New Scientist Podcasts

Chris Jury, a coral adaptation researcher at the University of Hawaii, shares promising insights into coral resilience against climate change, despite alarming projections of mass die-offs. Sam Wong uncovers the intriguing story of a 17,000-year-old toddler from Italy, revealing details of his life through ancient DNA. Jacob Aron analyzes modern warfare's shift with drones, discussing their strategic use in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and pondering the implications of autonomous combat. Together, they delve into hope for our planet and the evolution of humanity.

Tom Chivers, a science journalist and author, explores the groundbreaking impact of Bayes' Theorem on our understanding of probability. He discusses Thomas Bayes' life and the unexpected implications of his 18th-century discovery. From disease diagnosis to influencing human decision-making, Chivers reveals how this theorem shapes various fields. He also addresses the struggle to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and the ongoing debates between Bayesian and frequentist methodologies in statistics.

Cat Bohannon, an author focused on how women’s biology has shaped human evolution, shares fascinating insights from her book 'Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution'. She discusses why women’s bodies are under-researched and the intriguing differences in sensory perceptions between genders. Bohannon highlights the need to integrate female perspectives in science, tackles the intersection of sexism and science, and underscores the importance of accurate representation in understanding human health.

In this engaging discussion, Nobel Prize-winning biologist Venki Ramakrishnan dives into his book on aging and mortality. He questions why some creatures enjoy long lives while others do not, exploring the evolutionary significance of aging. Venki also tackles the pressing issue of immortality, discussing emerging technologies and their societal implications. He challenges common misconceptions about aging and highlights the intricate relationship between lifespan and metabolism, prompting thought-provoking reflections on our mortality.

Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, both award-nominated authors, examine the ambitious goal of establishing a human colony on Mars. They tackle the feasibility and ethical concerns of interplanetary life, navigating complex challenges like human reproduction off Earth. The duo dives into the sociopolitical dynamics of creating a Martian company town, drawing parallels with historical precedents. Their journey through rigorous research during the pandemic sheds light on the intersection of fiction and science, all while sharing personal anecdotes and laughs.

Kashmir Hill, an investigative journalist at The New York Times, dives into the controversial world of facial recognition technology and its far-reaching implications for privacy. She uncovers her journey exposing Clearview AI, a secretive startup with a massive facial recognition database. Hill raises alarming questions about the future of personal privacy amidst pervasive surveillance. The conversation also touches on ethical dilemmas in tech innovation and the dangers of sharing images online, particularly involving children.

Delve into the controversial realm of Arctic geoengineering as innovative solutions are explored to combat ice loss. Discover the fascinating cooperative hunting between octopuses and fish, showcasing nature's teamwork. Uncover the astonishing find of 3,500-year-old cheese in China and its implications for ancient human fermentation. Lastly, confront the hidden dangers of microplastics lurking in our bodies, raising questions about their potential health risks and urging a need for environmental action.

Delve into the surprising connections between loneliness and health as researchers reveal it may indicate deeper issues rather than directly causing ailments. Explore the mystery of supermassive black holes and the intriguing role of dark matter in their formation. Witness a photon’s bizarre journey through negative time, raising questions about our understanding of physics. Plus, discover how flower evolution assists bat pollination and the exciting unveiling of a new chameleon species!

In this conversation with Thorin, a Neanderthal skeleton discovered in France, we learn about his significance as one of the last of his kind, providing insights into a previously unknown lineage that thrived in isolation for 50,000 years. Thorin discusses remarkable findings on animal intelligence, highlighting how fish can use mirrors to assess their size before choosing to fight. Additionally, listeners are captivated by the first civilian spacewalk conducted by private astronauts and new discoveries about Martian clouds, enriching our understanding of space exploration.

Amorina Kingdon, an expert in underwater acoustics, dives into the mysterious world beneath the waves. She reveals how sound travels faster in water and is crucial for marine life communication, navigation, and survival. Kingdon discusses the fascinating variety of underwater sounds, including the unique calls of fish and how marine mammals like killer whales use sound to strengthen social bonds. The conversation also touches on the impact of human noise on these ecosystems, highlighting the importance of preserving these delicate underwater soundscapes.