Nature Podcast

In this episode:00:46 The effects of evolution on a minimal genomeIn 2016, researchers created a ‘minimal cell’ bacterium with a genome that only contains genes essential for the organism's survival. Any mutation in these genes could be fatal, so it was unclear whether there could be scope for evolution. But now, a team has grown this bacterium through 2,000 generations and shown that it does have the ability to evolve and can recover from some of the fitness costs associated with its streamlined genome.Research article: Moger-Reischer et al.09:21 Research HighlightsDolphins use ‘baby talk’ when talking to their offspring, and how microwaving plastic containers can release microplastic particles.Research Highlight: Dolphin mums whistle ‘baby talk’ with their calvesResearch Highlight: What happens when you microwave that plastic bowl?12:18 The first hints of giant gravitational wavesGravitational waves were first detected in 2015, when two black holes collided — sending ripples in space-time across the Univers