The Science Show - Separate stories podcast

For decades, climate scientists have been tracking a curious phenomenon. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are steadily increasing overall but they also rise and fall in an annual rhythm — like the planet is breathing.Each spring, in the southern hemisphere, carbon dioxide levels start to plateau or maybe even drop slightly before shooting up again after summer.So what's driving these seasonal changes?You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.auFeaturing:Nick Deutscher, atmospheric chemist at the University of WollongongThis episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

There is concern that the impacts of climate change and water pollution may be impacting iconic local jellyfish.

Madeline Robinson argues human history is under threat of distortion from social media.

If you've been watching the Women's Rugby World Cup, you may have noticed players have been wearing special mouthguards that light up when they've suffered a significant knock to the head.It's the first time these concussion-predicting mouthguards have been trialled at a major competition.So in the wake of recent concussion concerns, from professional AFL and rugby league to community competitions, is this the future of sport?You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.auFeaturing:Kate O'Halloran, digital journalist with ABC Sport More information: Women's Rugby World Cup players trialling flashing mouthguards to help predict concussionsThis episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

Tom Lehrer wrote 37 satirical songs. As well as performing in live shows, he taught mathematics at Harvard, and the University of California and later taught a course in musical theatre.

Sophie Ly takes us to Palau to meet scientists and traditional knowledge custodians who are working together to uncover the secrets of Palau's ancient terraces.

Archaeologist Madeline Robinson looks at how humans like to mark their presence.

Australia's known for having some of the world's toughest sunscreen standards, but in June, that reputation was rocked. Independent testing of 20 sunscreens found 16 did not meet their advertised SPF50 rating, including three children's sunscreens and three sold by the Cancer Council. So how are sunscreens tested, and what can we learn from these recent SPF revelations?You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.auFeaturing:John Staton, scientific director at SciPharm More information:Choice report finds popular Australian sunscreens fail to meet SPF claims on labelThis episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

Archaeologist and PhD student Madeline Robinson challenges us to see the past as a story which continues today and involves us all.

Robyn Williams visits the Subantarctic Plant House, the Seed Conservation Centre and marvels at some extremely old trees.

Peter Bernhardt reviews the approach of the Missouri Botanical Garden's new president Lúcia G. Lohmann.

Researchers are investigating whether quantum particles impact biological processes such as photosynthesis or as wounds heal.

Sydney psychiatrist Jim Holmes wrote a diary covering his early bouts of recurrent pneumonia, leading to his eventual diagnosis of mesothelioma and developing illness.

Affordable solar light and power has been introduced to 8,800 homes in a poor, remote region of Malawi.

When you think of leaders in the space sector, big hitters like NASA and private companies like SpaceX spring to mind.But since the very beginning of the Space Age, Australia has played a role in the space flight industry.And this year, an Australian company tried to launch a rocket from Australian soil.So why is Australia building and launching rockets at all, especially when so many nations are already miles ahead?You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

As The Science Show celebrates 50 years, we remember John Clarke's contributions to early Science Shows and point to a film just released looking at John's life, produced by his daughter Lorin.

Reactions in birds' eyes where proteins respond to the Earth's magnetic field may provide information for birds in flight.

Author Zoe Kean explores humans' place in the web of life uncovering evolutionary mysteries which carry the potential to offer humans a better life.

Report presents simple solutions to reduce food waste in hospitals and aged care facilities.

One in four Australians get hay fever, and as the planet warms, our seasonal sneezes and sniffles are tipped to get much, much worse. 

Every now and again, dozens or even hundreds of perfectly healthy looking whales strand themselves on a beach. Scientists have a few theories on why they do this. 

There are many examples in nature where sneaky behaviour wins over size, brutishness, or the best display. Other reproductive behaviours as seen in some spiders include self-sacrifice.

Anthropologist Anna-Zoë Herr explores how hope is not just a feeling, but a practice that helps us stay connected to what matters in uncertain times.

Sara Russell explains the latest theory of how complex molecules were formed in the outer reaches of the Solar System and made their way to planets in the inner Solar System including Earth.

Spring in the US brings distress to some. Which plants are the cause?

Short-form video rewards us quickly. Are we now unable to concentrate on anything longer?

Fresh Australian dietary guidelines are due next year, and they'll likely focus on the health of the planet as well as people.

Lynelle Johnson describes the benefits of electric powered outboard motors over petrol engines for watercraft.

Frog ID allow people to submit recordings of frogs. It has been running for 7 years and collected more than 1.3 million calls. Thirteen new species have been discovered.

In Birdsong of Tomorrow, Nathan takes a playful and heartfelt look at our rapidly changing environment and how birds use song to attract potential mates, to protect their territory, to warn and to teach.

This week a meteorite went through a roof in the USA and proved to be older than our 4.5 billion-year-old planet. Sara Russell describes how these precious relics are tracked and retrieved.

Targeting small atomic groups around genes shows promise in the treatment of genetic blood diseases.

Meat ants don't sound like the most endearing Australian animals. These purple-red insects are super territorial, swarming and biting anything that threatens their nest. But it turns out they're not just aggressive, flesh-tearing fighters. They're also farmers, architects, and — best of all — cane toad exterminators. 

Sara Russell leads a team interested in the formation of the Solar System and the formation and evolution of moons of the terrestrial planets.

Former editor Tim Mendham comments and give a history of scepticism in modern Australia.

Harris hawks are used at sporting events and major tourist sites such as Venice to keep pigeons away.

Cuts are widespread across US science and research impacting climate monitoring. Understanding how climate is changing is vital if we are to have any hope in reducing our impact and preparing for a changing world.

Peter Bernhardt takes us back in time to the trial as told by Brenda Wineapple in her book Keeping the Faith – God, Democracy and the trial that riveted a nation.

It's impossible to escape microplastics. They're in our food and water, and the air around us is teeming with them.So considering they're all around us, how can we minimise our exposure to tiny plastic fragments without resorting to living in a cave?

In this 50th year of The Science Show we celebrate yet another of the program's idols and regular guests, science writer Tim Radford.

Zac Picker is searching for physical impacts of dark matter as evidence of its existence. 

Music is being used at Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital to bring serenity and a sense of calm to patients, family, and medical staff.