Science Weekly

Exploring the challenges women in the UK face in accessing appropriate contraception and the rise of natural birth control methods. Addressing concerns around misinformation, risks, and barriers to accessing contraception. Emphasizing the need for improved access, personalized prescribing, and equitable access for marginalized communities.

As Cop28 begins in Dubai, the podcast discusses the controversy surrounding the summit, the urgent need for climate action amidst record-breaking temperatures, the role of an oil executive as president of COP 28, the global stock take and ratchet mechanism in the Paris Agreement, and the influence of fossil fuel interests at the summit.

Graeme Pearman, Lesley Hughes, and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, pioneering Australian scientists, discuss the climate crisis. They predicted increased carbon dioxide levels, species extinctions, and mass coral bleaching events. They reveal their moment of realization, their actions afterward, and their thoughts on the world's response. The podcast also explores challenges faced by climate scientists and journalists, the biodiversity of coral reefs, and the devastating impact of coral bleaching.

Discussing amazing discoveries made by the James Webb space telescope, including planets that rain sand, distant galaxies, and potential signs of life on exoplanets. These discoveries have the potential to redefine our understanding of the universe and ignite awe and wonder.

Guardian's Europe environment correspondent and wealth correspondent discuss the carbon impact of the ultra-wealthy, focusing on emissions from private jets and superyachts, and the staggering inequalities in carbon footprints between the richest 1% and the rest of humanity.

Volcanologist Helga Torfadottir and Cambridge professor of volcanology Clive Oppenheimer discuss the preparations for a potential volcanic eruption in Iceland. They explore the geology of Iceland, the uncertainty surrounding eruptions, and the techniques used to predict volcanic activity. They also discuss the allure and importance of studying volcanoes.

Dr Will Lawn, researcher at Kings College University studying the health effects of CBD, discusses the evidence for the benefits of CBD and the recent decision by the UK's Food Standards Authority. Topics covered include the rise of CBD products, regulations and health claims, the value of placebo effect, and understanding the science behind CBD's potential impact on the body.

This podcast explores the devastating drought in the Amazon rainforest and the factors driving it. It discusses the impact of low water levels on biodiversity and infrastructure, the role of climate change and deforestation, and the wide-reaching consequences on power supplies and crop irrigation. It also explores the anticipation of rain and the hope it brings for revitalization.

This podcast explores the science of addiction, including how drug addiction affects the brain, the concept of addiction as an 'allergy of the body', factors contributing to addiction, and resources for support.

This podcast explores the potential of AI in transforming science and medicine, discussing applications such as analyzing large datasets, controlling plasma containment, and predicting protein structures for drug development. It also explores how AI can personalize clinical trials, aid in early diagnosis, and predict healthcare resource requirements. The importance of developing fair AI for clinicians and patients is highlighted, along with the potential impact of AI on material design, battery technology, and sustainability.