Astrophysicist Dr. Chris North discusses the need to rethink the Lambda Cold Dark Matter model in cosmology. Climate anxiety, bee resilience to flooding, and supporting bee populations are also explored, along with a unique symphony created from climate data.
The Lambda Cold Dark Matter model is being reevaluated due to discrepancies in measurements like the Hubble constant, prompting exploration of new cosmological theories.
Climate anxiety can be managed by engaging constructively with climate issues, distinguishing important news, taking positive actions, and seeking support from professionals or communities.
Deep dives
Understanding the Lambda Cold Dark Matter Model
The Lambda Cold Dark Matter model explains the universe's composition and its expansion since the Big Bang. It states that the universe contains atoms, dark matter, and dark energy, with dark matter being cold and dark energy represented by Lambda. Evidence supporting this model includes the cosmic microwave background and patterns in the universe, yet discrepancies in measurements like the Hubble constant challenge its accuracy.
Exploring New Models and Future Perspectives
Scientists are reconsidering the Lambda Cold Dark Matter model due to discrepancies in measurements like the Hubble constant. Various possibilities are being explored, including breaking the cosmological principle, revising early universe physics, or introducing new physics concepts. New telescopes and observations aim to bridge gaps in understanding the universe's expansion and evolution, offering potential insights into cosmology.
Coping with Climate Anxiety and Staying Engaged
Climate-related news can induce feelings of climate anxiety, leading to stress, helplessness, and disengagement. Engaging with climate change issues positively and constructively is crucial. Overcoming climate anxiety involves distinguishing important news, taking positive actions, staying well-informed, and seeking support from communities or professionals like environmental psychologists.
Bumblebee Survival and Environmental Resilience
Research reveals surprising resilience in bumblebee queens submerged in water during hibernation, challenging common perceptions. Bumblebees adopt mechanisms like slowing metabolism, wax layer protection, and gas exchange to survive underwater. Understanding this resilience offers insights into potential impacts of climate change-driven flooding on bumblebee populations, providing optimism for their survival.
Earlier this week, some of the world's leading astrophysicists came together at The Royal Society to question the very nature of our Universe. Does the Lambda Cold Dark Matter model, which explains the evolution of the cosmos and the Big Bang, need a rethink? Dr Chris North, an astrophysicist from the University of Cardiff, joins us in the studio to explain what this model says, and why it might need to be changed.
The last few weeks seem to have been a non-stop cycle of depressing climate stories, with floods in Pakistan, mass coral bleaching and last month being the hottest March ever recorded. It's perhaps no surprise that many people are anxious about the news. Vic Gill is joined by Prof Lorraine Whitmarsh, an environmental psychologist at the University of Bath, and Tom Rivett Carnac, an author, political strategist and co-host of the podcast Outrage + Optimism. Together they discuss climate anxiety, and how to stay engaged with the news without feeling overwhelmed.
And with all this wet weather, how are our precious insects faring? It turns out, bumblebees might have a trick up their fuzzy sleeves when the ground gets flooded - at least according to a new experiment led by Sabrina Rondeau from the University of Ottawa. We also get bumblebee expert Dave Goulson on the line to tell us more about these charismatic insects.
Presenter: Victoria Gill
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Ella Hubber and Hannah Robins
Editor: Martin Smith
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
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