Science Weekly The Guardian
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- Science
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Twice a week, the Guardian brings you the latest science and environment news
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The extraordinary promise of personalised cancer vaccines
Glioblastomas are an extremely aggressive type of brain tumour, which is why the news this week of a vaccine that has shown promise in fighting them is so exciting. And this comes right off the back of the announcement of another trial of the world’s first personalised mRNA vaccine for melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. Ian Sample talks to Prof Alan Melcher of the Institute of Cancer Research about how these vaccines work and whether they could one day be used to target cancer before it is even detectable on scans. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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The stream of plastic pollution: could a global treaty help us turn off the tap?
Guardian Seascapes reporter Karen McVeigh tells Madeleine Finlay about a recent trip to the Galápagos Islands, where mounds of plastic waste are washing up and causing problems for endemic species. Tackling this kind of waste and the overproduction of plastic were the topics on the table in Ottawa this week, as countries met to negotiate a global plastics treaty. But is progress too slow to address this pervasive problem?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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From birds, to cattle, to … us? Could bird flu be the next pandemic?
As bird flu is confirmed in 33 cattle herds across eight US states, Ian Sample talks to virologist Dr Ed Hutchinson of Glasgow University about why this development has taken scientists by surprise, and how prepared we are for the possibility it might start spreading among humans. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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Hardwired to eat: what can our dogs teach us about obesity?
Labradors are known for being greedy dogs, and now scientists have come up with a theory about the genetic factors that might be behind their behaviour. Science correspondent and flat-coated retriever owner Nicola Davis visits Cambridge University to meet Dr Eleanor Raffan and Prof Giles Yeo to find out how understanding this pathway could help us treat the obesity crisis in humans. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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Who really wins if the Enhanced Games go ahead?
Billed as a rival to the Olympic Games, the Enhanced Games, set to take place in 2025, is a sporting event with a difference; athletes will be allowed to dope. Ian Sample talks to chief sports writer Barney Ronay about where the idea came from and how it’s being sold as an anti-establishment underdog, and to Dr Peter Angell about what these usually banned substances are, and what they could do to athletes’ bodies. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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Soundscape ecology: a window into a disappearing world
What can sound tell us about nature loss? Guardian biodiversity reporter Phoebe Weston tells Madeleine Finlay about her visit to Monks Wood in Cambridgeshire, where ecologist Richard Broughton has witnessed the decline of the marsh tit population over 22 years, and has heard the impact on the wood’s soundscape. As species lose their habitats across the world, pioneering soundscape ecologist Bernie Krause has argued that if we listen closely, nature can tell us everything we need to know about our impact on the planet. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
Customer Reviews
Biophony
So sad, yet not surprised, about the global decline in the sounds, the bird call etc, the Biophony of the woodlands. And so glad to have learned the word and its meaning, and the impact human activity has had on the natural world.
Inspirational
All of the hosts are brilliant
A Missed Opportunity for Engagement
My experience with this podcast was far from satisfactory. It lacked the key elements necessary for an engaging and memorable listening journey. Regrettably, the hosts' monotonous delivery, coupled with subpar production quality, absence of structure, unnecessarily lengthy episodes, and unimpressive guest selection, contributed to an underwhelming and forgettable experience. In today's vast landscape of exceptional podcasts, this offering failed to meet even the most fundamental standards of quality and entertainment. I strongly encourage exploring alternative options that feature engaging hosts, well-produced episodes, and valuable insights to make the most of your podcast listening time.