Nature Podcast12 Feb 2025

Record-breaking neutrino detected by huge underwater telescope

In this episode:

00:45 An elusive, cosmic neutrino with a record-breaking energy

An enormous array of detectors, deep under the Mediterranean Sea, has captured evidence of the highest-energy neutrino particle ever recorded, although researchers aren’t sure exactly where in the cosmos it originated. Calculations revealed this particle had over 30 times the energy of previously detected neutrinos. The team hopes that further study and future detections will help reveal the secrets of high-energy phenomena like supernovae.

Research Article: The KM3NeT Collaboration

11:34 Research Highlights

How bonobos adjust their communication to account for what other individuals know, and the discovery of a huge collection of beads adorning the attire of the powerful Copper Age women in Spain.

Research Highlight: Bonobos know when you’re in the know ― and when you’re not

Research Highlight: Record-setting trove of buried beads speaks to power of ancient women

14:15 US judge puts NIH grant cuts on hold

A judge has blocked a policy that would have slashed billions of dollars of funding for US research institutions, which come as part of President Donald Trump’s controversial crackdown on government spending. We discuss the reasoning behind the proposed cuts and the impacts they may have if enacted. We also look at the effects that President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and funding are having across the US.

Nature: ‘Devastating’ cuts to NIH grants by Trump’s team put on hold by US judge

Nature: Have Trump’s anti-DEI orders hit private funders? HHMI halts inclusive science programme

Nature: Scientists globally are racing to save vital health databases taken down amid Trump chaos

25:50 Briefing Chat

Why the latest odds on asteroid 2024 YR4’s chance of impacting Earth are so hard to calculate, and how the latest version of DeepMind's AlphaGeometry AI has reached the gold-medal level in geometry.

New York Times: Why the Odds of an Asteroid Striking Earth in 2032 Keep Going Up (and Down)

Nature: DeepMind AI crushes tough maths problems on par with top human solvers

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