The World, the Universe and Us

The podcast discusses the security risks of OpenAI’s ChatGPT tool, including its potential to assist bad actors and bypass security measures. It also explores the concept of menopause in mammals and the possibility of other species experiencing it. The breakthrough in quantum computing, with a record-breaking 1000-qubit machine, is another intriguing topic. Additionally, the podcast delves into a study on self-awareness in chickens using a new mirror test. The episode concludes with promotion of other podcasts and platforms.

Whether it’s searing heat, sapphire winds striking the sky like rain, or an atmosphere that makes your eyes pop out of your head, some planets are just horrible for life. But even though some pretty horrific planets already exist, the team is not satisfied – they want to bring all of these calamitous qualities together to design the worst of all worlds.In a special bonus edition of Dead Planets Society, recorded on stage in front of an audience at New Scientist Live, Chelsea Whyte and Leah Crane rope two guests in on their mission of destruction. Joining our hosts in their quest to make the most inhospitable planet are astrobiologist and author Lewis Dartnell at the University of Westminster and Vincent Van Eylen, professor and exoplanet researcher at University College London.Dead Planets Society is a podcast that takes outlandish ideas about how to tinker with the cosmos – from punching a hole in a planet to unifying the asteroid belt. The hosts are Leah Crane and Chelsea Whyte.If you have a cosmic object you’d like us to figure out how to destroy, email the team at deadplanets@newscientist.com. Or if you just want to chat about this episode or wrecking the cosmos more generally, tweet @chelswhyte and @downhereonearth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scientists have found a way to communicate with people while they sleep, revealing insights into the sleeping brain. A massive marsquake on Mars reveals more about the planet's seismic events. The origins of the current bird flu outbreak are surprising, originating in Europe and Africa. A miniature particle accelerator the size of a pen has been created, challenging the need for large-scale accelerators.

Neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky discusses the absence of free will, societal implications, historical beliefs, criminal justice system, determinism vs personal experiences, and the social justice aspect of nonexistence of free will.

A detailed map of the human brain has been unveiled, revealing its specialized and organized structure. Two distant icy planets colliding has been pinpointed for the first time, reshaping our understanding of star systems. The National Security Agency may be weakening future encryption standards, raising concerns about online security. Earth's inner core is surprisingly soft, resembling clay or rubber. Laser technology is being explored to construct roads on the Moon, and the winner of the Fat Bear Week competition is announced.

Leah and Chelsea discuss the idea of destroying the moon with astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell and Haym Benaroya. They explore methods such as splitting it with lasers, explosives, and space tugs, and discuss the consequences of having moon fragments orbiting Earth. They also explore the impact of having two moons on tides and the visual aesthetics of the night sky.

Rob Eastaway, the man behind New Scientist's puzzles, shares a tricky clock-based puzzle from his new book 'Headscratchers'. The podcast also discusses the carbon footprint of satellite internet services, the creation of water on the Moon, the issue of sex-testing unhatched chicks, and the inefficiency of hippos' chewing. Plus, an introduction to Fat Bear Week where Alaskan brown bears compete to gain the most weight before hibernation.

Michael Mann, University of Pennsylvania climate scientist and activist, discusses how past climate events can teach us about our future and emphasizes the urgency of taking action to prevent further climate damage. Topics include extreme weather events in 2023, embracing uncertainty when discussing climate change, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), the impacts of climate change throughout Earth's history, and insights from the paleoclimate record.

Scientists at CERN study antimatter's behavior under gravity, finding results consistent with Einstein's predictions. Telehealth startups offer convenience but may come at a price. Europe's insect decline may be influenced by weather. Crocodiles can moo too. Carrot colors and genes behind orange pigment are discussed.

Paul Byrne, planetary scientist at Washington University in St. Louis, joins Chelsea and Leah to discuss transforming Venus into a habitable planet. They explore options such as removing Venus' atmosphere, changing its orbital speed, and moving it to Lagrange points. The speakers also discuss the challenges and benefits of turning Venus into Earth and transporting Saturn's rings to our planet.