Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast

Despite ambitious attempts, scientists have never been able to fully replicate the evolutionary wonder of the feather. However, avian inspired design has inspired new technologies such as anti-turbulence systems for aircraft, bio-inspired adhesives, and even quieter wind turbines.GUEST: Aerospace engineer and biologist Professor David Lentink, based at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. PRODUCER: Ali Benton

Given a lack of regional cooperation and some members of the IDF refusing to forcibly re-locate Palestinians, how would Trump and Netanyahu realise their plans for the so-called “Humanitarian city”? GUEST: Irris Makler,  freelance journalist and analyst, specialising in the Middle East PRODUCER: Catherine Zengerer

In this engaging conversation, Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and political commentator, delves into the complex world of trade relations. She highlights Australia's diplomatic efforts with China while navigating U.S. pressures. Annabel entertainingly reveals how lobsters serve as a surprising lens into global tariff negotiations. Their influence on diplomatic ties is examined, shedding light on the broader implications for Australia's economy. Expect wit and keen insights on the intersection of seafood and international politics!

This nation’s past can be understood a whole lot better if indigenous perspectives on history are listened to. It means considering rock art and other forms of storytelling, and the experiences that First Nations people have when they walk on country. Guests: Jackie Huggins and Ann McGrath, historians and co-editors of ‘Deep history: country and sovereignty’ (UNSW Press) Producer: Ann Arnold

Science in the United States is in crisis. The National Science Foundation, a key research funding agency, has suffered devastating funding cuts under the current administration. Critics say the cuts risk losing an entire generation of young scientists.GUEST: Naomi Oreskes, Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University in the US. PRODUCER: Ali Benton

There are plenty of theories about how the universe began. But what about the question of how it will all end? Humanity's final moments could be due to what's called vacuum decay, the big rip or heat death. Astrophysicist, Dr. Katie Mack, is obsessed with our cosmic future and says there's a certain freedom in knowing how it could all end.GUEST: Dr. Katie Mack, Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Canada.PRODUCER: Ali Benton

The Baltic countries are stunningly successful, and also right on the frontline of any possible attack from Russia. In fact all Europeans are vulnerable,  Oliver Moody argues, but most of them don't realise that.Guest: Oliver Moody, Berlin bureau chief for The Times. Author of ‘Baltic: the future of Europe’, published by John MurrayProducer: Ann Arnold

Not long ago, bogong moths were abundant in the caves of the Australian alps during summer, and in towns and cities like Canberra during their Spring migration. But since 2019, their numbers have crashed by as much as 99.5%. A research project lead by the Taungurung people in collaboration with the University of Melbourne is working to gather much-needed data on these culturally-significant moths - known as deberra in the local language. Guest: Matt Shanks, Nira-balluk man from the Taungurung Land and Waters Council

Emboldened by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr's libertarian "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, the pseudoscience of 'biohacking' is having a moment. Proponents spruik a range of expensive hi-tech health treatments that promise to increase human longevity: from cryo chambers, to sauna suits, filtered urine treatments and microdosing on snake venom. Journalist Will Bahr went to a conference in Texas to try a few treatments for himself. Guest: Will Bahr, freelance journalist for WIRED Magazine

UK Labour is facing an internal revolt after attempts to cut the welfare budget by more than £5 billion. And, a year on from Keir Starmer's resounding victory, Ian Dunt says he appears to have lost the two main qualities that got him elected: decency and competence.  GUEST: Ian Dunt, columnist with i-news; co-host of the Origin Story podcastPRODUCER: Catherine Zengerer