Episode 293The future of NASA and of US science is under threat, following cuts made by the Trump administration. Johns Hopkins University lost $800 million in grants this week which will impact the health of people all over the world. At the same time, there’s chaos at NASA where the budget is set to be cut in half, with multiple people losing their jobs overnight. What missions will we have to sacrifice - and will NASA survive?As we pump ever increasing amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, some people argue this is actually a benefit to the world’s plant life. As carbon dioxide rises, photosynthesis can increase - but only up to a point. New research shows there’s a limit to this effect and many, many consequences. One study on trees suggests rising CO2  levels could impact the carbon storage capacity, and the lifespan, of the world’s forests.Our understanding of memory has been flipped on its head. Researchers have been looking into a memory illusion that warps our perception of time. In a clever experiment, they’ve shown that experiencing something multiple times not only makes our memory of it stronger, but also makes us think it’s an older memory too. Find out what’s happening - and how there is no single thing as “memory”. Chapters:(00:21) The future of NASA(6:52) Photosynthesis collapse(19:59) The mystery of memoryHosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Jacob Aron, Madeleine Cuff, Sophie Berdugo, Rob MacKenzie, Gustaf Degan, Ian Billick and Alex Easton.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sophie Berdugo, a recent PhD graduate specializing in chimp behavior, shares fascinating insights from her research in Guinea. She reveals surprising similarities between chimps and bonobos, especially in their use of sexual interactions for social cohesion. Beyond this, she discusses chimps' unique tool use for cracking nuts, a vital skill that's at risk of extinction. The conversation also delves into groundbreaking archaeological findings that push back the timeline of ancient human tool use, reshaping our understanding of evolution and innovation.

Catherine de Lange, a sleep science expert, and Alison George, a science journalist focused on the microbiome, dive into the intricacies of our sleep patterns. They challenge the belief that modern humans sleep less than hunter-gatherers, revealing surprising truths about sleep efficiency. The duo discusses the elusive nature of sleep debt and its effects on health, alongside the fascinating link between our gut microbiome and sleep quality. They also evaluate sleep tech, including trackers, and share dietary tips to enhance sleep, from polyphenol-rich foods to gut health.

Mice are performing CPR-like actions to save their buddies, revealing unexpected empathy in these creatures. Scientists are also making tiny human brains in labs, raising ethical questions about consciousness and pain. Meanwhile, wood is being transformed into sustainable materials, from skyscrapers to innovative bio-based hair conditioners. The podcast dives into these fascinating developments, showcasing how animals and technology intersect in surprising ways.

Researchers have successfully revived frozen mouse brains, opening doors to the future of cryonics and human preservation. A looming asteroid, 2024 YR4, poses a potential collision threat to Earth, prompting global monitoring efforts. Farmers are joining the fight against climate change by enhancing rock weathering techniques, while a delightful phenomenon known as 'dessert tummy' reveals how our brains make room for sweet treats, even after a hearty meal. Discover the intersection of science, ethics, and our cravings!

Dive into the tumultuous landscape of American science as government actions threaten access to vital climate data and health discussions. Discover how researchers are decoding whale songs, revealing astonishing similarities to human language, and ponder what it means for interspecies communication. Plus, find out the science behind boiling the perfect egg with a method that promises delicious consistency. This blend of politics, animal linguistics, and culinary science will keep you engaged and wondering!

In this discussion, Jeremy Hsu, a reporter for New Scientist, dives into the rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model that rivals ChatGPT at a fraction of the cost. He explains the innovative technologies behind DeepSeek and its implications for the AI arms race. The conversation also tackles the alarming rise in ocean temperatures, attributed to accelerated heat absorption. Lastly, there's a light-hearted exploration of Amazon river dolphins engaging in an unusual urine projection behavior, shedding light on their unique social interactions.

Explore the controversial withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and its unclear impact on climate action and global health. Discover the nocebo effect, where negative expectations can lead to real health issues. Dive into groundbreaking research revealing that deep-sea metallic nodules might be producing oxygen, challenging existing theories. Plus, gain insights into how drug perceptions can alter treatment experiences, and learn about a new exhibition celebrating the significance of soil in our ecosystem.

Discover how new archaeological findings reveal that Iron Age women were pivotal figures in Celtic society, challenging long-held beliefs. Learn about 'climate whiplash' and its role in the devastating wildfires across Los Angeles, showcasing the urgent need to address climate change. And, take a humorous journey through the resurrection of the world’s first chatbot, ELIZA, exploring its limited interactions compared to modern AI, as well as the intriguing emotional connections people are forming with AI companions.

Michael Le Page, an expert on gene editing, dives into the controversial world of CRISPR, discussing its potential to create disease-resistant humans and the ethical dilemmas it poses, including fears of eugenics. The conversation takes a serious turn with the first reported U.S. bird flu death, raising alarms about the virus's evolving threat. In a lighter segment, physicists explore the science behind perfecting the classic dish cacio e pepe, combining culinary arts with physics for a delicious twist.