Microbes

Genetic epidemiologist and award winning author, Professor Tim Spector introduced the world to the wonders of the gut microbiome in his first book The Diet Myth. His latest book - Food for Life is an… Audio

The most extreme places in Antarctica give rise to the toughest and weirdest types of life. From creatures living a very different chemical life to ours at underwater methane seeps to the secret tools… Audio

The Antarctic Dry Valleys are one of the harshest places on earth. Dr. Adele Williamson from the University of Waikato is trying to find out if bacteria that live there have evolved different tools to… Audio

Cleaning has never played a bigger role in our lives than it does today. Whether it's wiping down workplace surfaces or disinfecting supermarket trolley handles, we're doing it all more… Audio

Eyes are sometimes raised when people are asked to remove their shoes before entering someone else's home. However, new research has shown that wearing shoes inside the house is not only gross, but a… Audio

Sydney-based New Zealander Dr Matt Baker joins the show for a chat about some of the latest science news. This week he looks at elephant trunks, and the work of the Mars rover Perseverance. Audio

Writer and podcaster Nicola Twilley's latest book, co-authored with husband Geoff Manaugh, is Until Proven Safe: The History and Future of Quarantine. She joins the show to discuss the importance of… Audio

Playing host to helminth parasitic worms could hold the key to living longer and staying free of chronic disease, according to a new article published in the eLife journal. Gastroenterologist Dr Tom… Audio

Research shows that when we spend time outdoors, we are more active. And in addition to the benefits of physical activity, there are numerous benefits of engagement with nature. Health geographer Dr… Audio

High body emissions released during exercise can combine with bleach cleaners to form potentially harmful indoor air pollution, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of… Audio

New research suggests that people with blood type O could be less likely to get sick with Covid-19. New Zealand professor Gary McLean joins the show to discuss the topic of blood group susceptibility.

Tiny plants that live on the underside of sea ice form an upside-down garden that feeds krill and is the base of the Antarctic food web. Video, Audio

The human immune system is a complex system where T cells, B cells and antibodies battle invaders such as bacteria and viruses such as the one that causes COVID-19. Audio

A 46-year-old art work has revealed how the gut microbiome of artist Billy Apple has changed during his adult life. Audio

Water is evaporating all over the world right now, so what if we could capture the energy created by this process? That's the thrust of some interesting work going on at Columbia University. Audio