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
15 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 36min
First skull of mysterious human ancestor; Decoding whale language; Heatwaves 20x more likely to happen
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.
9 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 31min
Is this the first step to cyborg brains? How drones are reshaping warfare forever; New Vera Rubin observatory goes live
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.
8 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 26min
$1 trillion of platinum on the moon; how your brain distinguishes between reality and imagination; rise of the hyperworm
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!
30 snips
May 30, 2025 • 35min
The real threat of AI - ethics, exploitation and the erosion of truth
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.
11 snips
May 23, 2025 • 23min
Are smartphones really causing mental illness in teens?; More evidence of alien life; Digital oak trees
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.
8 snips
May 16, 2025 • 28min
China’s carbon emissions fall; norovirus vaccine; chaotic breakup of the solar system
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!
18 snips
May 9, 2025 • 28min
Ocean wonders and the new arguments against deep-sea mining; biophotons emitted from living things; drumming chimps and the origin of religion
Explore the unseen depths of the ocean where 99.999% remains a mystery due to the controversial push for deep-sea mining. Delve into biophotons, the faint light emitted by living organisms, potentially linking life signs and disease detection. Discover how chimps rhythmically drum on trees, communicating their emotions, and possibly hinting at the origins of music and ritual. These fascinating discussions highlight our relationship with the environment, the mysteries of life and death, and the evolution of communication.
8 snips
May 2, 2025 • 29min
Is our understanding of light completely wrong? Two consciousness theories go head-to-head; decoding dolphin whistles
Chelsea Whyte, a physicist, delves deep into the double-slit experiment, suggesting that our understanding of light as a wave may be fundamentally flawed. The discussion heats up as dark photons emerge as possible game-changers in quantum mechanics. Transitioning from light to the mind, the conversation ponders two competing theories of consciousness, examining complex studies that probe what it truly means to be aware. Finally, discover how a groundbreaking study decodes dolphin whistles, revealing their intricate social structure and ability to 'name' themselves.
8 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 42min
Weekly: Why the climate crisis is an issue of injustice and inequality
Friederike Otto, co-founder of the World Weather Attribution project, and Joyce Kimutai, a climate scientist from Kenya, delve into the intertwined issues of climate justice and extreme weather. They discuss how climate attribution has evolved to highlight the link between climate change and catastrophic events. The conversation shifts to the urgent need for wealthy nations to compensate poorer countries disproportionately affected by climate crises. Legal avenues for holding corporate polluters accountable are explored, emphasizing the potential impact of ongoing climate litigation.
8 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 29min
Weekly: First brain engineering in a mammal; landmark in fossil fuel lawsuits, the legacy of Pope Francis
James Dinneen, a climate scientist, discusses groundbreaking research linking emissions from major fossil fuel companies to significant economic damages caused by climate change. He reveals how recent advancements allow scientists to pinpoint the exact financial impact these companies have had on the planet. The conversation also touches on the first successful genetic engineering of mammal brain synapses, promising potential mental health benefits, and reflects on the legacy of Pope Francis as a climate advocate, questioning how his views will influence future leaders.
