New Scientist

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09/09/2024更新
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4月25日更新
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9月17日更新
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26/04/2021更新

11月7日

COP30: The world's climate future hinges on this meeting

Episode 330 COP30 is nearly upon us - and this climate conference may be the most crucial so far. In a year where we’ve seen the first major global tipping point reached, destructive wildfires raging in Los Angeles and much more, joint action has never been more urgent. But as hope starts to wane and climate goals continue to be missed, many are questioning the value of the COPs. Even legendary figure Christiana Figueres is showing signs of doubt. So 10 years on from Paris, in a year that countries are meant to come back with renewed, more ambitious pledges - will their commitments be enough? In a special COP30 episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Simon Evans, climate journalist and deputy editor of the website Carbon Brief, as well as Rupert Read, climate philosopher, activist and director of the Climate Majority Project. Together they outline what has actually been achieved since the Paris agreement was signed - and whether the COP process is fit for purpose. They discuss the growing need for adaptation, and disagree on the failure of mitigation goals. And they touch on America’s absence from the conference, promises of raising climate finance goals, the problem with net-zero and more. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11月7日

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32 分鐘
2月14日

Resurrecting frozen brains; giant asteroid heads to Earth; you really do have a ‘dessert stomach’

Episode 289 Slices of mouse brains have been revived after being in deep freeze, hinting at the future possibility of reanimating humans who have been cryogenically preserved. While this is just a first step, researchers say the technique could one day be adapted to bring frozen human brains out of stasis. This may be good news for the more than 200 bodies currently in deep freeze in the US. But what kind of world will they wake up to if we do find a way? An asteroid named 2024 YR4 is threatening to smash into Earth in just over 7 years’ time. Alarm bells are ringing and several international bodies are stepping in to take action. Astronomers will assess the threat with the James Webb Space Telescope, so we can get a measure of how big - and on how dangerous an orbit - it really is. A technique used to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is showing huge promise in the fight against climate change. Scientists have enhanced a natural process called rock weathering, getting farmers to spread crushed rocks on their fields. If this was done the world over, the climate impact could be dramatic. Hear from a farmer in Virginia who’s been testing the method. Have you ever been completely stuffed at the end of a meal, only to miraculously find room for a slice of cake? This is the mysterious phenomenon known as ‘dessert tummy’ - and it turns out it’s actually a real thing. Discover the science behind why you can always find extra room for a sweet treat. Timestamps: (00:34) Mouse brain resurrection (11:51) Asteroid threat (21:03) Enhanced weathering (27:20) Science of ‘dessert tummy’ Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Michael Le Page, Leah Crane, James Dinneen and Grace Wade. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2月14日

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32 分鐘
4月29日

Weekly: Why the climate crisis is an issue of injustice and inequality

Episode 299 In a climate justice special episode of the podcast, the biggest issue of the century is up for discussion. Find out the true impact of climate change on our planet and who should be paying to fix the crisis. Rowan Hooper and Madeleine Cuff are joined by two climate experts - Friederike Otto and Joyce Kimutai from the World Weather Attribution project at Imperial College London. This episode is dedicated to answering three questions - starting with the issue of climate attribution. To what extent can we blame climate change for extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, heatwaves, floods and wildfires? Find out how climate attribution began as a fringe science and how it has evolved to become a firm part of public consciousness. The next question is one of climate justice - how can we make sure rich countries pay for the loss and damage caused to poorer countries by climate change? The argument is that poorer nations are least responsible for climate change, yet they are most affected by its impacts. So at the latest UN climate summit, COP28, a lot of money was pledged - yet hardly any of it has actually materialised. So what’s going on? And the third question is about litigation - can climate attribution be used to achieve justice, by forcing climate polluters to pay up? A trial is ongoing where a company in Germany is being sued for its role in damaging the climate - but it’s still unclear whether the case will be successful. The hope is with climate attribution, it’ll be easier to bring cases like this forward and offer up a more detailed picture of how much damage has been done - and how much money is owed. Chapters: (01:16) Weather attribution (19:58) Climate justice (32:52) Climate litigation To read more about stories like this, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4月29日

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42 分鐘
06/12/2024

Weekly: Antarctica special, brain implant made from living cells, best TV and film of 2024

Episode 279 Antarctic sea ice is melting at an unprecedented rate. A collapse like the one we’re seeing was given just a 1 in 700 billion year chance of happening, based on climate models - we basically thought it was impossible. Melting ice in Antarctica will have global scale, knock-on ecological and climate consequences. To address the crisis, five hundred researchers met in Australia for an emergency summit for the future of the Antarctic. Sarah Thompson, one of the scientists at the conference, is working in Antarctica right now and shares her experiences assessing the damage in the region. Also hear from Sharon Robinson from the University of Wollongong, who explores how the ecology of the region is changing. A new type of brain implant technology is being developed that will allow direct access to a patient’s brain in a more intimate way. Most devices place metal electrodes and wires into the brain, but this method is instead using living neurons to form a connection with the brain. Brain-computer interfaces are used to help treat conditions like ALS or stroke, as well as allowing patients to control technology with their mind. Researchers at the Science Corporation in California have tested their new method on mice - but can it be done in humans? If you’re looking for a great science-based TV series or film to get stuck into this December, our resident TV critic Bethan Ackerley is here with all the highlights of 2024. She discusses everything from the unconventional superhero show ‘Supacell’, to the fabulous ‘3 Body Problem’ and the latest ‘Planet of the Apes’ film. Read Beth’s complete TV and film review here: https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26435200-500-the-best-science-fiction-tv-shows-of-2024/ To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

06/12/2024

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32 分鐘
5月2日

Is our understanding of light completely wrong? Two consciousness theories go head-to-head; decoding dolphin whistles

Episode 301 Our understanding of the nature of light might be completely wrong. The double-slit experiment is one of the most famous experiments in physics and is how we’ve understood light for over 200 years. But a team is now suggesting we’ve got the interpretation all wrong - that light is in fact not a wave and is only made up of particles. If true, this is major. The authors of this study were left scrambling as “all hell broke loose” when they made the discovery. And the best part? Dark photons may be involved. A 7 year study into the nature of consciousness has reached its conclusion - pitting two major theories against one another. Integrated information theory suggests levels of consciousness exist in any system, including rocks and fetuses. Global neuronal workspace theory claims specific brain regions are responsible for consciousness. After 256 brain scans - are we any closer to an answer? A decades-long study involving 170 wild dolphins has allowed biologists to decode their whistles. Hear dolphins recorded in the waters of Sarasota, Florida, which show how the animals communicate in various ways - and even give themselves names. Chapters: (00:45) Dark photons and our understanding of light (11:07) Major theories of consciousness go head-to-head (21:05) Decoding whale language Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Chelsea Whyte, Celso Villas-Boas, Gerhard Rempe, Christof Koch, Anil Seth and Laela Sayigh. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5月2日

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29 分鐘
3月14日

Weekly: America is turning its back on science and the cosmos; photosynthesis limits; mysterious memory illusion

Episode 293 The future of NASA and of US science is under threat, following cuts made by the Trump administration. Johns Hopkins University lost $800 million in grants this week which will impact the health of people all over the world. At the same time, there’s chaos at NASA where the budget is set to be cut in half, with multiple people losing their jobs overnight. What missions will we have to sacrifice - and will NASA survive? As we pump ever increasing amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, some people argue this is actually a benefit to the world’s plant life. As carbon dioxide rises, photosynthesis can increase - but only up to a point. New research shows there’s a limit to this effect and many, many consequences. One study on trees suggests rising CO2 levels could impact the carbon storage capacity, and the lifespan, of the world’s forests. Our understanding of memory has been flipped on its head. Researchers have been looking into a memory illusion that warps our perception of time. In a clever experiment, they’ve shown that experiencing something multiple times not only makes our memory of it stronger, but also makes us think it’s an older memory too. Find out what’s happening - and how there is no single thing as “memory”. Chapters: (00:21) The future of NASA (6:52) Photosynthesis collapse (19:59) The mystery of memory Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Jacob Aron, Madeleine Cuff, Sophie Berdugo, Rob MacKenzie, Gustaf Degen, Ian Billick and Alex Easton. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3月14日

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28 分鐘
4月25日

Weekly: First brain engineering in a mammal; landmark in fossil fuel lawsuits, the legacy of Pope Francis

Episode 300 The first genetically engineered synapses have been implanted in a mammal’s brain. Chemical brain signals have been bypassed in the brains of mice and replaced with electrical signals, changing their behaviour in incredible ways. Not only did they become more sociable, they were also less anxious and exhibited fewer OCD-like symptoms. This work has sparked hope that one day we could use this technology to help humans with mental health conditions. But would you want someone making permanent edits to your brain? For the first time, climate scientists can now link specific fossil fuel companies to climate-related economic damages in particular places. A new method has been developed that can show the exact impact these companies are having on our environment - which the world’s top five emitters linked to trillions of dollars of economic losses. Find out how scientists have managed to piece this together - and whether these companies are about to face massive lawsuits. As we reflect on the death of Pope Francis, we explore his legacy on scientific issues and his transformative stance on climate change. As the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics, he became an influential figure in advocating for better care to be taken of our planet. Will his legacy continue with the next Pope? Chapters: (00:28) First brain engineering in a mammal (10:57) Landmark in fossil fuel lawsuits (19:33) Climate legacy of Pope Francis Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Alexandra Thompson, James Dinneen, William Schafer, Chris Callahan, Justin Mankin and Miles Pattenden. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4月25日

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29 分鐘
2月28日

How to finally get a good night’s sleep - with science

Episode 291 Who got better sleep - hunter-gatherers or modern-day humans? We’re constantly being told we’re in the midst of an epidemic of poor sleep, but were our ancestors spending any longer in bed than we are? The answer may well surprise you. We weigh up the pros and cons of sleeping in industrialised societies and explore the real reasons why we’re always complaining about being tired. We often hear you can’t make up for a bad night’s sleep - once you’ve missed those precious hours in bed, no amount of lie-ins will fix the damage. But is that true? We look into the surprising impacts on your brain from racking up just a few hours of sleep debt, plus tips on how to recover from it. And if you’re in sleep debt and don’t know it, we share the signs to look out for. Our microbiome is linked to various aspects of our health - and now it seems it shares a two-way connection with sleep. Irregular sleep patterns have been shown to boost the number of “bad” microbes living in our guts, so we unpack what’s going on. We also learn what supplements and foods you can use to improve your sleep, if cheese gives you nightmares - and whether a poop transplant can help you rest easier. Many people are using sleep trackers these days to improve their sleep habits, but how useful are they? Some experts say sleep trackers are doing more harm than good, making you so stressed about your sleep that you struggle to get any. The team shares their experiences with sleep wearables and other tech - everything from temperature controlled mattresses to EEG brain scanners. Naps can be good for you - if you do them the right way. Nap too long and you’ll end up feeling worse. So what’s the perfect amount of time to snooze in the afternoon? We dig into the science of naps, why the military recommends “tactical naps” and whether offices should be bringing in “nap pods” for staff. We also take a look at the strange practices of polyphasic sleeping, where you sleep in chunks throughout the day. Sleep special: https://www.newscientist.com/subject/sleep/ Chapters: (00:52) Are we really in a poor sleep epidemic? (6:22) Getting into sleep debt (16:47) How sleep affects your microbiome (25:36) Sleep trackers and other tech (29:28) Perfect the art of the nap Offering their sleep tips in this special episode of the podcast are Rowan Hooper, Madeleine Cuff, Catherine de Lange and Alison George. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2月28日

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37 分鐘
5月9日

Ocean wonders and the new arguments against deep-sea mining; biophotons emitted from living things; drumming chimps and the origin of religion

We dive into the mysterious world of the deep sea, sparked by a recent executive order aiming to ramp up offshore mineral extraction, as well as new research revealing that 99.999 per cent of the seabed remains unexplored. Experts discuss the surprising lack of deep-sea exploration, the ecological wonders already discovered, like hydrothermal vents and bizarre deep-sea creatures, and the debate over mining nodules from the ocean floor. With new battery tech on the horizon and mounting environmental concerns, questions grow about whether deep-sea mining is driven by necessity or a disregard for the ecosystems we barely understand. Researchers have captured the faint glow emitted by living things to explore what happens when life ends. First theorised a century ago by Russian physicist Alexander Gurwitsch, biophotons are ultraweak light emissions which appear to track metabolism and fade dramatically at death. Could this eerie glow one day help detect disease, or even confirm the moment of death? Chimpanzees across Africa have been observed rhythmically drumming on trees, but what are they trying to say? A new study spanning 11 chimp communities reveals that these drum beats may be individual signatures, offering fresh insight into the roots of musicality and communication. The team discuss how chimps may even show signs of awe or ritual, with their unique responses to storms, fire, and waterfalls. Could drumming mark not just the evolution of rhythm, but the first flickers of spiritual thought? Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:33 The mysterious deep sea and the race to mine its resources 13:43 The science of biophotons: what happens when we die? 20:27 Chimpanzee drumming: Rhythm, awe, and the roots of musicality Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Alex Wilkins. Maddie Cuff, Dustin Mulvaney, Olive Heffernan, Alasdair Mackenzie, Catherine Hobaiter, and Jessica Battle. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5月9日

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28 分鐘
3月21日

Life on Mars; biggest dark energy discovery in decades; the mystery of dark oxygen

Episode 294 Markings discovered on rocks from Mars look to be good evidence that microbial life once existed on the Red Planet. NASA’s Perseverance rover spotted little speckles on rocks in part of Jezero crater, and minerals usually formed in the presence of water. New analysis suggests these markings also contain signs of organic compounds. Presented with the possibility of microbial Martians, can we now say Mars really did once have life? Dark energy, the mysterious force thought to be driving the expansion of the universe, might be getting weaker. If it is, that completely upends our understanding of the universe - from one that’s getting bigger and bigger, to one that could eventually collapse in a “big crunch”. Results from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) in Arizona may be the biggest discovery about dark energy we’ve had in 25 years. Last year we had the controversial discovery that “dark” oxygen may be produced by metallic nodules on the seafloor. But it was widely contested and the exact mechanism unknown. But researchers in China now think they’ve figured out what’s going on - dark oxygen could be key to keeping deep sea creatures alive, with implications for life beyond Earth. Chapters: (00:31) Suggestions of past life on Mars (7:42) Dark energy and how the universe might end (11:56) Solving the mystery of dark oxygen Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Jacob Aron and Michael Le Page. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Video credit: Perseverance Explores the Jezero Crater Delta Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3月21日

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20 分鐘

Keep up with the latest scientific developments and breakthroughs in the weekly podcasts from the team at New Scientist, the world’s most popular weekly science and technology magazine.

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COP30: The world's climate future hinges on this meeting

Resurrecting frozen brains; giant asteroid heads to Earth; you really do have a ‘dessert stomach’

Weekly: Why the climate crisis is an issue of injustice and inequality

Weekly: Antarctica special, brain implant made from living cells, best TV and film of 2024

Is our understanding of light completely wrong? Two consciousness theories go head-to-head; decoding dolphin whistles

Weekly: America is turning its back on science and the cosmos; photosynthesis limits; mysterious memory illusion

Weekly: First brain engineering in a mammal; landmark in fossil fuel lawsuits, the legacy of Pope Francis

How to finally get a good night’s sleep - with science

Ocean wonders and the new arguments against deep-sea mining; biophotons emitted from living things; drumming chimps and the origin of religion

Life on Mars; biggest dark energy discovery in decades; the mystery of dark oxygen

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