The Science Show – Separate stories podcast

The Science Show gives Australians unique insights into the latest scientific research and debate, from the physics of cricket to prime ministerial biorhythms.

Latest Episodes:

How to eliminate CO2 emissions from agriculture? The answer lies in the soil! Sep 19, 2020

Show notes

US west coast ablaze. The Amazon regulates the planet’s climate and we’re burning it - Johan Rockström part 4. Soils can play a major role in storing carbon. Conservation co-op provides connection to community and nature. Meteorites bring information about the early solar system.

Pipsqueak dinosaurs – How did they become top monsters? Sep 12, 2020

Show notes

Urgent action required to steer clear of climate tipping points - Johan Rockström part 3. Thermal bricks could assist transition to renewable energy. Young people at risk from online gambling. Dinosaurs - from pipsqueaks to monsters. Children’s book features adventures with reptiles.

Can you have a BBQ 40,000 years before people land? Sep 05, 2020

Show notes

Stressed planet sending clear warning signs – Johan Rockström part 2. The nudge which opened the door to mathematics. Shells and blackened rocks on the Victorian coast dated to 40,000 years before first people believed to be in Australia. STEM Superstar says go for it! Patient Zero

Lithium potential for Australia and time running out climate change action Aug 29, 2020

Show notes

Window closing for action to stabilise the Earth’s climate. Cleaner air delivers LA health and economic benefits. Lithium processing a new opportunity for Australia. Children’s book about surgeon Fiona Wood. STEM Superstar prompts government probe on masks. South Georgia Island once rat infested, becomes a rat-free bird sanctuary.

New ideas about our food choices and how taste and pleasure have helped drive evolution Aug 22, 2020

Show notes

What really controls our eating decisions? How our bodies tell us what to eat. Taste and pleasure of food offer a new way to understand evolution.

Shall we join the quantum revolution? Aug 15, 2020

Show notes

Scientists urged to keep waving the flag. UNSW launches new degree in quantum engineering. Startup building the infrastructure for quantum computing. Reducing the data, energy and emissions of big data computing. Designing the computers of tomorrow. Lasers support our modern way of life.

Dr Dolittle turns 100 and the complex behaviour of birds Aug 08, 2020

Show notes

Dr Dolittle turns 100, The Bird Way: a new look at how birds talk, work, play, parent and think and flies dance to lure their mate

The seaweed revolution and keeping brains fit Aug 01, 2020

Show notes

The stars that time forgot – at the edge of our galaxy. Protect your hippocampus with exercise, diet, socialising and sex. Rope-like filaments common to rouge brain proteins. Kinky proteins suspected cause for Alzheimer’s. Microalgae the basis for fuels, food and more. New seaweed processing plant opens in southern NSW. Singing frogs bid farewell to Mike Tyler.

The history of Boeing and the future of passenger flight Jul 25, 2020

Show notes

Basics of naming in biology, museum returns human remains to traditional communities, the history of Boeing and the future of passenger flight, space rockets being developed in Queensland.

The Pilbara - used by ancient people and NASA, blown up by Rio Tinto Jul 18, 2020

Show notes

Pilbara used by NASA to prepare for Mars missions. Pilbara Aboriginal site destroyed by Rio Tinto. Predicting earthquakes. Evolution of angiosperms. Mike Tyler reflects on Joseph Banks.