The World, the Universe and Us

Episode 357

A global food shock is on the way because of the ongoing war in Iran. Your food bill is expected to rise significantly.

The conflict is showing just how fragile our food system is, as spikes in fuel, fertiliser and pesticide prices begin to have knock-on effects around the world. With food availability in jeopardy, should we be stocking supplies at home?

Coupled with the worsening climate and environment crises - and governments increasingly incentivising the production of biofuel - there could be tough times ahead. So how can we prepare?

From eating less meat and raising less livestock, to countries focusing on renewable energy and becoming more self-sufficient - will this shock finally be what’s needed to force leaders to take action?

To discuss this critical issue, Rowan Hooper is joined by climate, energy, and food systems professor Paul Behrens - and New Scientist reporter Michael Le Page.

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
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Episode 356

A truck carrying antimatter has been driving around the campus at CERN, home of the Large Hadron Collider. But why are scientists transporting this delicate and extremely expensive substance?

Antimatter is regular matter’s counterpart, first theorised in the 1920s. Producing and storing it has proved difficult, as it’s prone to annihilating the moment it meets its opposite half. But CERN scientists found a way - and it’s the only facility on Earth able to create these particles.

Carrying just 92 antiprotons, this truck experiment is the first step in setting up an antimatter delivery service, allowing scientists to send little pieces of antimatter on trucks to labs around Europe.

To discuss why an antimatter delivery service is even needed, Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Alex Wilkins, who recently visited the lab and saw the antimatter factory in person. We also hear from the new director-general of CERN, Mark Thomson. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
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Episode 355

An entire pig’s brain has been preserved after death, using a technique that will keep the structure of the brain intact - potentially for hundreds of years.

Scientists say they will offer the treatment to terminally ill humans, in the hopes that one day, in the distant future, we’ll be able to reconstruct their minds and bring them back to life. Because of the speed at which scientists need to preserve the brain tissue, the method will only work on people who opt in for assisted dying.

But will we ever be able to digitally upload and reanimate a brain, or is this just offering false hope to those already suffering? And if we do develop the technology, what kind of world will these people wake up to?

To discuss this new method, the ethics and science of consciousness, Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Alexandra Thompson and Thomas Lewton.To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
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Episode 354

Women are being erased from AI technologies. When world-changing technology is built primarily by men, the impact for women is hugely damaging.

This was the focus of a recent conference at the Royal Society in London. Panellists discussed how women are being left out of this major tech revolution, with Silicon Valley becoming increasingly hostile towards them.

And as the conversation increasingly shifts to the existential risks of artificial intelligence, some argue the focus is intentionally being shifted away from making this tech more inclusive. But as AI is set to completely transform how we work, educate our children and treat diseases, what happens when women are cut out of the equation?

AI gender biases already show up in our datasets and chatbots…so can we fix the current models, or is it time we start all over again?

Penny Sarchet discusses the issue with Catherine de Lange, who was at the conference. Also hear from Rumman Chowdhury, CEO of Humane Intelligence.

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
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Episode 353

The world might feel dark right now, but life is actually getting better, rapidly. From the rise of feminism and antiracism to environmental movements and shifting understandings of gender, the Western world looks nothing like it did 75 years ago. 

Yet despite so many historic victories for rights and ideas in recent times, it often feels like we’re living in dark times - with progress that’s stalling or going backwards.

In her new book, The Beginning Comes After the End: Notes on a World of Change, writer and activist Rebecca Solnit explores how for decades social movements reshaped the world in ways we often fail to notice. Solnit argues that we are witnessing nothing less than the slow dismantling of an old worldview. And it’s time we pay attention. 

Rowan Hooper speaks to Solnit about the power of a good story, our growing understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and humanity - and why recognising progress may be essential to shaping the future.

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/
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