With America reeling from violent social unrest and the Administration's disastrous response to coronavirus, the Presidential election on Tuesday November 3 is arguably the most important in history. Here we look back over our coverage of the last 4 years - from the scientific backlash which followed soon after Trump's election in 2016, Russia's targeting of US democracy via hacking and social media, rejection of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, through to the Doomsday Clock ticking closer to midnight and breaches of security protocols at the White House.

John's been hunting for a new phone to replace his aging Pixel 2. He reckons mid-range makers are increasingly competitive with premium models and is attracted by the new high spec offering from Chinese brand Oppo. Its battery with super-fast charging, in-screen fingerprint unlock, bright amoled screen and advanced cameras compare well against the latest Samsung and Google devices. For an Oppo, it aint cheap, but is worth considering with a long list of goodies.

After presidential tweet “When the looting starts, the shooting starts” was deemed to violate Twitter Rules by glorifying violence, the White House issued an Executive Order on Preventing Online Censorship which could have global ramifications and is likely to be challenged in the courts. Though he has well over 80 million followers and has fired off tens of thousands of tweets, President Trump continues to complain about anti-conservative bias on the platform.

A glaring hole in US space capability is finally filled after the safe arrival of SpaceX's new Crew Dragon at the International Space Station on 31st May 2020. Apart from the odd brief Virgin Galactic jaunt to the edge of space, it's the first time since the retirement of the Space Shuttle in 2011 that astronauts have launched from American soil. More importantly, it's the beginning of a new era in the private development of space exploration and human spaceflight.

Here’s a ‘long form’ look at China's use of cutting-edge surveillance technology and artificial intelligence to monitor and control its population with super efficiency. An additional topic is the country's growing footprint in Antarctica.

John explains his enthusiasm for the upcoming Remarkable 2 - a large, ultra-thin E Ink tablet. Apparently the 2nd generation stylus feels just like a pencil on paper and even has an eraser. Those who pre-order get the marker, protective folio and express shipping included.

Dr Ian Storey, mathematician and lecturer in information systems at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, describes the evolution of mathematics and logic over the centuries. From the ancient Greeks' understanding of geometry through to Newton's development of calculus in the Renaissance and the connection between logic and maths in modern computer coding. Fascinating listening for anyone interested in how maths has shaped our world.

Piers and John explain how to podcast remotely on a budget. While they normally record and broadcast from Victorian station Radio Port Phillip, social distancing rules mean they've been forced to improvise and conduct interviews from home. From choosing software, microphones and outlining step-by-step workflows, this clarifies how to record quality phone conversations, edit and post to podcasting platforms.

Piers talks with Dr Ian Storey, a lecturer in Information Systems at Melbourne's RMIT, about the Federal Government's contact tracing app. While acknowledging the app can be useful in controlling the spread of the virus, Ian has doubts about privacy and data security. He reckons it was rushed out the door, relies on the security of a centralised, US-owned server and that at the moment the health benefits do not outweigh privacy concerns.

Four important biotech stories from the past two years: Interview with leading scientists on the leprosy-like Buruli ulcer outbreak in southeastern Australia; Taming drug-resistant superbugs; Deadly fungus Candida Auris spreading around the world; Effective vaccination against influenza.