The World, the Universe and Us

By New Scientist

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 essenti... more

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How many episodes does The World, the Universe and Us have?

The podcast currently has 467 episodes available.

Best of The World, the Universe and Us

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: ADHD Is Not a Myth - What the Science Really Says
Episode 393 A controversial TV show has suggested ADHD is a myth - a largely made up condition that is really just a “social construct”. But the science just doesn’t back this up. Decades of research prove ADHD is a real condition that impacts lives - and often needs treatment, which saves lives. But at a time when diagnoses are rising, people are wondering what’s causing the increase. Are we overdiagnosing the condition? Are we medicalising normal behaviour? That’s what this documentary might have you believe - but such messaging is damaging. Katya Rubia of King’s College London is one of the scientists featured in the documentary - and has spoken out about being misrepresented. She features on this episode to explain how harmful shows like this can be. From the benefits of ADHD medication to emerging data on women with the condition, we explore what the science really shows. Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are also joined on the panel by science writer and author Caroline Williams who is open about having ADHD and New Scientist’s Alexandra Thompson. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 21, 202634min
Number 2: Why Humans Like Bigger Breasts - And a New Way to Augment Them
Episode 394 A new technique using a woman’s own fat cells has been used to reconstruct her breast without silicone implants. By injecting her own tissue into a dissolving scaffold, it’s hoped this technique will make breast augmentation safer. Traditional plastic surgery involves silicone or saline, which can cause health issues like breast implant illness and even cancer. And they typically only last 10-20 years before needing to be removed. Penny Sarchet speaks to Australia reporter Alice Klein to find out how the surgery works and why humans evolved to prefer bigger breasts in the first place. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 25, 202614min
Number 3: Wildfires Changed Human Evolution - Is It Happening Again?
Episode 392 Ancient wildfires may have shaped the course of human evolution. A reconstruction of the environment in East Africa 1.75 million years ago suggests a particularly volatile period of climate change made our species adapt rapidly. Climate swings may have led our species to develop sophisticated tools. Ancient hominins may have also learnt to control fire thanks to frequent wildfires during this period. As wildfires become increasingly common, currently devastating parts of Europe including the UK, will humans have to adapt again? Could it even force rapid evolution in our species? Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Sam Wong and Michael Le Page to discuss the finding and what it means for humans today. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 17, 202617min
Number 4: 7 Essential Lessons We Can Learn From Homer’s Odyssey
Episode 385 What can Homer’s Odyssey teach us about psychology and human nature? Locked up in this 2,500-year-old text are a host of profound lessons and ancient wisdom. In her new book The Odyssey Mindset, Oxford classicist and clinical psychologist Sam Akbar draws on seven essential lessons from this classic piece of Greek literature. She showcases what it teaches us about issues like grief, ego and dealing with trauma - translating The Odyssey into a toolkit for modern life. The book is out just as Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey hits the big screen. So if you want to have a deeper appreciation of Homer’s work before you visit the cinema, this one’s for you. Rowan Hooper speaks to Sam Akbar about the incredible influence this work has had on Western culture, and Homer’s lessons for clinical psychology. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 13, 202632min
Number 5: Climate Crisis Is Triggering Global Food Shortages - New Predictions Are Devastating
Episode 386 The climate crisis is having a significant impact on yields of crucial food crops. Losses of maize, wheat and soybeans alone are costing $20 billion a year due to heat and drought. New estimates expect this to rise to $160 billion per year by 2100 - although that could be an underestimate. While this means food prices will keep on rising in developed countries, the majority of the population in the world’s least developed regions work in farming, so crop losses have the potential to destabilise them, creating social unrest and increased migration. But beyond getting emissions under control, do we need to completely rethink how we produce food globally in order to combat this? Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by Michael Le Page to discuss this new prediction and the action needed to stop it coming true. To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 17, 202621min