Science Weekly

Hibaq Farah, technology reporter at The Guardian, discusses Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency offering tokens in exchange for eyeball scans, exploring the motives behind the company and government responses. Topics include the problem of proof of personhood, ethical concerns of trusting private companies with personal data, potential risks of a global financial network, and controversies surrounding World Coin.

Mark Jobling, professor of genetics, discusses the sequencing of the Y chromosome and its role in male development, health, fertility, and forensics. Challenges in sequencing due to repeated sequences and degeneration are explored. The importance of the Y chromosome in forensics and surname tracing is highlighted. Unanswered questions about genes in sperm production, gene editing technology, and studying other organisms' sex determination systems are discussed.

Carol Johnston, a professor studying vinegar, discusses the health claims of apple cider vinegar gummies. Topics include vinegar's impact on blood glucose levels for individuals with type 2 diabetes, limited research on weight loss and belly fat, various types of vinegars and the rise of gummies, and the importance of cautious supplement purchases and skepticism towards nutritional advice.

In this episode of Science Weekly, guest Susie, a victim of raptor persecution, shares her experiences. The podcast explores the economic benefits and moral concerns surrounding bird killing, the challenges faced by gamekeepers, the police investigation into wildlife crime, efforts to combat raptor persecution, and the importance of protecting birds like the hen harrier.

Investigating crimes against birds of prey, difficulties in gathering evidence, arranging an interview, the mysterious death of Susie and her chicks, and the mystery of the bird's nest camera.

Susie, a hen harrier whose chicks were killed, is the guest on this episode. They discuss the illegal killing of birds of prey on grouse moors and why it is difficult to solve these crimes. The episode explores the persecution of birds of prey, the impact on conservation, and the personal costs of campaigning on this issue. It also touches on the insults, harassment, and safety concerns faced by activists.

In this episode from March 2023, Ian Sample hears from Scotland’s Astronomer Royal, Prof Catherine Heymans, about her experience of long Covid and how it has affected her life. He also speaks to Prof Danny Altmann, an immunologist at Imperial College London, about the scientific understanding of the condition, and whether we’re any closer to a treatment. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Installing artificial grass is becoming an increasingly popular way to achieve a neat, green lawn without much effort. But with environmental and potential health costs associated with plastic turf, many campaigners and gardeners would like to see it banned. In this episode from April 2023, Madeleine Finlay speaks to Guardian feature writer Sam Wollaston and urban ecologist Prof Rob Francis about why people go for artificial grass, its environmental impact, and whether it’s time we rid ourselves of the idea of the perfect lawn altogether. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

The film Everything Everywhere All at Once won the 2023 Academy Award for Best Picture. In this episode from March 2023, just before the Oscars, Ian Sample spoke to the theoretical physicist and philosopher Sean Carroll about why we seem to be drawn to the idea of multiple worlds, and what the science says about how the multiverse might actually work. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

As the 10th series of the ITV show finishes, viewers may have noticed the perfectly straight, white teeth of the contestants. But are there risks associated with achieving a flawless smile? In this episode from January 2023, Madeleine Finlay speaks to dentist Paul Woodhouse about some of the dangers of dental tourism. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod