New Scientist Podcasts

Discover the groundbreaking creation of human blood stem cells in the lab, a potential game changer for blood cancer treatments. Learn about the astonishing technique that turns living mice transparent, providing unique biological insights. Explore the military's intriguing decision to utilize spy balloons for surveillance. Delve into the unexpected consequences of declining bat populations on agriculture and health. Plus, find out about faint light lurking in deep space and the curious sounds experienced by astronauts aboard the Starliner capsule.

A new mpox variant has emerged, sparking global concern and raising questions about pandemic preparedness. Discoveries of rogue planets challenge our understanding of celestial formation. Meanwhile, research reveals how our brains anticipate musical beat drops, linking cognitive responses to our love for diverse genres. Plus, a groundbreaking approach to sustainable fashion is explored, with potato fibers becoming a viable alternative to traditional textiles, potentially reducing the environmental impact of clothing production.

Lucy Foulkes, an adolescent psychologist and author, dives into how teenage years sculpt our identities. She discusses the 'reminiscence bump' and why certain rebellious behaviors, like underage drinking, persist across generations. Foulkes highlights the significance of peer influence on emotional well-being and the complexity of adolescent risk-taking, stressing that these choices aren't merely impulsive. Parents are offered strategies to navigate this tumultuous period, balancing independence with the need for guidance in their teens' lives.

Recent research reveals that 1 in 5 coma patients may have hidden awareness, challenging our understanding of consciousness. A new powerful drug aims to combat the opioid crisis, which claimed over 80,000 lives last year in the U.S. The mysterious Wow! signal from the 70s continues to captivate, with potential explanations ranging from astrophysical phenomena to alien communications. Also, baffling cooling trends in the Atlantic Ocean prompt scientists to rethink climate patterns and their global implications.

Anxiety affects everyone differently and understanding its roots can help you take control. Discover how evolutionary responses shape anxiety and what happens in the brain during those moments. The genetic influences can play a role too, impacting how we experience anxiety. Learn about surprising benefits of anxiety and practical lifestyle changes to manage it better. Plus, find out how embracing eco-anxiety can inspire positive actions for the planet!

Join TV columnist Bethan Ackerley as she shares her top picks for the best science TV of 2024! Discover the unique superhero themes in 'Supacell' and the philosophical depths of 'The 3-Body Problem.' Bethan also explores the emotional impact of the documentary 'Better Off Dead' on assisted dying. Get excited about upcoming shows like 'Severance' season 2 and 'The Last of Us' season 2. With captivating series and documentaries to binge-watch, Bethan ensures you won't run out of options for your next cozy night in!

Geologists have struck gold by drilling deeper into Earth's mantle than ever before, potentially unveiling secrets about the origins of life. Meanwhile, the evolutionary timeline of the 'hobbits' may need a rewrite as new findings suggest they evolved smaller statures much quicker than expected. On a cosmic scale, quantum telepathy could revolutionize stock trading by speeding up transactions at light speed, while a unique terraforming method involving glittery clouds may make Mars more hospitable for humans.

Astrophysicist Jay Farihi from University College London joins for a cosmic adventure about moving the sun. The team explores playful and outlandish ideas, including using black holes as gravity tractors. They tackle the complexities of gravitational dynamics and ponder which planets could be sacrificed. Farihi shares imaginative concepts like sun sails and Dyson Spheres, while playful analogies help explain vast cosmic mechanics. The discussion wraps up with thoughts on the sun's mysteries and the wonders of future space travel.

Explore the ancient origins of life as researchers dissect 3.5 billion-year-old fossils that could redefine our understanding of early bacteria. Dive into the discovery of banana-shaped galaxies that challenge traditional cosmic models, thanks to advanced telescopes. Also, consider the fine line between smartphone use and addiction, especially in teenagers, as experts investigate its impact on mental health. This engaging conversation blends prehistoric mysteries with modern technology.

Carlo Rovelli, an Italian theoretical physicist known for his work on relational quantum mechanics, discusses how the fundamentals of the universe are driven by relationships rather than particles. He explores the political implications of science, suggesting that understanding quantum interactions could foster international collaboration and enhance global citizenship. Rovelli also highlights the importance of cooperation over competition, drawing parallels between nature and human society, and advocating for broadening social networks to improve community engagement.