous communities - who won’t even utter its name in public. Learn about the glider’s habit of forming monogamous relationships and its gardening prowess. And discover why the long-fingered possum’s finger is so long. Other key players in this research are Professor Kris Helgen, multiple researchers from the University of Papua - and some of the local villagers. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Glider image credits: Dewa, Australian Museum Other image credits: Flannery et al Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 347 Drones have taken over the battlefield in Russia’s war on Ukraine. Tens of thousands of drones are being produced every day - operating as kill vehicles for both sides. Multiple types are being deployed, including flying artillery drones and ground drones. Now the deadliest war since World War 2 - and considered the first “drone war” - the conflict is being fought in a way unlike we’ve ever seen before. With more than 80 per cent of military hits now made by drones. So on this special edition of the podcast we ask: is this the future of warfare? Driving these vehicles is in some ways like playing a video game, with operators sitting behind a screen with a handheld controller. And the gamification goes beyond this, with drone operators earning “points” for kills - that can be cashed in for more military equipment. AI is increasingly used to guide drones and to analyse targets. Joining hosts Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are Matt Sparkes, who’s recently returned from a drone factory in Ukraine, and Serhii Andriev, Deputy Company Commander of “Kraken” 3rd Army Corps drone regiment. The team also hear from Andrii Hrytseniuk, CEO of Ukraine government organisation Brave 1 - and Trusta, an Ukrainian engineer and drone pilot trainer. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 346 The world is running out of water, with many countries suffering from significant water shortages. We’re now having to rely on groundwater that takes thousands of years to replenish – so what can we do? One group says, to save us from worldwide “water bankruptcy”, we need to artificially change the weather. Although “cloud-seeding” has been around for a long time, a new technique is getting big results in the US. But the idea is becoming increasingly controversial – with cloud-seeding held responsible for recent floods in Dubai and Texas. So will this help, or hurt? Grief is a very normal experience for those who suffer a loss. But for 1 in 20 of us, this intense sadness doesn’t go away. “Prolonged grief disorder” was recognised as a distinct psychiatric condition in 2022 – but it was controversial, with some concerned we’re pathologising a normal human response. But new research suggests there really are unique things happening in the brains of those suffering from PGD. Could this help us find better ways to treat the condition? Is the black hole in the centre of our universe actually a massive clump of dark matter? It seems ridiculous to ask, but the new theory is genuinely worth investigating. Researchers say Sagittarius A* is just the right size that it could defy everything we think we know about it. Could we have an answer to the puzzle of dark matter, right on our doorstep? Hosted by Penny Sarchet and Timothy Revell, with guests Alec Luhn, Alexandra Thompson and Leah Crane. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 345 More than 8,500 years ago, ancient people crossed the ocean to the remote island of Malta for the first time. Long before compasses or sails were invented, these prehistoric people navigated the seas on logs, using the stars to travel vast distances. Recent findings show we’ve long underestimated the voyaging capabilities of stone-age hunter-gatherers. We discuss the many examples of ancient travel - and what this all tells us about the ancient mind. Could just one hour of brain training a day be enough to stave off dementia? For the first time, an intervention against dementia has been tested in a randomised control trial. Lasting an impressive 20 years, participants in the trial played a brain training game for just a few hours a week - and the results were remarkable. The legendary space scientist Maggie Aderin joins the show to discuss her new book, Starchild: My Life Under the Night Sky. The Sky at Night presenter discusses her motivation for writing a memoir, how her love of astronomy came about, what it was like as the only Black woman in her university class, her time working on the James Webb telescope - and more. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Maggie Aderin, Michael Marshall and Alexandra Thompson.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 344 Elon Musk has announced he wants to merge SpaceX with another of his companies, xAI, and launch one million satellites into space. One reason - according to Musk - is to eventually harness the entire power of the sun, a sci-fi sounding idea that would make us a Kardashev Type II civilisation. But he also wants the satellites to help power AI and move data centres off Earth. Is his goal realistic… and what would be the consequences? Parents desperate to get their children to sleep are resorting to melatonin gummies - and it’s proving very effective. Melatonin is a sleep hormone which is only available on prescription in many countries. So some parents are importing them from America - where they can be bought over-the-counter. The trouble is the long-term side effects are not really known - and cases of melatonin overdose in children are on the rise. Despite global agreement to cut the "overall risk" from pesticides by at least half by 2030 - new data shows we’re not even close. Countries made this commitment at a UN biodiversity meeting in 2022, but so far it’s been almost impossible to measure success. Thanks to a researcher in Germany, we now have a way to track our progress - and it’s not looking good. Could an increase in organic farming be the solution, or CRISPR gene editing? Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Jonathan O’Callaghan, Alice Klein and Michael Le Page. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 343 The task of growing human brains in a lab has taken a step forward. Scientists have been creating brain organoids since 2013, but have now grown blood vessels in them for the first time. These mini brains resemble the developing cortex - the area of the brain that thinks, feels and stores memories. These advancements will help us learn more about the brain and conditions like dementia. But what if we go too far and they become conscious? Geoengineering is being talked about more and more as countries fail to hit emissions targets. Without reductions we are on course to hit 4.5°C of warming by 2100, so new solutions are needed. But will artificially cooling the climate really help, or do even more damage? One popular method is solar radiation management - but that would require at least 100 aircraft working for hundreds of years. And new research shows that while it could work, the moment we stop doing temperatures would rebound rapidly. So is it worth even trying? An incredible trove of ancient fossils have been discovered in a quarry in China, dating from 512 million years ago, just after Earth’s first mass extinction event. More than 8000 fossils have been analysed and nearly 60 per cent of the species are new to science. This group of arthropods, molluscs and brachiopods contain some very weird and wonderful creatures - including one which looks remarkably like a penis with long branching tentacles growing out of the end. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Carissa Wong, Alec Luhn and Sam Wong. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 342 Social media began with the best intentions - but it soon went sour. Platforms that once fostered connection are now driven by an endless desire to monopolise our time. From the endless scroll to ragebait content, social media is no longer designed to connect us with friends and family - but to profit from our attention. And that’s not to mention the damaging political influence it can have. As countries and governments move to act against it, is there a good solution to these problems? Bitcoin is one big disaster for the environment. Mining bitcoin requires an inordinate amount of energy - and that cost only increases as more bitcoin is mined. It’s also a terrible investment these days, with some experts suggesting you’d be better off buying a load of Pokémon cards. Adding to that its role in fuelling crime on the dark web - and it becomes a strong contender for worst idea of the 21st century. Carbon off-sets - another well intentioned solution to the climate crisis that’s gone horribly wrong. The idea is you can lessen the environmental impact of your actions, by off-setting the damage. Maybe you take a long-haul flight, but you plant a tree in return. The trouble is, not only does this give people permission to keep polluting the environment, it’s not even clear if offsetting actually works. But perhaps it’s not all bad? Effective altruism is a surprising addition to the list, given that it’s meant to be a way of ensuring money goes to only the best causes. But judging which charities deserve donations above others is much more difficult than it seems. And part of the effective altruism movement suggests people should earn as much money as possible so they can one day give it away - which can obviously end badly. And then there are those who have taken it too far - ruining their life. One seemingly good fix for environmental damage is the promise of alternative fuels, like natural gases, hydrogen and biofuels. But it turns out they probably do a lot more damage than good. Biofuels in particular require massive amounts of farmland to produce, which alone is highly polluting. Add to that the fact they’re driving up prices at the supermarket - perhaps there’s a better way to stop the climate from warming? Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Abby Beall, with guests Matt Sparkes, Leah Crane, Michael Le Page and Joshua Howgego.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 341 "The best minds of my generation are thinking about how to make people click ads. That sucks." A compelling quote that sums up the thesis of Rutger Bregman’s new book. In Moral Ambition, the Dutch historian and the best-selling author argues that smart people need to stop wasting their lives in “BS” jobs - and turn their skills to causes that benefit humanity. By reflecting on the history of the abolitionist and women’s rights movements, he explains why it’s never too late to take action on major issues - like climate change or the exploitation of animals. He also explores how AI experts are preparing for a massive shift in the way we live, that we need to pay attention to. Same-sex sexual behaviour in primates is incredibly common - despite seemingly having no evolutionary advantage. But scientists have now noticed something counterintuitive. This behaviour happens more often in high-stress environments, where food is scarce, suggesting it may aid with social cohesion. It may even improve the success of straight sex - increasing the number of offspring in a group. If you want to live a longer, healthier life - it may be way easier than you think. Most modern longevity advice is about optimising every aspect of your life - and can feel overwhelming for many people. But a new study shows you can add a full year to your life, just by making very minor tweaks to things like sleep and exercise. Find out how. For three years in a row, average global temperatures have exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial temperatures. As we fail to get a handle on rising global heating, scientists are exploring a new - slightly odd - way of managing carbon levels. The idea is to protect Earth’s climate from future wildfires, but cutting down vast swathes of forest and sinking the trees in the Arctic ocean. But will it work - or make things worse? Hosted by Rowan Hooper with guests Rutger Bregman, Michael Le Page, Carissa Wong and Alec Luhn. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn about New Scientist CoLab and ViiV Healthcare’s roundtable discussion here: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 340 Acquiring Greenland has been deemed a national security priority by America. President Trump wants to use the country to deter adversaries in the Arctic, have control over its rare minerals and oil - and maybe even build experimental cities. But with the challenges of a changing climate, difficulty actually extracting any natural resources and the fact that Greenland isn’t free to occupy, how realistic are Trump's goals? Human-plant hybrid cells are being used to answer the mystery of “dark DNA”. Also known as “junk DNA”, this refers to the fact that much of the human genome seems to be inactive. And this new experiment may have proven this claim, showing that only about 10 per cent of our DNA is useful…the rest is just rubbish. What does that mean for the story of evolution, or the future of genetic modification? The team explores two major ways to interpret the results. And two diet-related stories this week. First, that fibre seems to have a beneficial effect on sleep quality, according to a large observational study review. And second, how people who stop taking GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, tend to regain the weight they lost within less than two years. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Michael Le Page, Alexandra Thompson, Anna Merril, Ruth Mottram and Martin Stendel.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 339 Humans are finally going back to the moon. NASA’s Artemis II mission is set to launch in April, taking four astronauts in a loop around the moon. If it goes well, it’ll set the stage for a lunar landing by Artemis III - bringing us closer to creating permanent settlements on the surface. And that’s not all - SpaceX is planning to visit Mars this year as part of its plans to colonise the Red Planet. Plus, in May we might see the launch of a new American space station. Will these missions mark 2026 as the year that kick-started our spread off planet? GLP-1 weight loss drugs are set to get cheaper this year. The patent on semaglutide - the active ingredient in drugs like Ozempic - is about to run out, meaning more people will be able to access these hugely impactful medications. A pill version is also on the horizon, plus one upcoming drug that can cut body weight by a whopping 24 per cent. The first phase 3 trials of LSD are taking place this year. 55 years after being banned, the psychedelic drug is being tested once again for its ability to reduce anxiety and treat mental health conditions. Research suggests LSD can rewire your brain and relieve moderate to severe anxiety for at least three months. But will the trials prove its benefits outweigh any side effects? A carbon border tariff is being imposed by the EU - taxing imports of materials like steel from countries that aren’t doing enough to keep their emissions down. The policy is a positive step for climate action and will help to make EU industries more competitive. And it looks like countries around the world are soon to follow suit. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Jacob Aron, Michael Le Page and Alexandra Thompson. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 336 Looking for something great to read or watch on TV over the festive period? We’ve got you covered. In a special edition of the podcast, we share our favourite books, TV and films of 2025 - for those moments when you need a break from the festivities. From pure science fiction to books exploring climate change and the history of our early ancestors, we have something for everyone. Below is a list of our top picks. Films and TV Ocean with David Attenborough Andor Season 2 The White House Effect Human with Ella al-Shamahi Pluribus My Husband the Cyborg Severance Season 2 Books Every Version of You by Grace Chan The Story of CO2 is the Story of Everything by Peter Brannen Clearing the Air by Hannah Ritchie Positive Tipping Points by Tim Lenton The Last Neanderthal by Ludovic Slimak Hello Cruel World by Melinda Moyer Hosted by Rowan Hooper with guests Bethan Ackerley and Alison Flood. Sign up to our book club for more recommendations, discussion and author interviews https://www.newscientist.com/bookclub/ To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 337 As we reach the end of the year, catch up on some of New Scientist’s most exciting and thought-provoking features of the past twelve months. For decades we’ve got autism in girls all wrong. Symptoms present quite differently in girls to boys, meaning they often go undiagnosed. So why have we failed to see the differences - and why are girls so often neglected by autism research? We review a feature written by Gina Rippon - one of the scientists studying autism who admits to getting it wrong for years. If you’re interested in living a longer life, you may have heard the name Bryan Johnson. He’s the tech millionaire who’s doing everything in his power to live as long as possible. From a 6.5 hour morning routine, to experimental gene treatments and hypoxia therapy - we dig into the life of the man whose slogan is “Don’t Die”. There is no space, no time, no particles. This is the radical new quantum vision of reality proposed by physicist Vlatko Vedral. He argues that our current lens for looking at reality is full of problems, especially concerning observers - this idea that reality is somehow contingent on us looking at it. So what really lies beyond quantum theory? Over tens of thousands of years, waves of Homo sapiens set out across Europe and Asia, only for their societies and cultures to mysteriously vanish. At last, ancient DNA from fossils is revealing why. We shed light on the lives of the LRJ people, a group of a few hundred ancient humans who roamed across Europe 43,000 years ago. There are new hints that the fabric of space-time may be made of "memory cells" that record the whole history of the universe. If true, it could explain the nature of dark matter and much more. But how could pure emptiness ever remember, or store information? We discuss how Florian Neukart, the feature writer, has tested this theory inside a quantum computer. Most of us see body fat as something we need to attack or get rid of. But we’re beginning to figure out just how important fat is for shaping our health and mind. The fat in our bodies is a communicative organ with a role in everything from bone health to mood. And it isn’t just one thing - it comes in various forms and colours, each with distinct functions and found in different locations. So do we need to respect fat a bit more? A whole library’s worth of papyri owned by Julius Caesar’s father-in-law were turned to charcoal by the eruption of Vesuvius. But nearly 2000 years later, we can at last read these lost treasures. Discover how a particle accelerator is being used to decode messages once thought completely lost. Our emotions can often get the better of us, taking control over our feelings and actions. But what if there were a way to harness your emotions for a happier, calmer life? Researcher Ethan Kross has found ways to do just that. Based on his own experience of his Grandmother’s resilience, who endured the trauma of Nazi occupation, he’s developed an actionable guide for anyone to master how they feel. Hosted by Penny Sarchet, with guests Cat de Lange, Joshua Howgego and Claudia Canavan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 336 In an unlikely turn of events, orcas and dolphins have been observed teaming up - to hunt and kill massive chinook salmon in the pacific. Given that orcas sometimes prey on dolphins, what’s going on? Despite the promising signs of cooperation between these two species, there may be something less heartwarming at play. We dig into the findings and discuss other surprising ways animals cooperate with each other. From schizophrenia to bipolar disease, autism to OCD, many mental conditions are classified into different categories. But in the largest study of its kind, it’s been discovered that 14 different disorders fall into just five genetic groups. The finding could explain why people are often diagnosed with multiple psychiatric conditions at once - and bring comfort to those who are. Could it also help us find better treatments? Exploding stars might be to thank for our very existence. It’s thought that supernovae may spew out the heavy elements required for the creation of planets and the emergence of life. A new model shows this is possible - and may help us figure out where to look next for alien life. Could this open up a new field of cosmic ecology? Plus, news of a strange new kind of star from the James Webb Telescope. Black hole stars may explain a running mystery about odd galaxies spotted by the telescope, called little red dots. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Alec Luhn, Michael Le Page and Alex Wilkins. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 335 Exercise has been shown to shrink tumours by 60 per cent. A new study shows another link between regular exercise and cancer prevention, this time revealing that muscle cells may outcompete cancer cells for energy - basically starving them. We explore the links between metabolism and glucose - with the caveat that so far this has only been demonstrated in mice, in a small study. The interstellar object 3I/ATLAS may be even weirder than we thought. Ever since we spotted this comet from another star system, scientists have been studying every inch of it. And no - it’s not an alien spacecraft. But it does seem to be home to surprising amounts of chemicals like carbon dioxide and methanol - essential ingredients for life. Could this shed light on the origin of life in the universe? A 100-year-old debate between two titans of physics has finally been settled. In the 1920s, Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr butted heads about the nature of light. Einstein said light is a particle. Bohr said it’s both a particle and a wave. They came up with an experiment to settle the argument - the trouble is, they had no way to run it. Now, 100 years later, we finally have the technology to perform the test - and the winner is… Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Alexandra Thompson, Alex Wilkins and Jacob Aron. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 334 Which sperm is the oldest sperm - the ancestor sperm that came before all others? Well, you might think it links back to an ancient animal that came before us, but the oldest sperm may actually predate animals altogether. We explore this plus the enduring mystery of the scrotum - and why a male’s most important body part is so delicate and…exposed. The team hears about the variation in scrotum morphology across mammals, and the evolution of “non-scrotality”. Our brains undergo four major turning points throughout our lives. New research suggests the way our brains are wired shifts at key stages as we get older - and your adolescent years may last longer than you realised. We explore what is happening at each brain stage, how long they last and why this research could prove useful in figuring out conditions like depression or dementia. Politicians, scientists, celebrities and climate activists gathered at the National Emergency Briefing in London this week and the message was clear: environmental breakdown is escalating faster than expected. One report highlighted that the biggest health risk of the 21st century is climate change, and other scientists described scenarios of starvation, wars and ungovernable societies. But there were messages of empowerment and hope too. Hear from some of the scientists - and a British army general - at the event. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Sam Wong, Carissa Wong, Michael Le Page, Lt General Richard Nugee, Paul Behrens and Kevin Anderson. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Sign the National Emergency Briefing open letter here: https://www.nebriefing.org/open-letter-keir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 333 It’s not often you get to see or hear someone playing music on a conch shell. So prepare yourself for a musical treat with musician and podcaster Steve Pretty, who brings into the studio a trumpet and a collection of his favourite conches, rigged up to some modern electronics. Steve is best known as the bandleader of the Hackney Colliery Band, and also hosts the Steve Pretty On the Origin of the Pieces podcast. Performing live on the show and recreating the acoustics of prehistoric cave gatherings (a rave in a cave!) Steve explains the science behind how conches and brass instruments can achieve so many different notes by manipulating air pressure and flow. He explores the evolution and origin of music - which may have evolved before language. And he explains the evocative nature of music, the different functions that it has in society and how it allows us to tap into different emotional states. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn about Steve’s conch playing here: https://www.shellectronica.com/ And find his podcast here: https://www.originofthepieces.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 332 For only the second time, the genome of an ancient Denisovan has been sequenced - thanks to the discovery of a 200,000-year-old tooth found in a Siberian cave. This ancient member of the human family has long been a mystery, so this genome is being described as a bombshell moment, revealing an early stage of Denisovan history. We explore how this reshapes our understanding about the origins of our species. Some 95 per cent of us have a dormant virus, lurking in our bodies - waiting to strike when the moment’s right. Epstein-Barr virus causes glandular fever - also known as mono or kissing disease - but only in a small number of people. Though new evidence is showing that even dormant viruses may still cause long term health problems. Formula E electric race cars may have surpassed their fossil fuel counterparts. From greater efficiency to faster acceleration, this is a big turning point for the sport - but they don’t have the edge on F1 cars in all areas just yet. We find out where they’re winning and where they’re falling behind - and how this could translate to better electric road cars for us. And the legendary science writer Bill Bryson joins the team to discuss the process of revising his bestselling book A Short History of Nearly Everything. He explores some of the most fascinating (and surprising) facts he’s had to update in the 20 years since the book came out. Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:45) Second Denisovan genome sequenced (11:15) We all have dormant viruses that are causing diseases (18:37) Are Formula E cars faster than F1? (27:17) Bill Bryson on revising his bestselling book Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Bill Bryson and Alec Luhn. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Check out the CoLab feature with DEEP at https://newscientist.com/deep Shop our Black Friday sale at www.newscientist.com/sale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 331 This week sees the broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK of a documentary called Hitler’s DNA: Blueprint of a dictator. Geneticists have managed to find a DNA sample from Adolf Hitler and have sequenced it and verified it, and now we have his genome. The big question is what does this really tell us – what can we tell from someone’s genome? In this special episode of the podcast, Rowan Hooper is joined by two of the lead figures on the documentary. Turi King is a geneticist at the University of Bath and is best known for the identification of the remains of Richard III, and Alex Kay is a historian of Nazi Germany based at Potsdam University in Germany. Rowan also discusses the documentary with New Scientist reporter Michael Le Page. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 330 COP30 is nearly upon us - and this climate conference may be the most crucial so far. In a year where we’ve seen the first major global tipping point reached, destructive wildfires raging in Los Angeles and much more, joint action has never been more urgent. But as hope starts to wane and climate goals continue to be missed, many are questioning the value of the COPs. Even legendary figure Christiana Figueres is showing signs of doubt. So 10 years on from Paris, in a year that countries are meant to come back with renewed, more ambitious pledges - will their commitments be enough? In a special COP30 episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Simon Evans, climate journalist and deputy editor of the website Carbon Brief, as well as Rupert Read, climate philosopher, activist and director of the Climate Majority Project. Together they outline what has actually been achieved since the Paris agreement was signed - and whether the COP process is fit for purpose. They discuss the growing need for adaptation, and disagree on the failure of mitigation goals. And they touch on America’s absence from the conference, promises of raising climate finance goals, the problem with net-zero and more. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 329 America’s health data system is in crisis. The US government has been bleeding public health experts – many of whom run crucial public health surveys and databases which help identify, monitor and respond to health threats across the country. From drug use to food security and birth data, discover the 5 surveys most critically hit by the axing of over 20,000 jobs. If nothing is done to address this, vital health information will be missed and the results could be catastrophic. Do you find it difficult to concentrate after a bad night’s sleep? This might be really common, but scientists are still trying to figure out why it happens. A new finding suggests it might have something to do with the brain’s “rinse cycle” – a process where your brain washes away metabolic waste and toxic proteins. Although this usually happens while you sleep, researchers have discovered it may continue in the day if you’re sleep deprived. Life might exist on Mars right now, thanks to a network of liquid water on the Red Planet. Researchers examining Mars’ soil say there’s a good chance tiny veins of liquid water are hiding under the Martian permafrost and that they could support microbial life. This finding has scientists excited, with one suggesting “it’s not impossible that life could exist in the Martian near surface.” Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:00) The collapse of America’s health data system (08:00) How sleep affects your focus (16:40) Best place to search for life on Mars Hosted by Penny Sarchet and Timothy Revell, with guests Grace Wade, Carissa Wong and Leah Crane. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Check out Carissa’s story on the lymphatic system here: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499831-the-extraordinary-influence-of-the-lymphatic-system-on-our-health/ Find Wellcome’s podcast here: https://wellcome.org/insights/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 328 Not only has the mRNA covid vaccine saved 14 million lives, it may also help our bodies fight off cancer. A study of cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment showed those who received an mRNA vaccine lived nearly twice as long - and this effect was discovered by accident. In a trial of cancer vaccines, Elias Sayour’s team at the University of Florida used standard mRNA vaccines as a control - they weren’t meant to do anything. Except they did - and the effect was huge. It’s still early days, but as we await more trial results, people are beginning to speculate how this might transform cancer treatment. Ahead of COP30, the World Resources Institute has published the State of Climate Action 2025 report - and it doesn’t make for good reading. It finds that we have failed to meet any of the goals laid out in the Paris agreement to avoid breaching 1.5°C of global warming. From deforestation to coal use, we’re not moving fast enough on anything. Hear from the authors of the report, who offer an important message of hope. Why do birds sing the dawn chorus? Many theories exist - 11 in fact - but a new one has emerged, after scientists were studying zebra finches in the lab. Hear their conclusion while enjoying the serenity of birdsong, recorded at some of the RSPB’s nature reserves. Chapters: (00:00) Intro (00:34) How mRNA vaccines fight cancer (10:00) State of Climate Action report (21:13) Why birds sing the dawn chorus Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Michael Le Page, Clea Schumer and Sophie Boehm. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about Yakult at www.yakult.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 327 A special episode recorded on October 18 at New Scientist Live in London, featuring experts in geoscience, dark matter and neuroscience. Anjana Khatwa is an Earth scientist and TV presenter. In her new book, The Whispers of Rock, she brings together Western scientific knowledge about the evolution of our Earth and indigenous knowledge and stories. She demonstrates this connection by exploring the volcanic formation of the Hawaiian islands, and the fascinating folklore attached to their origin. Chamkaur Ghag is a Professor of Physics at University College London and an expert on dark matter. He discusses the LZ Dark Matter Experiment, which is operating one mile under the Black Hills of South Dakota, in the search for a signal of this illusive particle. Daniel Yon is a psychologist and neuroscientist at Birkbeck, University of London. He explains how your brain influences your perception of reality - and how particular neurochemicals in the brain control our willingness to change, or to believe in a conspiracy theory. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet on the Engage Stage at the Excel Centre. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 326 The world’s first major climate tipping point has been triggered. The decimation of warm water coral populations caused by rising temperatures is now irreversible - passing the point of no return. The global consequences of widescale coral dieback could be catastrophic, so experts are sounding the alarm. But is anyone listening? A man with paralysis has telepathically controlled the hands of another person. Keith Thomas is unable to move or feel through his hands. But thanks to a new advancement, using brain and muscle electrodes, he was able to control the hands of a non-paralysed woman using his thoughts alone. Could this one day lead to Avatar-like body control technology? For only the second time in its 1,500-year history, professional Sumo wrestling has left Japan. A Grand Sumo Tournament is being held at London’s Albert Hall, where over 40 elite wrestlers are competing in a five day tournament. Sumo writer John Gunning discusses the physics of sumo, the incredible diets of the wrestlers and the worrying consequences of the sport on their longevity. Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:34) Coral tipping point (11:23) Avatar brain implant (22:10) The longevity of sumo wrestlers Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Madeleine Cuff, Carissa Wong and John Gunning. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about Yakult at www.yakult.co.uk Get your ticket for New Scientist Live here: https://live.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices