The pandemic's unequal toll on the research community, and a newly discovered mitochondria-like symbiosis.
In this episode:
00:48 The pandemic's unequal toll on researchers
Although 2020 saw a huge uptick in the numbers of research papers submitted, these increases were not evenly distributed among male and female scientists. We look at how this could widen existing disparities in science, and damage future career prospects.
Editorial: COVID is amplifying the inadequacy of research-evaluation processes
09:18 Research Highlights
How a parasite can make viral infections more deadly, and the first known space hurricane.
Research Highlight: Intestinal worms throw open the door to dangerous viruses
Research Highlight: The first known space hurricane pours electron ‘rain’
11:36 Energy without oxygen
Millions of years ago, a microscopic protist swallowed a bacterium and gained the ability to breathe nitrate. This relationship partially replaced the cell's mitochondria and allowed it to produce abundant energy without oxygen. This week, researchers describe how this newly discovered symbiosis works.
Research Article: Graf et al.
News and Views: A microbial marriage reminiscent of mitochondrial evolution
19:22 Briefing Chat
We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, the weakening of the Gulf Stream, and a new satellite to monitor deforestation in the Amazon.
The Guardian: Atlantic Ocean circulation at weakest in a millennium, say scientists
Science: Brazil’s first homemade satellite will put an extra eye on dwindling Amazon forests
Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday.
Video: How to build a Quantum Internet
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COVID stimulus spending failed to deliver on climate promises
Audio long-read: The race to save the Internet from quantum hackers
Dinosaur-destroying asteroid struck in spring
Tongan volcano eruption leaves scientists with unanswered questions
Coronapod: How African scientists are copying Moderna's COVID vaccine
RNA test detects deadly pregnancy disorder early
Coronapod: what people get wrong about endemic COVID
Weirdly flowing water finally has an explanation: 'quantum friction'
Coronapod: Why T cells have been overlooked
How can battery-powered aircraft get off the ground?
Audio long read: Is precision public health the future — or a contradiction?
Coronapod: COVID death toll is likely millions more than official counts
Why mutation is not as random as we thought
Podcast Extra: Recreating the lost sounds of spring
Webb Space Telescope makes history after tense launch
Science in 2022: what to expect this year
Audio long-read: The secret lives of cells — as never seen before
Our podcast highlights of 2021
The Nature Podcast annual holiday spectacular
Coronapod: Omicron - your questions answered
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