This week, Stu explains how nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert the essential element into ammonia for biological use, and how new research transfers this ability to photosynthetic organisms; and Chris looks at scientific experiments into near-death experiences, including a recent study showing spikes in brain activity when the heart stops beating.Parnia et al. 2014 “AWARE—AWAreness during REsuscitation—A prospective study”: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2014.09.004Parnia et al. 2023 “Awareness During Resuscitation - II: A Multi-Center Study of Consciousness and Awareness in Cardiac Arrest”: https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4246760Xu et al. 2023 “Surge of neurophysiological coupling and connectivity of gamma oscillations in the dying human brain”: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2216268120Bush & Greyson 2014 "Distressing Near-Death Experiences: The Basics": https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6173534/

Chris talks to Julie McInnes about the work of the Macquarie Island foundation in restoring and protecting the ecosystem of an Australian Antacrctic island, and Stu looks into the use of human tissue in computing technology.

This week we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in ICT with an interview with Linda McIver about gender representation and the worrying aspects of machine learning including the potential for implicit bias. Also on the show Chris takes us down to the local park and applies the scientific method to the humble playground swing! Can you apply physics to make you go higher?

Milk glorious milk... all mammals share one common trait, they all start their lives on a liquid diet, made possible by the wonder of the mammary gland. Claire has a look into the diversity of this gland that unites more than 6000 species of animal including humans. And Stu has a look at the scientific method and offers some questions to ask about claims that might sound sciencey, but really are not.

This week, Stu looks into research about how to prevent or pull people away from beliefs in conspiracy theories; and Chris reports on a recent study that detected sounds emitted by plants under stress.

This week on the show Claire speaks to Aaron Eger from the Kelp Forest Alliance about these incredible underwater habitats, the threats they are under, the research being done and how we can all help be part of the solution.Find out more info and how to help: www.greatsouthernreef.comAlso on the show, everyone's favourite topic, Dinosaurs! Stu looks at some new research into dinosaur anatomy that suggests Tyrannosaurus rex had a more lip than we once thought.

This week on the show Chris delves into the weird and wonderful world of crystals and the science behind quasicrystals and time crystals. Also on the show Stu talks about new research that uncovers some of what we did not understand how cells double and then divide.

This week Chris touches on the ongoing search for an origin of covid-19, but also jumps back into the science of the multiverse, or at least one version of the hypothesis suggested by quantum mechanics. And Stu looks back into the history of IVF in human reproduction, and takes a look forward to possible future technologies in the field.

This week, Stu gives us the buzz on research into why mosquitoes bite some people more than others, so that hopefully one day something can be done about it; and Chris digs into recent claims of the discovery of superconductors that work at room temperature, and why many physicists are sceptical about it.

For this special epidode for International Women's Day we speak to geologist Dr Ashleigh Hood about her fascinating research that has taken her around the globe asking huge existential questions and figuring out how life evolved on this planet. Also on the show Catriona shares the stories of less recognised women in science.