Physics World Weekly Podcast

Delve into the cutting-edge achievements in physics for 2024, featuring groundbreaking research in nuclear physics, quantum computing, and medical physics. Discover innovative imaging techniques using quantum entanglement to enhance biological visualization and personalize lung cancer treatment. Learn about China's Chang'e 6 mission and its revealing samples from the moon’s far side, as well as major advancements in particle physics, including antimatter research and graphene’s potential. Explore breakthroughs in quantum computing that tackle error correction for a more powerful technological future!

In this engaging discussion, Alastair Hibbins, a metamaterials expert from the University of Exeter, and Claire Dancer, a commercialization guru from the University of Warwick, dive into the transformative world of metamaterials. They reveal innovative applications like soundproof materials and advanced mobile lenses. The duo shares insights on the UK Metamaterials Network, highlighting its growth and impact on research and industry. They also express excitement about future collaborations and the welcoming of their thousandth member by 2025.

Climate science and astronomy have much in common, and this has inspired the astrophysicist Travis Rector to call on astronomers to educate themselves, their students and the wider public about climate change. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, Rector explains why astronomers should listen to the concerns of the public when engaging about the science of global warming. And, he says the positive outlook of some of his students at the University of Alaska Anchorage makes him believe that a climate solution is possible. Rector says that some astronomers are reluctant to talk to the public about climate change because they have not mastered the intricacies of the science. Indeed, one aspect of atmospheric physics that has challenged scientists is the role that clouds play in global warming. My second guest this week is the science journalist Michael Allen, who has written a feature article for Physics World called “Cloudy with a chance of warming: how physicists are studying the dynamical impact of clouds on climate change”. He talks about climate feedback mechanisms that involve clouds and how aerosols affect clouds and the climate. Rector is editor of the book Climate Change for Astronomers: Causes, consequences, and communication. It was published earlier this year by IOP Publishing – which also brings you Physics World

Joanne O’Meara, a medical physicist at the University of Guelph and a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for science outreach, shares her passion for science communication and plans to open a new science center. Burcu Saner Okan, principal investigator at Sabanci University’s Sustainable Advanced Materials Research Group, discusses sustainable graphene production techniques, highlighting the use of recycled materials and the importance of a circular economy. Together, they reveal the beauty of physics in everyday life and innovative outreach strategies.

James Welsh, a radiation oncologist and author, discusses the biological impacts of space radiation on astronauts, revealing surprising resilience in human bodies compared to sensitive spacecraft electronics. He stresses that electronic failure may limit space missions more than health issues. Physicists Biju Patla and Neil Ashby present their innovative approach to establishing a lunar time system using atomic clocks, aiming to facilitate navigation and coordination on the Moon, with aspirations for a similar system on Mars.

Robert Hoye, an inorganic chemist from the University of Oxford, and Nakita Noel, a physicist specializing in perovskite materials, dive into sustainable solar energy. They define sustainability in photovoltaics, addressing challenges like material sourcing and recyclability. The discussion highlights the potential of perovskite materials for high-efficiency solar cells and the importance of collaboration in solar technology's future. They also emphasize the necessary investment in research to push sustainable advancements in energy conversion.

Peter Hirst, Senior Associate Dean at MIT Sloan School of Management, sheds light on the necessity of soft skills for STEM professionals. He discusses how traditional STEM training often overlooks essential leadership qualities. Hirst emphasizes the significance of tailored educational programs that bridge science and management to enhance leadership efficacy. He also touches on groundbreaking management practices at the Broad Institute during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating how organizational skills can significantly boost scientific outcomes.

Julia Sutcliffe, the Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK government’s Department for Business and Trade, has an impressive background in systems engineering at British Aerospace, focusing on robotics and AI. She discusses her journey from academia to government, emphasizing the role of evidence in policymaking. Sutcliffe stresses the importance of collaboration and systems thinking, urging for science to be integrated into mainstream dialogue to fuel innovation. She highlights the need for inclusivity in science and engineering, encouraging newcomers to embrace opportunities.

Carsten Welsch, an accelerator physicist and director of LIV.INNO, and Andreea Font, a computational astrophysicist, dive into the unique PhD training offered at LIV.INNO. They discuss the importance of equipping students with skills in high-performance computing and machine learning for diverse careers beyond academia. The duo highlights the significance of industry placements and interdisciplinary collaborations, especially in applying data science to fields like healthcare and agriculture. They also touch upon the evolving role of AI in education, emphasizing the need for critical analysis of information.

Anil Ananthaswamy, author of "Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Maths Behind Modern AI", dives into the recent Nobel Prize awarded to John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton for their pioneering work in machine learning. He explains their foundational contributions and the surprising intersection of AI and physics. The conversation also touches on Hinton's warnings about AI's potential risks and the growing need for regulation, while exploring the exciting role of Boltzmann machines in generative AI and their connection to physical principles.