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
Sep 29, 2024 • 17min
Your Face Belongs To Us - Kashmir Hill | Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize Conversations
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.
Sep 27, 2024 • 25min
Weekly: The case for Arctic geoengineering; world’s oldest cheese
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.
Sep 20, 2024 • 27min
Weekly: Does loneliness really cause ill health?; A time-travelling photon; The supermassive mystery of early black holes
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!
Sep 13, 2024 • 31min
Weekly: Thorin and the lost Neanderthals; Fish that use mirrors; SpaceX’s spacewalk
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.
Sep 9, 2024 • 50min
CultureLab: Amorina Kingdon on the grunting, growling and singing world underwater
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.
Sep 6, 2024 • 26min
Weekly: First living transparent mouse; lab-grown stem cells; Spy balloons
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.
Aug 30, 2024 • 31min
Weekly: Could mpox be the next covid-19?; Science of beat drops; Clothes made from potatoes
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.
Aug 26, 2024 • 41min
CultureLab: Lucy Foulkes on how adolescence shapes us
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.
Aug 23, 2024 • 25min
Weekly: 1 in 5 coma patients have awareness; How to end the opioid crisis; ‘Wow’ space signal…is lasers?
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.
Aug 15, 2024 • 29min
Anxiety Special: The science of anxiety and how to make it work for you
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!
