Briefing Chat: Can NASA return rocks from Mars? And why dogs have long ears

Briefing Chat: Can NASA return rocks from Mars? And why dogs have long ears

Author: Springer Nature Limited January 16, 2026 Duration: 10:04

Each week, the Nature Podcast opens a door into the latest and most significant developments across the entire scientific landscape. Rather than just summarizing headlines, this production from Springer Nature Limited delves into the substance and the people behind the findings. You’ll hear directly from researchers as they explain their work, from astronomical discoveries to intricate zoological studies, all grounded in the rigorous reporting of Nature's own journalists and editors. The conversations provide context that turns complex papers into compelling narratives, offering a clear sense of why each story matters. It’s a direct line to the forefront of science, technology, and research news, delivered with a focus on depth and understanding. Tuning into this podcast is like having a thoughtful guide through the week's most pivotal science, making even the most specialized topics accessible and engaging for anyone curious about how the world works. The consistent quality and breadth of subject matter make it a reliable source for anyone looking to stay informed on scientific progress.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Nature Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Red-light therapy is all the rage — does it work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:56
In this episode:00:42 Is red-light therapy all hype?Disclaimer: The opinions and assertions expressed herein by Juanita Anders are those of the speaker and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Uniformed…
Anaesthetized brains can still process podcasts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:00
In this episode:00:42 Probing the unconscious brain’s processing abilityResearch Article: Katlowitz et al.Nature: Even the unconscious brain can learn — and predict what you’ll say next12:32 Research HighlightsNature: An…
Briefing Chat: Stressed mitochondria spawn new 'organelles' in cells [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:55
In this episode:00:27 How a parasite unveiled a mitochondrial secretNature: Mitochondria can spawn new ‘organelles’ — hinting at how modern cells evolved06:13 The extinct cephalopods that could have been enormousNature:…
Immunity gets a boost from a surprising place — breakfast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:36
In this episode:00:45 How eating can boost the immune systemResearch Article: Kumar et al.08:28 Research HighlightsNature: Cosmic-ray detection heralds era of mega-observatories for neutrinosNature: Little ants groom big…
Meet Ace, the table-tennis robot that can beat elite players [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:10
In this episode:00:45 The table-tennis robot that can mix it with the prosResearch Article: Dürr et al.News and Views: Robot can beat elite players at table tennisVideo: This robot can beat you at table tennis14:13 Resea…
Briefing Chat: Penguins pick up PFAS pollution [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:01
In this episode:00:30 The penguins measuring environmental PFASScience: Penguins become marine detectives, thanks to pollutant-detecting anklets05:14 Treating autoimmune diseases with CAR-TNature: One woman, three autoim…