Lost in Science

This week, Chris breaks down the latest experimental results from the Large Hadron Collider, which confirmed an asymmetry between matter and antimatter, but not enough to explain the imbalance seen in the universe; and Linden explains the power of clouds, and new research showing that how they respond to climate change can make it worse.  LHCb Collaboration. Observation of charge–parity symmetry b...

Claire talks to Dr. Jess Marsh abotu eyeless invertebrates under the Nullarbor, and Chris looks into the dark sky for a new interstellar visitor to our solar system

This week to celebrate International Year of Quantum, Claire gets all her most basic quantum questions answered by Chris - what is Quantum, why should we be celebrating, and when will quantum technology teleport pizza to my door? Also on the show we head back into the archives and a story from Claire on new research using gut bacteria to switch blood A and B blood types to 'universal'.

Linden talks about a recent study into the effect of generative AI use on cognitive function and Stu talks to Kim Dyball, Executive Manager of the Young Indigenous Womens' STEM Academy and how a Churchill fellowship is going to help improve outcomes for young indigenous women in STEM in Australia

This week, Claire reveals new research that discovered 20 unknown viruses in the kidneys of bats in China; and Stu digs into recent studies of how weight-loss drugs like Ozempic work in the brain, and what this tells us about how our appetites function.

This week on Lost in Science: Did you know the Andromeda galaxy is heading straight for us? Chris unpacks new research that pushes the expected Milky Way-Andromeda collision a few billion years further into the future. Meanwhile, Stu investigates cannonball fungi—tiny but mighty organisms that launch their spores over six metres! Find out how these fungal sharpshooters can stain your house and fru...

This week, Claire shares the great news that the critically endangered Leadbeater's possum, which is Victoria's faunal emblem, has been found living in NSW; and Chris explains the risks of sleep apnoea, and how the social media trend of mouth taping probably doesn't help.

This week on Lost in Science, Stu plunges into the cold truth about ice baths and athletic performance, while Claire revisits an interview with cave-diving palaeontologist Meg Walker, who searches underwater caves for fossils of Australia’s extinct megafauna – including giant wombats, marsupial lions and one-toed kangaroos.

Linden talks to radio astronomer Natasha Hurley-Walker about all things radio telescopy, and Stu brings a story about a new potential species that may not actually be alive. 

This week, Linden talks to researcher Michael Wheeler about the dangers of too much sitting, whether it really is the new smoking, and how to aim for more exercise; and Chris updates us on the search for a ninth planet in our Solar System (not counting) Pluto, why some astrophysicists believe it exists, and a dot seen in old telescope data that may be the missing planet.

This week on Lost in Science Chris dives into the debate over seed oils—are they really toxic villains in your pantry, or just misunderstood kitchen staples? He unpacks the science behind the controversy that's spreading across social media faster than a hot fry in canola oil. Meanwhile, Claire swings back to a fascinating story about great apes and their surprising medical know-how. New research...

Linden Brings some good news about levels of rubbish on beaches and waterways in Australia, and Stu finds out about an exclusive club who have seen a colour nobody else has ever seen. 

This week, Claire examines new data on the detection of a potential chemical bio-signature on exoplanet K2-18b, and whether it strengthens the case for alien life; and Chris responds to media reports of possible over-diagnosis and over-medication of ADHD by looking at the data and current research and best practice. Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong? - The New York Times

On this week's show Stu has a look at the impact of US science funding cuts on the Australian scientific research landscape, and Linden talks to Euan Ritchie about the hoopla around Dire Wolf resurrection... just in time for Easter?

In this episode of Lost in Science, Claire chats with Young Australian of the Year Dr Katrina Wruck — a groundbreaking green chemist working to break down harmful "forever chemicals." As the first Torres Strait Islander to receive an Australian of the Year award in any category, Dr Wruck shares her journey, the science behind her research and how she is working to improve environmental and health...

This week, Chris examines claims by Microsoft researchers to be building a fault-tolerant quantum computer chip using obscure physics, and why many are sceptical of it; and Linden speaks to tephrochronologist Saini Samim about using crystals in ancient volcanic ash to determine the age of fossils. Microsoft press release, https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/blog/quantum/2025/02/19/microsoft-unveils-...

This week on the show Cat Nguyen-Robertson regales the team with stories of her trip to Antarctica with Homeward Bound, a leadership initiative for women in STEMM.

This week Linden talks about methane as a greenhouse gas, and a new study showing that rivers with more waterfalls release more methane; and Stu runs us through the different parts of our immune system, including a recently discovered power of proteasomes within cells helping to attack invading bacteria.  Rust, R.L., Frizzell, A. & Kessler, J.D. Waterfalls enhance regional methane emissions by ena...

In this week's Lost in Science Chris looks at a new drug transforming bodies in predictable and sometimes unpredicted ways, while Stu looks into the acceleration of the merging of human bodies with technology in completely different directions. 

This week, we celebrate International Women's Day! Claire explores the global impact of breast cancer, a disease that affects millions of women worldwide, and talks about some of the latest research and challenges in the fight for better treatments and outcomes. Meanwhile, Linden shares the inspiring story of pioneering chemist and Isabel Joy Bear, who defied expectations to become a trailblazing...

This week on Lost in Science, Chris digs into the surprising miscalculations of toxins in black plastic utensils—should we be worried about what’s lurking in our plastic spatulas? Meanwhile, Linden takes us underground (metaphorically, of course) to explore the world of one of Australia’s most beloved marsupials: the wombat! How do we know where they burrow, and what can satellites tell us about t...

This week, Claire comes out of the chrysalis to talk about metamorphosis, and how caterpillars turn into butterflies; and Chris looks into the risk of Asteroid 2024 YR4, which currently has about a 2-3% chance of hitting Earth in 2032. Keep up with NASA's latest risk assessment.

Back in action for 2025, we kick of our first show of the year with Linden talking about the scientific evidence supporting flossing your teeth, and why people got upset it was dropped from US dental hygiene guidelines some years ago. And Chris welcomes us all to the International year of Quantum, but what does it mean, and who is it for? Tune in to find out. 

This week on the show we head back in the archives to hear Claire's interview with Profesor Dee Carter all about her research looking at the unexpected antimicrobial properties of honey ants, and how they could be solution to anitbiotic resistance challenges ahead. Also on the show Stu gets into some of the shameful history of zoology, and the Acclimatisation society of Victoria. 

The summer series continues as we revisit stories from the archives. And this week Chris asks the question, how can time fly without wings? Or more specifically, is there is any scientific basis for feeling like time is passing quicker than each year? Also Claire chats to CSIRO researcher Leo Joseph about sequencing of the complete genome of the Night Parrot, the elusive nocturnal bird thought to...