First up this week, although long touted as a green fuel, the traditional approach to hydrogen production is not very sustainable. Staff writer Robert F. Service joins producer Meagan Cantwell to discuss how researchers are aiming to improve electrolyzers—devices that split water into hydrogen and oxygen—with more efficient and durable designs. Next, Robert Rogers, who was a postdoctoral fellow in molecular biology at Massachusetts General Hospital when this work was conducted, talks with host Sarah Crespi about the idea of chronic hypoxia as medicine. Efficacious in mouse disease models, the big question now is whether long-lasting reduced oxygen could help people with certain serious conditions, such as mitochondrial defects or brain inflammation. The pair discuss what we know so far about this potential treatment and the challenges of delivering low levels of oxygen around the clock. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Sarah Crespi; Meagan Cantwell; Robert Service

Meredith Wadman, a health and infectious disease writer, discusses the alarming rise of Valley Fever cases linked to climate change, drought, and wildfires. Her firsthand research in California's desert reveals the struggle to track this elusive fungus. Meanwhile, Tina Lüdecke, a group leader at the Max Planck Institute, dives into the diets of our ancient ancestors, using nitrogen isotopes to uncover when Australopithecus shifted to a meat-heavy diet, shedding light on how this transition may have shaped our evolution.

Jeff Brainard, Associate News Editor at Science, discusses the public's mixed understanding of preprints, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlights the need for skepticism in media narratives around these studies. Edward Hurme, a postdoctoral fellow at the Max Planck Institute, shares insights on tracking bat migrations using innovative tagging technology. He details the challenges of monitoring these nocturnal creatures as they traverse long distances and reveals fascinating data about their flight patterns and the impact of environmental changes.

Christie Wilcox, Newsletter Editor for Science Magazine, joins to discuss her exciting truffle-hunting venture with a specially trained dog named Rye, uncovering non-culinary truffles. They explore the ecological significance of these elusive fungi and the unique bond between dogs and researchers. R. Keller Kopf, an ecologist from Charles Darwin University, highlights the critical role older plants and animals play in ecosystems, emphasizing that age enhances biodiversity and reproductive success. Together, they advocate for conserving these essential, elderly species.

David Grimm, Online News Editor for Science Magazine, shares viral science stories from the year, including the quirks of corpse-eating pets and fan efficiency in heat. The discussion then shifts to updates from former guests: Erick Lundgren revisits his research on donkeys digging wells in deserts, Katie Hampson discusses evolving rabies research in Tanzania, and Ashley Thomas explores children's understanding of social relationships. These captivating insights highlight the intersection of science, ecology, and cognitive development.

First up this week, Breakthroughs Editor Greg Miller joins producer Meagan Cantwell to discuss Science’s 2024 Breakthrough of the Year. They also discuss some of the other scientific achievements that turned heads this year, from ancient DNA and autoimmune therapy, to precision pesticides, and the discovery of a new organelle. Next, host Sarah Crespi is joined by news staffers to catch up on threads they’ve been following all year. First a bumpy road for certain medicines. Editor Kelly Servick discusses the regulatory hurdles for psychedelic drugs and immunotherapy treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. Then we hear from Staff Writer Paul Voosen about why scientists think this will be the hottest year on record. Finally, what happened with fusion power this year? Staff Writer Daniel Clery brings updates. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Authors: Sarah Crespi; Greg Miller; Meagan Cantwell; Kelly Servick; Daniel Clery; Paul Voosen

Freelance science writer Sofia Moutinho, who focuses on open-access science in Latin America, discusses efforts to boost the visibility of local journals. She highlights the 'diamond model' for accessible publishing. Brent Grocholski, departing physical sciences editor, shares insights on innovative cooling technologies, including elastocaloric and electrocaloric systems. He emphasizes their potential for energy efficiency in combating climate change while reflecting on his career in advancing these technologies.

Kevin Hatala, an associate professor specializing in paleoanthropology at Chatham University, dives into groundbreaking discoveries about early human ancestors. He discusses fossil footprints from the Turkana Basin, revealing that Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei coexisted, shedding light on human evolution. Additionally, there’s an intriguing segment on using cellulose from leaves for sustainable electronics, which could revolutionize circuit board production and significantly reduce electronics' carbon footprint.

Ignacio Amigo, a freelance science journalist, dives into the mysteries of blue zones, regions celebrated for their extreme longevity. He questions whether genetics, lifestyle, or even data inaccuracies drive these claims. Dorian Houser, director of conservation biology at the National Marine Mammal Foundation, reveals groundbreaking findings on juvenile minke whales' hearing. Surprisingly, these whales have more sensitive hearing than expected, which raises important concerns about the impacts of ocean noise pollution on their survival.

Sean Cummings, a freelance science writer focused on oceanographic research, discusses the remarkable Floating Instrument Platform (R/V FLIP) which can flip vertically for stability in research. He reveals plans for its renovation for future use. Meanwhile, Samantha Yousey, a bioarchaeology professor, tackles the bone paradox: do lesions indicate frailty or resilience in medieval Londoners? Their conversation delves into how ancient health indicators can reshape our understanding of human endurance and the complexities of mortality in past societies.