The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is a vast current that helps move water and energy right around our planet, from top to bottom. Scientists say it is slowing down — and might stop altogether, with dire consequences for the global climate if it does. 

So how do major ocean currents work, why is it slowing down, and what will happen if it collapses?

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: [email protected]

Featuring:

• Laurie Menviel, climate researcher at UNSW

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.

Desmond Morris, the English zoologist, film and television producer and writer, has died at the age of 98. 

Chloe Kwan suggests ways in which science education can nurture and sustain interest in science for young people.

Australia lags behind most OECD countries when it comes to percentage of GDP spent on scientific research. Belinda Smith speaks to scientists impacted with a response from science minister Tim Ayres.

After almost 10 years, the Australian Academy of Science has farewelled its CEO, Anna-Maria Arabia. Might she become an ambassador for Australian science?

Michael Bird uses isotopes to construct the nation’s environmental history and human practices over time such as Indigenous burning practices.

The Kimberley region is more than 2000 kilometres north of Western Australia's capital city, Perth. The area is both extremely remote and extremely beautiful. So why is it the proposed location for Australia's biggest "AI factory"? Why do we need this massive AI data centre? And are these factories likely to be built in other remote parts of Australia? 

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: [email protected]

Featuring:

• Jess Baker, ABC rural reporter

More information:

Australia's biggest AI factory planned for remote WA

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.

Reese Halter says those determining our laws have very poor science literacy and are not heeding the urgency presented by climate change.

Chloe Kwan continues with her observations of science teaching for primary school students. 

In her Book Plotting the Oceans, Stories of Powerful Maps and their Makers, author Sarah Hamylton traces the intriguing stories of Charles Darwin, Hubert Wilkins, Marie Tharp and Terry Hughes.