Twice a week, the Guardian brings you the latest science and environment news
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Science Weekly
52 Subscribers
Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 Based on 29 reviews
Rsemeemoo
5 out of 5 stars
Inspirational
All of the hosts are brilliant
JA1805
2 out of 5 stars
Where’s the science?
I’ve been listening to Science Weekly for a long time. It started going downhill after Alok Jha left the show. It has interesting episodes every now and then but seems mostly focused on topics that are politically hot at the moment. Case in point: the week after the 2022 Nobel prizes were announced, did Science Weekly cover the prizes related to science? NO! Instead, they had a show entitled “Why does Elon Musk want to buy Twitter?” Are you kidding me?! We are now 3 weeks after the Nobel announcements and still no coverage. Instead we have episodes on the ethics of putting human brain cells in rats, how to grieve for the natural world, and concussions. I imagine that sometimes it is hard to come up with topics, but every year the topics for 2-3 episodes are given to you on a platter. My advice to the producers of this declining podcast: pick the low hanging fruit that is right in front of you.
Minkette6
3 out of 5 stars
Science-lite
Pretty basic and too often lacking in depth. It’s not a bad source for the latest conservation/environmentalism news, but expect overviews rather than deep exploration. Too much time is wasted with bumper music, foley effects, and other forms of padding. If you have a strong knowledge base of the topic at hand, you’ll more often than not come away unimpressed. Oh, and and some of it is just pop drivel—“Why does Boris Johnson want to bring back imperial units?” “Why do we grieve the death of public figures?” A more important question is: why should I care?
moving on-missu
5 out of 5 stars
Learn here
SCIFRI science Friday was a go to but they became political and now lacks real discussion and learning. This program well worth your time.
Sir_Prometheus.
1 out of 5 stars
Whole episode about politics, no science.
1) if you label yourself a science show, don’t talk about Russian - Ukrainian info wars. No pretext of science at all 2) DEFINITELY don’t be a buncha British people trying to analyze US politics. We actually have free speech here, but that doesn’t make it in good taste.
A BTCC VICTIM
1 out of 5 stars
Political puppet
I understand scientists need government funding to live, but at least don’t give up the principles of science. Invest the problem please! Not tell the factor you like but cover the factor you don’t like! This is real disinformation!
ArlieLP
5 out of 5 stars
Science Weekly rules!
Science Weekly is one of my faves! I’ve learned so much from the show, and I’m always impressed by the depth and breadth of knowledge of the hosts and their guests. There is truly an episode that will benefit everyone - don’t miss it!
+estevez+
1 out of 5 stars
Subscribed for 5 years. Covid commentary was poor. Unsubscribing.
Subscribed for 5 years. This podcast used to be one of my favourites when it was about science and nature. Fantastic source for information. Not only was the Covid 19 commentary biased, it also wasn’t very good. Unsubscribing.
Stacee Nicole
5 out of 5 stars
I’m just here for the science 🥰
I’m just here for the science. It may be hard for others to appreciate anything science related these days but not me. That’s all.
brainzmatter
3 out of 5 stars
Much diminished
Back when this was hosted by Alok Jah, it was my fave podcast. Ian Sample is good but apparently not considered for taking over. Instead they’ve added a couple of poorly spoken girls—yes they present as girls, not women— who do embarrassingly trite interviews. The whole thing has become fragmented and dull. I delete most of them these days. Now we are told that we shall have “science without the scientists” and just go about asking “real people” what they think! Ugh! I’m done—DELETED.
Jessica1975
1 out of 5 stars
Once great, now has shady sponsors
Just finished listening to the episode on coral reefs and was very disappointed to learn that Dominion Energy (which relies on fossil fuels) and Toyota (which is siding with tRump as he guts fuel efficiency standards) are sponsoring the podcast. I thought The Guardian was a leader in informing the world on the climate crisis. With sponsors like these, how can we trust its content on climate?
Go Vegan Save Bunnies
1 out of 5 stars
B12 is NOT folic acid
The episode “Are alternative meats the key to a healthier life and planet” has an egregious error stated by presenter. She says “vitamin B12 is also known as folate or folic acid “ This is not true. Folate and Folic Acid are different forms of B9. Cobalamin is the alternative name for B12. This could have dangerous consequences because a listener might take folic acid thinking they are preventing B12 deficiency. You must correct this episode or remove it.
D20chick
4 out of 5 stars
Quality
Pacing is good, thoroughy enjoyable for those topics you already have an interest in.
Tim from Santa Fe
5 out of 5 stars
Great science for the layman
My favorite podcast for keeping up with what's new in science. It is presented in a way that is thorough and also accessible to the layman.
Adam-Wade
4 out of 5 stars
So happy "A neuroscientist explains" is over with. The old Science Weekly is back!
I didn't realize it, but since Trump got sworn in Science Weekly decided to experiment with a series called "A neuroscientist explains" with Dr Glaser and Max Sanderson; it was a disaster. Oh my god, I didn't realize how much it drained me until I heard one of the older episodes with Ian Sample, Nicola Davis, or Hannah Devlin. I unsubscribed because of the experiment: it just wasn't engaging as topics on materials, cosmology, climate change, or the Concorde. I think Dr. Glaser's voice put me to sleep and Mr. Sanderson sounded juvenile. Now it looks like SW is returning to the old format, and I've subscribed again. No longer will I feel drowsy at the gym! SW team, please don't fix what isn't broke. You're the only science podcast I love since here in the US we have NPR's Science Friday with Ira Flatow (whose delivery I cannot stand).
Timex
1 out of 5 stars
Long time listener unsubscribes
A once superb podcast has degenerated into a trendy mush of cutesy sound effects and editing that has resulted in distracting and boring this listener. So sad that content has taken a back seat. Each thirty minutes has about fifteen minutes of substance now. Please stop trying to be the TED radio hour and I might come back.
saperlo
2 out of 5 stars
Really Annoying
This should be an excellent podcast but the presenter is so conceited that he just can't help interrupting the narrative with his boasting. It's a major distraction and ruins the whole thing. He keeps pointing out that he's a "neuropsychologist" (as opposed to what, a dermal psychologist..?) and interrupts often with his opinions. There are much better ones out there. I've deleted it.
GGStrings
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast. Absolutely worth it!
It's a great podcast. I really enjoy it. I wish I could mark it down to 4.5 because sometimes the audio quality suffers at the recording time. But I'm not going to rate lower because content is so good.
Lisa Gunner
4 out of 5 stars
Best science podcast
This is my favorite science podcast.
ZeNeece
5 out of 5 stars
Informative Science Podcast
I really enjoy this podcast. It pairs well with other science podcasts. I learn a lot and always find it interesting, well-researched and thought-provoking. Science is awesome and learning about it is wonderful! :)
JesterDean
4 out of 5 stars
Good show...
Interesting...
KevinICdesigner
5 out of 5 stars
Exceptionally Listenable Scientific History
Having been familiar with most of this material previously, KI find it highly agreeable and first rate quality. Clear enunciation and cites sources often. Top marks!
CiSark
5 out of 5 stars
Just very smart, great topics, entertaining, consistent. Thank you!
Will become one of your favorites.
Laura Qknits
5 out of 5 stars
What you didn't know you wanted to know!
My favorite Podcast. There is a ton of interesting information presented in an easy to understand way. The hosts are entertaining but do nto get in the way of the information. Perfect balance.
Nerebria
5 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous
Your weekly dose of hard-core science, skepticism and heathenism... All in a single podcast.
alababa
5 out of 5 stars
one of the best science podcasts out in cyberspace
This and NPR Science Friday and BBC's science in action-is EXCELLENT- some of the best in depth interviews and you don't have to have a science degree - I use their information for teaching high school and overall inspiration-KEEP up the good work!
36nurseman
5 out of 5 stars
Very Informative
This is a great podcast for those looking to stay informed on the latest science news. The overviews helps keep track of what is changing, and the depth helps understand why the news is important (or not important.) Keep up the good work. Cheers from the Midwest of America.
chelseagirl19
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic!
How is it possible that more people aren't raving about the podcast?!
Fretburner
5 out of 5 stars
Consistently Excellent
Funny, informative, insightful. Great supplement to the online/print edition.
Podcast information
- Amount of episodes
- 215
- Subscribers
- 52
- Verified
- No
- Website
- Explicit content
- No
- Episode type
- episodic
- Podcast link
- https://podvine.com/link/..
- Last upload date
- January 26, 2023
- Last fetch date
- January 26, 2023 6:01 PM
- Upload range
- DAILY
- Author
- The Guardian
- Copyright
- © 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.
susbcribers
- How will ChatGPT transform creative work?ChatGPT has been causing a stir since its launch last year. The chatbot’s ability to produce convincing essays, stories and even song lyrics has impressed users, and this week attracted a multibillion-dollar investment from Microsoft. Ian Sample speaks to Prof John Naughton about how ChatGPT works, hears from author Patrick Jackson about how it will change publishing, and asks where the technology could end up. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Overcoming burnout: a psychologist’s guideLast week, New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation, saying that she “no longer had enough in the tank” to do the role justice. Madeleine Finlay speaks to cognitive scientist Prof Laurie Santos about the symptoms of burnout, what causes it and the best ways to recover. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Could the return of El Niño in 2023 take us above 1.5C of warming?Scientists have predicted the return of the El Niño climate phenomenon later this year. Its arrival will result in even higher global temperatures and supercharged extreme weather events. Ian Sample speaks to environment editor Damian Carrington about what we can expect from El Niño and whether we’re prepared. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- What’s the reality behind the ‘Love Island smile’?As the ninth series of ITV show Love Island kicked off yesterday, viewers may have noticed contestants’ perfectly straight, white teeth. But are there risks associated with achieving a flawless smile? Madeleine Finlay speaks to dentist Paul Woodhouse about some of the dangers of dental tourism. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- How did we save the ozone layer?A UN report has found the Earth’s ozone layer is on course to be healed within the next 40 years. What was once humanity’s most feared environmental peril is now an example of how the world can take collective action. Madeleine Finlay speaks to atmospheric scientist Paul Newman about this momentous achievement and whether it really is the end of the story. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Our science predictions for 2023Last year saw several major science breakthroughs – from the first time a nuclear fusion experiment produced more energy than it used, to Nasa smashing a spacecraft into an asteroid in a mission that demonstrated the possibility of redirecting any space rocks heading our way. So what will 2023 bring? Ian Sample and science correspondent Hannah Devlin discuss the major stories they are expecting to hit the headlines in 2023, and their science predictions for the year ahead.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Best of 2022: James Webb space telescope – thousands of galaxies in a grain of sandWhen Nasa unveiled the first images from the long-awaited James Webb space telescope, they revealed our universe in glorious technicolour. The $10bn space science observatory will help scientists answer fundamental questions in astronomy and look back to the dawn of time. In this episode first broadcast in July 2022, Prof Ray Jayawardhana, who is working with one of the instruments onboard the JWST, speaks to Ian Sample about what these images show us, and what they mean for the very human quest of discovering our place in the cosmos. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Best of 2022: Why aren’t women being diagnosed with ADHD?It’s estimated that 1 million women in the UK could have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – but according to the ADHD Foundation, 50% to 75% of them do not know they have it. So why are women being left behind? In this episode, first broadcast in May 2022, Madeleine Finlay speaks to Jasmine Andersson about her experience of getting a late diagnosis, and asks Prof Amanda Kirby why the condition is so often missed in women and girls. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Are we finally nearing a treatment for Alzheimer’s?Back in November, researchers hailed the dawn of a new era of Alzheimer’s therapies. After decades of failure, a clinical trial finally confirmed that a drug, lecanemab, was able to slow cognitive decline in patients with early stages of the disease. The result may have been modest – a reduction in the decline in patients’ overall mental skills by 27% over 18 months – but it could not be more significant in the journey towards better understanding and treating the disease. Ian Sample speaks to Prof Nick Fox about the clinical trial results, if this could be the first of many new Alzheimer’s therapies, and whether we could one day see a cure.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Exploded heads and missing fingers: Dame Sue Black on her most memorable casesFrom a fragment of skull in a washing machine to a finger bone found by a dog walker, the forensic anthropologist Prof Dame Sue Black has helped solve many strange and mysterious cases. This year, she will be giving the Royal Institution Christmas lectures, Britain’s most prestigious public science lectures. In them, she’ll be investigating the secret clues hidden in our bodies and how the scientific detective process can be used to identify the living and the dead. Nicola Davis sat down with Black to discuss the lectures, her most memorable cases, and why she didn’t want her daughters to get braces. Madeleine Finlay hears from them both in this Christmas special of Science Weekly. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- The science of how to give better giftsAs Christmas approaches, many of us will have spent the last few weeks trying to pick out the perfect presents for friends, family and colleagues. For both giver and receiver, exchanging gifts can be filled with delight – or dread, as a smile slowly fades into a look of feigned enthusiasm. But what does science say about how to avoid unwanted gifts and unpleasant surprises? Ian Sample speaks to Julian Givi about his research unwrapping what we all actually want under the tree, and hears his top tips for choosing a winning present every time. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- What does Cop15’s buzzword ‘nature positive’ mean?A historic deal has been struck at the UN’s biodiversity conference, Cop15, which will set a course for nature recovery from now until 2050, including a target to protect 30% of the planet for nature by the end of the decade. One of the key phrases guiding the summit across the two weeks of negotiations was ‘nature positive’. Madeleine Finlay hears from the biodiversity reporter Phoebe Weston about what ‘nature positive’ meant at Cop15, and what she’d like to see from countries now the final agreement has been made, and speaks to biodiversity professor EJ Milner-Gulland about how to stop the term ‘nature positive’ becoming another way for companies to greenwash their businesses.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- ‘Nothing is impossible’: the major breakthrough in nuclear fusionThis week, researchers at the US National Ignition Facility in California achieved a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion. For the first time, humans have harnessed the process that powers the stars to generate more energy from a fusion reaction than was used to start it — otherwise known as ‘ignition’. But how close are we to moving this from laboratories to power plants, and will it become the clean, safe, and abundant source of energy the world so desperately needs? Ian Sample speaks to Alain Bécoulet about what’s being called ‘one of the most impressive scientific feats of the 21st century’. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Will Cop15 tackle the growing problem of invasive species?Invasive non-native species are on the rise around the world and, despite efforts to tackle the issue, their numbers are higher than ever. They have become one of the key driving forces behind biodiversity loss, posing an even greater threat to biodiversity than the climate crisis. Monitoring, tracking and managing invasive species is one of the issues up for discussion at the UN’s biodiversity Cop15, which is now in full swing in Montreal, Canada. Ian Sample gets an update on how Cop15 is progressing from biodiversity and environment reporter Patrick Greenfield, and hears from Prof Helen Roy from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology about why invasive species pose such a serious risk to native wildlife. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- ‘The biggest meeting for humanity’: Why Cop15 has to succeedNegotiators from around the world have landed in Montreal, Canada for the UN’s biodiversity conference, Cop15. The summit has been called an “unprecedented” opportunity for turning the tide on nature loss and comes at a critical time: a million species are at risk of extinction and wildlife populations have plunged by an average of 69% between 1970 and 2018. Madeleine Finlay speaks to the director of science at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Prof Alexandre Antonelli, about the current state of the planet’s biodiversity, what needs to be achieved at Cop15 and how he’s feeling about the possibility of change.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Why are children in the UK at risk of serious strep A infections?The UK Health Security Agency issued a rare alert on Friday, telling parents to look out for signs of strep A infection in their children. Since September, eight children in England and Wales have died after becoming unwell with Group A streptococci bacteria. Typically causing illnesses like skin infections, tonsillitis or scarlet fever, very occasionally strep A can become a life-threatening, invasive disease. But why are we seeing such a steep rise in cases in the UK this year? Madeleine Finlay speaks to Chrissie Jones, associate professor of paediatric infection at the University of Southampton, about the significance of this outbreak and the symptoms to be aware of, and asks Shiranee Sriskandan, professor of infectious diseases at Imperial College London, about how the bacteria can evade our immune systems and whether we may one day have a vaccine.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- ‘A possible extinction event’: the UK’s worst bird flu outbreakThe UK is in the middle of its worst outbreak of bird flu. The current strain of H5N1 avian influenza has devastated wild bird populations, killing thousands and affecting threatened species such as puffins and hen harriers. Bird flu has also been wreaking havoc on poultry, and since 7 November, all captive birds in England have been kept indoors to prevent them catching the virus. How are both wild and captive bird populations coping with the current strain of avian flu? And is the UK prepared to deal with another major animal disease outbreak? Ian Sample speaks with Phoebe Weston, a biodiversity writer for the Guardian, and Paul Wigley, a professor in animal microbial ecosystems at the University of Bristol.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- What are leap seconds, and why have we scrapped them?At a recent conference in France, scientists and government representatives voted to scrap the leap second by 2035. Leap seconds are added periodically to synchronise atomic time and astronomical time, which get out of sync because of variations in the Earth’s rotation. Madeleine Finlay speaks to JT Janssen, the chief scientist at NPL, the National Physical Laboratory, about the differences between these two times, and what can go wrong when leap seconds are added to our clocks. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- How should we prepare for an ageing global population?On 15 November the world’s population reached 8 billion, according to the UN. Much of that growth is because we’re living longer. As a species we will continue to age, but eventually stop growing. The UN predicts that in the next century humanity will begin to go into decline. So what happens when societies get older and smaller – a problem some countries are already encountering? Ian Sample speaks to Prof Vegard Skirbekk about how humanity got here, and how we prepare for future demographic change. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Will the Qatar World Cup really be carbon neutral?It’s supposed to be the first ever carbon neutral World Cup. Organisers Fifa and host Qatar say they have implemented sustainability initiatives, taken measures to limit carbon output and will offset greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing credits. Fifa has admitted, however, that the tournament’s carbon footprint will bigger than any of its predecessors, and experts believe emissions have been underestimated, calling into question the claim of carbon neutrality. Madeleine Finlay speaks to sports reporter Paul MacInnes about the environmental burden of building stadiums, flying in players and fans from around the world and keeping the pitches green, and asks whether football is really ready to face up to its carbon footprint. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Cop27: where do climate scientists find hope?A year ago at Cop26, global environment editor Jonathan Watts caught up with two climate scientists to hear what they thought about the progress made. A lot has happened in the intervening 12 months, and the world hasn’t stayed on track with its previous promises and pledges. Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are expected to increase by 1% in 2022, hitting 37.5 billion tonnes – a record high. Ian Sample called them both up to find out how they’re feeling now. Speaking to Prof Peter Stott, Ian asks whether the 1.5C goal is still alive, and questions Katharine Hayhoe on how she stays hopeful. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Cop27: has there been any progress in Sharm el-Sheikh?Cop27 got off to a difficult start last week. Attendees struggled with a lack of food and drink, civil society group events were curtailed, and more than 600 fossil fuel lobbyists hit the conference halls – more than the delegations of many of the most vulnerable countries combined. As we head into the second week, Madeleine Finlay hears from biodiversity reporter Patrick Greenfield about what it’s been like in Sharm el-Sheikh, and from environment editor Fiona Harvey about what’s happened so far and whether much progress is likely to be made in the final days of negotiations. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Cop27: Is it time to rethink endless economic growth?A key goal of governments around the world is economic growth – continually increasing production and consumption to keep GDP rising. But can our economies grow on a rapidly warming planet with finite resources? According to a recent UN report, the only way left to limit the worst impacts of the climate crisis is a “rapid transformation of societies”. In our third Cop27 special, Ian Sample speaks to ecological economist Tim Jackson about the myth of eternal growth, other ways to think about progress and prosperity, and what an economic system in balance with our planetary system might look like. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Cop27: Who are the real climate leaders?As world leaders began to gather at Cop27 yesterday, speeches began on the main stage in Sharm el-Sheik. Presidents and prime ministers spoke of the need to rapidly reduce carbon emissions and the horrendous impacts of climate breakdown. But, if previous years are anything to go by – these words may not turn into concrete actions. Instead, indigenous and community groups are leading the charge on saving the planet. Madeleine Finlay speaks to Nina Lakhani about the need for climate justice, and hears from activist Nonhle Mbuthuma about her fight to protect South Africa’s Wild Coast. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
- Cop27: a chance for change – or more of the same?On Sunday, world leaders, negotiators and industry representatives will begin to arrive in Sharm el-Sheik in Egypt for Cop27, the UN’s climate change conference. A UN report set the stage for talks last week, stating that there is “no credible pathway to 1.5C in place” and that progress on limiting global temperature rises has been “woefully inadequate”. So will governments take the opportunity to press ahead with their promises or could the conference live up to accusations of greenwashing? In the first of five special episodes covering Cop27, Madeleine Finlay hears from Guardian Australia’s climate and environment editor Adam Morton about what’s happened since Cop26, our current path to catastrophic heating and what’s likely to be on the agenda over the next two weeks. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod0 comments0
Podcast hosts
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© 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.
