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
5 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 31min
Weekly: How declining birth rates could shake up society; Humanoid robots; Top prize in mathematics
The podcast discusses declining birth rates globally and their impact on society, advancements in AI humanoid robots like NVIDIA's new chip, unique hunting tactics of California orcas, and mathematician Michel Talagrand winning the Abel prize for his work in randomness and quantum computing.
4 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 20min
Escape Pod: #7 Speed: From the quickest animal in the world to the fastest supercomputer
From the incredible speed of the Peregrine Falcon to the speed of light and Einstein's understanding, this episode explores speed in the natural world and beyond. Learn about the fascinating adaptations of Peregrine Falcons, the historical attempts to measure the speed of light, and the mind-blowing capabilities of Fugaku, the fastest supercomputer in the world.
6 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 30min
Weekly: Gaza’s impending long-term health crisis
The podcast explores Gaza's humanitarian crisis, Mars impacting Earth's oceans, AI-generated music, and powerful phonon lasers for medical imaging. Also, discussions on Europa's potential for hosting life, sequoia tree thriving, and python efficiency in sustainable meat production.
Mar 12, 2024 • 39min
CultureLab: Rebecca Boyle on how the moon transformed Earth and made us who we are
Discover how the moon has shaped Earth, influenced evolution, and impacted human history. From solar eclipses to war-time tragedies, explore the enchanting and mysterious qualities of our celestial companion.
Mar 8, 2024 • 31min
Weekly: Woolly mammoth breakthrough?; The Anthropocene rejected; Bumblebee culture
Podcast discusses woolly mammoth resurrection efforts by creating elephant stem cells, debate over the Anthropocene era start date, US military using AI in conflict decision-making, and bumblebees potentially exhibiting culture through puzzle box experiment.
Mar 5, 2024 • 17min
Escape Pod: #6 All About Warmth: Emotional, Physiological and Geological
Bees generating warmth, geothermal energy, and robots portraying kindness and approachability are explored in this podcast. From the heat of the planet to emotional connections with robots, the team delves into various aspects of warmth.
Mar 1, 2024 • 30min
Weekly: Is personalised medicine overhyped?; Pythagoras was wrong about music; How your brain sees nothing
Debating the overhyped promises of personalized medicine; Pythagoras' flawed music theory; How our brains perceive 'nothing'; Making friends with dogs by mimicking their movements
8 snips
Feb 27, 2024 • 49min
CultureLab: What would life on Mars be like? The science behind TV series For All Mankind
Exploring the challenges and potential of living on Mars, with insights from NASA Astronaut Garrett Reisman and planetary scientist Tanya Harrison. They discuss the science behind the TV series 'For All Mankind' and the dream of human settlement on the Red Planet.
8 snips
Feb 23, 2024 • 28min
Weekly: ADHD helps foraging?; the rise of AI “deepfakes”; ignored ovary appendage
ADHD traits might aid in foraging efficiency according to a study. The rising temperatures on Earth are a growing concern for scientists. AI deepfake technology poses risks such as political impersonations and scams. The rete ovarii, once deemed 'useless,' may play a vital role in fertility.
Feb 21, 2024 • 21min
Escape Pod #5 Sound: Prepare to feel relaxed, tingly and amazed, in the space of 20 minutes
Explore the sounds of elephants communicating in infrasonic frequencies. Learn about ASMR and why people enjoy whispering and crisp packet sounds. Discover audio illusions and the soothing effects of white noise for relaxation.
