Nature Podcast

Discover how researchers are tackling the challenge of editing mitochondrial DNA to combat deadly diseases. Learn why traditional CRISPR techniques fall short and the innovative methods being developed, like DddA toxin-based editors. The potential of base editing and the creation of animal models are explored, showcasing early successes in reversing disease phenotypes. Challenges in safe delivery and genetic accuracy remain, but the landscape of mitochondrial therapies is rapidly evolving with promising biotech efforts on the horizon.

00:46 Martian ‘micro-lightning’The sounds of ‘micro-lightning’ have been recorded by NASA’s Perseverance rover, ending a long search for the phenomenon on Mars. A lack of suitable equipment has made it difficult to gather evidence of lightning on the red planet, but a team of researchers realized that a microphone on Perseverance should be able to pick up the characteristic sounds of electrical discharges. In total they found 55 such examples, along with signs of electrostatic interference indicative of the phenomenon. They dubbed the electric bursts ‘micro-lightning’, as they are far smaller than the lighting seen on Earth, due to the thin Martian atmosphere. The team believe this finding could help better understand Martian chemistry and how best to design equipment to explore the planet’s surface.Research Article: Chide et al.News and Views: Is there lightning on Mars?11:03 Research HighlightsHow the biology of male seahorses’ brood pouches appears similar to mammalian pregnancy— plus, why Neanderthals’ jaws were so beefy.Research Highlight: The origin of male seahorses’ brood pouchResearch Highlight: Neanderthal DNA reveals how human faces form13:36 The key takeaways from COP30The UN’s climate conference, COP30, came to a close last week in Brazil. Nature reporter Jeff Tollefson tells us what was and wasn’t agreed during the final negotiations.Nature: What happened at COP30? 4 science take-homes from the climate summit22:27 Why women may retract less than menA new analysis suggests that female authors retract fewer medical science papers than their male counterparts. Women are known to be underrepresented in the medical sciences, but even accounting for this an AI-tool revealed that female authors featured on far fewer retracted research articles. Reporter Jenna Ahart has been investigating and told us why this might be, and what it means for research more broadly.Nature: Women seem to retract fewer papers than men — but why?Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benjamin Thompson, a science reporter, delves into a groundbreaking development in diabetes care: a polymer cream that delivers insulin through the skin, eliminating the need for needles. He discusses how this innovative approach overcomes the skin's natural barriers, allowing for effective insulin delivery in animal models. The conversation highlights the polymer's pH-triggered action, potential for other drug deliveries, and ongoing safety evaluations. Additionally, the podcast explores fascinating insights into how our brains process familiar and unfamiliar languages.

Yoshua Bengio, a prominent machine-learning researcher and a ‘godfather of AI,’ dives into the urgent risks posed by AI technology. He highlights the prevalence of malicious uses, like deepfakes, that demand immediate attention. Bengio reveals how ChatGPT shifted his perspective on AI safety, stressing the need for policy to address potential catastrophic scenarios. He proposes a unique 'non-agentic scientist AI' model designed with safety in mind and discusses the implications of AI on economic inequality and job displacement, urging proactive government policies.

David Conine, a radio astronomer at ASTRON, shares groundbreaking insights on detecting a coronal mass ejection from a distant star, highlighting its implications for exoplanet habitability. Ditte Demontis, a geneticist, discusses her research identifying rare gene variants linked to ADHD, shedding light on neurotransmitter mechanisms. The conversation also touches on the potential of CMEs to affect planetary atmospheres and the role of genetics in understanding ADHD, offering a fascinating look at the intersection of astronomy and neurodevelopment.

In this engaging discussion, paleontologist Lawrence Whitmer tackles the Nanotyrannus debate, revealing it as a distinct species rather than a juvenile T. rex, based on new fossil evidence. Reporter Nick Petridge-Howe and researcher Bruno Simões shed light on a promising antiprogestin therapy trial that shows potential in preventing breast cancer by altering tissue markers. The conversation delves into the implications for future cancer treatment, making it a must-listen for science enthusiasts.

Vera Gorbanova, a researcher studying bowhead whale longevity, shares insights on how a protein called CIRBP enhances DNA repair, potentially explaining the whales' 200+ year lifespan. She reveals that this protein's abundance in whale cells could also benefit human health by improving DNA repair. Andreas Haugau-Lausten discusses breakthroughs in creating a universal antivenom using camelid nanobodies, addressing the global snakebite crisis. Their conversation explores how these scientific advances could transform aging research and venom treatment.

Explore the booming sleep-aid market and why trendy hacks might be ineffective. Learn about the body's circadian clocks and how modern life disrupts natural rhythms. Gain insights into the importance of bright days and dark nights for sleep quality. Discover how meal timing impacts sleep and metabolism, with expert tips on optimal eating practices. Understand the role of light exposure in syncing sleep, and why individual differences can affect sleep health. Finally, get practical recommendations for creating healthier habits.

Join neuroscientist Johnny Cool as he explains how hunger and hormonal changes drive aggressive behavior in hungry female mice towards pups. Discover the surprising link between AGRP neurons and aggression levels. Helen Pearson dives into the world of generative AI in higher education, discussing its potential benefits and concerns about stifling critical thinking. With insights into how universities are adapting to AI tools, this conversation uncovers the complex interplay of nature and technology.

Mathilde Richard, a researcher at Erasmus University Medical Centre, discusses her groundbreaking work on a multi-variant H5 avian influenza vaccine. She explains how the vaccine aims to enhance pandemic preparedness by protecting against various strains. In fascinating ferret studies, Mathilde reveals that the vaccine provided cross-variant protection. She explains the complex mapping of H5 viruses for vaccine design, emphasizing its potential, limitations, and the promising next steps for human trials.