The World, the Universe and Us
New Scientist
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
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
May 13, 2026 • 17min
Scientists Concerned By a Sudden Increase in the Rate of Sea Level Rise
Michael le Page, climate reporter for New Scientist, shares reporting from the European Geosciences Union meeting. He highlights a sudden jump in satellite-measured sea level rise around 2012. He outlines possible causes like aerosol unmasking and deep ocean warming. He warns about long-term ocean heat storage, ice-sheet risks, and gaps in policy and planning.
14 snips
May 8, 2026 • 17min
The Strange Case Of The Man Immune To Alzheimer’s
Alice Klein, New Scientist reporter who digs into quirky and important science stories, explores Doug Whitney’s uncanny resistance to a gene that usually causes early Alzheimer’s. She discusses his engine-room heat exposure, heat-shock proteins, scans showing amyloid without tau, and links to sauna and animal studies. The conversation weighs heat as one intriguing piece in a complex genetic and environmental puzzle.
20 snips
May 6, 2026 • 21min
Astronomers Stunned by a Tiny World With an Atmosphere
James Woodford, science reporter who unpacks the surprising atmosphere found around Kuiper Belt object 2002 XV93. Jacob Aron, science editor and planetary reporter who revisits the Pluto classification debate. They describe the occultation that revealed a whisper-thin atmosphere, puzzling sources like outgassing or impacts, and how this finding rekindles questions about what we call a planet.
29 snips
May 1, 2026 • 27min
Craig Venter’s Legacy: The Most Influential Geneticist Since Watson and Crick
Roger Highfield, science director and ex-New Scientist editor, shares personal recollections of Craig Venter. Mike Marshall, science writer, recounts Venter’s genomics and synthetic biology ventures. They discuss his rivalry in the human genome race, shotgun sequencing’s breakthrough, the synthetic cell milestone, controversies over commercialisation, and his marine metagenomics expeditions.
10 snips
Apr 30, 2026 • 25min
Record Heat, Wildfires and Drought - The Climate Crisis Is About To Accelerate
James Woodford, science reporter who studied surprisingly heat-tolerant corals at the Houtman Abrolhos. Alec Luhn, New Scientist reporter covering Europe’s rapid warming, drought and wildfires. They discuss models hinting at a temporary 2°C spike, why Europe is heating fastest, cascading impacts on biodiversity and agriculture, record wildfires and marine heatwaves, and the debate over protecting heat-resistant corals.
8 snips
Apr 27, 2026 • 37min
The Wood Wide Web: The Forest Discovery That Sparked a Backlash
Suzanne Simard, forest ecologist and bestselling author who uncovered the 'wood wide web' of fungal tree connections. She discusses mother trees and how fungal networks shuttle resources between species. She recalls the scientific backlash, her Amazon learning with indigenous peoples, and the push to shift forestry from extraction to regenerative, holistic practices.
Apr 23, 2026 • 32min
Chernobyl 40 Years On: Legacy of the World’s Worst Nuclear Disaster
Matt Sparkes, New Scientist reporter who visited the exclusion zone and met returning families. Jim Smith, environmental scientist who has studied Chernobyl for decades. They discuss wartime occupation and current military presence. They explain how the reactor exploded and contamination spread. They cover decommissioning, rewilding and unusual projects like distilled spirits from local apples.
8 snips
Apr 20, 2026 • 15min
A “Super El Niño” Is Coming - And It Could Trigger Global Climate Chaos
Alec Luhn, New Scientist climate reporter, explains the looming “super” El Niño and its telltale signs. He breaks down how it forms and why scientists now expect an unusually strong event. He outlines likely global impacts like floods, droughts and food shocks. He also talks about forecasting uncertainties and how human-caused warming could amplify the effects.
15 snips
Apr 17, 2026 • 37min
Britain’s First Astronaut on the New Race to the Moon | Helen Sharman
Helen Sharman, Britain’s first astronaut and chemist, reflects on Artemis II and the new high-tech race back to the Moon. She talks about reentry and heatshield concerns, the US–China rivalry for lunar resources, why nuclear power might be needed, the role of private landers, and the push for international cooperation to build a lasting lunar base.
8 snips
Apr 16, 2026 • 6min
How to spot the Lyrid meteor shower: New Scientist's stargazing companion
Timing and where to look for the Lyrid meteor shower, including peak dates and best hours for viewing. Practical tips on comfort, clothing and how to watch without telescopes. Clear guidance on spotting meteors versus satellites and fireballs. Origins and radiant of the shower, including comet Thatcher and locating Lyra and Vega. Expected meteor rates under dark skies.
