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The Science Show

ABC Australia

The Science Show gives Australians unique insights into the latest scientific research and debate, from the physics of cricket to prime ministerial biorhythms.

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  • 47 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 32 min
  • English

Episodes 47

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  • Yesterday · 10 min

    Lab Notes: Eel sex ball

    We don't know a lot about deep-sea eels, so when 2.8 million of them are found in the same place every year, scientists (and science reporters) get excited. Why are they there? Where are they coming from, and why should we care about these creatures from the depths? Jonathan Webb dives into this world of eels off the coast of Tasmania with environment reporter Peter de Kruijff. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC List

  • October 28 · 10 min

    Lab Notes: Bogong moths bounce back?

    Across south-eastern Australia, bogong moths seem to be everywhere. A few years ago, it was a different picture: scientists witnessed a population crash, and habitat threats put the species on the IUCN Red List. Are we seeing a bogong bounce-back?    Jonathan Webb speaks to Dr Kate Umbers about these incredible critters, the many unsolved mysteries of their lives — and what their future could look like. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jon

  • October 21 · 10 min

    Lab Notes: What's in store for wildlife this summer?

    Over the past few years, our environment seems to have experienced multiple extreme events in quick succession. With a summer fuelled by what may be the strongest and wettest El Niño ever, can our wildlife withstand more extremes? Jonathan Webb speaks with Professor Euan Ritchie about what we're currently seeing with flying foxes, what could happen to other species over the summer, and what we can do to help our native creatures. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with scien

  • October 14 · 10 min

    Lab Notes: When astronomers make mistakes

    In March 2018, a South African astronomer looking into the distant universe "discovered" a bright red spot in the sky that hadn't been there previously; it felt like an exciting potential discovery. A message was sent to other astronomers, asking them to look at this new dot and study it further. After forty minutes and a few more calculations, he realised this "star" was much closer to home and nothing new at all: it was the planet Mars. According to Dr Kat Ross, making this kind of mistake i

  • October 7 · 10 min

    Lab Notes: When is it time to throw in the towel?

    If you reach for the old tea towel in the cupboard, this episode is for you.  It's time to talk textiles: why older towels seem to be better at drying, and when it may be time to throw out your more well-worn towels. Jonathan follows the thread with Ellen Phiddian to find out what we can do with our linen.  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 heal

  • September 30 · 10 min

    Lab Notes: Why you shouldn't leave your phone charging

    Your phone battery doesn't like being fully charged or discharged. This is why it's sometimes advised that to extend its life, you shouldn't charge your phone beyond 80 per cent, or let it drop below 20 per cent. But what's actually happening inside a lithium-ion battery to cause this effect, and what does it mean for battery engineering — and the life of the battery in your phone, or your electric car? Jonathan Webb powers through the chemistry of batteries with Professor Neeraj Sharma. You

  • September 23 · 10 min

    Lab Notes: Have we found dark matter?

    Deep in an old gold mine in South Dakota, scientists witnessed a flash of energy in a giant pool of xenon. Some in the astronomical community are pretty excited, saying this is our best hint yet at what dark matter is. How do we know, why does it matter — and what happens next? Jonathan Webb shines a light on dark matter with Dr Theresa Fruth, who was involved in the potential discovery. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the

  • September 15 · 12 min

    Lab Notes: The AI maths wars

    AI is getting so good at maths that it is now tackling, and apparently solving, some of the hardest mathematical problems that exist. But as huge companies like OpenAI and Anthropic race to outdo each other, human mathematicians are getting caught in the crossfire... and their field is changing forever.  Jonathan Webb speaks to ABC AI Technology Reporter Cam Wilson about the furore over the Navier-Stokes equations and the million-dollar Millennium Prize.   Featuring: Cam Wilson, AI Reporter a

  • September 9 · 10 min

    Lab Notes: Where could bird flu go next?

    It's been three months since the first case of bird flu was found on the Australian continent. Many cases have been found in birds since then, along with other mammals. So where has it spread? And what can we expect to see as spring and summer arrive? Jonathan Webb speaks with Peter de Kruijff, who's been following bird flu since the very beginning. 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 fi

  • September 2 · 10 min

    Lab Notes: Why are we ticklish?

    Most people know the feeling of ticklishness, whether it's the tickle attacks that bring about uncontrollable laughter or the feather-like touch from something brushing against your skin. But why do we feel ticklish? Can we stop it? And why did we — and all our ape cousins — evolve this sensation? Jonathan Webb speaks to Dr Anina Rich to explore the science of this everyday experience. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the

Showing 1–20 of 47 episodes