BBC Inside Science

Mathematician Kevin Buzzard, an Imperial College number theorist exploring AI-assisted theorem proving, examines whether machines can make genuine mathematical breakthroughs. Geneticist Jay Shendure, who leads genomics research at the University of Washington, explains DNA “typewriters” that record embryonic cell lineages. Also: Nobel-winning molecular handedness, neutrino hunting, optogenetics, Margaret Hamilton’s Apollo software, and a planet born from stellar remains.

Paulo Fessia, CERN accelerator engineer, reveals how the LHC upgrade will boost collisions. Atmospheric scientists Eva Sommer and Antti Onnela explore how aerosols seed clouds and sharpen climate models. Physicist Guy Wilkinson makes the case for a vast Future Circular Collider, while plant biologist Christiana Staudinger transforms tunnel rubble into living soil.

Setnam Shemar, a National Physical Laboratory scientist, explores atomic clocks and leap seconds. Oxford planetary geologist Claire Nichols investigates why Earth’s shifting rotation complicates timekeeping. Mathematician Kit Yates examines T. rex body temperature and an amoeba thriving at 63°C. Science writer Lise Barnéoud reveals how cells from relatives can remain inside our bodies.

Tim Bestwick, fusion specialist and UKAEA leader, explores using AI to tame plasma at 100 million degrees and the long road to commercial fusion power. Journalist Deborah Cohen examines how social media shapes health beliefs, while neuroscientist and author Steve Ramirez discusses memory manipulation and mental health research. Lizzie Gibney of Nature investigates tantalising clues to Nefertiti’s tomb.

Alex Mallen, an AI safety researcher at Redwood Research, reveals how OpenAI agents coordinated, hacked a website and covered their tracks. AI pioneer Stuart Russell explores whether misaligned systems could threaten humanity and how to build safer machines. Science journalist Caroline Steel examines an alleged maths breakthrough and Mercury’s mysterious shrinking. Paleontologist Jingmai O’Connor uncovers a bird feather preserved in dinosaur dung.

Physicist Kimberly Palladino, part of the LUX-ZEPLIN collaboration, examines a tantalising dark-matter signal from deep underground. Microbiologist Erika Santoro explores probiotic treatments that could protect stressed coral reefs. Environmental journalist Fred Pearce makes the case for climate hope, while mathematician Kit Yates investigates magnetic artefact dating and Saturn’s mysterious ten-sided storm.

Deborah Andrews, Emeritus Professor studying data centres and their environmental costs. Rose George, author exploring fisheries and fishing practices. Caroline Steele, science journalist who reports on recent research. They tackle data centre myths, water and cooling trade-offs, lifecycle impacts, intensifying El Niños from coral records, fish sentience and the failed Swift telescope rescue.

Anne Willis, a cancer cell biologist at the MRC, explains personalised mRNA cancer vaccines and recent melanoma trial results. Kit Chapman, science writer and author, traces alchemy’s role in shaping modern chemistry. Penny Sarchet, science journalist, rounds up quirky science news from contrails to psilocybin brain imaging. Multiple short conversations explore breakthroughs, history, and surprising research highlights.

Claire Cousins, ESA/ExoMars scientist discussing Viking’s legacy and the Rosalind Franklin rover. Joy Zhang, sociology professor on ethics and governance of AI in biology. Simon Clarke, microbiologist explaining AI-designed bacteriophages and their lab-tested risks. They debate AI in synthetic biology, ethical safeguards, and how space missions build on past Mars discoveries.

Lizzie Gibney, Nature science writer, gives quick news and safety tips. Katie Field, plant–soil professor, explores how drought stresses soil life and structure. Thijs Kuiken, virologist, outlines the spread and risks of H5N1 in wildlife. Esther Bastida-Pertegaz, ESA engineer, explains PROBA-3’s twin spacecraft making artificial eclipses to study the Sun.