Nature Podcast

Researchers discuss hunting for primeval black holes to find dark matter, combining jellies survive ocean depths, cash transfers boost child well-being, 'frog saunas' combat deadly fungus, UK election impact on research, China's lunar rock sampling mission.

NASA astronauts are training for a 2026 Moon mission with rigorous geological simulations in Arizona. They practice collecting rocks and soil in moonwalking simulations to make the most of their time on the lunar surface. Future plans include debriefings, data finalization, and smaller tests for the Artemis program.

Critics question the 'openness' of AI systems, longer freight trains have higher derailment risk, historic wheat genes offer new traits for current crops

Researchers uncover how specific nerve structures in the genitals sense touch during sex. Fish can now detect the source of sound underwater using pressure and particle motion. Recent studies reveal potential names and communication methods among elephants, shedding light on their social behavior.

A study on short-haul spaceflight reveals physiological changes in astronauts. Hybrid working benefits include employee retention without productivity drop. Challenges in building future particle colliders and training large language models are discussed.

Researchers create a Bose-Einstein condensate with molecules for quantum studies. Twitter suspends 70,000 accounts post-Capitol riots to reduce misinformation. New antibiotic Lolomycin shows promise against deadly bacteria. Plant with largest genome discovered, sparking curiosity.

In this episode:00:25 What the rise of AI language models means for robotsCompanies are melding artificial intelligence with robotics, in an effort to catapult both to new heights. They hope that by incorporating the algorithms that power chatbots it will give robots more common-sense knowledge and let them tackle a wide range of tasks. However, while impressive demonstrations of AI-powered robots exist, many researchers say there is a long road to actual deployment, and that safety and reliability need to be considered.News Feature: The AI revolution is coming to robots: how will it change them?16:09 How the cockroach became a ubiquitous pestGenetic research suggests that although the German cockroach (Blattella germanica) spread around the world from a population in Europe, its origins were actually in South Asia. By comparing genomes from cockroaches collected around the globe, a team could identify when and where different populations might have been established. They show that the insect pest likely began to spread east from South Asia around 390 years ago with the rise of European colonialism and the emergence of international trading companies, before hitching a ride into Europe and then spreading across the globe.Nature News: The origin of the cockroach: how a notorious pest conquered the world20:26: Rare element inserted into chemical 'complex' for the first timePromethium is one of the rarest and most mysterious elements in the periodic table. Now, some eight decades after its discovery, researchers have managed to bind this radioactive element to other molecules to make a chemical ‘complex’. This feat will allow chemists to learn more about the properties of promethium filling a long-standing gap in the textbooks.Nature News: Element from the periodic table’s far reaches coaxed into elusive compoundSubscribe 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.

Mathematician Freeman Hrabowski shares his journey from civil rights activism to founding the Meyerhoff Scholars Program, boosting opportunities for Black students in STEM. He discusses empowering underrepresented students, creating supportive academic environments, and advocating for diversity and inclusion in science and engineering education.

Scientists are using psychology and neuroscience to understand how AI 'thinks'. The podcast explores the challenges of deciphering AI, the importance of explainable AI for safety, and manipulating AI models. It also delves into the inner workings of chatbots and AI models at a neuron level.

The podcast delves into the neuroscience of fentanyl addiction, revealing two brain circuits at play. It discusses innovative research using 'assembloid' for drug delivery to the brain and an edible gel for alcohol intoxication. Furthermore, it explores legal action by babies against the South Korean government and Europe's nuclear-powered heater for Mars missions.