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
31 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 31min
The world is running out of water - can cloud-seeding save us?; Why some people get stuck in grief; Is our black hole actually a clump of dark matter?
Leah Crane, astrophysics reporter, explores the bold idea that Sagittarius A* might be a dense clump of dark matter. Alexandra Thompson, mental-health journalist, outlines research into prolonged grief disorder and brain-imaging findings. Alec Luhn, climate reporter, investigates cloud-seeding, new ionization techniques, and the controversies over weather meddling and floods.
18 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 40min
How ancient humans crossed the vast ocean; Brain training for dementia; Life of science legend Maggie Aderin
Maggie Aderin, space scientist and TV presenter, shares stories from a life among the stars. Michael Marshall, science reporter, unpacks astonishing evidence that Stone Age people planned night-time sea voyages to islands like Malta. They explore ancient navigation, long sea crossings, and the wonder of stargazing inspiring exploration.
53 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 38min
Why Elon Musk plans to put 1 million satellites in orbit; Should we be giving sleep drugs to kids?; Why global pesticide risk is not improving
Jonathan O’Callaghan, space reporter covering SpaceX and Starlink, outlines Musk’s million-satellite and orbital data centre ambitions. Alice Klein, science reporter, examines rising melatonin use in children and regulatory concerns. Michael Le Page, science journalist on agriculture, reveals a new ‘total applied toxicity’ measure showing pesticide risk rising. They dig into feasibility, safety and measurement challenges in short, sharp conversations.
20 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 40min
Mini human brain grows blood vessels; The geoengineering risk of termination shock; Trove of ancient fossils discovered
Carissa Wong, science reporter, explains mini human brains grown with blood vessels and the ethical questions they raise. Alec Luhn, journalist, outlines solar geoengineering, termination shock risks and the long commitments it would demand. Sam Wong, science journalist, describes the Huayuan Cambrian fossil bonanza and its bizarre, well preserved creatures.
39 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 41min
The 5 worst ideas of the 21st century – and how they went wrong
Joshua Howgego, journalist on effective altruism, questions its ethical twists. Michael Le Page, science writer, debunks carbon offsets and alternative fuels. Leah Crane, science journalist, outlines Bitcoin and its huge energy cost. Matt Sparkes, technology reporter, traces social media’s shift from connection to attention-harvesting. They discuss how each idea went wrong and why fixing them is so hard.
19 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 54min
Rutger Bregman on the crisis of moral ambition; Why primates have same-sex relationships; Living longer is easier than you think; Bizarre method to fight climate change
Rutger Bregman, a Dutch historian and author, advocates for directing talent towards social causes instead of 'BS' jobs. He discusses the importance of moral ambition and how small, committed groups can instigate major societal changes. Carissa Wong shares insights from a study showing that minor lifestyle tweaks, like slight increases in sleep and exercise, could add an entire year to your life. Alec Luhn proposes an innovative but controversial method of sinking logged wood in the Arctic to combat climate change, exploring its potential risks.
40 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 31min
Why does America want Greenland?; Mystery of dark DNA; Ozempic weight rebound
The U.S. has its sights set on Greenland for its strategic resources and potential military advantages, despite climate challenges. A fascinating study reveals that much of our DNA may be inactive or 'junk', raising questions about evolution and genetic modification. Insightful findings suggest that fiber can improve sleep quality through gut health. Lastly, there's a concerning trend where users of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic quickly regain lost pounds after stopping. Explore the implications of these intriguing topics!
21 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 33min
Humans are finally heading back to the moon; Cheaper weight loss drugs are coming; Milestone for LSD trials; Promise of new carbon tax
Jacob Aron, a science writer known for his insights into spaceflight, shares thrilling updates about NASA's Artemis II lunar mission and SpaceX's Mars plans. He discusses the challenges of lunar landings and the future of commercial space stations. Meanwhile, Alexandra Thompson, a research journalist, delves into the groundbreaking phase 3 trials of LSD for anxiety treatment, highlighting its potential to rewire the brain and the promising results expected. They also touch on the upcoming availability of affordable weight-loss drugs and a new carbon border tax for emissions regulation.
29 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 24min
Best science TV, film and books of 2025 | The New Scientist culture review
Join Alison Flood, a culture editor and journalist, and Bethan Ackley, a TV and film reviewer, as they dive into the must-watch films and must-read books of 2025. Alison recommends thought-provoking reads like 'Every Version of You' and 'The Last Neanderthal,' while Bethan praises the gritty maturity of 'Andor Season 2' and the breathtaking beauty of 'Ocean' with David Attenborough. Expect discussions on climate change narratives and how storytelling shapes our understanding of humanity!
14 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 60min
Top Science Stories of 2025 | The New Scientist Features Special
In this discussion, Claudia Canavan, Head of Features at New Scientist, dives into Bryan Johnson's ambitious six-and-a-half-hour morning routine for longevity. Kat DeLonge highlights the overlooked diagnosis of autism in girls, linking it to biases and mental health. Joshua Howgego tackles a radical quantum theory proposing reality without space or time, and intriguing ancient DNA findings reveal the mysteries behind the vanished LRJ people. These fascinating insights challenge perceptions across science and psychology.
