Madeleine Cuff

Join Sam Wong, News editor for New Scientist, Catherine de Lange, editor, and Madeleine Cuff, reporter, as they explore awe-inspiring science stories of 2024. Discover how preserved brains are easier to find than thought and the potential of seafloor metallic nodules as geobatteries. They discuss surprising findings about Dyson Spheres and alien life, dive into cultural highlights like the installation 'Breathing with the Forest', and full cheers about flowers that sequester nickel and groundbreaking frog conservation efforts. Plus, a fun quiz tests science knowledge!

In this episode, climate reporter Madeleine Cuff provides crucial insights on COP29 and the alarming rise in global carbon emissions. She discusses the impact of corruption on climate negotiations and critiques the current focus on adaptation over mitigation. The conversation also highlights the unsettling reality of exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. Meanwhile, fascinating topics such as bird migration and the ecological benefits of gophers enrich the discussion, showcasing nature's resilience amid climate challenges.

Madeleine Cuff, a journalist focusing on China's pollution impact, discusses several fascinating topics. She explains how skin transplants in plants could lead to hybrid crops that are more pest-resistant or tastier. Cuff also highlights the unintended consequence of China's pollution reduction, which, while boosting health, paradoxically spikes global temperatures. Lastly, she notes the discovery of 400,000-year-old ivory tools, revealing new insights into the intelligence and skills of our ancient ancestors.

Madeleine Cuff, an environment reporter from New Scientist, dives into groundbreaking research on genetically engineered microbes that successfully reduce kidney stones by breaking down oxalates. She discusses the looming challenge of extending climate targets, especially as the 1.5C goal seems increasingly unattainable. Lastly, Cuff presents a fascinating theory related to the Fermi paradox, proposing that Earth's unique tectonic activity might be why we haven't encountered alien life. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey through health, climate, and cosmic mysteries!

Michael Marshall, a science journalist, delves into the origins of cuneiform writing, highlighting its decentralized development as a cultural tool rather than a bureaucratic one. Madeleine Cuff discusses the urgency of the upcoming COP29 climate conference, amidst disappointing previous meetings. James Woodford reveals Pando, a massive, ancient tree that coexisted with woolly mammoths, possibly making it the oldest living organism. Lastly, Matthew Sparkes shares insights on vampire bats, their surprising running abilities, and their peculiar blood-based diet.