Free Daily Podcast Summary
Science Weekly: Daily Summaries Delivered
by The Guardian
Twice a week, the Guardian brings you the latest science and environment news
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Today19 min
‘Ferritin face’: can you really diagnose low iron from a selfie?
Social media is awash with claims iron deficiency can be identified in the mirror by dark circles, breaking hair and dry skin. But is ‘ferritin face’ real? Madeleine Finlay tells Ian Sample why so many of us struggle to keep our iron levels up, how we can actually diagnose low iron and the best way to correct a deficiency, with help from Hal Drakesmith, a professor of iron biology at Oxford University, and advice from Dr Sue Pavord, a consultant haematologist at Oxford university hospitals and associate senior lecturer in clinical medicine at St Edmund Hall. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
- 2 days ago18 min
How a scientist went from hero to traitor in a US water crisis
When the water in Flint, Michigan, became contaminated with dangerous levels of lead, Dr Siddhartha Roy, then a third year PhD student, was part of the team of scientists who publicly contradicted state and federal claims that it was safe. He became a local hero until a new piece of research challenged the idea that children in Flint had been left permanently brain damaged by the crisis. His adherence to the evidence, no matter who it offended, has earned him the 2026 Maddox prize, which recognises individuals who stand up for science and evidence, despite challenges or hostility. He tells Ian Sample how he reflects on his experience in Flint, and why he lost friends as a result of his work there. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
- 1 weeks ago18 min
‘It’s a theatre and we’re pawns’: taking the stand as an expert witness
As one of the world’s leading forensic anthropologists, Dame Sue Black has acted as an expert witness in a myriad of high-profile criminal cases. Her work has taken her from the lab to active war zones and the aftermath of natural disasters to identify victims’ bodies. Speaking to Ian Sample, the professor explains why standing up in front of a judge and jury has been one of the more terrifying parts of her career, the reputational risk of presenting evidence in court and what the future of forensic science could look like. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
- 1 weeks ago15 min
Perimenopause is everywhere. How do you know if you’re in it?
Perimenopause has become a hot topic, with celebrities sharing their experiences and doctors offering tips and advice online. But despite the benefits of growing awareness, a rising number of women are now encountering misinformation about treatments such as HRT. Madeleine Finlay hears from Dr Paula Briggs, a consultant in sexual and reproductive health, about why experts have raised the alarm. Science correspondent Nicola Davis gives the facts on symptoms, tests and treatments. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
- 2 weeks ago17 min
Elizabeth Holmes is back in the spotlight: why can’t we look away?
You Can See Everything, a documentary about the disgraced biotech company founder Elizabeth Holmes, has enjoyed a record-breaking opening in the US. It is a testament to how fascinated we remain by the convicted fraudster, but what is behind the enduring appeal? US technology editor Blake Montgomery tells Madeleine Finlay why Holmes continues to fascinate us, and reflects on whether the Theranos scandal has had a permanent impact on Silicon Valley. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
- 2 weeks ago15 min
‘These risks are real’: the threat of AI bioweapons
In his annual speech on threats to the nation, Sir Ken McCallum, the head of the UK’s intelligence service, MI5, warned that AI had the potential to ‘change the stakes’ on existing and even new bioweapons. To find out why, and how, Ian Sample speaks to Dr Tom Inglesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. He explains what has governments so worried and what measures could be put in place to reduce the risks. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
- 3 weeks ago17 min
Is your boss watching you? The rise of AI surveillance at work
Workers have always been monitored by their bosses, first through output targets, and then via computer software labelled ‘bossware’. But AI is transforming the capabilities of these systems, processing huge volumes of data to provide minute-by-minute accounts of activity, and productivity. To find out more, Ian Sample hears from UK technology editor Robert Booth. He explains which sectors are adopting this approach, why they are doing it, and how it could end up being counterproductive.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
- 3 weeks ago17 min
The surprising psychology of morbid curiosity
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan has incurred condemnation from human rights groups and politicians on all sides. But according to Coltan Scrivner, an author and psychologist at Arizona State University and expert on morbid curiosity, people are still likely to watch in large numbers. He explains why we are drawn to dark and disturbing content, and Madeleine Finlay tells Ian Sample how consuming this kind of material can harm observers’ mental health. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
Get Science Weekly summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The World, the Universe and Us
Explores big scientific questions about life, consciousness, climate, and the cosmos with expert scientists and New Scientist journalists.
Science Magazine Podcast
Weekly episodes covering original scientific research, global science news, and expert commentary.
Science Friday
Explores diverse science and technology topics, from space to microscopic life, with engaging educational stories.
Science In Action
The BBC covers the latest weekly developments and news in science.
🎙️ Science News Daily | Peer Review'd
Daily science news covering space, biology, physics, and technology breakthroughs.
Inquiring Minds
Explores the intersection of science and society through critical thinking and in-depth analysis.
Health Check
BBC World Service
BBC Inside Science
Explores the latest scientific discoveries and debates shaping our understanding of the world.
Science Quickly
A bite-sized science podcast exploring discoveries with journalists and experts.
Pocket Science
Explores surprising and innovative research happening in Seattle through conversations with local scientists.
Uncanny Valley | WIRED
Examines power and influence in Silicon Valley through interviews and reporting on major tech stories.
A Question of Science
Experts answer public questions on pressing scientific issues, from cancer and nutrition to AI and climate change.
About Science Weekly
Twice a week, the Guardian brings you the latest science and environment news
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Science Weekly in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Science Weekly daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Science Weekly as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Science Weekly podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Science Weekly product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by The Guardian.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Science Weekly release new episodes?
Science Weekly publishes every few days. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Science Weekly cover?
Science Weekly covers topics including Science. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Science Weekly summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.