Science Weekly

Hantavirus update, Pentagon’s UFO files, can art slow biological ageing?

Madeleine Finlay sits down with co-host and science editor Ian Sample to discuss three eyecatching stories from the week, including an update on hantavirus. Also on the agenda is the Pentagon’s release of a tranche of never before seen documents relating to UFOs, and a study looking at the link between taking part in cultural activities and slower biological ageing. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod [https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod]

Strange trip: why Trump is backing psychedelics

Last month President Trump signed an executive order designed to fast track both research and access to psychedelic drugs as treatments for mental health illnesses. The most prominent in the order was ibogaine, a drug derived from the root bark of a West African shrub, that has shown some promise in relieving the long term effects of traumatic brain injury. Madeleine Finlay talks to journalist Mattha Busby about podcaster Joe Rogan’s role in the story, what else is behind the President’s interest in psychedelic research, and what the order will change in practice for scientists and researchers. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod [https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod]

100 years on Earth: celebrating David Attenborough’s birthday

To celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s centenary, Madeleine Finlay catches up with natural history writer Patrick Barkham, who has met the celebrated presenter. They explore how the natural world has changed in the century that Attenborough has been on Earth, and how his programming has reflected his growing commitment to highlighting the devastating impacts of the climate crisis on nature and biodiversity. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod [https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod]

Hantavirus explained: how does it spread and who is most at risk?

Three people have died after an outbreak of hantavirus onboard a cruise ship travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde. The World Health Organization says a total of seven cases – two confirmed by laboratory testing and five suspected – have been identified on the cruise ship so far. It is also investigating whether rare human-to-human transmission of the virus could be behind the cases. Madeleine Finlay talks to Prof Jonathan Ball from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to find out where the virus comes from, how it is transmitted to humans, and what health agencies will be doing to try to contain it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod [https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod]

‘Historic breakthrough’: could the fossil fuel era be coming to an end?

The transition towards renewable energy received a boost last week when representatives from 57 countries met in Santa Marta, Colombia, for a world-first climate meeting aimed at bringing the fossil fuels era to an end. Madeleine Finlay hears from the Guardian’s global environment editor, Jon Watts, about how the landmark conference came about, who was missing, and whether the optimism can translate into real world action. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod [https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod]