BBC Inside Science

Public protests erupt over Bovaer, a cow feed additive designed to cut methane emissions, with viral videos showing discarded dairy products. Experts dissect the science behind methane production in ruminants and the effectiveness of Bovaer amidst safety debates. Meanwhile, billionaire ambitions for space colonization raise questions about solving Earth's environmental challenges. Discussions on failed UN negotiations highlight the plastic waste crisis, while orcas amusingly sport salmon hats, signaling complex concerns for both the whales and their food supply.

In this enlightening conversation, Steve Fletcher, a Professor specializing in plastic pollution, joins to discuss the pressing issues surrounding flood forecasting. They probe into recent flood events in Pontypridd, questioning the effectiveness of current warning systems. Delving into the relationship between our microbiomes and social ties, they also explore how shared microbes can influence health. Plus, they tackle the urgent need for sustainable plastic solutions amidst the global pollution crisis and the mixed outcomes of the latest climate summit.

Benjamin Neimark, a senior lecturer at Queen Mary University, discusses the daunting carbon footprint of warfare, emphasizing how conflicts in places like Ukraine and Gaza significantly impact climate change. He advocates for transparency in military emissions reporting, revealing the urgent need for accurate data to assess environmental costs. Meanwhile, Sarah Facey highlights the destructive eight-toothed spruce bark beetle, which threatens Christmas tree supplies and illustrates climate change's broader ecological threats. Together, they shed light on how war and nature intertwine with dire consequences.

In this engaging discussion, Jane Goodall, the renowned conservationist and primatologist, reflects on her lifelong work with chimpanzees and the urgent need for climate action as COP29 approaches. Simon Middleborough dives into the alarming shortage of medical isotopes crucial for cancer diagnosis, explaining how aging reactors impact health outcomes. Volcanologist Robin George Andrews tackles the bold idea of disposing of nuclear waste in volcanoes, uncovering its feasibility. This captivating conversation intertwines wildlife conservation with pressing medical and environmental issues.

Joanna Depledge, an expert in international climate negotiations, joins climate change professor Mark Maslin and energy policy professor Jim Watson to tackle the effectiveness of climate summits. They assess the current urgency around COP29 and discuss the challenges of achieving meaningful outcomes. The trio dives into the historical context of major agreements like Kyoto and Paris, and the impacts of political shifts, highlighting the crucial role of climate finance. They also explore the unique dynamics of negotiations, including how even food and ambiance can influence discussions at these critical meetings.

Join Tim O’Brien, an astrophysicist and space enthusiast at Jodrell Bank, as he takes us on a cosmic Halloween adventure. Discover what celestial wonders light up the dark night sky and explore the fascinating world of medicinal leeches, reshaping our understanding of these often-misunderstood creatures. Delve into the spooky science behind zombie folklore, parasites, and the shocking problem of pumpkin waste, urging sustainable alternatives for our Halloween festivities. It's a delightful blend of science, myths, and ecological wisdom!

Sir Andre Geim, Nobel Prize winner and co-discoverer of graphene, reflects on the journey of this revolutionary material from its simple discovery to its potential yet unrealized applications. He discusses graphene's promising uses in sports gear and construction, as well as innovations like graphene-enhanced wool insulation. Geim also addresses the balance between initial expectations and the modest pace of integration into everyday products, while sharing anecdotes about the excitement and skepticism surrounding graphene's commercial future.

Mark Maslin, a climate scientist from University College London, dives into the alarming collapse of Earth's natural carbon sinks, crucial for absorbing half of our pollution. He discusses the dire need for reforestation and enhancing these ecosystems amidst a climate crisis fueled by greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside this, the podcast touches on a controversial Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to AI researchers and explores the fascinating impact of gaming on cognitive skills versus traditional exercise.

Brittany Schmidt, a NASA astrobiologist on the Europa Clipper mission, joins Ben Lam, CEO of Colossal Biosciences, and Tori Herridge, an expert on mammoths. They dive into the fascinating realm of de-extinction, focusing on the potential resurrection of woolly mammoths. The discussion touches on the ethical and ecological implications of bringing back extinct species. Additionally, insights on the Europa Clipper's quest for signs of extraterrestrial life highlight the intersection between space exploration and life beyond Earth.

Paul Eakins, an expert in energy policy, discusses the closure of the UK’s final coal-fired power station and its potential to usher in a new era of renewable energy. Deborah Greaves emphasizes the necessity of advancing wind and solar technologies for a clean future. Meanwhile, Hugo Spears sheds light on human navigation in public spaces, revealing fascinating insights into our emotional responses. Finally, zoologist Jules Howard analyzes the social media phenomenon surrounding Moo Deng, the endangered pygmy hippo, and its effects on conservation awareness.