Nature Podcast

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• ‘Learning about physics changed my life’: author Hernan Diaz on his new novel Ply

  October 2, 2026 · 32 min

  In this episode, we speak with Hernan Diaz whose most recent novel Ply blends a vision of a dystopian future with questions about selfhood and asks whether advanced physics could be used to unravel the fabric of spacetime itself. Ply…

• These optical illusions are why butterflies are so hard to catch

  September 30, 2026 · 18 min

  High-speed footage of takeoffs reveal that the butterfly markings mislead the eye, making them harder to catch. 00:45 Butterflies in flight create confusing motion cues that baffle birdsResearch Article: Hancock et al. 14:09 Research…

• Briefing Chat: Why scientists made papyrus scrolls, then burnt them

  September 25, 2026 · 12 min

  In this episode 00:23 How detecting lead could help researchers read damaged Roman scrollsNature: Watch scientists decipher burned scrolls without unrolling them 06:42 A biodegradeable, paper-inspired batteryNature: Edible batteries…

• Bank accounts reveal the fingerprints of abusive financial control

  September 23, 2026 · 24 min

  00:45 Investigating the day-to-day impacts of Financial Abuse Nature: Trendl et al. Support organizations UK: Surviving Economic Abuse US: National Domestic Violence Helpline 12:14 Research HighlightsNature: Mercury is shrinking with age…

• Briefing Chat: Evidence mounts for hidden chambers beyond Tutankhamun's tomb

  September 18, 2026 · 13 min

  In this episode: 00:22 Could secret rooms lie beyond Tutankhamun's tomb?Nature: Exclusive: New evidence for hidden chambers beyond Tutankhamun’s tomb 05:55 A multifunctional brain–computer interfaceNature: ‘Multifunctional’ brain implant…

• Transplanted human brain-tissue takes root in mice without a cortex

  September 16, 2026 · 28 min

  In this episode: 00:46 Human brain-organoids transplanted into mice missing their cortexNature: Human brain cells transplanted into mice in ‘most extensive’ integration ever 13:51 Research HighlightsNature: Ruins of ancient Asian city…

• Briefing Chat: The Bunsen burner myth that turns out to be just hot air

  September 11, 2026 · 16 min

  Nature staff discuss an AI tool that can assess the impact of nine billion mutations — plus, how the Bunsen burner’s reputation for sterilization may be based on tradition alone. 00:21 Deepmind’s new tool helps scientists find the impact…

• Phone tutoring boosts math scores when schools are forced to close

  September 9, 2026 · 21 min

  In this episode: 00:46 How telephone teaching could boost education during school shutdownsNature: Pick up the phone! Phone calls with tutors keep kids learning when schools shut down 11:42 Research HighlightsNature: Super-precise…