The world, the universe and us Podcast Por New Scientist arte de portada

The world, the universe and us

The world, the universe and us

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From the evolution of intelligent life, to the mysteries of consciousness; from the threat of the climate crisis to the search for dark matter, The world, the universe and us is your essential weekly dose of science and wonder in an uncertain world. Hosted by journalists Dr Rowan Hooper and Dr Penny Sarchet and joined each week by expert scientists in the field, the show draws on New Scientist’s unparalleled depth of reporting to put the stories that matter into context. Feed your curiosity with the podcast that will restore your sense of optimism and nourish your brain. For more visit newscientist.com/podcasts© 2025 New Scientist Podcasts Ciencia Política y Gobierno
Episodios
  • The evolution of sperm and the enduring mystery of the scrotum; How our brain rewires itself 4 times in life; The (real) disaster scenarios of imminent climate breakdown

    The evolution of sperm and the enduring mystery of the scrotum; How our brain rewires itself 4 times in life; The (real) disaster scenarios of imminent climate breakdown
    Nov 28 2025
    Episode 334 Which sperm is the oldest sperm - the ancestor sperm that came before all others? Well, you might think it links back to an ancient animal that came before us, but the oldest sperm may actually predate animals altogether. We explore this plus the enduring mystery of the scrotum - and why a male’s most important body part is so delicate and…exposed. The team hears about the variation in scrotum morphology across mammals, and the evolution of “non-scrotality”. Our brains undergo four major turning points throughout our lives. New research suggests the way our brains are wired shifts at key stages as we get older - and your adolescent years may last longer than you realised. We explore what is happening at each brain stage, how long they last and why this research could prove useful in figuring out conditions like depression or dementia. Politicians, scientists, celebrities and climate activists gathered at the National Emergency Briefing in London this week and the message was clear: environmental breakdown is escalating faster than expected. One report highlighted that the biggest health risk of the 21st century is climate change, and other scientists described scenarios of starvation, wars and ungovernable societies. But there were messages of empowerment and hope too. Hear from some of the scientists - and a British army general - at the event. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Sam Wong, Carissa Wong, Michael Le Page, Lt General Richard Nugee, Paul Behrens and Kevin Anderson. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Sign the National Emergency Briefing open letter here: https://www.nebriefing.org/open-letter-keir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 m
  • The origin and evolution of music: Steve Pretty plays the conch

    The origin and evolution of music: Steve Pretty plays the conch
    Nov 21 2025
    Episode 333 It’s not often you get to see or hear someone playing music on a conch shell. So prepare yourself for a musical treat with musician and podcaster Steve Pretty, who brings into the studio a trumpet and a collection of his favourite conches, rigged up to some modern electronics. Steve is best known as the bandleader of the Hackney Colliery Band, and also hosts the Steve Pretty On the Origin of the Pieces podcast. Performing live on the show and recreating the acoustics of prehistoric cave gatherings (a rave in a cave!) Steve explains the science behind how conches and brass instruments can achieve so many different notes by manipulating air pressure and flow. He explores the evolution and origin of music - which may have evolved before language. And he explains the evocative nature of music, the different functions that it has in society and how it allows us to tap into different emotional states. Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn about Steve’s conch playing here: https://www.shellectronica.com/ And find his podcast here: https://www.stevepretty.com/originofthepieces Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 m
  • New genome of ancient human; 95% of us have a dormant virus that causes disease; Formula E cars faster than F1; Bill Bryson joins the pod!

    New genome of ancient human; 95% of us have a dormant virus that causes disease; Formula E cars faster than F1; Bill Bryson joins the pod!
    Nov 14 2025
    Episode 332 For only the second time, the genome of an ancient Denisovan has been sequenced - thanks to the discovery of a 200,000-year-old tooth found in a Siberian cave. This ancient member of the human family has long been a mystery, so this genome is being described as a bombshell moment, revealing an early stage of Denisovan history. We explore how this reshapes our understanding about the origins of our species. Some 95 per cent of us have a dormant virus, lurking in our bodies - waiting to strike when the moment’s right. Epstein-Barr virus causes glandular fever - also known as mono or kissing disease - but only in a small number of people. Though new evidence is showing that even dormant viruses may still cause long term health problems. Formula E electric race cars may have surpassed their fossil fuel counterparts. From greater efficiency to faster acceleration, this is a big turning point for the sport - but they don’t have the edge on F1 cars in all areas just yet. We find out where they’re winning and where they’re falling behind - and how this could translate to better electric road cars for us. And the legendary science writer Bill Bryson joins the team to discuss the process of revising his bestselling book A Short History of Nearly Everything. He explores some of the most fascinating (and surprising) facts he’s had to update in the 20 years since the book came out. Chapters: (00:00) Intro (01:45) Second Denisovan genome sequenced (11:15) We all have dormant viruses that are causing diseases (18:37) Are Formula E cars faster than F1? (27:17) Bill Bryson on revising his bestselling book Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Bill Bryson and Alec Luhn. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Check out the CoLab feature with DEEP at https://newscientist.com/deep Shop our Black Friday sale at www.newscientist.com/sale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 m
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Interesting topics, guests who are knowledgable and speak in plain language. The hosts have a sense of humor and nice chemistry with each other.

Interesting stories, charming hosts with good chemistry!

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