Nature Podcast
Springer Nature Limited
The Nature Podcast brings you the best stories from the world of science each week. We cover everything from astronomy to zoology, highlighting the most exciting research from each issue of the Nature journal. We meet the scientists behind the results and provide in-depth analysis from Nature's journalists and editors.
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Categories: Science & Medicine
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In this episode:
00:45 A recyclable 3D printing resin from an unusual source
Many 3D printers create objects using liquid resins that turn into robust solids when exposed to light. But many of these are derived from petrochemicals that are difficult to recycle. To overcome this a team has developed a new type of resin, which they’ve made using a bodybuilding supplement called lipoic acid. Their resin can be printed, recycled and reused multiple times, which they hope could in future contribute to reducing waste associated with 3D printing.
Research Article: Machado et al
10:05 Research Highlights
How housing shortages can drive a tiny parrot resort to kill, and the genes that gave cauliflower its curls.
Research Highlight: These parrots go on killing sprees over real-estate shortages
Research Highlight: How the cauliflower got its curlicues
12:27 To learn how to make safe structures researchers... destroyed a building
Many buildings are designed to prevent collapse by redistributing weight following an initial failure. However this relies on extensive structural connectedness that can result in an entire building being pulled down. To prevent this, researchers took a new approach inspired by the ability of some lizards to shed their tails. They used this to develop a modular system, which they tested by building — and destroying — a two storey structure. Their method stopped an initial failure from spreading, preventing a total collapse. The team hope this finding will help prevent catastrophic collapses, reducing loss of life in aid rescue efforts.
Research Article: Makoond et al.
Nature video: Controlled failure: The building designed to limit catastrophe
23:20: Briefing Chat
An AI algorithm discovers 27,500 new asteroids, and an exquisitely-accurate map of a human brain section reveals cells with previously undiscovered features.
New York Times: Killer Asteroid Hunters Spot 27,500 Overlooked Space Rocks
Nature News: Cubic millimetre of brain mapped in spectacular detail
Subscribe to Nature Briefing: AI and robotics
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769 - The science stories you missed over the holiday period Wed, 10 Jan 2024 - 0h
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766 - The Nature Podcast highlights of 2023 Wed, 27 Dec 2023 - 0h
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761 - Cat parasite Toxoplasma tricked to grow in a dish Wed, 13 Dec 2023 - 0h
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753 - How to tame a toxic yet life-saving antifungal Wed, 08 Nov 2023 - 0h
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752 - Nature's Take: How will ChatGPT and generative AI transform research? Fri, 03 Nov 2023 - 0h
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751 - A new hydrogel can be directly injected into muscle to help it regenerate Wed, 01 Nov 2023 - 0h
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750 - Audio long read: Why BMI is flawed — and how to redefine obesity Mon, 30 Oct 2023 - 0h
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749 - Martian sounds reveal the secrets of the red planet's core Fri, 27 Oct 2023 - 0h
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748 - Sounds of recovery: AI helps monitor wildlife during forest restoration Wed, 25 Oct 2023 - 0h
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747 - An anti-CRISPR system that helps save viruses from destruction Wed, 18 Oct 2023 - 0h