Nature Podcast

00:46 A new test to get autonomous vehicles on the roadTruly autonomous vehicles, ones that don't require a driver to be present and are driven by AI, aren't yet safe for public use. Part of the reason for this is it has been difficult to train them to deal with rare dangerous situations. Now researchers are unveiling a new approach to present lots of these infrequent events to the AI very rapidly, speeding up the training and testing process.Research Article: Feng et al.News and Views: Hazards help autonomous cars to drive safelyVideo: The driving test for driverless cars08:23 Research HighlightsHow bird-flu is adapting to mammals, and the effect of negative headlines.Research Highlight: Bird-flu virus makes itself at home in Canada’s foxes and skunksResearch Highlight: It’s bad! Awful! Negative headlines draw more readers10:43 Why bat research is taking offBats are known to tolerate a lot of viruses that are deadly to humans without much issue. With the ongoing pandemic, this has driven researchers to

00:47 An edited genetic code that prevents viral infectionResearchers have engineered bacteria with synthetic genomes to be immune to viral infection. The team streamlined the bacteria’s genetic code, and re-engineered the protein-producing machinery to insert the wrong amino acid if used by a virus, effectively making the bacteria ‘speak’ a different language to any invaders. It’s hoped that this technique could be used to reduce unwanted sharing of genes from modified organisms.Research article: Nyerges et al.News & Views: Synthetic bacterial genome upgraded for viral defence and biocontainment07:42 Research HighlightsEstimating the methane output of an enormous wetland ecosystem, and how honeybees improve their dance moves with a little help from their elders.Research Highlight: Methane from one of Earth’s largest wetland complexes is set to soarResearch Highlight: Watch them waggle: bees dance better after lessons from elders10:02 How mini-MRI scanners could improve access to imagingMagnetic resonance

00:47 Wildfire smoke’s chemical composition enhances ozone depletionSmoke from the devastating Australian wildfires of 2019-2020 led to a reduction in ozone levels in the upper atmosphere, but it’s been unclear how. Now, a team proposes that smoke’s particulate matter can enhance the production of ozone depleting chemicals, matching satellite observations during the Australian fires. The results spark concerns that future wildfires, which are set to grow more frequent with ongoing climate change, will undo much of the progress towards restoration of the ozone layer.Research article: Solomon et al.News & Views: How wildfires deplete ozone in the stratosphere08:27 Research HighlightsA global analysis of bats reveals the species most likely to be hunted by humans, and the stem cells that allow deer antlers to regrow.Research Highlight: Big bats fly towards extinction with hunters in pursuitResearch Highlight: Mice grow ‘mini-antlers’ thanks to deers’ speedy stem cells10:53 Modelling food systems with ‘digita

00:47 How a racing heart could trigger anxietyAnxiety can make the heart beat faster, but could the reverse be true as well? That question has been much debated, but hard to test. Now, a team has shown that artificially increasing a mouse’s heart rate can induce anxiety-like behaviours, and identified an area in the brain that appears to be a key mediator of this response. They hope that this knowledge could help to improve therapies for treating anxiety-related conditions in the future.Research article: Hsueh et al.News & Views: How an anxious heart talks to the brain08:32 Research HighlightsThe chance discovery of the smallest rock seen so far in the Solar System, and the first brain recording from a freely swimming octopus.Research Highlight: Asteroid photobombs JWST practice shotsResearch Highlight: How to measure the brain of an octopus10:57 How NASA’s DART mission beat expectiationsIn September 2022, NASA’s DART spacecraft smashed into a space rock known as Dimorphos, which orbits a near-Earth aster

Twitter has become indispensable to many scientists. It is a place to share findings, raise their profile, and is even used as a source of data in many studies.In recent months though, the site has been in turmoil after a swathe of policy changes in light of Elon Musk's takeover. Never a stranger to misinformation and abuse, these problems have reportedly gotten worse. Additionally, the ability to use Twitter as a source of data is in peril, and malfunctions are more commonplace.In this episode of Nature's Take we discuss how these changes are affecting the platform and the knock-on effects on science. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imprinting is a quirk of the immune system in which someone’s initial exposure to a virus biases their immune response when they meet the same virus again.Studies are showing how imprinting shapes people’s responses to SARS-CoV-2; those infected with earlier strains can mount weaker responses to a later Omicron infection.This phenomenon is dampening the hope that variant-tailored boosters will markedly reduce transmission of the virus, although researchers agree that variant-tailored boosters are worth getting because they still provide some immunity, and prevent serious illness.This is an audio version of our Feature: How your first brush with COVID warps your immunity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

00:45 A new microscope to look for ‘magic’ anglesTo better visualise how electrons are ‘moving’ in materials, a team have developed the Quantum Twisting Microscope. This instrument puts two 2D layers of atoms into close contact, allowing them to interact, which can give useful information about their properties. The microscope can also rotate one of the layers, helping researchers look for so-called ‘magic angles’, where 2D materials like graphene can exhibit extraordinary properties.Research article: Inbar et al.News & Views: A twist in the bid to probe electrons in solids09:55 Research HighlightsHow an extinct insect larvae’s prodigiously long ‘neck’ may have helped it hunt, and surveying the levels at which coastal cities are converting water into land.Research Highlight: Extinct insects hunted like predatory giraffesResearch Highlight: Cities worldwide claw vast amounts of land from the sea12:21 How Russia’s invasion has affected science in UkraineThis week marks the first anniversary of Russia’s inva

00:47 A metadevice for faster electronicsIn the past, increasing the speeds of electronics required designing smaller components, but further reductions in size are being hampered by increasing resistance. To get around this, researchers have demonstrated a ‘metadevice’, which prevents resistance building up by concentrating the flow of signals into specific regions of the device. The hope is that this meta-method could be used to create even smaller electrical components in the future.Research article: Nikoo & Matioli06:27 Research HighlightsHow waiting times for services are higher for people in the US with low incomes, and how your brain hears an alarm while you’re asleep.Research Highlight: Who wastes more time waiting? Income plays a partResearch Highlight: Noise shatters deep sleep thanks to dedicated brain circuit08:52 The research gaps in social media's impact on teen mental healthIn the last ten years, levels of social media use and reported levels of mental health issues among adolescents have b

0:46 The mysterious ring in the distant Solar SystemQuaoar is a small, rocky object that lies beyond Neptune’s orbit. In an unexpected discovery, researchers have shown that this object has its own orbiting ring, similar to those seen encircling planets like Saturn. However, Quaoar’s ring shouldn’t exist, as it is at a distance far outside the theoretical limit at which rings are thought to be stable, and researchers are trying to figure out why.Research article: Morgado et al.News and Views: A planetary ring in a surprising place07:01 Research HighlightsA repurposed skin-disease drug suppresses alcohol consumption in people with alcohol-use disorder, and how volcanic eruptions may have contributed to social unrest in ancient Egypt.Research Highlight: Pill for a skin disease also curbs excessive drinkingResearch Highlight: Volcanic quartet linked to bad times in ancient Egypt09:26 Air pollutionExposure to polluted air has been linked to millions of deaths each year. But while much is known about the sources a

In this episode:00:47 Chemical analysis of ancient embalming materialsMummification was a significant part of ancient Egyptian culture but, despite decades of research, much is unknown about the substances and methods used during the process. Now a team have analysed the contents of ceramic vessels uncovered in an embalming workshop that dates back to around 600 BC. The results reveal that some substances assumed to be a single thing were actually mixtures, while some came from far outside Egypt, providing a clearer picture of ancient mummification practices.Research article: Rageot et al.News and Views: Recipes for ancient Egyptian mummification09:11 Research HighlightsModelling how fruit wrinkles as it ages, and a trove of ancient animal skulls suggest Neanderthals may have collected hunting trophies.Research Highlight: A chilli’s wrinkles and a cherry’s dimples explainedResearch Highlight: Neanderthals stashed dozens of animal skulls in a cave — but why?11:28 The race to refine CAR-T therapiesCAR-T therapi

A new generation of anti-obesity medications are displaying striking results: drastically diminishing weight, without the serious side effects of previous medications.These drugs have raised hopes the weight can be pharmacologically altered in a safe way, but some researchers are concerned about the drugs' high cost, and that these medications could feed into some societies' obsessions with thinness.This is an audio version of our Feature: The ‘breakthrough’ obesity drugs that have stunned researchers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

00:45 The role of serine in diabetic neuropathyNerve damage is a common complication of diabetes, and can even lead to limb amputation. Thus far, the only way for people to slow its onset is by managing their diet and lifestyle. Now though, research in mice shows how the amino acid serine may be key to this nerve damage, suggesting a potential role for the molecule in future therapeutics.Research article: Handzlik et al.News and Views: Serine deficiency causes complications in diabetes06:47 Research HighlightsDNA from chickens is spreading to their wild relatives, and a hidden magma chamber is revealed beneath an underwater volcano.Research Highlight: Chickens’ DNA is fouling the genomes of their wild relativesResearch Highlight: Underwater volcano near Greece is a sleeping menace09:05 Briefing ChatWe discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time: how the Hubble Telescope is still helping scientists, and the multimillion-dollar trade of paper authorships.Nature News: Why the Hubble telescope is

In this episode:00:45 Laser-guided lightningScientists have shown that a specially designed laser can divert the course of lightning strikes in a real-world setting. The team fired the laser into the sky above a communications tower high in the Swiss Alps and altered the course of four strikes. In future they hope that this kind of system could be used to protect large infrastructure, such as airports.Research article: Houard et al.News: This rapid-fire laser diverts lightning strikes09:36 Research HighlightsThe crabs that lean on bacteria to detoxify sulfur from hydrothermal vents, and how a persons’ nasal microbes might exacerbate their hay fever.Research Highlight: Crabs endure a hellish setting — with help from friendsResearch Highlight: Plagued by hay fever? Blame your nasal microbes12:02 Briefing ChatWe discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time: how “hot mixing” has helped ancient Roman concrete stand the test of time, and the first vaccine for honeybees shows promise.Ars Technica: Anc

In this episode of the Nature Podcast, we catch up on some science stories from the holiday period by diving into the Nature Briefing.We’ll hear: how Brazil’s President Lula has started to make good on his pro-environment promises; a new theory for why giant ichthyosaurs congregated in one place; how glass frogs hide their blood; about a new statue honouring Henrietta Lacks; and why T. rex might have cooed like a dove.Nature News: Will Brazil’s President Lula keep his climate promises?Science News: Mysterious ichthyosaur graveyard may have been a breeding groundThe Atlantic: How Glass Frogs Weave the World’s Best Invisibility CloakBBC News: Statue of Henrietta Lacks will replace Robert E LeeBooks & Arts: The woman behind HeLaEditorial: Henrietta Lacks: science must right a historical wrongNews: Wealthy funder pays reparations for use of HeLa cellsBBC Futures: What did dinosaurs sound like?​​​​Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbo

In this episode, reporter Miryam Naddaf joins us to talk about the big science events to look out for in 2023. We'll hear about vaccines, multiple Moon missions and new therapeutics, to name but a few.News: the science events to look out for in 2023Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:00:53 How virtual meetings can limit creative ideasIn April, we heard how a team investigated whether switching from face-to-face to virtual meetings came at a cost to creativity. They showed that people meeting virtually produced fewer creative ideas than those working face-to-face, and suggest that when it comes to idea generation maybe it’s time to turn the camera off.Nature Podcast: 27 April 2022Research article: Brucks & LevavVideo: Why video calls are bad for brainstorming08:29 How the Black Death got its startThe Black Death is estimated to have caused the deaths of up to 60% of the population of Europe. However, the origin of this wave of disease has remained unclear. In June, we heard from a team who used a combination of techniques to identify a potential starting point in modern-day Kyrgyzstan.Nature Podcast: 15 June 2022Research article: Spyrou et al.15:24 Research HighlightsHippos’ habit of aggressively spraying dung when they hear a stranger, and why being far from humans hel

01:07 “Artemis and Dart”In the first of our festive songs, we celebrate some of the big space missions from this year: Artemis which aims to get people back to the moon, and DART which could help defend the Earth from meteor strikes. 03:51 Redacted Headline challengeIn this year’s festive game, our competitors work together to try and figure out some Nature Podcast headlines where all the words have been removed. Find out how they get on…15:57 Research HighlightsResearch Highlight: Why does fat return after dieting? The microbiome might have a handResearch Highlight: Revealed: massive Maya structures built by vast labour forces18:31 Nature’s 10Every year, Nature’s 10 highlights some of the people who have shaped science. We hear about a few of the people who made the 2022 list.Nature’s 1030:40 “Fairytale of Omicron”In our final song this year, we imagine ourselves in a wintry lab thinking on genetic data from the Omicron variant of coronavirus… Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of sci

In this episode:00:47 Estimating pandemic-associated mortalityThis week, a team of researchers working with the World Health Organization have used statistical modelling to estimate the number of excess deaths associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The work estimates that there were almost 15 million deaths either directly or indirectly attributed to the pandemic, almost three times higher than the official toll.Research article: Msemburi et al.News and Views: Global estimates of excess deaths from COVID-19Editorial: Missing data mean we’ll probably never know how many people died of COVID08:35 Research HighlightsWhy dinosaurs' tail clubs may actually have been used to battle rivals, and the ancient images that make up the earliest known narrative scene.Research Highlight: Dinosaurs bashed each other with built-in tail clubsResearch Highlight: Prehistoric carvings are oldest known story sequence10:55 Understanding the lack of diversity in UK academiaStark figures show that the representation

In this episode:00:45 World’s oldest DNA shows that mastodons roamed ancient GreenlandDNA recovered from ancient permafrost has been used to reconstruct what an ecosystem might have looked like two million years ago. Their work suggests that Northern Greenland was much warmer than the frozen desert it is today, with a rich ecosystem of plants and animals.Research Article: Kjær et al.Nature Video: The world's oldest DNA: Extinct beasts of ancient Greenland08:21 Research HighlightsWhy low levels of ‘good’ cholesterol don’t predict heart disease risk in Black people, and how firework displays affect the flights of geese.Research Highlight: ‘Good’ cholesterol readings can lead to bad results for Black peopleResearch Highlight: New Year’s fireworks chase wild geese high into the sky10:31 Modelling the potential emissions of plasticsWhile the global demand for plastics is growing, the manufacturing and disposal of these ubiquitous materials is responsible for significant CO2 emissions each year. This week, a team h

In the second episode of Nature hits the books, science writer and broadcaster Gaia Vince joins us to talk about her new book Nomad Century, which looks at how climate change could render large parts of the globe uninhabitable, and how surviving this catastrophe will require a planned migration of people on a scale never seen before in human history.Nomad Century, Gaia Vince, Allen Lane (2022)Music supplied by Airae/Epidemic Sound/Getty images. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.