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
40 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 31min
Why does America want Greenland?; Mystery of dark DNA; Ozempic weight rebound
The U.S. has its sights set on Greenland for its strategic resources and potential military advantages, despite climate challenges. A fascinating study reveals that much of our DNA may be inactive or 'junk', raising questions about evolution and genetic modification. Insightful findings suggest that fiber can improve sleep quality through gut health. Lastly, there's a concerning trend where users of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic quickly regain lost pounds after stopping. Explore the implications of these intriguing topics!
21 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 33min
Humans are finally heading back to the moon; Cheaper weight loss drugs are coming; Milestone for LSD trials; Promise of new carbon tax
Jacob Aron, a science writer known for his insights into spaceflight, shares thrilling updates about NASA's Artemis II lunar mission and SpaceX's Mars plans. He discusses the challenges of lunar landings and the future of commercial space stations. Meanwhile, Alexandra Thompson, a research journalist, delves into the groundbreaking phase 3 trials of LSD for anxiety treatment, highlighting its potential to rewire the brain and the promising results expected. They also touch on the upcoming availability of affordable weight-loss drugs and a new carbon border tax for emissions regulation.
29 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 24min
Best science TV, film and books of 2025 | The New Scientist culture review
Join Alison Flood, a culture editor and journalist, and Bethan Ackley, a TV and film reviewer, as they dive into the must-watch films and must-read books of 2025. Alison recommends thought-provoking reads like 'Every Version of You' and 'The Last Neanderthal,' while Bethan praises the gritty maturity of 'Andor Season 2' and the breathtaking beauty of 'Ocean' with David Attenborough. Expect discussions on climate change narratives and how storytelling shapes our understanding of humanity!
14 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 60min
Top Science Stories of 2025 | The New Scientist Features Special
In this discussion, Claudia Canavan, Head of Features at New Scientist, dives into Bryan Johnson's ambitious six-and-a-half-hour morning routine for longevity. Kat DeLonge highlights the overlooked diagnosis of autism in girls, linking it to biases and mental health. Joshua Howgego tackles a radical quantum theory proposing reality without space or time, and intriguing ancient DNA findings reveal the mysteries behind the vanished LRJ people. These fascinating insights challenge perceptions across science and psychology.
30 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 33min
Orcas and dolphins are now hunting together; Genetic root of psychiatric conditions; Black hole stars and cosmic ecology
Journalist Alec Luhn shares startling observations of orcas and dolphins forming an unlikely partnership to hunt massive chinook salmon, sparking conversations about interspecies cooperation. Meanwhile, science writer Michael Le Page reveals groundbreaking research classifying 14 psychiatric conditions into five genetic clusters, promising new insights for treatment. Astrophysics journalist Alex Wilkins dives into how supernovae might be crucial for planetary formation and shares fascinating discoveries about black hole stars captured by the James Webb Telescope.
27 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 25min
How exercise shrinks tumours and starves cancer; Weird molecules found on comet 3I/ATLAS; Einstein v Bohr on the nature of light
Joining the discussion are Alex Wilkins, a science journalist focused on astronomy, and Jacob Aron, who specializes in physics. They explore groundbreaking research showing that exercise can shrink tumors in mice by up to 60% by starving cancer cells of glucose. Alex dives into the surprising chemical findings from comet 3I/ATLAS, revealing its potential implications for the origin of life. Jacob sheds light on the resolution of the century-old Einstein-Bohr debate, showcasing how a recent experiment has validated Bohr's theory about the dual nature of light.
26 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 39min
The evolution of sperm and the enduring mystery of the scrotum; How our brain rewires itself 4 times in life; The (real) disaster scenarios of imminent climate breakdown
Sam Wong, an insightful science reporter, dives into the fascinating evolutionary journey of sperm, revealing surprising origins that predate animals. Health reporter Carissa Wong discusses groundbreaking MRI research showing that our brains undergo significant rewiring at four key life stages, with implications for understanding mental health. Michael Le Page shares alarming insights from the National Emergency Briefing, where experts warned about escalating climate risks, including starvation and societal chaos, yet offered messages of hope and empowerment for effective action.
10 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 31min
The origin and evolution of music: Steve Pretty plays the conch
Steve Pretty, a talented musician and bandleader of the Hackney Colliery Band, takes us on a captivating journey into the world of conch shells and music's origins. He performs live, showcasing how conches can produce various notes through clever manipulation of air pressure. Steve dives into the evolution of music, positing it may predate language, and explains the cultural significance of music across societies, from ceremonies to emotional expressions. Plus, his insights on the co-evolution of instruments and spaces deepen our understanding of sound.
21 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 45min
New genome of ancient human; 95% of us have a dormant virus that causes disease; Formula E cars faster than F1; Bill Bryson joins the pod!
Bestselling science writer Bill Bryson joins the discussion, sharing insights from revising his acclaimed work, including shocking updates on Denisovans and new astronomical discoveries. Meanwhile, Alec Luhn dives into the race between Formula E and traditional F1 cars, revealing how electric vehicles are closing the performance gap. They explore our dormant Epstein-Barr virus and its surprising links to autoimmune diseases. Bryson’s journey in making science accessible is a highlight, as well as the thrilling advancements in electric motorsport technology.
11 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 29min
Why the claims about Hitler’s genome are misleading
Turi King, a geneticist known for her forensic DNA work, explores the implications of sequencing Adolf Hitler's genome. She addresses the risks of genetic determinism, emphasizing that DNA does not dictate behavior. Historian Alex Kay adds historical context, cautioning against sensationalism and the importance of understanding Hitler's upbringing. New Scientist reporter Michael Le Page critiques the documentary's framing, highlighting how it could mislead viewers into overemphasizing genetics rather than understanding the broader societal factors at play.
