Science In Action

Exploring the impact of tuberculosis in South Africa, including the challenges of diagnosis and the development of rapid tests. Discussing the need for faster diagnostics, more effective treatments, and the potential for a replacement vaccine. Highlighting the connection between poverty and TB rates, and the importance of addressing living conditions.

Science In Action host, Roland Pease, travels to South Africa to explore human origins. He visits locations with ancient footprints, speaks to experts studying the geochemistry of rocks, and discusses decolonizing the human story. Topics include the significance of prehistoric footprints, uranium series dating, Paranthropus robustus research, promoting diversity in human evolution research, and exploring the Langabond footprints.

This week, the Reykjanes volcano in Iceland has erupted, following weeks of seismic activity. Edward Wayne Marshall, from the University of Iceland, brings us the latest science about the volcano. Also this week, the UK's 40-year-old JET fusion facility has been switched off. Roland Pease went along to watch. Fusion facilities are trying to create clean energy by replicating the processes in the Sun. And the Sun itself is currently approaching solar maximum, which means we may get to enjoy more spectacular auroras but could also experience widespread radio blackouts. Solar physicist Dibyendu Nandi, from the Centre of Excellence in Space Sciences in Kolkata, tells us more. And in the outer reaches of our Solar System, the iconic Voyager 1 craft has started sending back nonsense data. William Kurth, who has worked on Voyager since its launch in 1977, reveals his personal and scientific connection to the mission. Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth (Image: Volcano Erupts On Iceland's Reykjanes Peninsula. Credit: Micah Garen/Getty Images)

An international team of researchers led by the University of Cambridge’s Prof Stephen O’Rahilly have discovered that sensitivity to the hormone GDF15 may cause severe morning sickness during pregnancy. Dr Marlena Fejzo, who took part in the study, tells us more. Back in September, the OSIRIS-REx craft dropped a sample from the asteroid Bennu into the Utah desert. Now, scientists around the world have started studying the dust fragments in earnest. We join Dr Ashley King from the Natural History Museum in London and beamline scientist Dr Sharif Ahmed as they embark on their research. Professor Scott Fendorf, from the University of Stanford, reveals that wildfire smoke contains heavy metals, which may be why it’s so damaging to our health. Dr Junjie Yao from Duke University has worked on a new 'sono-ink'. This ink can be used to 3D print structures within the body, which can be used to mend tissues, bones and organs. Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth (Photo: Young pregnant woman, 35 years old, feeling sick on a toilet. Credit: Getty Images)

Climate experts discuss carbon capture technology and its role in fighting climate change. The Global Tipping Points report warns of critical thresholds. Deadly rainfall in East Africa has intensified due to climate change. The oldest fossilized mosquito reveals male blood-sucking traits. The podcast explores abating fossil fuel use, tipping points, extreme flooding in East Africa, and the evolution of mosquitoes.

Dr Nadine Johnston discusses the mission and research of the RRS Sir David Attenborough in Antarctica. Professor Shahida Moosa and Jessica Jane Cormick talk about the need for better genetic databases for Africans. Simon Evans analyzes the responsibility for climate change and the impact of historical rule and colonialism. Professor Cory Zigler reveals the deaths caused by coal-fired power plants in the US.

Discussion on the recent fires in the Pantanal wetlands and their unprecedented severity. The importance of the Pansano wetlands in preserving endangered species and the challenges of restoration. Extreme weather conditions in South Brazil attributed to global warming and El Nino. Urgency of taking action on climate change and the discovery of a highly energetic particle. The possibility of detecting rare particles using bigger observatories and the efforts of the South African Astronomical Observatory's outreach team.

Increased tremors have been felt in Iceland, and concerns about an impending eruption have led to the evacuation of the town of Grindavik. Geophysicist Dr Freysteinn Sigmundsson reveals more about the events and whether this area of Iceland may be entering a new period of volcanic activity that could span centuries. Also, Google DeepMind’s new GraphCast system could revolutionise weather forecasting. Rémi Lam from Google DeepMind and Dr Matthew Chantry from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts explain how it works. Beyond warming our planet, climate change can have wide-ranging, unexpected impacts on people and the environment. Dr Christopher Trisos from the University of Cape Town has the lowdown. Finally, recreating ancient seawater in the laboratory has given Dr Rosalie Tostevin, a geochemist from the University of Cape Town, additional information about the metals used by early microbes. Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth (Image: Emergency services worker walking near a crack cutting across the main road in Grindavik, southwestern Iceland following earthquakes. Credit: KJARTAN TORBJOERNSSON/AFP via Getty Images)

In this podcast, the hosts go on an adventure in Cape Town to search for fossil footprints. They also discuss the decline of African penguins and Sandcob's efforts to protect them. The challenges faced by a bird rehabilitation center and the importance of disease control are explored. The podcast also delves into the use of sounds in conservation and monitoring dolphins, and the abundance of bird species in the Cape.

Hurricane expert Kerry Emanual discusses the supercharging of hurricanes by global warming. Brazilian ecologist Erika Berenguer explains the destruction caused by drought in Amazonia. Climate scientists Chris Smith and Norman Loeb reveal the urgency of climate action and the higher sensitivity of the climate to greenhouse gases.