The World, the Universe and Us

The Thwaites 'Doomsday' glacier's ice shelf is about to break away 25.05.2026 16min

Episode 372 Part of the world’s widest glacier is about to collapse – one of the dramatic changes underway that could ultimately trigger a 3 metre rise in sea levels, threatening coastal cities around the world. Thwaites is a massive glacier in Antarctica – the size of Florida. A key part of the glacier could break away any day now -– an ice shelf that helps protect the main glacier from warm ocean water. Scientists are shocked by the speed at which these changes have happened. Is there anything we can do to stop it? To discuss the news, Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by New Scientist’s Alison George – former British Antarctic Survey scientist. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some Scientists Want To Resurrect Extinct Species – Is It Even Possible? 22.05.2026 26min

Episode 371 The moa was a giant flightless bird from New Zealand that died out around 500 years ago. Are we about to see it brought back from extinction? Colossal Biosciences say they have made an artificial egg shell that is a step towards recreating the massive eggs of moas (and dodos). This is huge news… if it works. Is this really enough to bring them back to life - and should we even be trying? We discuss the news and wider ethical implications of de-extinction - including Colossal’s headline goal of bringing back the woolly mammoth to assist in the climate crisis. Rowan Hooper is joined by New Scientist’s Michael Le Page and palaeontologist Victoria Herridge. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Hidden Methane Time Bomb That Could Accelerate The Climate Crisis 20.05.2026 18min

Episode 370 The melting ice caps are accelerating global warming and contributing to sea level rise, but could also contribute to a different kind of climate catastrophe. The melting may cause massive amounts of frozen methane to bubble up into the atmosphere. It happened thousands of years ago - and scientists are concerned it’s about to happen again. Methane is a greenhouse gas which is 86 times more potent than CO2. Some estimates suggest this frozen methane - methane hydrates - contain twice as much warming potential as all the coal, oil and gas on Earth. Scientists have now discovered a new way for methane in Greenland to be unleashed. It’s not a threat that has been taken seriously as the evidence has been inconclusive. But perhaps it’s time for us to take notice? Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by New Scientist’s Alec Luhn to discuss the news. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Science Reveals Neanderthals Had Dentists 60,000 Years Ago 15.05.2026 20min

Episode 369 A strange tooth found in a Siberian cave has pushed back the earliest evidence of dentistry by 45,000 years. The weird thing is, the evidence comes from a Neanderthal tooth - upending what we thought these ancient humans were capable of. Markings on the 60,000-year-old molar show Neanderthals may have used stone tools to “drill” the tooth to treat dental decay. A team of scientists has recreated the experience - and it sounds gruesome. And that’s not all for Neanderthal news - as archaeologists have discovered an ancient kneeprint made in clay around 175,000 years ago. It was found in a cave containing a mysterious stalagmite circle that may have been deliberately constructed. Could this suggest Neanderthals were engaging in some sort of religious practice? Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by New Scientist’s Sam Wong and Michael le Page to discuss these two discoveries Listen to Change Your Mind, the new podcast from New Scientist: https://podfollow.com/1896636265 To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scientists Concerned By a Sudden Increase in the Rate of Sea Level Rise 13.05.2026 16min

Episode 368 Scientists are concerned by a sudden increase in the rate of sea level rise. In 2012 it suddenly accelerated and has remained high ever since. From melting glaciers to oceans expanding as they warm, global sea levels have risen by more than 0.2 metres over the past 15 years. Places like Venice and New Orleans are already under threat - and this fast pace of change is only set to make things worse. So what’s causing this sudden shift? As sea level rise is now moving faster than we expect, is there something else driving up the tides? We also look to the future, when we could face truly catastrophic change. Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by New Scientist climate reporter Michael le Page to discuss the latest research.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Further reading: Jump in rate of sea level rise - https://www.newscientist.com/article/2525773-there-has-been-a-sudden-increase-in-the-rate-of-sea-level-rise/ Global warming is accelerating - https://www.newscientist.com/article/2518362-earth-is-now-heating-up-twice-as-fast-as-in-previous-decades/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Strange Case Of The Man Immune To Alzheimer’s 08.05.2026 16min

Episode 367 Some people are genetically destined to develop Alzheimer’s disease. But one man who carried the devastating mutation seems to have escaped it entirely - and scientists think it may be because of his job. Doug Whitney inherited the rare variant of a gene that should have caused early-onset Alzheimer’s in his mid-40s. Many of his family members died from it. Instead, he is now 76 years old with no memory problems and no trace of the disease. Researchers investigating his case uncovered a surprising clue: his inadvertent heat exposure while working as a mechanic in ship engine rooms. Could heat exposure really help shield the brain from Alzheimer’s? What does Doug’s case reveal about the disease? And should we all build a sauna in our backyard? Rowan Hooper is joined by New Scientist reporter Alice Klein to discuss Doug Whitney’s extraordinary case and what it could mean for the future of Alzheimer’s research. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Astronomers Stunned by a Tiny World With an Atmosphere 06.05.2026 21min

Episode 366 A Pluto-sized object in the outer solar system has shocked scientists. It’s so tiny that it shouldn’t have an atmosphere - but it does. Object 2002 XV93, known as a plutino, is a small rock floating about in the Kuiper belt - a doughnut-shaped region of icy objects out near Pluto. What’s surprising is that many dwarf planets bigger than this object can’t hold an atmosphere, so it’s a mystery how this is even possible. This discovery comes as the decades-long debate about Pluto begins to bubble up again. Pluto was demoted from its planet status in 2006. But now NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman is reigniting the debate - on a controversial mission to make Pluto a planet again. So with this mysterious object and its unexpected atmosphere, plus the chance of Pluto being reinstated, do we need to change how we define planets? Is everything just a planet now? Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Jacob Aron and James Woodford to discuss the many ramifications of this new finding. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig Venter’s Legacy: The Most Influential Geneticist Since Watson and Crick 01.05.2026 26min

Episode 365 Craig Venter, one of the world’s most influential geneticists, has died aged 79. He leaves behind an incredible - and complicated - legacy. Venter is primarily known for playing a leading role in the sequencing of the human genome. Later he pioneered the field of synthetic biology, creating what was described as the first synthetic life form - a feat that was not without controversy. So what drove Venter? And why was he so compelled to promote the idea of science as a competitive race? We discuss his many achievements, including his work in marine biology - and explore the pioneering methods behind it all. Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by science writer Mike Marshall, and former New Scientist editor Roger Highfield. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Image Credits: Marjorie McCarty, CC BY 2.5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5, via Wikimedia Commons Arienette22, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons The original uploader was Bruno Comby at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 1.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0, via Wikimedia Commons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Record Heat, Wildfires and Drought - The Climate Crisis Is About To Accelerate 30.04.2026 24min

Episode 364 Global temperatures are rising faster than ever - and with a strong El Niño on the way, scientists are warning we could temporarily breach 2°C of warming above pre-industrial levels. While other models suggest it may only hit 1.75°C, either option is bad news for the climate. The European state of the climate report has just been released, painting a picture of a rapidly warming world. Temperatures in Europe are rising faster than any other continent - and places like Iceland, Norway and the UK have all experienced record breaking years. As we’re already watching the impacts of this heat on biodiversity, wildfires, harvests and more - can we handle a 2°C rise in temperatures? And does this signal the end of the Paris goal to limit warming to 1.5°C? Despite the gloom, there is one glimmer of hope. One species of warm water corals seems to have adapted to these extreme surges in heat - and is surviving against the odds. Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by New Scientist reporters Alec Luhn and James Woodford. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Wood Wide Web: The Forest Discovery That Sparked a Backlash 27.04.2026 36min

Episode 363 Suzanne Simard is a world-renowned forest ecologist who shot to stardom with her first book Finding the Mother Tree. It tells the story of her life’s work, showing trees and plants are connected through fungal networks, demonstrating a kind of wisdom and intelligence. Now, with the release of her latest book When the Forest Breathes, she’s keen to highlight the destructive and extractive forestry practices of the modern age - and why Western science needs an update. Rowan Hooper sits down with Simard under the famous Lucombe Oak in London’s Kew Gardens. Together they explore the concept of the ‘wood wide web’, the name given to her breakthrough work showing communication between forest trees via an underground fungal network. They discuss the scientific backlash that came when she popularised this work and how it all came at a particularly difficult time in her life. And they explore her time spent with indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest. As Simard aims to make us view forest ecosystems in a more holistic and regenerative way - what will it take to truly change the industry?To read more stories like this, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chernobyl 40 Years On: Legacy of the World’s Worst Nuclear Disaster 23.04.2026 32min

Episode 362 It’s been 40 years since the world’s worst nuclear disaster unfolded. Since the explosion at Chernobyl in 1986, the world has feared nuclear power - and the widespread damage it can do. But are we right to fear it? Though it’s left a lasting scar on the region, nuclear power is still safer than fossil fuels - which kill millions of people each year. So what will it take to change public opinion? We examine the lasting impact of nuclear fallout on Chernobyl - and how things have changed in the exclusion zone over four decades. Rowan Hooper is joined by New Scientist reporter Matt Sparkes, who shares news of his recent visit where he met the families who still live there. And Professor Jim Smith, author of Chernobyl: Catastrophe and Consequences, explains how the ecosystem and wildlife are thriving - and how he’s been making Atomik Brandy out of radioactive apples from the region. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ To buy Atomik drinks and help support communities in Ukraine affected by Chernobyl and the war, see www.atomikvodka.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A “Super El Niño” Is Coming - And It Could Trigger Global Climate Chaos 20.04.2026 14min

Episode 361 The Earth is about to enter an extremely strong climate phase that could cause major disruption on a planet-wide scale. This “super El Niño” - or “Godzilla El Niño” - threatens to make 2027 the hottest year on record. If it’s as strong as scientists fear, the weather event will bring droughts to some areas of the world and floods to others, causing food shortages and billions of pounds of damage. And with the world already warming faster due to human activity, the effects will only be intensified. To discuss what we can expect from the near future, Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by New Scientist climate reporter Alec Luhn. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Britain’s First Astronaut on the New Race to the Moon | Helen Sharman 17.04.2026 36min

Episode 360 A new era of space travel is finally upon us. NASA’s Artemis II rocket successfully launched 4 astronauts around the moon and back. Reacting to the historic news is Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman. The high tech space race sees countries, once again, scrambling to be the first to land people on the lunar surface - but this time to set up a permanent base of operations. Artemis II has now tested the capabilities of the space craft. But Artemis III and IV are already in the works, with dozens of other launches planned, to get cargo and rovers to the moon. Unlike the space race of the 1960s, this one is very clearly between the US and China. And it’s clear that no matter who lands first, each country will continue their efforts to reach the surface and benefit from the so-called “lunar economy”. Rowan Hooper and Helen Sharman reflect on the success of the launch, nervousness about the spacecraft’s heatshields on reentry - and what it all signals for the future. She also explains why we need cooperation now, more than ever, to ensure international collaboration when we do finally start building on the lunar surface. Chapters (00:00) Intro - A new space race is now underway (00:22) Introduction to Astronaut Helen Sharman (01:09) Helen’s reaction to the Artemis II splashdown (02:06) Problems with the heatshield (04:33) What this mission means for new generations (06:29) Will this actually lead to a sustained presence on the moon? (10:47) Are private space companies a problem for the moon? (11:52) The plan for Artemis III (12:54) Why put nuclear reactors on the moon? (14:56) What was Artemis II really trying to achieve? (17:40 What did the astronauts see? (20:34) Do we know what the landing site will be now? (22:36) The many planned launches ahead (24:57) Will we soon have holidays to the moon? (27:08) Helen’s 35th astronaut anniversary (29:58) Vision for an international future base on the moon To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Image Credits: NASA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How to spot the Lyrid meteor shower: New Scientist's stargazing companion 16.04.2026 5min

The Lyrid meteor shower hits its peak on the evening of the 22nd April, but you can look for them any time between the 16th and 25th. Listen along with New Scientist's Abby Beall as she guides you through what a meteor shower is, when to see the Lyrids and how to look for them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Genetic analysis reveals how the Neanderthals went extinct 10.04.2026 21min

Episode 359 DNA analysis of 10 Neanderthal people is shedding light on why their populations declined 75,000 years ago - eventually leading to their extinction. After being hit by a cold spell, we can see Neanderthals lost a lot of genetic diversity as their numbers dwindled. Living in small, isolated groups, we see evidence in both genetic and archaeological evidence that this pushed the human species to die out. One exception to this trend is Thorin - known as the last Neanderthal. We explore why his tribe may have been able to cling onto existence for longer than the rest of their species. It wasn’t long ago this kind of understanding about ancient human species was well out of reach. Now the field is moving forward rapidly. What will we find next? To discuss this new finding - and to look at the genetic history of interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals - Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Alison George and Michael Marshall. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Image Credit: Neanderthal-Museum, Mettmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Male G-Spot Has Finally Been Found 06.04.2026 12min

Episode 358 The male G-spot exists - and scientists have found it. The most comprehensive study of the human penis has identified one specific location most involved in sexual pleasure - and it’s not what science thought. 14 penis slices from deceased donors were inspected under the microscope - and one region in particular was packed with nerve endings. Medical literature has long thought a different region was home to the most nerves, but this new finding debunks the old textbooks. Now we know the ‘frenula delta’ is the male g-spot, what can this teach us about male sexual health? To discuss this, Rowan Hooper is joined by New Scientist Australia reporter Alice Klein.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Food shock is inevitable due to the Iran war – and it could get bad 02.04.2026 28min

Episode 357 A global food shock is on the way because of the ongoing war in Iran. Your food bill is expected to rise significantly. The conflict is showing just how fragile our food system is, as spikes in fuel, fertiliser and pesticide prices begin to have knock-on effects around the world. With food availability in jeopardy, should we be stocking supplies at home? Coupled with the worsening climate and environment crises - and governments increasingly incentivising the production of biofuel - there could be tough times ahead. So how can we prepare? From eating less meat and raising less livestock, to countries focusing on renewable energy and becoming more self-sufficient - will this shock finally be what’s needed to force leaders to take action? To discuss this critical issue, Rowan Hooper is joined by climate, energy, and food systems professor Paul Behrens - and New Scientist reporter Michael Le Page. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

World’s First Antimatter Truck Carries Most Valuable And Volatile Substance on Earth 27.03.2026 18min

Episode 356 A truck carrying antimatter has been driving around the campus at CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider. But why are scientists transporting this delicate and extremely expensive substance? Antimatter is regular matter’s counterpart, first theorised in the 1920s. Producing and storing it has proved difficult, as it’s prone to annihilating the moment it meets its opposite half. But CERN scientists found a way - and it’s the only facility on Earth able to create these particles. Carrying just 92 antiprotons, this truck experiment is the first step in setting up an antimatter delivery service, allowing scientists to send little pieces of antimatter on trucks to labs around Europe. To discuss why an antimatter delivery service is even needed, Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Alex Wilkins, who recently visited the lab and saw the antimatter factory in person. We also hear from the new director-general of CERN, Mark Thomson. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scientists Can Now Preserve a Brain After Death - What’s Next? 25.03.2026 18min

Episode 355 An entire pig’s brain has been preserved after death, using a technique that will keep the structure of the brain intact - potentially for hundreds of years. Scientists say they will offer the treatment to terminally ill humans, in the hopes that one day, in the distant future, we’ll be able to reconstruct their minds and bring them back to life. Because of the speed at which scientists need to preserve the brain tissue, the method will only work on people who opt in for assisted dying. But will we ever be able to digitally upload and reanimate a brain, or is this just offering false hope to those already suffering? And if we do develop the technology, what kind of world will these people wake up to? To discuss this new method, the ethics and science of consciousness, Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Alexandra Thompson and Thomas Lewton.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dangerous Bias Shaping the Future of AI 23.03.2026 17min

Episode 354 Women are being erased from AI technologies. When world-changing technology is built primarily by men, the impact for women is hugely damaging. This was the focus of a recent conference at the Royal Society in London. Panellists discussed how women are being left out of this major tech revolution, with Silicon Valley becoming increasingly hostile towards them. And as the conversation increasingly shifts to the existential risks of artificial intelligence, some argue the focus is intentionally being shifted away from making this tech more inclusive. But as AI is set to completely transform how we work, educate our children and treat diseases, what happens when women are cut out of the equation? AI gender biases already show up in our datasets and chatbots…so can we fix the current models, or is it time we start all over again? Penny Sarchet discusses the issue with Catherine de Lange, who was at the conference. Also hear from Rumman Chowdhury, CEO of Humane Intelligence. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices