New genome of ancient human; 95% of us have a dormant virus that causes disease; Formula E cars faster than F1; Bill Bryson joins the pod!
Episode 332
For only the second time, the genome of an ancient Denisovan has been sequenced - thanks to the discovery of a 200,000-year-old tooth found in a Siberian cave. This ancient member of the human family has long been a mystery, so this genome is being described as a bombshell moment, revealing an early stage of Denisovan history. We explore how this reshapes our understanding about the origins of our species.
Some 95 per cent of us have a dormant virus, lurking in our bodies - waiting to strike when the moment’s right. Epstein-Barr virus causes glandular fever - also known as mono or kissing disease - but only in a small number of people. Though new evidence is showing that even dormant viruses may still cause long term health problems.
Formula E electric race cars may have surpassed their fossil fuel counterparts. From greater efficiency to faster acceleration, this is a big turning point for the sport - but they don’t have the edge on F1 cars in all areas just yet. We find out where they’re winning and where they’re falling behind - and how this could translate to better electric road cars for us.
And the legendary science writer Bill Bryson joins the team to discuss the process of revising his bestselling book A Short History of Nearly Everything. He explores some of the most fascinating (and surprising) facts he’s had to update in the 20 years since the book came out.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(01:45) Second Denisovan genome sequenced
(11:15) We all have dormant viruses that are causing diseases
(18:37) Are Formula E cars faster than F1?
(27:17) Bill Bryson on revising his bestselling book
Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Bill Bryson and Alec Luhn.
To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
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Why the claims about Hitler’s genome are misleading
Episode 331
This week sees the broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK of a documentary called Hitler’s DNA: Blueprint of a dictator. Geneticists have managed to find a DNA sample from Adolf Hitler and have sequenced it and verified it, and now we have his genome. The big question is what does this really tell us – what can we tell from someone’s genome?
In this special episode of the podcast, Rowan Hooper is joined by two of the lead figures on the documentary. Turi King is a geneticist at the University of Bath and is best known for the identification of the remains of Richard III, and Alex Kay is a historian of Nazi Germany based at Potsdam University in Germany.
Rowan also discusses the documentary with New Scientist reporter Michael Le Page.
To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
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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/
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The collapse of America’s health data system; How sleep affects your focus; Life on Mars in liquid veins?
Episode 329
America’s health data system is in crisis. The US government has been bleeding public health experts – many of whom run crucial public health surveys and databases which help identify, monitor and respond to health threats across the country. From drug use to food security and birth data, discover the 5 surveys most critically hit by the axing of over 20,000 jobs. If nothing is done to address this, vital health information will be missed and the results could be catastrophic.
Do you find it difficult to concentrate after a bad night’s sleep? This might be really common, but scientists are still trying to figure out why it happens. A new finding suggests it might have something to do with the brain’s “rinse cycle” – a process where your brain washes away metabolic waste and toxic proteins. Although this usually happens while you sleep, researchers have discovered it may continue in the day if you’re sleep deprived.
Life might exist on Mars right now, thanks to a network of liquid water on the Red Planet. Researchers examining Mars’ soil say there’s a good chance tiny veins of liquid water are hiding under the Martian permafrost and that they could support microbial life. This finding has scientists excited, with one suggesting “it’s not impossible that life could exist in the Martian near surface.”
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(01:00) The collapse of America’s health data system
(08:00) How sleep affects your focus
(16:40) Best place to search for life on Mars
Hosted by Penny Sarchet and Timothy Revell, with guests Grace Wade, Carissa Wong and Leah Crane.
To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
Check out Carissa’s story on the lymphatic system here: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2499831-the-extraordinary-influence-of-the-lymphatic-system-on-our-health/
Find Wellcome’s podcast here: https://wellcome.org/insights/podcast
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How mRNA vaccines teach your body to kill cancer; Grim state of climate action; Why birds sing the dawn chorus
Episode 328
Not only has the mRNA covid vaccine saved 14 million lives, it may also help our bodies fight off cancer. A study of cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy treatment showed those who received an mRNA vaccine lived nearly twice as long - and this effect was discovered by accident. In a trial of cancer vaccines, Elias Sayour’s team at the University of Florida used standard mRNA vaccines as a control - they weren’t meant to do anything. Except they did - and the effect was huge. It’s still early days, but as we await more trial results, people are beginning to speculate how this might transform cancer treatment.
Ahead of COP30, the World Resources Institute has published the State of Climate Action 2025 report - and it doesn’t make for good reading. It finds that we have failed to meet any of the goals laid out in the Paris agreement to avoid breaching 1.5°C of global warming. From deforestation to coal use, we’re not moving fast enough on anything. Hear from the authors of the report, who offer an important message of hope.
Why do birds sing the dawn chorus? Many theories exist - 11 in fact - but a new one has emerged, after scientists were studying zebra finches in the lab. Hear their conclusion while enjoying the serenity of birdsong, recorded at some of the RSPB’s nature reserves.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(00:34) How mRNA vaccines fight cancer
(10:00) State of Climate Action report
(21:13) Why birds sing the dawn chorus
Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Michael Le Page, Clea Schumer and Sophie Boehm.
To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
Learn more about Yakult at www.yakult.co.uk
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From the evolution of intelligent life, to the mysteries of consciousness; from the threat of the climate crisis to the search for dark matter, The world, the universe and us is your essential weekly dose of science and wonder in an uncertain world. Hosted by journalists Dr Rowan Hooper and Dr Penny Sarchet and joined each week by expert scientists in the field, the show draws on New Scientist’s unparalleled depth of reporting to put the stories that matter into context. Feed your curiosity with the podcast that will restore your sense of optimism and nourish your brain.
For more visit newscientist.com/podcasts
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