The Science Show

In an electrifying episode of the Science Show, find out how getting struck by a bolt from the heavens can help at least one species of tall tree not only survive, but thrive. Then step back in time to solve a tool-making mystery in Samoa and discover hidden treasures in centuries-old books — including a bubonic plague flea.

Laura Dreesen, a radio astronomer at the University of Sydney, discusses the groundbreaking advancements brought by the James Webb Space Telescope. She highlights its achievements in revealing distant galaxies and the early universe's secrets. The podcast dives into how infrared astronomy differs from visible light and the significant role it plays in cosmic discoveries. Dreesen also shares insights into exoplanet research, including the use of transmission spectroscopy to explore rocky, Earth-like worlds and expand our understanding of habitability.

We hear from scientists who push the boundaries of creation, whether that's building wild and wacky snack flavours (successfully) or cloning extinct tropical frogs (unsuccessfully … so far). And since President Donald Trump retook office, the state of health and science research in the US has been precarious for many who work in those areas. But there is a silver lining. Other countries such as Australia are implementing programs to recruit US researchers looking to relocate.

We often hear about places where the air quality is bad, even dangerous, but what about where the air is the cleanest on Earth?That air can be found blowing onto the north-west tip of Tasmania at Kennaook/Cape Grim, where an air pollution station has quietly been keeping track of how humans have changed the makeup of our atmosphere for 50 years.So what does the world's cleanest air tell us?

Karl Popper (1902-1994) is regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of science of the twentieth century. Alan Saunders presented this portrait of Karl Popper for The Science Show in January 2001.

Lotus Jeffs, a PhD student from Monash University, discusses the intriguing effects of Ozempic on appetite suppression. She explains how GLP-1 agonists, inspired by lizard venom, work in the brain to reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. The conversation dives into the physiological and psychological changes these drugs induce, alongside challenges in drug approvals due to potential health risks. Jeffs also highlights the surprising mental health implications, including concerns about depression and their potential for new therapeutic uses.

The overland telegraph connecting Australia to the world was completed just over 150 years ago. It was built due to the dedication of a public servant, Charles Todd.

It's the size of a sesame seed, but it could cause unfathomable destruction to Australia's forests and urban canopy.A beetle called the polyphagous shot-hole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) is silently spreading through Perth and its surrounds, forcing councils to chop and chip hundreds of trees — even century-old Moreton Bay figs.So how does the tiny pest cause such massive problems?

Roger Short (1930-2021) discusses influences in his early life, and some of his research achievements including melatonin as a controller of circadian rhythms, and aspects of reproductive biology across the animal world.

First they learnt how to flip open wheelie bin lids. Now they're using water fountains.Masters of the urban landscape, sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) are more than capable of some quirky (and sometimes messy) antics.So what do these entertaining exploits tell us about cockie innovation — or even cockie culture?