Science Magazine Podcast

First up on the podcast, scholars are on a quest to find Leonardo da Vinci’s DNA. With no direct descendants, the hunt involves sampling the famous polymath’s papers, paintings, and distant cousins. Contributing Correspondent Richard Stone talks with host Sarah Crespi about what researchers hope to learn from Leonardo’s genes and the new field of “arteomics.” Next on the show, new evidence for poisoned arrows from 60,000 years ago complicates our picture of hunting during the Pleistocene. Sven Isaksson, a professor of archaeological science at Stockholm University, joins the podcast to discuss the discovery of poisonous residues on microliths—the tiny, worked stone points used on arrows and spearheads. These findings could push back the origins of this toxic technology by 50,000 years. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up on the podcast, the best images of exoplanets right now are basically bright dots. We can’t see possible continents, potential oceans, or even varying colors. To improve our view, scientists are proposing a faraway fleet of telescopes that would use light bent by the Sun’s gravity to magnify a distant exoplanet. Staff Writer Daniel Clery joins host Sarah Crespi to discuss where to aim such a magnificent telescope and all the technological pieces needed to put it together. Next on the show, expert voices columnist and Johns Hopkins University mathematician Emily Riehl discusses her recent essay on communication woes in the math community. The complex concepts, jargon, and the slow pace of understanding a proof all add up to siloed subdisciplines and potentially more errors in the literature. Alex Kontorovich, a professor in the math department at Rutgers University, also joins to discuss how proof assistant computer programs and machine learning could help get mathematicians all on the same page. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First up on the podcast, Online News Editor David Grimm joins host Sarah Crespi to talk about this year’s best online news stories—top performers and staff picks alike. Together they journey the scientific gamut, from bird feeders’ influence on hummingbird beak evolution to the use of “artificial spacetimes” to guide tiny robots through their environments. Next on the show, a discussion of this year’s pick for Breakthrough of the Year with producer Meagan Cantwell and News editor Greg Miller. They also touch on some other top finds from this year, including the first confirmed Denisovan skull, rice that can beat the heat, custom gene editing, and progress on xenotransplantation. This week’s episode was produced with help from Podigy. About the Science Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freelance science journalist Robin George Andrews delves into the NASA's Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission, explaining how it aims to uncover hidden asteroids that could threaten Earth. He discusses the importance of infrared detection for sizing these objects and the implications for planetary defense. Meanwhile, Wendy Valencia-Montoya, a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard, shares her fascinating research on how thermogenic plants use heat to communicate with beetle pollinators, suggesting that heat-based signaling may predate colorful cues.

Join Zack Savitsky, a contributing news correspondent for Science and a voice on quantum mechanics, as he explores the philosophical depths of quantum measurement problems. He dives into interpretations and thought experiments like Wigner's Friend, examining conflicting realities. Then, hear from Anne Goujon, a program director at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, as she discusses global population trends. She highlights uncertainties post-peak population and advocates for adapting policies to support low-fertility societies and aging populations.

Paul Voosen, a staff writer for Science Magazine specializing in climate science, discusses the complexities of predicting when peak carbon emissions might occur, highlighting challenges with measurements and recent trends. Vani Rajendran, a senior researcher in cognitive neuroscience, shares intriguing findings on macaques that can synchronize to beats, challenging previous beliefs about rhythm in animals. Their exploration covers implications for evolution and potential therapies for motor disorders, making for a captivating conversation.

Andrew Curry, a contributing correspondent for Science, dives into the eerie mystery behind Europe’s ancient Neolithic farmers who vanished, leaving behind mass graves with headless bodies. He explores their rapid cultural collapse and surprising archaeological findings. Meanwhile, Sacha Vignieri, Life Sciences editor, shares intriguing insights on dog research, including their co-evolution with humans and distinct morphological traits. They discuss how breeding affects behavior and health, emphasizing the complex bond between dogs and humans through history.

David Grimm, Online News Editor at Science, dives into fascinating topics including a lichen that feasts on dinosaur bones and the physics behind the notorious golfer's "lip-out". He uncovers how a new model simplifies the understanding of this phenomenon. Then, Jeremy Munday, a professor at UC Davis, explores innovative energy generation using a heat engine directed at the night sky, leveraging the cold of space. This approach challenges conventional power methods and could shape nighttime energy solutions in arid regions.

Sofia Moutinho, a contributing correspondent from Brazil, shares insights from her collaboration with the Kuikuro to uncover the complex history of early Amazon communities using technology like drones and LiDAR. On a different note, researchers Aryn Wilder and Debra Shier discuss the Pacific pocket mouse recovery program, tackling the challenges of increasing genetic diversity among isolated mouse populations despite chromosomal mismatches. They explore innovative breeding strategies and wildlife tracking methods aimed at enhancing survival in the wild.

Join Paul Voosen, a dedicated climate reporter, as he unveils a groundbreaking acoustic method to detect ocean acidification, revealing the hidden effects of rising CO2 levels. Alysson Muotri, a researcher of brain organoids, explains how studying ancient and modern gene responses to lead exposure may offer insights into human evolution and resilience. Plus, Katie Mack, a theoretical cosmologist, shares fascinating theories about the universe's ultimate fate—including heat death and vacuum decay—provoking thoughts on our place in an ever-evolving cosmos.