
Nature Podcast
The Nature Podcast brings you the best stories from the world of science each week. We cover everything from astronomy to zoology, highlighting the most exciting research from each issue of the Nature journal. We meet the scientists behind the results and provide in-depth analysis from Nature's journalists and editors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Apr 24, 2024 • 29min
How gliding marsupials got their 'wings'
Discover how portable optical clocks are revolutionizing timekeeping, the genetic secrets behind marsupial gliding membranes, AI overtraining for novel solutions, and the accidental creation of a freestanding 2D layer of gold atoms.

14 snips
Apr 19, 2024 • 38min
Living on Mars would probably suck — here's why
Kelly and Zach Weinersmith discuss the challenges of human settlement on Mars, including psychological hurdles, environmental obstacles, and legal complexities. They compare the feasibility of colonizing the moon versus Mars, emphasizing the unique health implications and required skill sets. The podcast delves into the need for genetic diversity, intensive agriculture, and the legal ambiguities surrounding resource extraction in space. Additionally, the speakers explore the complexities of space ownership, accident liabilities, and the importance of international regulation in space exploration.

10 snips
Apr 17, 2024 • 34min
Keys, wallet, phone: the neuroscience behind working memory
Discover the mysterious methane emissions from a cool brown dwarf. Learn about the fascinating workings of working memory and how distractions can impact it. Uncover the discovery of bitter taste receptors dating back 450 million years and a planet with a rainbow phenomenon.

Apr 10, 2024 • 23min
The 'ghost roads' driving tropical deforestation
Researchers uncover over a million kilometers of hidden 'ghost roads' in tropical forests driving deforestation. Climate change triggers record hailstorms and astronomers detect starquakes. Groundbreaking trial grows 'mini livers' in lymph nodes. Genetic survey explores the basis of left-handedness and ambidexterity.

12 snips
Apr 5, 2024 • 16min
Audio long read: Why are so many young people getting cancer? What the data say
Exploring the alarming increase in early-onset cancer cases among adults under 50 globally, researchers are searching for answers beyond the usual suspects like obesity and early screening. Chapters delve into disparities in colorectal cancer, genetic, immune, and microbiome factors in young patients, and challenges in understanding rising cancer rates in South Korea and Japan.

Apr 3, 2024 • 25min
Pregnancy's effect on 'biological' age, polite birds, and the carbon cost of home-grown veg
Pregnancy can advance 'biological' age, but giving birth reverses it; birds show polite gestures; home-grown veg has higher carbon footprint than commercial farms; upcoming total solar eclipse's scientific experiments and learning opportunities

Mar 27, 2024 • 27min
How climate change is affecting global timekeeping
Neuroscience researchers discover inflammatory pathway influencing memory storage. Wind turbines impact property values, waste wood used for 3D printing. Earth's rotation affected by melting polar ice caps, requiring adjustments in global timekeeping. Podcast explores AI antibody design, cosmic microwave observatory, and universe origins through advanced telescopes.

Mar 20, 2024 • 30min
AI hears hidden X factor in zebra finch love songs
Researchers explore the potential of using skyrmions for next-gen computers with improved data storage. AI uncovers hidden X-Factor in Zebra finch love songs, shedding light on how females judge male fitness. Also highlighted are robot-enhanced jellyfish for ocean monitoring and saliva tests for infant infections.

Mar 13, 2024 • 27min
Killer whales have menopause. Now scientists think they know why
Discover the puzzling evolution of menopause in killer whales and its benefits. Uncover the secrets of heart development with a detailed atlas of human heart cells. Explore interesting topics like ancient tobacco consumption, quantum batteries, and the rarity of menopause in toothed whales.

Mar 6, 2024 • 37min
These tiny fish combine electric pulses to probe the environment
Bumblebees show collective learning abilities similar to humans. Tiny elephantnose fish combine electric pulses for enhanced sensing. Researchers discuss the potential of organoids grown from amniotic fluid cells. Debate ensues over the weight estimation of ancient whale Perisettis Colossus.