
From the evolution of intelligent life, to the mysteries of consciousness; from the threat of the climate crisis to the search for dark matter, The world, the universe and us is your essential weekly dose of science and wonder in an uncertain world. Hosted by journalists Dr Rowan Hooper and Dr Penny Sarchet and joined each week by expert scientists in the field, the show draws on New Scientist’s u... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 399 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | NewsScience | |||

Episode 332
For only the second time, the genome of an ancient Denisovan has been sequenced - thanks to the discovery of a 200,000-year-old tooth found in a Siberian cave. This ancient member of the human family has long been a mystery, so this geno... more
Episode 331
This week sees the broadcast on Channel 4 in the UK of a documentary called Hitler’s DNA: Blueprint of a dictator. Geneticists have managed to find a DNA sample from Adolf Hitler and have sequenced it and verified it, and now we have his... more
Episode 330
COP30 is nearly upon us - and this climate conference may be the most crucial so far. In a year where we’ve seen the first major global tipping point reached, destructive wildfires raging in Los Angeles and much more, joint action has ne... more
Episode 329
America’s health data system is in crisis. The US government has been bleeding public health experts – many of whom run crucial public health surveys and databases which help identify, monitor and respond to health threats across the cou... more
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This is a great podcast for anyone wanting to get a clear and accessible introduction to the latest developments in science. The hosts do a wonderful job of guiding listeners through complex ideas in a way that’s both engaging and entertaining. I especially enjoy listening to Dr Penny’s sweet voice, which makes the experience even more delightful. Keep up the excellent work! ❤️
Looking forward to it every week! Love the hosts, I could listen to them talking about science and being super fun and witty for hours. I recommend listening to everyone -- keeps you informed, questioning, and lifts the mood!
I’ve been listening on and off for a few years and in that time I’ve been consistently surprised by a luddite, sceptical undercurrent in these discussions. Take for example a recent episode on LLMs, where the bulk of the time focused on how poorly they function and how unethical it is to use them. I can imagine if this were set 140 years ago, we would be hearing about how unreliable the automobile functions compared to horses or the velocipede and how unethical it is to even try driving one.
I love the revamped show. Still keeps the New Scientist integrity, but also sets itself apart. Two thumbs up!
Always informative and fun. And btw - since this weeks episode was on the subject - listening to NS is one of the best ways to use your smartphone or tablet
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #200 | |
Spotify | #17 | |
Apple Podcasts | #18 | |
Apple Podcasts | #187 | |
Apple Podcasts | #42 | |
Apple Podcasts | #215 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Episodes focus on a wide array of scientific explorations, ranging from climate change and health advancements to the latest discoveries in neuroscience and space exploration. The discussion often highlights contemporary issues like the implications of human emotions towards climate action and the intersection of science with societal challenges. Unique aspects include the emphasis on storytelling and the emotional responses that drive public engagement with scientific topics. This blend of rigorous science and relatable narrative aims to inspire curiosity and optimism while tackling complex global issues.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with The world, the universe and us:
1. BBC Inside Science
2. Science In Action
3. Science Weekly
4. The Naked Scientists Podcast
5. CrowdScience
The world, the universe and us launched 6 years ago and published 399 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The world, the universe and us include:
1. Bill Bryson
2. Turi King
3. Alex Kay
4. Simon Evans
5. Daniel Yon
6. Anjana Khatwa
7. Chamkaur Ghag
8. John Gunning
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