Science Weekly

Albert van Dijk, a Professor of water science and management at the Australian National University, delves into the alarming trends of 'weather whiplash' affecting California and beyond. He explains how rising temperatures are causing unpredictable swings between floods and fires, particularly during what should be wet seasons. The conversation highlights the impact of a disrupted water cycle, with extreme rainfall and drought coexisting. Van Dijk emphasizes the need for effective water management strategies to combat these escalating climate challenges.

Gloria Mark, a Professor of Informatics at UC Irvine and author of Attention Span, discusses the alarming decline in our ability to focus, revealing that office workers' attention spans have plummeted from 2.5 minutes to just 47 seconds in two decades. She connects this trend to the pervasive influence of digital distractions. Mark believes we can reclaim our concentration with practical strategies like taking breaks and utilizing visual reminders. She also explores how personality traits shape our attention, advocating for a rethinking of how we approach focus.

Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist and sleep physician, dives into the biological underpinnings of what we consider the 'deadly sins.' He discusses how sloth isn't just laziness but a biological response, emphasizing the brain's role in fatigue. The conversation also uncovers the complex links between appetite and envy, revealing genetic influences on gluttony and the impact of social networks on obesity. Leschziner even touches on the controversial 'warrior gene' and its connection to aggression, challenging our notions of morality and free will.

Julian Baggini, a philosopher and author focused on food and philosophy, teams up with Nicola Guess, an academic dietitian from the University of Oxford. They dive into the recent obsession with glucose tracking for personalized nutrition. Discussions revolve around the complexities of blood glucose and its connection to health, challenging the superficiality of nutritionism. They also critique the use of continuous glucose monitors, highlighting their limitations for healthy individuals and advocating for a holistic approach to nutrition that goes beyond just glucose data.

Tim Stockwell, a leading expert on alcohol research at the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, challenges the popular notion that moderate drinking is beneficial. He discusses the flawed methodologies behind studies suggesting health benefits, revealing biases that can distort perceptions. The conversation dives into the dual nature of alcohol—its history as a societal staple and its serious health risks. Stockwell aligns alcohol use with smoking in mortality concerns, urging a reevaluation of how we perceive alcohol's safety and risks.

Josh Davis, a science writer at the Natural History Museum and author of "A Little Gay Natural History," dives into the fascinating realm of sexual diversity in the animal kingdom. He highlights overlooked same-sex behaviors in species like penguins and dolphins. Davis discusses the historical suppression of such findings in science, and how these insights challenge traditional views on human sexuality. By exploring these behaviors, he emphasizes the need to embrace the rich variety of nature as a means to rethink human perspectives on sexual diversity.

Dr. Saul Newman, an interdisciplinary researcher from University College London and Oxford, shares fascinating insights into the complexities of human longevity. He reveals that claims of extraordinary lifespans often originate from areas with inaccurate records and highlights discrepancies in blue zones like Greece. Delving into the impact of poverty on age reporting, he challenges common misconceptions about centenarians. With his Ig Nobel Prize-winning research, Newman emphasizes the need for skepticism in the study of aging, combining humor with serious scientific inquiry.

Dr. Chris van Tulleken, an infectious disease doctor at University College London and advocate against ultra-processed foods, discusses the alarming health risks associated with these foods, likening their dangers to smoking. He reflects on the historical evolution of food processing and its impact on our health, particularly during crises. Van Tulleken shares insights from his upcoming Christmas lectures, suggesting we rethink our dietary choices for a healthier future. He also offers clever tips for enjoying holiday meals with less guilt.

Catherine Heymans, the Astronomer Royal for Scotland and a professor of astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh, explores the perplexing Hubble tension—conflicting measurements impacting the universe's expansion rate. She discusses dark matter and energy's roles in this cosmological crisis and reflects on insights from the James Webb Space Telescope. The conversation also touches on the importance of observational accuracy and intriguing concepts like primordial magnetic fields and early dark energy that could reshape our understanding of the cosmos.

Winfried Hensinger, a leading expert on quantum technologies at the University of Sussex, dives into Google's new Willow quantum chip. This chip can complete tasks in five minutes that would take traditional computers 10 septillion years. Hensinger discusses the implications of this leap for industries like pharmaceuticals and medical imaging. He also explores the fundamental principles of quantum physics, the potential applications of this technology, and the competitive race to achieve breakthroughs in quantum computing.