Nature Podcast

Researchers revive ‘zombie’ Mycoplasma cells by swapping in new genomes and unpack why that proves the method works. They trace the roots of synthetic-cell work and explain why inactivating recipient DNA matters. The team explores adapting the transplant technique to other bacteria and CRISPR tests. A decades-long mouse cloning study reveals a cloning limit after many generations.

Justin Aikin, a UCSF researcher advancing in vivo CRISPR CAR‑T approaches, and Ned Snelling, a comparative physiologist probing insect respiratory limits. They discuss why insects do not grow huge, measurements of tracheole scaling, debates over air sacs and convection, and the implications for ancient versus modern insect sizes. They also cover in vivo CAR‑T engineering strategies and early mouse results.

They explore mouse microbiome experiments that transfer age-linked memory loss between animals. They outline the tests, bacterial manipulations and possible mechanisms like fatty acids, immunity and nerve signalling. They also discuss a study showing most conference jokes flop and share practical improv tips scientists can use to connect with audiences.

Dan Fox, science journalist who highlights recent research, and Sarah O'Connor, a Max Planck chemical ecology researcher who unraveled quinine biosynthesis. They trace the hunt for biochemical intermediates, isotope feeding tests, single-cell gene sleuthing, reconstituting the pathway in Nicotiana and making analogs. Short takes on battery durability and ancient parrot trade round out the conversation.

Rachel Fieldhouse, science journalist who explains quirky research stories. She talks about why researchers reuse Doom across AI and biology. They cover neurons on a chip playing Doom and how an AI translates between game and cells. The conversation includes running Doom on odd devices, a satellite test, and why playful experiments matter for science.

A deep dive into the bizarre genetics of an all-female, clonal fish that should have gone extinct. Scientists reveal how gene conversion may erase harmful mutations and keep the lineage alive. The show then shifts to ultra-bright supernovae with rhythmic, chirping light curves. Researchers explore magnetars and tilted accretion disks as explanations and anticipate future sky surveys.

Maren Hunsberger, a science communicator who tells research stories, guides two vivid science tales. First, how pediatricians’ antibodies are being mined to fight RSV and related viruses. Then, what Galileo’s handwritten margin notes in an ancient astronomy text reveal about his slow, iterative approach to scientific discovery.

A magnetic hydrogel that can be guided and set quickly to plug the heart’s clot-prone nook is explored through animal trials and long-term outcomes. Wastewater emissions and a queen-only ant species make brief science highlights. Researchers also report lab-made hexagonal diamond and its early tests on hardness and thermal behavior.

Explores what mental imagery is and why about 4% of people report little or no visual imagery. Covers the discovery and naming of aphantasia and how its prevalence varies across modalities and professions. Describes objective tests for imagery strength and surprising brain activity patterns without conscious imagery. Examines altered connectivity, effects on memory, compensation strategies, and possible benefits for mental health.

Miriam Nadaf, a science journalist who explores how pop culture and science collide, discusses Pokémon’s influence on research and outreach. She covers links between collecting and taxonomy, playful phylogenetic studies, how Pokémon inspired scientists’ careers, species named after Pokémon, and using Pokémon to expose predatory journals.