Science Weekly

The Guardian

4.1 (582)
SCIENCE
UPDATED WEEKLY

Twice a week, the Guardian brings you the latest science and environment news

1 HR AGO

The science behind yo-yo diets, bird flu news and which Brits can spot a fake accent

Science editor Ian Sample joins host Madeleine Finlay to discuss some of the most intriguing science stories of the week. From a study finding that fat cells ‘remembering’ past obesity drives yo-yo dieting, to concerning developments in the bird flu virus, and research pinpointing which parts of the UK are best at spotting fake accents. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

21 min
2 DAYS AGO

What does it take to become an astronaut?

It’s a dream for many children, but what does it actually take to become an astronaut? Science correspondent Hannah Devlin tells Ian Sample about her trip on a zero gravity flight with the European Space Agency (Esa). Back on solid ground she also got to speak to Rosemary Coogan, one of Esa’s newest recruits, about the rigorous process that led to her being chosen from more than 20,000 applicants, to become an astronaut, and what she hopes to achieve in her role. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

16 min
14 NOV

Secrets of happiness: the happiness hacks backed up by science

At a moment when the world feels like a particularly unsettling place, Science Weekly is asking what it is that makes humans happy – and how we can bring more happiness into our lives. In episode two, Ian Sample asks which happiness strategies are backed up by science. He hears from Elizabeth Dunn, a professor of psychology at the University of British Columbia, who recently scrutinised a whole lot of happiness research to work out which recommendations are most reliable. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

17 min
12 NOV

Secrets of happiness: what makes a country happy?

At a moment when the world feels like a particularly unsettling place, Science Weekly is asking what it is that makes humans happy – and how can we bring more happiness into our lives? In episode one, Ian Sample asks what makes a country happy? Johannes Eichstaedt, assistant professor of psychology and human-centred AI at Stanford University, explains why the Nordic countries often rank highly in the annual World Happiness Report, and what we can learn if we look beyond them. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

18 min
6 NOV

What will Trump 2.0 mean for science?

Madeleine Finlay talks to science editor and podcast co-host Ian Sample about how Donald Trump approached science when in office last time, and what his second term is likely to mean for the environment, health and scientific research. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

18 min
5 NOV

Could we really live on Mars?

Space-settling enthusiasts have long had an eye on Mars, and now they have the backing of the world’s richest man. Elon Musk recently claimed that humans could be on the planet by 2030 and be living there in a self-sustaining city within 20 years. But is it really that simple? Madeleine Finlay heads to Imperial College London where Prof Sanjeev Gupta gives her a tour of the red planet, and meets Kelly Weinersmith who, along with her husband, Zach, recently won the Royal Society Trivedi science book prize for their book A City on Mars. She explains why life on Mars may not be the idyll some would have us believe. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

21 min
31 OCT

Love motels and gridlocked talks: all the news from Cop16

Biodiversity correspondent Phoebe Weston takes Madeleine Finlay through the news from the UN Cop16 biodiversity summit in Cali, Colombia. Countries are wrangling over funding to protect nature and who should profit from the natural resources of the world’s least developed nations. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

16 min
29 OCT

The US tech startup promising smarter babies

A startup company, Heliospect Genomics, is offering to help wealthy couples screen their embryos for IQ using controversial technology that raises questions about the ethics of genetic enhancement. Science correspondent Hannah Devlin tells Madeleine Finlay about the joint investigation into the company by the Guardian and the campaign group Hope Not Hate. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

20 min

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4.1

out of 5

582 Ratings

Science Daily ?

1 Nov

ddaaannnn_

Very well produced , informative and enjoyable show from The Guardian — an insight into the world of science for your morning tea or afternoon break . Only downside ? There aren’t nearly enough episodes — please make it Science Daily ? ;)
Aging

8 Aug

buffy flow and spike

Science based examination of our inevitable journey to old age and the conclusion that we need not fear it if we take more control over our last years and live in the moment.
secrets of aging

6 Aug

Scot in England

Excellent trio of programmes on aging. The science to inform and examples of following certain routes, processes. Focusing on what people may know already re the factors for healthy aging but also talking to experts and looking at the research that provides us with insight in that area.
Nuggets of knowledge

6 Aug

afmartini

I’ve been listening to the Guardian’s Science Weekly for years, and while sometimes I wish the episodes were longer, I absolutely love my weekly appointment with it. Make sure to know interesting facts and curiosities to share with friends and family!