Science Weekly

Dr. Michelle Carr is the Director of the Dream Engineering Laboratory and author of *Into the Dream Lab*, specializing in dream science and nightmares. She explores why we dream and what our dreams can teach us about ourselves. The discussion touches on how dreams aid memory consolidation and can serve as rehearsal for waking challenges. Dr. Carr shares tips for influencing dream content and addresses nightmares, discussing their links to stress and trauma, plus the benefits of imagery rehearsal therapy for reducing them.

Dr. Allie Hare, a consultant physician in respiratory and sleep medicine and president of the British Sleep Society, shares her insights on improving sleep quality. She explains how menopause affects sleep due to hormonal changes and stresses the importance of seeking treatment. The discussion covers sleep paralysis triggers and the disturbing link between poor sleep and dementia. Dr. Hare also offers practical tips for better sleep in 2026, emphasizing routines, exercise, and the timing of caffeine and alcohol.

Hannah Devlin, a seasoned science correspondent known for her insights on biomedical, space, and energy stories, joins Ian Sample to discuss future scientific breakthroughs. They dive into the potential of universal anti-venom and groundbreaking gene-editing technologies. The conversation covers the ambitious missions of the Euclid telescope and upcoming space explorations like Artemis II and SpaceX's Mars plans. They also explore the promising advancements in fusion energy, raising hopes for a sustainable power source.

Jillian Ambrose, Guardian's energy correspondent, dives into the U.S. raid on Venezuela, unpacking Trump's claims about stolen oil rights. She reveals why Venezuelan oil is appealing — it's rich in heavy crude and has vast reserves that are currently underutilized. Ambrose also explores the history of U.S. involvement in Venezuela's oil sector, the challenges facing American companies due to outdated infrastructure, and China's strong connection to Venezuelan oil flows. Overall, it’s a captivating look at geopolitics and energy markets.

Kevin Hall, a former physician-scientist renowned for his research on ultra-processed foods and weight regulation, joins the discussion to unravel the intricacies of diet and metabolism. He explains how our bodies resist weight change through metabolic adaptations and the role of appetite. Hall critiques the limited effectiveness of exercise for weight loss and sheds light on the issues with ultra-processed foods that lead to excessive calorie intake. He also recounts his departure from the NIH due to censorship, advocating for scientific integrity in nutrition research.

Prof. Nik Money, a seasoned mycologist and author, dives into the booming world of medicinal mushrooms. He explains the biological wonders of fungi and their relation to molds and yeasts. They discuss the shaky scientific evidence supporting health claims and identify promising research areas like lion's mane and its potential benefits. The popularity of these products is linked to wellness trends and a desire to reconnect with nature. While mushrooms offer some nutritional benefits, Money emphasizes skepticism regarding their medicinal properties.

Matthias Gruber is a researcher at Cardiff University specializing in the neuroscience of curiosity, while Mary Whatley is an assistant professor at Western Carolina University focusing on age-related changes in curiosity. They discuss how curiosity evolves with age, revealing that it becomes more focused rather than diminishing. Curiosity activates brain circuits linked to memory retention and learning, and maintaining it in older age can safeguard cognitive health. However, they caution about the potential risks of curiosity, including vulnerability to misinformation.

In this engaging conversation, Michael Snyder, a professor of genomics at Stanford, dives into the fascinating science of aging. He reveals that aging occurs in three significant bursts around ages 40, 60, and 80. Snyder discusses how metabolism and fat distribution shift in your 40s, while immunity declines in your 60s. He highlights the risks associated with aging, including stem cell loss in the 80s. To mitigate these effects, he advocates for a combo of strength training, a Mediterranean diet, and social connections.

Dame Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a renowned space scientist and educator behind instruments for the James Webb Space Telescope, discusses her upcoming Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. She passionately argues for the probability of life beyond Earth while exploring the challenges of searching for it. The conversation delves into Webb's groundbreaking discoveries and the excitement of exoplanets. Maggie shares her enthusiasm for space travel, contrasting it with the hosts' preferences for Earth, while also offering stargazing tips for the holiday season.

Madeleine Finlay, a science journalist, delves into the contentious debate between sugar and artificial sweeteners. She explains how sugar drives cravings and contributes to various health issues like obesity and diabetes. With insights from experts, she outlines the mixed results from research on sweeteners, revealing both short-term benefits and long-term concerns. The discussion touches on the impact of these substances on gut health and the need for clearer labeling and dietary moderation. In the end, a balanced approach to sweetness is recommended.