Podcasts

The team select some of their favourite stories from the past 12 months.

From astrophysics to genetics, climate change to materials science — the News & Views team talk about some of their science highlights of 2025.

Memorable science-themed gifts, games, seasonal songs, and Nature’s 10.

Archaeological evidence makes a compelling case for Neanderthal-created fires 400,000 years ago in Suffolk, UK — plus, how chatbots can sway the opinions of voters.

Astronomical images could be blemished by bright streaks, if plans for huge numbers of satellites go ahead — plus, the damaging consequences of video call glitches.

Researchers have struggled to precisely edit mitochondrial DNA, but new techniques are bringing this ability within reach.

Distinctive sounds of Martian 'micro-lightning' recorded by NASA’s Perseverance rover for the first time — plus, the final outcomes of the UN’s COP30 climate conference.

Skin-permeable polymer shows promise at insulin delivery in animal experiments — plus, how the brain responds to unfamiliar languages.

Yoshua Bengio talks about the dangers to humanity that he believes AI could represent.

Characteristic radio burst is evidence of a coronal mass ejection from outside our Solar System — plus, understanding the complex genetics of ADHD.

Growth rings in fossilized bones suggest the diminutive dinosaur, Nanotyrannus, would never grow up to become a T. rex — plus, a small breast cancer prevention trial shows promise.

Cold-induced RNA-binding protein was shown to enhance DNA repair — plus, a more universal snakebite venom.

Lessons learnt from research into the body’s internal clock could be key to unlocking blissful slumber.

Researchers unpick the neural mechanisms of how hunger and hormones lead to aggressive behaviours in mice — plus, what gen-AI could mean for universities and students’ education.

Having too rigid a plan could result in exciting opportunities passing you by, warns Ottoline Leyser.

Evolutionary map of viral proteins used to design vaccine that provides broad immunity — plus, reviewing 25 years of carbon offsetting.

Funding crises, bereavement and a supervisor’s relocation can derail your career path, but you can overcome them.

Images from across the web portray women as being younger than men, despite the underlying reality — plus, astronomers’ favourite exoplanets, and the 2025 Nobel prizes.

Julie Gould learns of a career-planning framework that can help pinpoint what you love about your current role, and how that can influence future job moves.

Infections particular to our genome might have helped drive human-specific traits — plus, using heat to power DNA computers.