Join Libby Jackson, Head of Space Exploration at the UK Space Agency, Mark Miodownik, a materials scientist from University College London, and Penny Sarchet, Managing Editor of New Scientist, as they reflect on a groundbreaking year in science. They dive into billionaires venturing into space, record-breaking temperatures, and the rise of innovative weight-loss drugs. Hilarious stories about AI learning sarcasm and orcas donning 'salmon hats' add a light touch to their serious discussions on climate change, Mars exploration, and scientific progress.
The emergence of new weight-loss drugs has reshaped societal views on obesity, highlighting their unexpected benefits on fertility and mental health.
Climate change remains a critical concern for 2024, with rising temperatures threatening the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, while citizen science initiatives encourage environmental activism.
Deep dives
Reflection on Scientific Breakthroughs of 2024
The podcast explores significant scientific developments from the year 2024, highlighting both groundbreaking and sobering discoveries. Notably, the emergence of new wight-loss drugs has taken center stage, with unexpected benefits such as improved fertility and mental health outcomes, marking a shift in how society views obesity and related conditions. Furthermore, the eventful year included thrilling findings from scientific explorations, including insights from Mars where the Perseverance rover revealed potentially ancient rocks, raising questions about life's existence beyond Earth. This dynamic blend of breakthroughs fosters a deeper understanding of human health and the broader implications they have for our society.
Climate Science and Progress
The conversation significantly emphasizes climate change as one of the most pressing issues of 2024, particularly as it appears likely that global temperatures will surpass the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. Despite this alarming trend, there are signs of potential progress, including a peak in CO2 emissions, particularly in major contributing countries. The hosts express hope that global efforts to mitigate climate change are gaining traction, and they highlight the importance of connecting climate action with biodiversity conservation. This integrated approach aims to cultivate optimism while acknowledging the urgent nature of the crisis at hand.
Citizen Science as a Catalyst for Change
The role of citizen science has become increasingly prominent, particularly in advocating for environmental preservation. A specific example discussed involves citizen-led initiatives aiming to improve water quality regulations in the UK, leading to legal changes that empower regulatory agencies. This grassroots movement not only emphasizes the importance of collective community action but also illustrates how individuals can hold governing bodies accountable through data collection and activism. The notion that science can serve as a tool for societal transformation highlights the growing influence of community-driven efforts in addressing global issues.
Predictions and Future Directions in Science
As the discussion shifts toward predictions for 2025, the panelists express anticipation of significant advancements in various scientific fields. The prognosis includes expectations for groundbreaking discoveries related to extraterrestrial life, fueled by enhanced exploration technologies and missions aimed at understanding planets beyond our solar system. Additionally, the ongoing research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's promises new therapeutic avenues, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches. The evolution of scientific inquiry and its societal implications appears to be on the brink of transformative change as these predictions unfold.
We look back on 2024 in science, from billionaires in space, to record-breaking heat here on Earth, and the meteoric rise of new weight-loss drugs.
From the biggest stories to the unsung and the plain fun, Inside Science presenter Victoria Gill hosts a special panel, featuring:
- Libby Jackson, head of space exploration at the UK Space Agency
- Penny Sarchet, managing editor of New Scientist
- Mark Miodownik, a materials scientist from University College London
Presenter: Victoria Gill
Producers: Gerry Holt
Editor: Martin Smith
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University.
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