The world, the universe and us

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!

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.

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.

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.

Mike Marshall, a journalist and author of the Our Human Story newsletter, dives into captivating discussions. The discovery of the Denisovan skull, nicknamed 'Dragon Man,' could transform our understanding of human evolution. They also decode whale communication, revealing potential parallels with human language. Additionally, rising heatwaves linked to climate change signal an alarming shift, with the UK bracing for unprecedented high summers. Marshall emphasizes the urgency of these issues and their implications for our future.

In this discussion, Chelsea Whyte, a US editor who visited the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, shares insights on the telescope's groundbreaking capabilities aimed at unraveling mysteries of dark matter and energy. The conversation also explores the fascinating world of cyborg technology, highlighting research on tadpole cyborgs and their implications for understanding brain integration. Additionally, the impactful role of drones in modern warfare is examined, focusing on Ukraine's use of these devices to reshape military strategies.

Discover the astonishing $1 trillion worth of platinum hidden on the Moon, raising questions about space mining ethics and challenges. Learn how your brain differentiates reality from imagination, with intriguing implications for conditions like schizophrenia. Dive into the fascinating world of nematodes, where these tiny worms merge to form superorganisms with surprising collective behaviors. Join the conversation about space, cognitive science, and the wonders of nature!

Join science writer Alex Wilkins as he dives into the rapidly expanding world of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications. He discusses the pressing concern of AI's impact on education, where students increasingly rely on chatbots for homework. The conversation also touches on the daunting prospects of artificial general intelligence and superintelligence, raising questions about human exploitation in AI development. Wilkins emphasizes the urgent need for ethical regulations amidst skyrocketing energy demands and the potential erosion of truth.

The impact of smartphones on teen mental health sparks debate, with researchers questioning whether these devices are truly harmful. Meanwhile, the discovery of potential alien life grows more intriguing, as conflicting analyses of signals from the James Webb Space Telescope intensify the discussion. Finally, an immersive art installation at Kew Gardens showcases the intricate world of oak trees, encouraging a deeper connection to nature and raising awareness about their ecological significance.

China is making strides in reducing carbon emissions, challenging its status as the biggest polluter. Meanwhile, a promising vaccine for norovirus, a notorious stomach bug, is showing effectiveness thanks to brave test subjects. Additionally, researchers warn that a chaotic breakup of our solar system could occur, influenced more by passing stars than randomness. Lastly, listen in for a fun demo on how to slice onions without shedding tears!