
Tech and Science Daily | The Standard
Daily bulletins reporting the latest news from the world of science and technology, from the Standard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 9min
Strongest signs of alien life on distant ocean-covered planet
Have scientists discovered aliens? Astronomers believe they have discovered the strongest signs of life on a distant ocean-covered planet far beyond our solar system.We hear from the co-author of the report, Dr Subhajit Sarkar, lecturer in Astrophysics at Cardiff University.Also in this episode:US stocks of Nvidia slump following new restrictions on China exportsThe UK government places a temporary ban on tourists returning with cheese and meat products to prevent the spread of foot and mouth diseaseLondon scientists grow human teeth in a lab - could this see the end of fillings and implants?Rare otter sighting recorded in Canary Wharf in sign of species 'remarkable' recoveryLondon Zoo announces a special trio of hatched ‘Easter’ eggs… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2025 • 9min
Brain injury patients help scientists investigate logical thinking
Scientists have identified the key brain regions essential for logical thinking and problem solving. The study involved a survey of patients who have suffered a brain injury from either a stroke or tumour. To explain the results, including the development of two new tests of reasoning, we’re joined by lead author, Dr Joseph Mole from UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Department of Neuropsychology at UCLH.Also in this episode:The origins of water on Earth is challenged in a new studyRapid rise in e-cigarettes 'stalls' ahead of a nationwide ban on single-use vapes, study suggestsTwo new species of dinosaur discovered in China within a 125-million-year-old fossilFor all the latest news head to standard.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 15, 2025 • 8min
Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in anti trust trial
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg could see the tech giant disconnect from Instagram and WhatsApp. Well, that’s the possible outcome from an antitrust trial currently taking place and one that the tech boss is giving evidence to. Scientists have developed AI fingerprint technology to accurately show how cancer cells respond to new drugs, by simply observing changes to their shape. We hear from Chris Bakal, professor of cancer morphodynamics, from the Institute of Cancer Research.Blue Origin: Katy Perry to write a song about her trip to space… Also in this episode:Could hypnotherapy and talking therapy be the best treatments for long-term stomach pain in children?London’s Sycamore Gap? Police called in to investigate ‘criminal’ felling of ancient oak tree amid uproarHate exercising? Researchers say house cleaning and daily living tasks can help protect your heart healthWhen will EA announce Star Wars: Zero Company? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 2025 • 8min
New material makes prosthetics comfier for amputees
London scientists have developed a new material called Roliner which allows amputees to adjust the fit of prosthetic limbs.Our bodies change shape during the day which can be uncomfortable for amputees if their prosthetics don’t fit properly.To find out more, we’re joined by Professor Firat Guder from Imperial’s Department of Bioengineering, one of the researchers behind Roliner. Also in this episode:Spring Statement: Rachel Reeves says £400m will be allocated to 'bring innovative technology to the front line'Could Trump cut tariffs on China to complete a TikTok deal?Why social media has been flooded with Ghibli-style AI-generated imagesAbba ‘adding a little something’ to their avatar arena showsLucky! Two medieval rings found by metal detectorists sell at auction for… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 2025 • 17min
Building on the moon: space architect Sebastian Aristotelis
Fans of the 2015 Ridley Scott film The Martian might enjoy this one… In this episode, we’re joined by Sebastian Aristotelis, co-founder and lead architect of SAGA Space Architects. We discuss the unique challenges of designing habitats for the moon and Mars, including the importance of gravity, atmosphere, and isolation. Sebastian shares his experiences living in extreme environments on Earth to test their designs, as well as the ethical considerations of building on celestial bodies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 25, 2025 • 19min
REPLAY: Magic Mushrooms and Epic Poetry, with Bill Richards (Brave New World Preview)
Bill Richards, a pioneering psychologist and researcher at Johns Hopkins, discusses the fascinating intersection of psychedelics and spirituality. He illuminates how substances like psilocybin can benefit mental health, particularly for cancer patients. The conversation delves into the transformative effects of psychedelics on identity and emotional healing, along with the societal taboos surrounding their use. Richards also explores how mystical experiences can promote a sense of connectedness and self-worth, potentially aiding individuals struggling with addiction and depression.

Mar 21, 2025 • 9min
The impact of Heathrow Substation Fire
Heathrow Airport closed after a fire broke out at a single substation in West London - causing a massive power outage.In today’s episode we hear about the critical role of electrical substations in our infrastructure from Head of Technical Regulations at the Institution of Engineering and Technology Mark Coles.We also find out about the global impact of the closure of one of London’s busiest airports from Principal Research Fellow at University College London’s Air Transportation Systems Group, Dr Lynnette Dray. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 2025 • 10min
US astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore start recovery back on Earth
After nine months on the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have safely returned to Earth on board a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. We’re joined by Dr Keith Siew, Senior Research Fellow at University College London, to discuss the impact of their extended time in space and how their bodies will recover. Also in this episode:Why 79% of UK fintechs are experiencing losses of at least £500,000Lego x Pokemon is on the horizonMercedes tries out Apptronik’s AI humanoid robot Apollo on the factory floorThe Blob Fish has been named Fish of The Year in New Zealand Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 18, 2025 • 9min
What happens to London if climate change gets out of control?
Extremes of temperature are often talked about as part of the concern around climate change but there is a scenario which could see the capital faced with extremely cold weather as the norm and the threat comes in part from a giant, invisible ocean current in the Atlantic.In an interview taken from our sister podcast, The Standard, climate scientist James Stewart explains more about the possibilities….This topic is part of The London Question from The London Standard. You can read James' full article by clicking here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 17, 2025 • 9min
Does the Online Safety Act protect you enough?
The Online Safety Act has come into force today meaning social media platforms must now remove illegal content or face massive fines. But will it actually make the internet safer? Consumer law expert Lisa Webb from Which? joins us to discuss the new rules.Also in this episode:SpaceX capsule Dragon docks at the International Space Station to bring two astronauts stuck in space homeScientists have cracked a 20-year-old mystery that could help develop treatments for Parkinson’sIs the future of computing in our glasses? Meta thinks soGoogle Assistant is disappearing – as Gemini takes overRead our full interview with Tim Peake on the ISS mission, SpaceX, and the future of space exploration.Or listen to the interview on Tech & Science Daily here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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