Inside the evidence revolution — how decision-making became data driven

Inside the evidence revolution — how decision-making became data driven

Author: Springer Nature Limited April 24, 2026 Duration: 26:23

In this episode of Nature hits the books, we speak with Nature's Helen Pearson whose book Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works looks at the history of using evidence, rather than opinion, in decision making.


The book traces the course of the movement in various disciplines, such as the rise of evidence-based medicine in the 90s, looking at the rebels who led the charge, the barriers they faced, and why the use of evidence is crucial at a time when misinformation is rife.


Beyond Belief: How Evidence Shows What Really Works Helen Pearson Princeton University Press (in the press)


Music supplied by SPD/Triple Scoop Music/Getty Images


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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
Sun-powered flyers could explore the mysterious mesosphere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:53
00:46 Tiny solar flyerResearchers have used a phenomenon known as thermal transpiration to create a solar-powered flying device that can stay aloft without any moving parts. The diminutive device, just one centimetre acr…
Underwater glue shows its sticking power in rubber duck test [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
00:45 Researchers develop a new glue and test it on a rubber duckAided by machine learning, researchers have developed a super-sticky compound that works as an underwater adhesive. Inspired by animals like barnacles, the…
Earth's deepest ecosystem discovered six miles below the sea [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:03
00:45 The deepest ecosystem ever discoveredResearchers have dived down to more than 9,000 metres below the surface of the Pacific and discovered surprisingly complex communities of life living in deep ocean trenches. The…
Giant laser heats solid gold to 14 times its melting point [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:38
00:46 How hot can solid gold get?A new study suggests that gold can be superheated far beyond its melting point without it becoming a liquid. Using an intense burst from a laser, a team heated a gold foil to 14 times its…
AI, bounties and culture change, how scientists are taking on errors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:19
A simple methodological error meant that for years researchers considered drinking moderate amounts of alcohol to be healthy. Now plenty of evidence suggests that isn't the case, but errors like this still plague the sci…
Ancient DNA reveals farming led to more human diseases [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:06
00:48 The past 35,000 years of diseaseAncient DNA evidence shows that the advent of agriculture led to more infectious disease among humans, with pathogens from animals only showing up 6,500 years ago. The DNA, extracted…