Nature Podcast

A new-year round-up of the science stories you may have missed

8 snips
Jan 8, 2025
A controversial COVID study promoting hydroxychloroquine has been retracted after years of debate, raising concerns about research ethics. New findings reveal that healthy skin is not just a barrier but actively produces antibodies, paving the way for needle-free vaccines. Meanwhile, estimates suggest Jupiter's moon Europa has a much thicker icy crust, which may hinder the search for extraterrestrial life. Additionally, fascinating insights into the evolution of human running abilities highlight our ancient relatives and their remarkable locomotion capabilities.
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ANECDOTE

Hydroxychloroquine Retraction

  • Noah Baker recounts the story of hydroxychloroquine, from its initial hype to its eventual retraction.
  • This retraction, a major event in COVID-19 science history, highlights the importance of research integrity.
INSIGHT

Skin's Immune System

  • Skin produces its own antibodies, fighting infections independently of the main immune system.
  • This discovery could lead to needle-free vaccines applied directly to the skin.
INSIGHT

Thick Ice on Europa

  • New estimates suggest Europa's ice crust may be much thicker than previously thought, potentially hindering habitability.
  • NASA's Europa Clipper mission will investigate this further upon arrival in 2030.
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