This stretchy neural implant grows with an axolotl's brain

This stretchy neural implant grows with an axolotl's brain

Author: Springer Nature Limited June 11, 2025 Duration: 36:55
Nature Podcast
ScienceNewsTechnology

00:45 A flexible neural-implant that grows with the brain

Researchers have developed a soft electronic implant that can measure brain activity of amphibian embryos as they develop. Understanding the neural activity of developing brains is a key aim for neuroscientists, but conventional, rigid probes can damage growing brains. To overcome this, a team have developed a flexible mesh that stretches with the brain and tested it by monitoring single neuron activity during development of frog and axolotl embryos. More testing and ethical considerations will be required, but the researchers hope that eventually such implants could help with neurological conditions that affect humans.


Research article: Sheng et al.


13:11 Research Highlights

The exoplanet slowly evaporating into space, and cockatoos that have figured out an innovative way to stay hydrated.


Research Highlight: Solved: the mystery of the evaporating planet

Research Highlight: Clever cockatoos learn an easy way to quench their thirst


15:30 An AI-based way to repair damaged paintings

By combining AI tools with mechanical engineering techniques, a researcher has developed a new way to speed up the restoration of damaged paintings. The technique creates a removable mask that can be overlaid onto a painting to cover any damage apparent in the artwork. It was successfully tested on an oil painting, fixing a large number of damaged areas in only a few hours. This could offer a significant speed-boost to painting restoration, which can often take months, or even years.


Research article: Kachkine

Video: Meet the engineer who invented an AI-powered way to restore art


27:36 Briefing Chat

A new ranking system could make it easier to spot universities that are chasing publishing metrics at the expense of rigorous science, and evidence that cutting off rhinos’ horns deters poachers.


Nature: ‘Integrity index’ flags universities with high retraction rates

AP: Cutting off rhinos’ horns is a contentious last resort to stop poaching. A new study found it works


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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

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