Science Weekly

Discover the groundbreaking advancements in lab-grown organs, including the creation of tiny blood vessels, and the ethical dilemmas they present. Dive into the climate crisis faced by Tuvalu, showcasing a pioneering climate visa for citizens relocating to Australia. Explore the emotional ramifications of resettlement and the innovative strategies for preserving sovereignty amid rising seas. Finally, witness the cosmic spectacle of two black holes colliding, opening new doors to understanding the universe's mysteries.

Paul Gringras, a leading consultant in paediatric sleep medicine at King’s College London, discusses the rising trend of parents using melatonin to help their neurodivergent children sleep. He shares insights into melatonin's benefits and concerns surrounding its unsupervised use. Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett adds personal stories of parental desperation as families navigate sleep deprivation and the challenges in accessing proper prescriptions. Together, they emphasize the importance of behavioral interventions over quick fixes with medication in promoting healthier sleep habits.

Eric Holthaus, a meteorologist and climate journalist, joins to discuss the recent catastrophic floods in Texas and the troubling implications of funding cuts to US weather agencies. He highlights how drought conditions and tropical cyclones are intertwining to create severe weather events. Holthaus emphasizes the critical need for effective communication during emergencies and how failures in public notification systems can have tragic consequences. The conversation raises alarm over the challenges in meteorology as climate change accelerates extreme weather patterns.

Join Stephanie Wright, an Associate Professor of Environmental Toxicology at Imperial College London, as she dives into the controversial world of microplastics. Explore why celebrities like Orlando Bloom are opting for costly blood detox treatments. Discover the alarming presence of microplastics in human organs and the ongoing challenges in understanding their health impacts. Wright also offers practical tips on reducing exposure, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research in this critical area of public health.

Lucy Hough, a Guardian journalist who ventured to Brussels to freeze her eggs, shares her personal story of navigating this emotional journey. She discusses the pressures faced by women balancing career ambitions and biological clocks. Joining her is Joyce Harper, a reproductive science professor at University College London, who sheds light on the medical aspects of egg freezing and the rising trend of UK women traveling abroad for more affordable options. Together, they uncover the complexities and motivations behind this growing practice.

Robin Grimes, a Professor of Materials Physics at Imperial College London and former chief scientific advisor for the UK’s Ministry of Defence, delves into the complexities of nuclear weapons in this insightful discussion. He explains the challenging process of uranium enrichment necessary for weaponization. Grimes also addresses the significant geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program and the implications of recent military actions targeting its facilities. He advocates for diplomacy as a crucial strategy in managing these intricate international issues.

Reflecting on 25 years of the human genome, experts discuss its monumental impact on cancer treatment and rare diseases. They explore groundbreaking advancements like genome editing and CRISPR therapy. Current innovations also include whole genome sequencing for newborns and the role of AI in personalized medicine. The conversation highlights both the thrilling possibilities and ethical dilemmas of these scientific breakthroughs, showcasing how far we've come and what the future might hold for genetics.

Scott Sheppard, an astronomer at the Carnegie Institution for Science, dives deep into the cosmic mysteries of our solar system. He discusses the controversial demotion of Pluto and what defines a planet. The conversation heats up with the exploration of strange celestial orbits, hinting at the elusive Planet Nine. With the newly launched Vera C Rubin Observatory, Scott reveals hopes that it might finally solve the mystery of what lies beyond Neptune. This exciting technology could reshape our understanding of planetary science forever.

Nik Money, a mycologist at Miami University and author of 'Moulds, Mushrooms and Medicines,' shares insights on the booming market for medicinal mushroom products. He discusses the hype surrounding mushrooms like lion's mane and reishi, exploring their potential health benefits from mental well-being to energy boosts. However, Money emphasizes the lack of solid scientific evidence backing these claims and highlights the need for more rigorous research. He also humorously recounts his own experience with mushroom products, shedding light on their appeal as alternative health solutions.

Jillian Ambrose, The Guardian's energy correspondent specializing in energy policy and the UK's nuclear sector, joins to discuss the UK's substantial investments in nuclear, particularly the Sizewell C power plant. They delve into the financial journey and challenges faced in its development, including past funding issues. The conversation also addresses nuclear's role in balancing energy needs against renewables for a net-zero future, alongside the complexities of nuclear waste management and the implications of rising energy demands influenced by AI.