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.

Paul Voosen, a staff writer at Science Magazine, shares insights on the subtle signs of continental rifting in Africa, revealing how geological processes impact the region. Nick Denler, a recent PhD graduate specializing in high-speed electronic noses, discusses groundbreaking technology that could enhance forest fire detection by integrating these rapid sniffers into drones. Their conversation highlights the intersection of geology and technology in understanding and protecting our planet.

Kai Kupferschmidt, a contributing correspondent for Science Magazine, delves into the complexities of misinformation research, discussing the lack of consensus among researchers on definitions and strategies. Dani Bassett, a bioengineering professor at the University of Pennsylvania, shares insights from her study on human curiosity as revealed through Wikipedia, categorizing users into hunters, busybodies, and dancers. Their conversation links curiosity styles to cultural backgrounds, providing a fascinating lens on information-seeking behavior and its implications in today’s media landscape.

Virginia Morell, a contributing correspondent for Science, discusses a study challenging the 'landscape of fear' concept regarding apex predators in Yellowstone. Michael Ishida, a postdoctoral researcher, explains paleorobotics and how robotic models of extinct creatures can reveal insights into evolutionary history. Ruha Benjamin, a Princeton professor, talks about her book "Imagination: A Manifesto," emphasizing the crucial role of imagination in driving social change and envisioning radical futures.

Jon Chu, a presidential young professor specializing in democracy, discusses how public perceptions shape democratic values worldwide and the resistance to backsliding regimes. Lena Svanholm, a PhD student and professional basketball player, shares her challenges of balancing a dual career and the importance of passion in both science and sports. Michal Elovitz, a dean at Mount Sinai, underscores the critical gaps in women's health research, advocating for a focus on sex-specific medical approaches to improve outcomes for women.

Mark Peplow, a seasoned science journalist, reflects on graphene's evolution from initial hype to vital real-world applications over the past 20 years. He discusses its potential in futuristic technologies like space elevators while addressing challenges in manufacturing and engineering. Meanwhile, Seth Darling, Chief Science and Technology Officer at Argonne National Laboratory, reveals innovative methods for extracting lithium from saltwater, highlighting sustainable approaches to meet the growing demand for clean energy.