Science Weekly

A deep dive into a new executive order fast-tracking psychedelic drug research and access. Conversations cover veterans' advocacy driving reform and why ibogaine became central. Discussion of political timing, media influence on policy, and who might profit from commercialising these treatments.

Patrick Barkham, natural history writer who covers wildlife and conservation, reflects on meeting David Attenborough and his storytelling. He traces Attenborough’s rise from early nature curiosity to landmark series and shifting tones. Conversations cover Blue Planet 2’s impact, how humans reshaped the planet, and conservation wins that offer hope.

Professor Jonathan Ball, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and virologist, breaks down hantavirus origins and rodent reservoirs. He explains how people catch it via rodent urine, airborne particles and close contact. He outlines rarity of person-to-person spread but why a cruise ship setting raises concern. He also covers incubation, containment measures and why monitoring and testing are crucial.

Jon Watts, Global environment editor at The Guardian who covers climate and energy, breaks down the Santa Marta meeting that aims to end the fossil fuel era. He explains why countries split from COP and who stayed away. He outlines the new science panel, national fossil-fuel roadmaps, concerns over mining and indigenous rights, and the tactics fossil fuel interests use to resist change.

A trio of science stories: why healthy years in the UK have dropped and where inequalities bite. How two marathoners broke the two-hour barrier thanks to shoes, training and tech. The science behind why some old houses feel spooky, including infrasound experiments that might explain eerie sensations.

Rebecca Seal, food and health journalist and author of Irritated, explains why at-home intolerance tests are popular but often misleading. She contrasts allergies and intolerances, examines common trigger foods, and recounts her own test-comparison experiment. Practical alternatives like careful elimination diets and professional advice are discussed.

Jean Bennett, molecular biologist who co-developed the RPE65 gene therapy that restored sight, shares her 25-year research journey. Ian Sample, science editor at the Guardian, contextualizes this and other Breakthrough Prize winners. They discuss muons and precise measurements, mathematical breakthroughs around solitons and blow-up behavior, and the rise of gene-focused life sciences awards.

Aisha Down, a Guardian reporter who investigates AI companies and policy, breaks down Anthropic’s Mythos claims. She discusses alleged autonomous exploit-finding, who gets access through Project Glasswing, and expert skepticism. Aisha also explores whether the messaging was political PR or a genuine safety warning and what that means for sensible regulation.

They discuss a major review of amyloid-targeting Alzheimer’s drugs and what the findings mean for current treatments. They explain signs that a potentially strong El Niño might form and how that could affect global weather. They explore research on why supposedly boring small talk often feels better than we expect and why everyday conversations matter.

Sophia Hayes, a chemistry professor specializing in NMR and low-temperature physics. She explains why helium’s unique cold and inert properties matter. They cover helium’s roles in MRI, semiconductor cooling and AI hardware. The conversation also looks at fragile global supplies, storage and transport challenges, and how labs cope when supplies tighten.