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
Oct 2, 2024 • 17min
Eve - Cat Bohannon | Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize Conversations
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.
Oct 1, 2024 • 20min
Why We Die by Venki Ramakrishnan - Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize Conversations
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.
Sep 30, 2024 • 17min
A City on Mars by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith - Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize Conversations
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.
Sep 29, 2024 • 16min
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 • 26min
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 • 30min
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 • 49min
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 • 25min
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 • 30min
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.
