Science Friction

From mystery illnesses to flesh-eating bacteria and the looming threat of bird flu — outbreaks can push scientists, communities and health systems to their limits.  For Science Friction on ABC Radio National, Belinda Smith looks back on some of the disease outbreaks that shaped Australia. Hear about the scientists racing to find answers, the unusual diseases they're hunting, and the everyday people caught in the middle. Outbreaks is a four-part series from Science Friction on ABC Radio National. Episode 1 is out Wednesday October 14th. Dead and Alive (Season 7)   Quantum computers could be the next giant leap in technology — transforming how we heal people, how we grow food, how we get around our cities. So how close are we to the quantum future we've been promised? Science reporter Jacinta Bowler unpacks how the weird world of quantum physics could change everything. Artemis Explained (Season 6)   In humanity's next giant leap, astronauts are heading back to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years. We track the Artemis II mission in real time, from lift-off to splashdown, and answer your questions about life as an astronaut, the science of spaceflight, and plans to venture beyond the Moon. The Challenger Legacy (Season 5)   In January 1986, the Challenger space shuttle disintegrated 73 seconds after lift-off. Science reporter Fiona Pepper and Dr Karl Kruszelnicki bring you the story of how the tragedy unfolded, the engineers who tried to stop it — and the enduring consequences for humanity's exploration of space. Artificial Evolution (Season 4)   Three decades ago, Dolly the Sheep became the first ever cloned mammal. Nearly 30 years later, genetic technology has reshaped the world around us. Environment reporter Peter de Kruijff explores what's changed, where we are headed, and whether we're okay with it. Brain Rot (Season 3)   How does being chronically online affect our brains? Technology reporter Ange Lavoipierre explores the wildest ways people are using tech — from falling in love with AI companions to data-dumping a life into a language model — and the big questions about our own screen use. Cooked (Season 2)   Why do some studies show ice cream is good for you? Why do some people say they feel good going carnivore, and do we really need as many electrolytes as the internet tells us? Food and nutrition scientist Dr Emma Beckett cuts through these confusing findings to explain how nutrition science works. AI Overlords (Season 1)   AI didn't come from nowhere, and its development hasn't been a smooth, straight line — it's been rife with drama, conflict and disagreement. Technology reporter James Purtill looks at where AI came from, who controls it and where it's heading.