The World, the Universe and Us

Episode 360

A new era of space travel is finally upon us. NASA’s Artemis II rocket successfully launched 4 astronauts around the moon and back. Reacting to the historic news is Britain’s first astronaut, Helen Sharman.

The high tech space race sees countries, once again, scrambling to be the first to land people on the lunar surface - but this time to set up a permanent base of operations. Artemis II has now tested the capabilities of the space craft. But Artemis III and IV are already in the works, with dozens of other launches planned, to get cargo and rovers to the moon.

Unlike the space race of the 1960s, this one is very clearly between the US and China. And it’s clear that no matter who lands first, each country will continue their efforts to reach the surface and benefit from the so-called “lunar economy”.

Rowan Hooper and Helen Sharman reflect on the success of the launch, nervousness about the spacecraft’s heatshields on reentry - and what it all signals for the future.

She also explains why we need cooperation now, more than ever, to ensure international collaboration when we do finally start building on the lunar surface. 

Chapters

(00:00) Intro - A new space race is now underway

(00:22) Introduction to Astronaut Helen Sharman

(01:09) Helen’s reaction to the Artemis II splashdown

(02:06) Problems with the heatshield

(04:33) What this mission means for new generations

(06:29) Will this actually lead to a sustained presence on the moon?

(10:47) Are private space companies a problem for the moon?

(11:52) The plan for Artemis III

(12:54) Why put nuclear reactors on the moon?

(14:56) What was Artemis II really trying to achieve?

(17:40 What did the astronauts see?

(20:34) Do we know what the landing site will be now?

(22:36) The many planned launches ahead

(24:57) Will we soon have holidays to the moon?

(27:08) Helen’s 35th astronaut anniversary

(29:58) Vision for an international future base on the moon

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/

Image Credits: NASA
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The Lyrid meteor shower hits its peak on the evening of the 22nd April, but you can look for them any time between the 16th and 25th.

Listen along with New Scientist's Abby Beall as she guides you through what a meteor shower is, when to see the Lyrids and how to look for them.
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Episode 359

DNA analysis of 10 Neanderthal people is shedding light on why their populations declined 75,000 years ago - eventually leading to their extinction.

After being hit by a cold spell, we can see Neanderthals lost a lot of genetic diversity as their numbers dwindled. Living in small, isolated groups, we see evidence in both genetic and archaeological evidence that this pushed the human species to die out.

One exception to this trend is Thorin - known as the last Neanderthal. We explore why his tribe may have been able to cling onto existence for longer than the rest of their species.

It wasn’t long ago this kind of understanding about ancient human species was well out of reach. Now the field is moving forward rapidly. What will we find next? 

To discuss this new finding - and to look at the genetic history of interbreeding between humans and Neanderthals - Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Alison George and Michael Marshall.

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/

Image Credit: Neanderthal-Museum, Mettmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Episode 358

The male G-spot exists - and scientists have found it. The most comprehensive study of the human penis has identified one specific location most involved in sexual pleasure - and it’s not what science thought.

14 penis slices from deceased donors were inspected under the microscope - and one region in particular was packed with nerve endings.

Medical literature has long thought a different region was home to the most nerves, but this new finding debunks the old textbooks. Now we know the ‘frenula delta’ is the male g-spot, what can this teach us about male sexual health? 

To discuss this, Rowan Hooper is joined by New Scientist Australia reporter Alice Klein.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
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Episode 357

A global food shock is on the way because of the ongoing war in Iran. Your food bill is expected to rise significantly.

The conflict is showing just how fragile our food system is, as spikes in fuel, fertiliser and pesticide prices begin to have knock-on effects around the world. With food availability in jeopardy, should we be stocking supplies at home?

Coupled with the worsening climate and environment crises - and governments increasingly incentivising the production of biofuel - there could be tough times ahead. So how can we prepare?

From eating less meat and raising less livestock, to countries focusing on renewable energy and becoming more self-sufficient - will this shock finally be what’s needed to force leaders to take action?

To discuss this critical issue, Rowan Hooper is joined by climate, energy, and food systems professor Paul Behrens - and New Scientist reporter Michael Le Page.

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
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