Michael Le Page, an expert on gene editing, dives into the controversial world of CRISPR, discussing its potential to create disease-resistant humans and the ethical dilemmas it poses, including fears of eugenics. The conversation takes a serious turn with the first reported U.S. bird flu death, raising alarms about the virus's evolving threat. In a lighter segment, physicists explore the science behind perfecting the classic dish cacio e pepe, combining culinary arts with physics for a delicious twist.

A vaccine for the respiratory virus RSV may be ready this year. In fact, after decades of efforts, successful vaccines have arrived like buses, with three of them on the way. As a particularly devastating virus for young children and the elderly, the team explains just how impactful these new vaccines will be.You may have read headlines that Earth’s core is changing direction - but the team explains why it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. They also bring less-than-thrilling news for the existence of life in the universe, as we may have been overestimating how many planets are out there that have the right conditions for life.Following intense rainfall, floods and disaster declarations, California finally has a dry forecast. But, the team asks, has all this water helped ease the State’s worst-in-a-century drought? And will we see more of these dramatic swings in weather as climate change worsens?Science has shown what most people who take antidepressants already know - that they blunt both bad and good emotions. The team explores the implications of this new study.You may be noticing a few bonus episodes popping up in your feed lately. The team shares a teaser of the latest ones, including a discussion about ‘tipping points’ with climate scientist Tim Lenton, and a chat with fungal pathogen expert Mat Fisher about the new fungal horror TV show The Last of Us.On the pod are Rowan Hooper, Penny Sarchet, James Dinneen, Michael Le Page and Leah Crane. To read about these subjects and much more, you can subscribe to New Scientist magazine at newscientist.com.Events and discount codes:January sale: newscientist.com/jansale2023RSC new publishing platform rsc.li/books Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Michael Le Page, a science reporter, discusses Colossal's groundbreaking efforts to revive the thylacine using advanced genetics. Is it possible to bring back this extinct species, and what might that entail for ecosystems? Alexandra Thompson, also a reporter, delves into how bullying can physically alter brain structure in youth, impacting emotional regulation and memory. The discussion raises critical points about the long-term effects of bullying and the pressing need to address its seriousness.

In this insightful discussion, reporters Michael Le Page, Sam Wong, and James Dinneen dive into the severe implications of climate overshoot, questioning the possibility of reversing temperature rise beyond 1.5 degrees. Le Page highlights irreversible ecosystem damage, while Wong shares the thrilling discovery of two-billion-year-old bacteria and its implications for extraterrestrial life. Dinneen connects the dots between climate change and Hurricane Milton's devastating impact on Florida, emphasizing the urgency for action in the face of extreme weather.

Podcast discusses woolly mammoth resurrection efforts by creating elephant stem cells, debate over the Anthropocene era start date, US military using AI in conflict decision-making, and bumblebees potentially exhibiting culture through puzzle box experiment.