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
33 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 29min
How mRNA vaccines teach your body to kill cancer; Grim state of climate action; Why birds sing the dawn chorus
Michael Le Page, a science journalist, discusses how mRNA vaccines have unexpectedly improved cancer immunotherapy outcomes, nearly doubling survival rates. Meanwhile, Sophie Boehm, a climate researcher, highlights alarming findings from the State of Climate Action 2025 report, revealing failures to meet Paris climate goals. They share the urgency of addressing issues like deforestation and coal reliance, while emphasizing the importance of global climate accountability. Lastly, they explore why birds sing at dawn, unveiling intriguing theories tied to light, melatonin, and social dynamics.
19 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 28min
Neuroscience of reality; Quest for dark matter; Folklore of geoscience (New Scientist Live Special)
In this engaging discussion, Anjana Khatwa, an Earth scientist and author, links Western geoscience with indigenous stories, revealing how Hawaiian volcanic folklore connects with geological processes. Chamkaur Ghag, a particle physicist, shares insights about the LZ Dark Matter Experiment and underground detection challenges for elusive dark matter particles. Daniel Yon, a neuroscientist, explores how our brain shapes perception, influencing beliefs and susceptibility to conspiracy theories, while discussing the implications of reduced trust in our mental frameworks.
37 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 34min
First climate tipping point triggered; Man controls another person's body by brain implant; health worries over sumo wrestlers
Madeleine Cuff, an environment reporter for New Scientist, shares alarming insights on coral dieback as the first major climate tipping point is reached, highlighting its catastrophic global effects. Carissa Wong, a science journalist, discusses groundbreaking brain implant technology that enabled a paralyzed man to control another's hand, opening discussions on rehabilitation and ethical concerns. Sumo expert John Gunning reflects on the unique challenges and health risks of sumo wrestling, emphasizing the sport's impact on longevity and proposed safety measures.
19 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 54min
Space 2075: How Humanity Will Live, Work and Make Drugs off-planet | Live Recording at the Royal Society
Join Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, as she shares her exhilarating journey in space and highlights how weightlessness affects the human body. Irene Di Giulio discusses her work towards making space accessible for astronauts with disabilities, exploring innovative projects like the ESA FLY initiative. Meanwhile, Katie King reveals how microgravity can revolutionize drug manufacturing, potentially leading to at-home cancer treatments. Together, they envision a future where humans thrive in space, leveraging technology for exploration and healthcare.
13 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 43min
How Jane Goodall changed the world; How the universe ends; How “selfish sperm” affect male fertility
Primatologist Alejandra Pascual-Garrido shares her experiences working alongside Jane Goodall, highlighting her groundbreaking research on chimpanzee tool use and lifelong advocacy for conservation. The discussion shifts to theoretical astrophysicist Katie Mack as she explores fascinating cosmic scenarios for the universe's end, from heat death to dark energy implications. Finally, insights on how older fathers' aging sperm mutations can impact offspring health reveal surprising risks and the phenomenon of 'selfish sperm' driving genetic issues.
24 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 31min
Emergency in Antarctica; How movement changes the brain; Why women live longer than men
In this discussion, science journalist Madeleine Cuff reveals alarming data on the dramatic temperature rises in Antarctica, exploring the implications for the polar vortex and sea ice loss. Meanwhile, science writer Caroline Williams delves into fascinating mobile EEG research, discovering how movement affects our brain's auditory attention. The talk also touches on why women generally outlive men, linking it to sex chromosomes and intriguing studies from birds. It’s a captivating mix of climate science, brain research, and the mysteries of life span.
24 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 34min
Skull rewrites story of human evolution; Autism and Tylenol; discovery of wind coming from black hole
Michael Marshall, a science writer and reporter, dives into the groundbreaking reconstruction of the Yunxian fossil skull, suggesting human evolution may have begun in Asia rather than Africa. He explains how features of this ancient skull differ from Homo erectus and what it means for our understanding of Denisovans. The discussion also addresses recent claims about Tylenol's link to autism, debunking myths with scientific evidence. Finally, they unveil the surprising discovery of winds from Sagittarius A*, transforming perceptions of our galaxy's black hole.
15 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 33min
The evolutionary price we pay for longer lives; the asteroid coming VERY close to Earth; how dinosaurs shaped the ecosystem
In this engaging discussion, guest Alex Wilkins, a science journalist specializing in astronomy, dives into the evolutionary trade-offs we face for longevity, particularly the double-edged sword of inflammation. He explains how our immune system promotes longer lives but can lead to chronic health issues. The conversation shifts to the asteroid Apophis, set to pass close to Earth in 2029, exploring its significance for planetary defense. Lastly, Alex reveals how dinosaurs were ecosystem engineers, reshaping landscapes and rivers long before their extinction.
21 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 30min
Why we can't announce life on Mars (yet); The Romans' impact on the British economy; Link between exercise and your microbiome
In this conversation, Mike Marshall, a science writer discussing Roman history, unveils surprising evidence that the withdrawal of the Romans from Britain wasn't as catastrophic as once thought; instead, it may have sparked a metalworking boom. Meanwhile, Sanjeev Gupta, an extraterrestrial geologist, shares thrilling insights from NASA's latest findings on Mars, suggesting signs of past microbial life. They also explore the fascinating link between weightlifting and gut health, revealing how exercise can boost beneficial bacteria in our microbiome.
25 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 31min
First complete map of brain activity; Queen ant lays eggs of another species; The perils of scrolling while on the toilet
A groundbreaking study reveals the first complete map of mouse brain activity, shedding light on how decision-making is distributed across brain regions. In a bizarre twist, queen ants are laying eggs that produce male offspring of a different species, showcasing unusual reproductive strategies. Plus, new research warns that scrolling on your phone while on the toilet could increase your risk of hemorrhoids by 50%. Embrace these fascinating insights into brain science, ant evolution, and modern health habits!
