Podcasts

Smaller than a grain of rice, this injectable device could allow for minimally invasive heart-surgery — plus, research suggesting that a shingles vaccination reduces the risk of dementia.

Researchers are looking to improve how ageing is measured, but the field is plagued with uncertainties.

Antimicrobial molecule discovered in soil from lab technician’s garden — plus, a huge study assessing the nuances of humans’ impacts on biodiversity.

Laser-based system allows quantum-encrypted information to be beamed across the globe, plus — an AI that can improve other AIs via written feedback, and an update on science in the US in the wake of Trump team’s cuts.

Technique could help researchers probe strange properties of 2D metals — plus, five years after the pandemic, how did COVID change virology?

Evidence suggests deliberate production of bone tools happened much earlier than previously thought — plus, how cells’ waste-disposal systems could help defend against infection.

Evidence suggests that risky play provides a wide-range of benefits to children, despite opportunities to do it becoming more restricted than ever.

Scientists who don’t consistently publish great papers and attract bumper funding are often overlooked, say campaigners for healthier lab environments.

The machine learning algorithm picks up sudden loss of pulse and automatically alerts emergency services — plus, the latest from the Nature Briefing.

Can mindfulness, meditation and other tools designed to boost well-being make a difference? Adam Levy investigates.

When an online platform changed the way customers rated workers, discrimination disappeared — plus, Nature investigates where the most retractions occur.

Studying the impacts of extreme weather events can exact a heavy mental toll. Finding your ‘happy place’ is an important coping strategy.

Particle is estimated to have 30 times higher energy than any previously detected — plus, proposed cuts to NIH grants are put on hold by US judge.

Researchers who investigate highly-politicized topics can face harassment, others for their race, gender identity or disability. Two scientists share their stories.

In episode 2 of What's in a name we look how choosing names can help, or hinder, attempts to communicate important messages.

Research also shows that skills don’t transfer in the other direction either — plus, a new study of crowd movements could help prevent tragedy.

Developers are racing to find new ways to train large language models, after sucking the Internet dry of usable information.

Researchers with lived experience of the chronic workplace stress that typifies burnout describe how they sought help and turned their working lives around.

Bennu gives researchers clues about how the chemicals that make up life arose, how a maize monoculture might have supported a mysterious civilization and why the new AI model DeepSeek R1 has sent shockwaves around the world.

The pressures faced by lab leaders to be excellent researchers, teachers, managers, accountants and mentors can exact a heavy toll.