The world, the universe and us
New Scientist
From the evolution of intelligent life, to the mysteries of consciousness; from the threat of the climate crisis to the search for dark matter, The world, the universe and us is your essential weekly dose of science and wonder in an uncertain world. Hosted by journalists Dr Rowan Hooper and Dr Penny Sarchet and joined each week by expert scientists in the field, the show draws on New Scientist’s unparalleled depth of reporting to put the stories that matter into context. Feed your curiosity with the podcast that will restore your sense of optimism and nourish your brain.For more visit newscientist.com/podcasts
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 26min
Scientists discovered a 100,000-year-old organism; Breakthrough brain implant uses AI to treat pain; How climate change leads to revolutions
Alexandra Thompson, a scientist specializing in neurotechnology, discusses an innovative brain implant that uses AI to treat chronic pain. This breakthrough offers targeted relief and has surprising benefits, including improved overall well-being. The conversation also touches on the intriguing discovery of a 100,000-year-old organism found in Siberian permafrost, prompting a reevaluation of life’s resilience. Lastly, they dive into how climate change has historically triggered revolutions, drawing parallels to current social unrest as environmental challenges escalate.
10 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 21min
Could we end winter illness?; Cold fusion’s comeback; The delicious microbiome of chocolate
Michael Le Page, an expert in immunity and viral infections, discusses groundbreaking mRNA-based treatments for boosting our defenses against seasonal illnesses. He explores how a potential inhaler could provide immune protection against viruses like COVID-19. The conversation also revives the controversial cold fusion concept, as researchers explore room-temperature nuclear fusion for future tech. Lastly, dive into the fascinating world of chocolate, where microbes enhance flavors, paving the way for delicious new varieties through fermentation.
28 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 44min
Climate special: How to fix the climate crisis with Tim Lenton and Kate Marvel
In this engaging discussion, climate scientists Kate Marvel and Tim Lenton share their deep commitment to tackling climate change. Marvel explores the complex emotions such as anger and hope in her book, 'Human Nature', while Lenton discusses the concept of 'Positive Tipping Points' and how small actions can drive significant change. They highlight the power of positive emotions in motivating collective action and the critical role of grassroots activism. Both emphasize that, despite the daunting challenges, there is still hope for a sustainable future.
10 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 34min
80 years since Hiroshima: Forgotten victims of the atomic bomb
Jeremy Hsu, a reporter specializing in the legacy of the Manhattan Project, delves into the profound global health consequences stemming from the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He highlights the ongoing risks posed by climate change to nuclear waste and the often-overlooked stories of uranium miners and Korean survivors. The discussion also celebrates the resilience of survivor trees, symbols of hope that continue to grow, demonstrating nature's resilience amidst human tragedy. It's a powerful reflection on history's long shadow.
33 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 28min
Ozempic and Wegovy slow down biological ageing; creation of synthetic bacterium; geology of the Russian earthquake
Michael Le Page, a reporter for New Scientist, joins to discuss groundbreaking topics. Weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy show promise in reversing biological aging—participants in trials experienced a surprising drop in their biological age. Le Page also reveals the creation of a synthetic bacterium with 101,000 genomic alterations, potentially revolutionizing genetic engineering. Finally, he provides insights into the recent rare earthquake off Russia's coast, its geological implications, and how effective tsunami warnings played a crucial role.
11 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 29min
AI wins first gold at maths Olympic games; How mitochondria are linked to sleep; Famous psychology trick works on octopuses too
In this lively discussion, science journalists Alex Wilkins and Alexandra Thompson explore AI's historic gold win at the Maths Olympiad, marking a significant leap in machine reasoning. They dive into the surprising link between mitochondria and sleep, revealing how sleep deprivation impacts these cellular powerhouses. Lastly, they unveil how octopuses can be tricked by the rubber hand illusion, providing a fascinating glimpse into their cognitive abilities. Tune in for a whirlwind of science that challenges our understanding of intelligence and sleep!
8 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 30min
Scientists test engineered microbes to fight disease; Has 1.5 degrees failed?; New theory why we’ve not found aliens
Madeleine Cuff, an environment reporter from New Scientist, dives into groundbreaking research on genetically engineered microbes that successfully reduce kidney stones by breaking down oxalates. She discusses the looming challenge of extending climate targets, especially as the 1.5C goal seems increasingly unattainable. Lastly, Cuff presents a fascinating theory related to the Fermi paradox, proposing that Earth's unique tectonic activity might be why we haven't encountered alien life. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey through health, climate, and cosmic mysteries!
6 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 33min
How geoengineering could save us from climate disaster; Have we broken mathematics?; Why exercise reduces cancer risk
Michael Le Page, a participant in the Global Tipping Points Conference, discusses the urgent need for geoengineering as a solution to potential climate disasters, emphasizing the risks and moral implications involved. Jacob Aron dives into the enigmatic world of Busy Beaver numbers, illustrating their mind-boggling complexity and the community's quest to uncover new insights in mathematics. They also explore how exercise alters the microbiome, revealing its role in reducing cancer risk, with exciting implications for future cancer treatments.
7 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 30min
First full genome of Ancient Egyptian sequenced; Wild killer whales offer gifts to humans; First demonstration of interstellar navigation
Mike Marshall, a writer for New Scientist, discusses the groundbreaking sequencing of an ancient Egyptian genome, revealing genetic ties to Mesopotamia and insights into early Egyptian society. Alex Wilkins shares fascinating research on orcas gifting to humans, raising questions about their capacity for altruism. The conversation also explores the New Horizons spacecraft's innovative interstellar navigation, using stellar parallax to locate itself in the galaxy while introducing the newly discovered object, Atlas.
11 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 30min
Mice with two dads; perfect your sleep with science; how lizards survived dinosaur-killing asteroid
Michael Le Page, a reporter known for his insights into groundbreaking science, discusses a revolutionary experiment showing that healthy mice can be born from two biological fathers. This breakthrough raises exciting possibilities for gay couples wanting biological kids. The conversation also dives into the surprising cognitive benefits of power naps, proving they can boost creativity significantly. Lastly, Le Page shares fascinating details about ancient night lizards, whose survival since the time of dinosaurs sheds light on resilience in the face of extinction.
