Nature Podcast

Nature staff discuss an AI tool that can assess the impact of nine billion mutations — plus, how the Bunsen burner’s reputation for sterilization may be based on tradition alone.

00:21 Deepmind’s new tool helps scientists find the impact of mutations
Nature: DeepMind’s new genome ‘atlas’ charts effects of all nine billion human gene mutations

07:10 Bacteria can still contaminate plates near to active Bunsen burners
Nature: Bunsen burners’ reputation for sterilizing workplaces flames out

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In this episode:

00:46 How telephone teaching could boost education during school shutdowns
Nature: Pick up the phone! Phone calls with tutors keep kids learning when schools shut down

11:42 Research Highlights
Nature: Super-precise optical clocks in four nations tick in harmony
Nature: These greenhouse-gas sources have trotters and snouts

14:15 Why atlases might need an update
Nature: Hello Equal Earth: what the UN’s new world map will change

Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:

00:21 Our picks of this year’s Ig Nobel prizes
Nature: Buried underpants and a new definition of kissing win 2026 Ig Nobel prizes

07:47 Massive xenon experiment detects tantalizing hint of dark matter
Nature: Is this the first glimpse of dark matter? Data point excites physicists

Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scientists are amassing evidence that unrepaired or poorly repaired DNA damage underlies many of the hallmarks of ageing. This has led to research into whether boosting DNA repair can keep people healthy for longer.

This is an audio version of our Feature: Could mending damaged DNA prolong life?
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In this episode:

00:18 Researchers celebrate Dolly Parton's contributions to science
Nature: Dolly Parton dies aged 80 — researchers celebrate her contributions to science

08:40 Phase III trial of melanoma vaccine shows promise
Nature: Moderna cancer vaccine stops melanoma returning: what’s next for personalized treatments?

Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.