Nature Podcast

Nature Podcast

The Nature Podcast brings you the best stories from the world of science each week. We cover everything from astronomy to zoology, highlighting the most exciting research from each issue of the Nature journal. We meet the scientists behind the results and provide in-depth analysis from Nature's journalists and editors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nature Podcast

Wed May 15 2024

Lizard-inspired building design could save lives

3D PrintingRecyclingBuilding StructuresAsteroid DiscoveryHuman Brain Cortex

This episode covers various scientific advancements including a recyclable resin for 3D printing, controlled collapse in building structures, asteroid discovery algorithm, and a detailed study of the human brain cortex.

Nature Podcast

Wed May 08 2024

Alphafold 3.0: the AI protein predictor gets an upgrade

scienceclocksphysicsprotein prediction

Deep dive into the world of science with Nature+. Nature Plus, the key to unlocking the world's most significant scientific advances. Subscribe today at go.nature.com/plus. Acast powers the world's best podcasts.

Nature Podcast

Thu May 02 2024

Talking about sex and gender doesn't need to be toxic

sexgenderhealth researchbiomedical sciencesanimal research

The podcast explores the increasing research into sex and gender in a polarized socio-political climate. Scientists are working to explore differences between individuals responsibly and inclusively. Three authors discuss their work on incorporating sex and gender considerations into health research. Stacy Brits emphasizes the importance of considering sex and gender in health research. Peg McCarthy's research focuses on how evolution shapes brain-behavior relationships, particularly in reproduction. Florence Ashley's interest lies in improving clinical care and research for trans communities by addressing misinformation.

Nature Podcast

Wed May 01 2024

Dad's microbiome can affect offsprings' health — in mice

Cancer RatesEnvironmental FactorsMicrobiomeHuman HealthIntergenerational Disease Risk Transmission

This episode covers a range of topics including cancer rates and environmental factors, the impact of microbiome on human health, intergenerational disease risk transmission, and advancements in moon research and CRISPR gene editing. The studies discussed highlight the importance of understanding genetic variations, environmental influences, and the role of gut microbiota in various health conditions. Additionally, advancements in moon mapping and AI-designed CRISPR systems offer exciting possibilities for future research and applications.

Nature Podcast

Fri Apr 26 2024

Audio long read: Why loneliness is bad for your health

lonelinesshealthbrainneurosciencesocial activities

Loneliness can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health, with chronic loneliness being as harmful as obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking. It is linked to depression, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and early death. Around one quarter of adults worldwide feel very or fairly lonely. Loneliness alters various aspects of the brain and is subjective. It affects both older adults and young adults, and can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Temporary loneliness likely evolved as a survival strategy to motivate seeking company. Loneliness and hunger share similarities at the physiological level. Social activities and exercise can help alleviate loneliness.

Nature Podcast

Wed Apr 24 2024

How gliding marsupials got their 'wings'

Nature+Amazon WarehousePortable ClocksOptical ClocksGPS Accuracy

This episode covers a range of topics including Nature+ and Amazon Warehouse, portable clocks and optical clocks, optical clocks and GPS accuracy, atomic clocks on the moon, ritual burning at a Maya site, Tau-Neutrinos from outer space, marsupial gliding membrane, algorithm grocking and generalization, and the discovery of Goldine. The insights include the importance of optical clocks for accurate timekeeping, the potential impact on GPS accuracy, the genetic regulation of marsupial gliding membranes, the shift from memorizing to generalizing in algorithms, and the accidental discovery of a thin layer of gold.

Nature Podcast

Fri Apr 19 2024

Living on Mars would probably suck — here's why

space settlementchallenges of living in spacelegal implicationstechnology advancementsmoon as a starting point

The episode explores the challenges of settling in space, the difficulties of living in space, and the legal implications of space settlement. It discusses the reasons for colonizing space, the technological advancements making space exploration more feasible, and the potential starting points for space settlements like the Moon and Mars. The challenges of living in space include physical and psychological strains, reproductive concerns, and determining optimal population size. The episode also delves into the legal ambiguity surrounding resource extraction in space and the need for clearer laws and regulations.

Nature Podcast

Wed Apr 17 2024

Keys, wallet, phone: the neuroscience behind working memory

Brown DwarfsW1935Working MemoryPack NeuronsCoral Bleaching

This episode covers a range of topics including brown dwarfs, working memory and pack neurons, coral bleaching and global warming, and nitrogen-fixing algae and engineering crops. Key insights include the discovery of W1935, the mystery of auroras on brown dwarfs, the role of pack neurons in working memory, the impact of global warming on coral reefs, and the potential applications of nitrogen-fixing algae in crop engineering.

Nature Podcast

Wed Apr 10 2024

The 'ghost roads' driving tropical deforestation

Ghost RoadsAsia Pacific RegionDeforestationMini-LiversGenetic Variants

This episode discusses the presence of 'Ghost Roads' in the Asia Pacific region, which are illegal or illicit roads not on official maps. These hidden highways have significant environmental costs and are strongly associated with deforestation. The episode also explores a trial involving growing mini-livers inside people with liver disease to alleviate the shortage of organ transplants. Additionally, it delves into the genetic variants related to handedness and their potential impact on brain development and disorders.

Nature Podcast

Fri Apr 05 2024

Audio long read: Why are so many young people getting cancer? What the data say

early onset cancercolorectal cancerbreast canceruterine cancerpancreatic cancer

Rates of early onset cancer are increasing among adults under the age of 50. Colorectal, breast, uterine, pancreatic, and stomach cancers are among those on the rise. Social determinants of health may contribute to disparities in early onset cancer rates. Researchers are exploring the role of obesity, the gut microbiome, and tumor genomes in these cancers. Long-term studies tracking the lives of children born decades ago may hold clues to understanding rising early onset cancers. International collaboration and large-scale studies are needed to gather sufficient data on early onset cancers. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes for young adults with cancer. Advocacy groups are raising awareness and promoting early screening. More research is needed to identify risk factors and improve treatment for early onset cancers. Long-term data collection and international collaboration are key to advancing early onset cancer research.

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