Best Iron Core Podcasts (2026)

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Audio long read: Will blockbuster obesity drugs revolutionize addiction treatment? 17:54

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1d ago17:54

17:54

Anecdotal stories suggesting that weight-loss drugs can help people shake long-standing addictions have been spreading fast in the past few years, through online forums, weight-loss clinics and news headlines. And now, clinical data are starting to back them up. Over a dozen randomized clinical studies testing whether GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic can s…

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The Nature Podcast highlights of 2025 40:09

20h ago40:09

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00:40 What a trove of potato genomes reveals about the humble spud Researchers have created a ‘pangenome’ containing the genomes of multiple potato types, something they believe can help make it easier to breed and sequence new varieties. The potato’s complicated genetics has made it difficult to sequence the plant’s genome, but improvements in tec…

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Go on a Quest...with CANDLES? | CandleQwest Geek Out Sesh 1:07:59

6d ago1:07:59

1:07:59

On today’s Geek Out Sesh, we sit down with Wyl the Wizard, a handcrafted candle maker inspired by Joseph Campbell’s The Hero’s Journey. Each candle is designed to guide you through the stages of a hero’s story—transforming myth, storytelling, and tabletop fantasy into an immersive sensory experience. We talk about CandleQwest's origin story, worldb…

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Nature's News & Views roundup of 2025 20:20

6d ago20:20

20:20

Nature: Asteroids, antibiotics and ants: a year of remarkable science In this episode: 1:58 Evidence of ancient brine on an asteroid Samples taken from the asteroid Bennu by NASA's OSIRIS-REx spacecraft suggest the parent body it originated from is likely to have contained salty, subsurface water. This finding provides insights into the chemistry o…

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The Nature Podcast festive spectacular 2025 42:16

15d ago42:16

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00:46 The gifts that sparked a love of science Nature put a call out for readers to tell us about memorable presents that first got them interested in science, or mementos of their life in research. These include telescopes, yeast-themed wedding rings, and... cows’ eyes. Nature: The gift that shaped my career in science 08:12 “I am the Very Model o…

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Neanderthals mastered fire — 400,000 years ago 22:32

15d ago22:32

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00:46 Evidence of the earliest fire Baked soil, ancient tools, and materials that could be used to start fires show that Neanderthals were making fire in the UK 400,000 years ago — the earliest evidence of this skill found so far. Ancient humans are known to have used naturally occurring fires, but evidence of deliberate fire-starting has been hard…

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Photobombing satellites could ruin the night sky for space telescopes 23:06

22d ago23:06

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00:46 How satellite mega-constellations could ruin space-based astronomy The ability of space-based telescopes to image the distant Universe could be in peril, according to new research investigating the impacts of light-pollution from future satellites. Streaks of reflected light from satellites currently in low-Earth orbit are already seen in tel…

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Audio long read: Faulty mitochondria cause deadly diseases — fixing them is about to get a lot easier 17:19

27d ago17:19

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CRISPR-based gene editing has revolutionized modern biology, but these tools are unable to access the DNA that resides inside mitochondria. Researchers are eager to access and edit this DNA to understand more about the energy production and the mutations that can cause incurable mitochondrial diseases. Because CRISPR can’t help with these problems,…

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This is what lightning on Mars sounds like 28:24

29d ago28:24

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00:46 Martian ‘micro-lightning’ The sounds of ‘micro-lightning’ have been recorded by NASA’s Perseverance rover, ending a long search for the phenomenon on Mars. A lack of suitable equipment has made it difficult to gather evidence of lightning on the red planet, but a team of researchers realized that a microphone on Perseverance should be able to…

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How Critical Role’s Minis Are Made: Inside the Studio with a Pro Painter Iron Tusk! 1:27:07

1M ago1:27:07

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Join us on tonight’s Geek Out Sesh as we hang out with a professional miniature painter for Critical Role! We dive into the creative process behind painting D&D minis, insider stories from working with the Critical Role team, pro painting tips for tabletop gamers, and what it takes to bring iconic characters and monsters to life. If you love Dungeo…

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Insulin cream offers needle-free option for diabetes 42:05

1M ago42:05

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00:45 A molecule that delivers insulin through the skin Researchers have developed a skin-permeable polymer that can deliver insulin into the body, which they say could one day offer an alternative to injections for diabetes management. The skin’s structure presents a formidable barrier to the delivery of large drugs but in this work a team show th…

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Kirk Windstein ( Crowbar ) - Jasta Show 723 1:25:46

1M ago1:25:46

1:25:46

Kirk Windstein returns to talk about his new album Ethereal Waves, staying in tour shape, high end meet and greets, and more! Support Our Sponsors! Big thanks to the following folks.... Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JASTA and use code JASTA and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup. https://www.martyrstore.net www.deathwi…

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‘Malicious use is already happening’: machine-learning pioneer on making AI safer 15:06

1M ago15:06

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Yoshua Bengio, considered by many to be one of the godfathers of AI, has long been at the forefront of machine-learning research . However, his opinions on the technology have shifted in recent years — he joins us to talk about ways to address the risks posed by AI, and his efforts to develop an AI with safety built in from the start. Nature: ‘It k…

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Huge eruption on a distant star confirmed at last 33:51

1M ago33:51

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00:45 A coronal mass ejection from a distant star Researchers have detected what they say is the strongest evidence yet of a coronal mass ejection (CME) coming from a star other than our Sun. CMEs are massive bursts of fast-moving plasma that can be detected thanks to the characteristic radio signal they produce. However, despite decades of searchi…

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Meet the ‘Wee-rex’. Tiny tyrannosaur is its own species 28:48

2M ago28:48

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00:45 The debate around Nanotyrannus A hotly debated species of dinosaur, assumed by many to be a juvenile T. rex, is actually a separate species, according to new research. Nanotyrannus was a dinosaur anatomically similar to T. rex, but about a tenth of the size, leading many to argue it was a young version of the iconic species. However, examinat…

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You Can Literally Eat the Monsters?! BardWired’s Día de los Muertos D&D Event 1:29:15

2M ago1:29:15

1:29:15

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with the BardWired Podcast as they unveil their Día de los Muertos-inspired Dungeons & Dragons event where the enemies are made of food—and yes, you eat them when you win! Discover how this inventive tabletop experience honors tradition through flavor, storytelling, and imagination, blending culinary creati…

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Bowhead whales can live for more than 200 years – this protein might be why 22:50

2M ago22:50

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00:47 How bowhead whales live so long Researchers have uncovered a protein that enhances DNA repair and may explain how bowhead whales can live more than 200 years. The protein, cold-induced RNA-binding protein, was shown to enhance repair of double stranded DNA breaks, a particularly troublesome kind of damage. The team showed that this protein co…

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Audio long read: How to get the best night’s sleep — what the science says 15:33

2M ago15:33

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Advice on how to get good sleep is everywhere, with the market for sleep aids worth more than US$100 billion annually. However, scientists warn that online hacks and pricey tools aren’t always effective, and suggest that lessons learnt about the workings of a network of biological clocks found in the human body could ultimately lead to improved sle…

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Honey, I ate the kids: how hunger and hormones make mice aggressive 34:22

2M ago34:22

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00:48 How hunger, hormones and aggression interact in mouse brains Researchers have uncovered the neural mechanisms that underlie an aggressive behaviour in mice prompted by hunger and hormonal state. Virgin female mice can become aggressive towards mouse pups when they are food deprived, but it seems that the relevant amounts of pregnancy hormones…

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New bird flu vaccine could tackle multiple variants with one shot 22:30

2M ago22:30

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00:46 A multi-variant avian flu vaccine that could enhance pandemic preparedness A vaccine capable of protecting against multiple strains of avian influenza virus might be a step closer, according to new research. The H5 subtype of avian influenza viruses has spilled over into mammals and is particularly concerning to researchers because of the ris…

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Geek Out Sesh with a REAL WITCH | DiSPELLing the Myths about Witchcraft 1:30:46

2M ago1:30:46

1:30:46

In this Geek Out Sesh, we sit down with a real witch to explore what witchcraft truly is—beyond the myths, media portrayals, and misconceptions. From modern spirituality to ancient practices, we dive deep into what it means to walk a magical path in today’s world. Is witchcraft about spells and potions, or something much deeper? Find out as we sepa…

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How stereotypes shape AI – and what that means for the future of hiring 35:31

3M ago35:31

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00:48 The stereotypes hidden in Internet images Stereotyped assumptions about women’s ages and their perceived job suitability are enhanced by Internet imagery, according to new research. A study of hundreds of thousands of online images shows that women appear younger than men. This stereotype extends to the jobs that people perceive women do, wit…

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Katerina Economou (Escuela Grind) - Jasta Show 722 1:26:38

3M ago1:26:38

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Jamey sits with Katerina Economou from Escuela Grind to talk gearing up for touring, being a teacher, the increased accessibility of new music, and dealing with angry fans! Support Our Sponsors! Big thanks to the following folks.... https://www.martyrstore.net www.deathwishinc.com www.bluegrapemusic.com - Official Milwaukee Metal Fest & Jasta Show …

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Play D&D Anytime, Anywhere | Arcane Circle Geek Out Sesh 1:30:29

3M ago1:30:29

1:30:29

In this Geek Out Sesh, we sit down with Mike from Arcane Circle—a groundbreaking platform connecting players and Game Masters to weekly TTRPG adventures across the globe. From Dungeons & Dragons to indie systems, Arcane Circle makes it easy to join epic campaigns online, no matter where you live. We dive into how the platform works, the future of o…

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Ancient viral DNA helps human embryos develop 33:43

3M ago33:43

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00:50 How ancient viruses drive modern human development Research suggests that ancient viral-DNA embedded in the human genome is playing a key role in early embryo development. Around 8% of our genome consists of endogenous retrovirus DNA — the remnants of ancient infections, but knowledge of their activity is limited. Now, a team show that these …

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Audio long read: Autism is on the rise — what’s really behind the increase? 25:36

3M ago25:36

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In April, Robert F. Kennedy Jr held a press conference about rising diagnoses of autism, and said he would soon be announcing a study to find the responsible agent. Although Kennedy said that environmental factors are the main cause of autism, research has shown that genetics plays a bigger part. Also, the rise in prevalence, many researchers say, …

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How a dangerous tick-borne virus sneaks into the brain 32:42

3M ago32:42

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00:48 New insights into tick-borne encephalitis Researchers have identified a key protein that helps tick-borne encephalitis virus enter the brain. In rare cases an infection can lead to serious neurological symptoms, but little was known about how the virus interacts with human cells. Now, a team show that a protein found on the outside of cells p…

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Alex Skolnick (Testament) 1:22:47

3M ago1:22:47

1:22:47

This week Jasta sits with Alex Skonick of Testament to discuss their upcoming release Para Bellum, their favorite equipment and the influence of jazz. Support Our Sponsors! Big thanks to the following folks.... Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JASTA and use code JASTA and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup. https://www.ma…

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Apocalypse then: how cataclysms shaped human societies 27:39

3M ago27:39

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Science journalist Lizzie Wade’s first book, Apocalypse: A Transformative Exploration of Humanity's Resilience Through Cataclysmic Events explores some of the cataclysmic events that humans have faced through history. Lizzie joined us to discuss what modern archaeology has revealed about these events, and the role these they’ve have played in shapi…

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This AI tool predicts your risk of 1,000 diseases — by looking at your medical records 35:31

3M ago35:31

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00:50 The AI tool that predicts disease risk Researchers have developed an AI tool that can calculate a person’s risk of developing over 1,000 different diseases, sometimes years in advance. The system, called Delphi-2M, was trained to identify patterns of disease progression using 400,000 people's health records from data repository the UK Biobank…

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The Solution for Forever DM's = West Coast Adventurers Guild | Geek Out Sesh 0:51

4M ago0:51

0:51

Grab your dice and join us as we geek out with the West Coast Adventurers Guild—Dungeon Masters who usually bring epic D&D adventures to comic cons, now launching their very first online event! Hear behind-the-screen stories, convention chaos, and what’s next for this guild of game-masters.Book Your Seat to their Dice Online Game: https://wcaggames…

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Keith Caputo ( Life of Agony ) - Jasta Show 720 2:34:32

4M ago2:34:32

2:34:32

Keith Caputo from Life of Agony talks his de-transitioning journey, the 30 years of Ugly Tour, trials of recording, life on the road, and more! Support Our Sponsors! Big thanks to the following folks.... Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JASTA and use code JASTA and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup. https://www.martyrsto…

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Detecting gravitational waves 10:21

3M ago10:21

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In 2015, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) facilities in the US directly detected ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves. These waves were produced by the final spiral of two orbiting black holes that smashed into each other, sending ripples across the Universe. In this podcast, Benjamin Thompson speaks to …

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FATE Core Ep. 39 "Knight's Parley " | Cloudscape TTRPG 2:13:25

4M ago2:13:25

2:13:25

In today's FATE Core actual play: The crew drags the “haunting” culprit into Sigurd’s Reach and tries to lock him down—before a high-stakes parley with the Knights of Axiom. Will the dice bless their gambit…or curse them with a brand-new enemy?FGBG SOCIALS Twitch: www.twitch.tv/forgeeksbygeeksInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/forgeeksbygeeksTwi…

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Feeling the heat: fossil-fuel producers linked to dozens of heatwaves 36:39

4M ago36:39

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00:45 Attributing extreme heat events to major energy producers Major energy producers increased the likelihood and intensity of heatwaves, according to research published in Nature. Using data from an international disaster database, a team developed a methodology to investigate how much anthropogenic climate change had influenced heatwaves. They …

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Research misconduct: how the scientific community is fighting back 52:13

4M ago52:13

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In 2016, Brian Wansink wrote a blog post that prompted scientific sleuths to investigate his work. They found evidence of data manipulation, and, after several news articles and two investigations by his institution, he would found to have committed misconduct, as defined by Cornell University. His work had been used to inform US policy around food…

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Seth Gilmore and Blake Ibanez (Fugitive) 1:45:41

4M ago1:45:41

1:45:41

This episode Jamey sits with Seth and Blake from Fugitive to talk about their recent European tour, having your songs played at sports events, working with different vocal styles and more! Support Our Sponsors! Big thanks to the following folks.... Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JASTA and use code JASTA and get $50 in lineups when you pla…

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Nature goes inside the world’s largest ‘mosquito factory’ — here’s the buzz 10:57

4M ago10:57

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Raising mosquitoes to tackle disease might sound like an odd concept, but that’s what a facility in Brazil is aiming to do. Millions of mosquitoes are produced there every week, but these insects carry harmless Wolbachia bacteria that curbs their ability to spread deadly human viruses. Nature reporter Mariana Lenharo visited the facility and told u…

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Two ants, two species, one mother 27:06

4M ago27:06

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00:45 The ant queen that can produce two different species Researchers have made an unusual observation that appears at odds with biology: an ant, known as the Iberian Harvester Ant can produce offspring of two completely different species. Many ants need to mate with other species to produce workers that are a genetic mix of the two, known as hybr…

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DRUMROLL BIG ANNOUNCEMENT for Mystic Con 2025 - Oct. 24/25, 2025 1:24:05

4M ago1:24:05

1:24:05

We sit down with Morgan and Chris, co-founders of Mystic Con, the TTRPG convention now in its 2nd year! 🎲✨ Hear how it started, what’s new this year, and stick around for our big announcement about how T & Boser are playing a part!MYSTIC CON TICKETS: www.mysticcon.orgFGBG SOCIALShttps://linktr.ee/forgeeksbygeeksMinstrel Dice Accessories (Affiliate)…

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Audio long read: How to detect consciousness in people, animals and maybe even AI 19:57

4M ago19:57

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The search for signs of consciousness has expanded, thanks to advanced neuroimaging techniques. These tools allow researchers to detect consciousness in unresponsive humans, and now researchers are looking to develop tests that work in animals and perhaps even artificial intelligence systems of the future. This is an audio version of our Feature: H…

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Viral spread: how rumours surged in revolutionary France 24:44

4M ago24:44

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00:48 How the 18th-Century 'Great Fear’ spread across rural France In the late 1700s, rural France was beset with rapidly spreading rumours of aristocratic plots to suppress revolutionary ideas. But how, and why, these rumours were able to spread so quickly has puzzled historians. Now, using modern epidemiological modelling, a team suggests that a …

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Fusion energy gets a boost from cold fusion chemistry 19:57

4M ago19:57

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00:46 Electrochemical fusion Researchers have used electrochemistry to increase the rates of nuclear fusion reactions in a desktop reactor. Fusion energy promises abundant clean energy, but fusion events are rare, hindering progress. Now, inspired by the controversial claim of cold fusion, researchers used electrochemistry to get palladium to absor…

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Controversial climate report from Trump team galvanizes scientists into action 13:05

4M ago13:05

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In this Podcast Extra, we discuss a report released by the US Department of Energy, which concluded that global warming is “less damaging economically than commonly believed”. However, many researchers say that the report misrepresents decades of climate science. We discuss how scientists are trying to coordinate a unified response amidst concerns …

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Sun-powered flyers could explore the mysterious mesosphere 31:53

5M ago31:53

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00:46 Tiny solar flyer Researchers have used a phenomenon known as thermal transpiration to create a solar-powered flying device that can stay aloft without any moving parts. The diminutive device, just one centimetre across, consists of two thin, perforated membranes that allow air to flow through the device, generating lift. Although only a proof…

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Underwater glue shows its sticking power in rubber duck test 28:14

5M ago28:14

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00:45 Researchers develop a new glue and test it on a rubber duck Aided by machine learning, researchers have developed a super-sticky compound that works as an underwater adhesive. Inspired by animals like barnacles, the team developed a new kind of a material called a hydrogel. The material is capable of securely fastening objects together even w…

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Earth's deepest ecosystem discovered six miles below the sea 33:03

5M ago33:03

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00:45 The deepest ecosystem ever discovered Researchers have dived down to more than 9,000 metres below the surface of the Pacific and discovered surprisingly complex communities of life living in deep ocean trenches. The new research shows an array of animal life that appears to be using methane as a source of energy. The researchers are planning …

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Giant laser heats solid gold to 14 times its melting point 35:38

5M ago35:38

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00:46 How hot can solid gold get? A new study suggests that gold can be superheated far beyond its melting point without it becoming a liquid. Using an intense burst from a laser, a team heated a gold foil to 14 times its melting point, far beyond a theoretical limit put forward in previous studies. The team suggest that the speed at which they hea…

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AI, bounties and culture change, how scientists are taking on errors 49:19

5M ago49:19

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A simple methodological error meant that for years researchers considered drinking moderate amounts of alcohol to be healthy. Now plenty of evidence suggests that isn't the case, but errors like this still plague the scientific literature. So, how can the scientific literature become more error-free? In the first episode of this two-part series, to…

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‘Stealth flippers’ helped this extinct mega-predator stalk its prey 32:50

6M ago32:50

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In this episode: 00:48 The ancient mega-predator with a ‘stealth mode’ The extinct marine mega-predator Temnodontosaurus had specialised adaptations to stealthily hunt its prey, suggests an analysis of a fossil flipper. Although Temnodontosaurus was a member of a well-studied group of marine reptiles called ichthyosaurs, its lifestyle has been a my…