Nature Podcast

Nick Petrich Howe, a journalist and science storyteller, dives into remarkable discoveries. He discusses how undersea cables can function as seismic detectors, enhancing earthquake monitoring. An exploration of a 2,400-year-old boat reveals an ancient fingerprint, hinting at its unexpected origins. The podcast also uncovers fascinating plant behavior, where cycads heat up to lure beetles for pollination. Plus, listeners learn about a bizarre lemon-shaped exoplanet with extreme conditions. It’s a thrilling journey through science’s quirks!

In this engaging discussion, Miryam Naddaf, a Nature reporter, forecasts the major science stories of 2026. She highlights groundbreaking small-scale AI models that may challenge big players in reasoning tasks. Miryam also reveals exciting developments in personalized gene editing trials and new UK-based blood tests for early cancer detection. Additionally, she shares insights on Japan's Phobos sample-return mission and the upcoming PLATO satellite's hunt for Earth-like planets, while addressing significant shifts in US science policy.

Curious connections are emerging between GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and addiction treatment. Anecdotal evidence suggests semaglutide helps users curb addiction urges, while early clinical trials show promise for reducing alcohol consumption. Neuroscientists reveal how these drugs interact with brain regions linked to craving and motivation. Ongoing research explores the potential of GLP-1 medications to tackle various addictions, alongside mixed outcomes for other conditions like dementia and depression. Excitement builds, but caution remains as science continues to unfold.

Lizzie Gibney, a science journalist and Nature reporter, shares her insights from the centenary quantum meeting on Heligoland. She paints a vivid picture of the conference atmosphere and discusses groundbreaking topics like the pursuit of quantum superposition in larger systems. Lizzie also highlights advancements in quantum computing, including error correction techniques. In addition, there's fascinating news on a potato pangenome project aiming to enhance breeding resilience, revealing genetic complexities in these versatile tubers.

Andy Mitchinson, Chief News and Views Editor at Nature, and Holly Smith, Senior News and Views editor and biologist, share fascinating insights from 2025. They discuss samples from the asteroid Bennu revealing ancient brine, shedding light on prebiotic chemistry. Holly reviews a study showing that RNA expression doesn't always correlate with cell function in zebrafish, highlighting cellular diversity. They also delve into the alarming rise in mortality rates from extreme rainfall in Mumbai, affecting the most vulnerable populations.

Anne-Marie Conlon, a journalist and feature writer for Nature, shares touching stories from readers about memorable science gifts, like telescopes and even yeast-themed wedding rings that ignited their passion for science. Brendan Marr, the features editor, provides insights into Nature's Ten, highlighting critical moments in science over the year, such as the discovery of a new deep-sea ecosystem and significant challenges facing the CDC. The festive spirit shines through with fun quizzes and original songs celebrating notable scientific achievements!

Anand Jagatia, a science reporter and producer, shares groundbreaking findings on Neanderthals mastering fire in the UK 400,000 years ago. Their evidence includes heated sediment and ancient tools, suggesting a rich social life around fire. Dan Fox discusses the role of AI in detecting ancient biosignatures and the fascinating chemistry behind fading emerald green paints. Max Kozlov reveals how AI chatbots can dramatically sway political opinions, raising important questions about their influence and the potential risks in elections.

Alejandro Borlaff, an astronomer at NASA's Ames Research Center, discusses alarming findings on how satellite mega-constellations could jeopardize space telescopes, like Hubble, by introducing damaging light pollution. He outlines potential mitigation strategies to protect the night sky. Jacqueline Rifkin, a Cornell University researcher, reveals surprising effects of video call glitches, showing they can diminish hiring chances and social trust. Their insights highlight the intersection of technology and human interaction, emphasizing the need for awareness of these emerging challenges.

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.