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Strongest signs of alien life on distant ocean-covered planet Apr 17, 2025

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Have scientists discovered aliens? Astronomers believe they have discovered the strongest signs of life on a distant ocean-covered planet far beyond our solar system.

We hear from the co-author of the report, Dr Subhajit Sarkar, lecturer in Astrophysics at Cardiff University.

Also in this episode:

US stocks of Nvidia slump following new restrictions on China exports
The UK government places a temporary ban on tourists returning with cheese and meat products to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease
London scientists grow human teeth in a lab - could this see the end of fillings and implants?
Rare otter sighting recorded in Canary Wharf in sign of species 'remarkable' recovery
London Zoo announces a special trio of hatched ‘Easter’ eggs…

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Brain injury patients help find location of logical thinking Apr 16, 2025

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Scientists have identified the key brain regions essential for logical thinking and problem solving. The study involved a survey of patients who have suffered a brain injury from either a stroke or tumour. To explain the results, including the development of two new tests of reasoning, we’re joined by lead author, Dr Joseph Mole from UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and Department of Neuropsychology at UCLH.

Also in this episode:

The origins of water on Earth is challenged in a new study
Rapid rise in e-cigarettes 'stalls' ahead of a nationwide ban on single-use vapes, study suggests
Two new species of dinosaur discovered in China within a 125-million-year-old fossil

For all the latest news head to standard.co.uk

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Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in anti trust trial Apr 15, 2025

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Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg could see the tech giant disconnect from Instagram and WhatsApp.

Well, that’s the possible outcome from an antitrust trial currently taking place and one that the tech boss is giving evidence to.

Scientists have developed AI fingerprint technology to accurately show how cancer cells respond to new drugs, by simply observing changes to their shape.

We hear from Chris Bakal, professor of cancer morphodynamics, from the Institute of Cancer Research.

Blue Origin: Katy Perry to write a song about her trip to space…

Also in this episode:

Could hypnotherapy and talking therapy be the best treatments for long-term stomach pain in children?
London’s Sycamore Gap? Police called in to investigate ‘criminal’ felling of ancient oak tree amid uproar
Hate exercising? Researchers say house cleaning and daily living tasks can help protect your heart health
When will EA announce Star Wars: Zero Company?

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New material makes prosthetics comfier for amputees Mar 27, 2025

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London scientists have developed a new material called Roliner which allows amputees to adjust the fit of prosthetic limbs.

Our bodies change shape during the day which can be uncomfortable for amputees if their prosthetics don’t fit properly.

To find out more, we’re joined by Professor Firat Guder from Imperial’s Department of Bioengineering, one of the researchers behind Roliner.

Also in this episode:

Spring Statement: Rachel Reeves says £400m will be allocated to 'bring innovative technology to the front line'
Could Trump cut tariffs on China to complete a TikTok deal?
Why social media has been flooded with Ghibli-style AI-generated images
Abba ‘adding a little something’ to their avatar arena shows
Lucky! Two medieval rings found by metal detectorists sell at auction for…

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Building on planets: space architect Sebastian Aristotelis Mar 26, 2025

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Fans of the 2015 Ridley Scott film The Martian might enjoy this one… In this episode, we’re joined by Sebastian Aristotelis, co-founder and lead architect of SAGA Space Architects. We discuss the unique challenges of designing habitats for the moon and Mars, including the importance of gravity, atmosphere, and isolation. Sebastian shares his experiences living in extreme environments on Earth to test their designs, as well as the ethical considerations of building on celestial bodies.

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REPLAY: Magic Mushrooms and Epic Poetry, with Bill Richards (Brave New World Preview) Mar 25, 2025

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This episode is a replay. In this preview of our Brave New World series, Evgeny talks to psychologist and researcher Bill Richards, whose book Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences is considered a seminal work in the field and is now in its 10th edition.

To listen to the whole interview, and hear previous episodes, search 'Brave New World' in your podcast provider.

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The impact of Heathrow Substation Fire Mar 21, 2025

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Heathrow Airport closed after a fire broke out at a single substation in West London - causing a massive power outage.

In today’s episode we hear about the critical role of electrical substations in our infrastructure from Head of Technical Regulations at the Institution of Engineering and Technology Mark Coles.

We also find out about the global impact of the closure of one of London’s busiest airports from Principal Research Fellow at University College London’s Air Transportation Systems Group, Dr Lynnette Dray.

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US astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore start recovery back on Earth Mar 19, 2025

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After nine months on the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have safely returned to Earth on board a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. We’re joined by Dr Keith Siew, Senior Research Fellow at University College London, to discuss the impact of their extended time in space and how their bodies will recover.

Also in this episode:

Why 79% of UK fintechs are experiencing losses of at least £500,000
Lego x Pokemon is on the horizon
Mercedes tries out Apptronik’s AI humanoid robot Apollo on the factory floor
The Blob Fish has been named Fish of The Year in New Zealand

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What happens to London if climate change gets out of control? Mar 18, 2025

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Extremes of temperature are often talked about as part of the concern around climate change but there is a scenario which could see the capital faced with extremely cold weather as the norm and the threat comes in part from a giant, invisible ocean current in the Atlantic.In an interview taken from our sister podcast, The Standard, climate scientist James Stewart explains more about the possibilities….

This topic is part of The London Question from The London Standard. You can read James' full article by clicking here.

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Does the Online Safety Act protect you enough? Mar 17, 2025

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The Online Safety Act has come into force today meaning social media platforms must now remove illegal content or face massive fines. But will it actually make the internet safer? Consumer law expert Lisa Webb from Which? joins us to discuss the new rules.

Also in this episode:

SpaceX capsule Dragon docks at the International Space Station to bring two astronauts stuck in space home
Scientists have cracked a 20-year-old mystery that could help develop treatments for Parkinson’s
Is the future of computing in our glasses? Meta thinks so
Google Assistant is disappearing – as Gemini takes over

Read our full interview with Tim Peake on the ISS mission, SpaceX, and the future of space exploration.

Or listen to the interview on Tech & Science Daily here.

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