Episode 289

Slices of mouse brains have been revived after being in deep freeze, hinting at the future possibility of reanimating humans who have been cryogenically preserved. While this is just a first step, researchers say the technique could one day be adapted to bring frozen human brains out of stasis. This may be good news for the more than 200 bodies currently in deep freeze in the US. But what kind of world will they wake up to if we do find a way?

An asteroid named 2024 YR4 is threatening to smash into Earth in just over 7 years’ time. Alarm bells are ringing and several international bodies are stepping in to take action. Astronomers will assess the threat with the James Webb Space Telescope, so we can get a measure of how big - and on how dangerous an orbit - it really is.

A technique used to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is showing huge promise in the fight against climate change. Scientists have enhanced a natural process called rock weathering, getting farmers to spread crushed rocks on their fields. If this was done the world over, the climate impact could be dramatic. Hear from a farmer in Virginia who’s been testing the method.

Have you ever been completely stuffed at the end of a meal, only to miraculously find room for a slice of cake? This is the mysterious phenomenon known as ‘dessert tummy’ - and it turns out it’s actually a real thing. Discover the science behind why you can always find extra room for a sweet treat.

Timestamps:

(00:34) Mouse brain resurrection

(11:51) Asteroid threat

(21:03) Enhanced weathering

(27:20) Science of ‘dessert tummy’

Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Michael Le Page, Leah Crane, James Dinneen and Grace Wade.

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/

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