Biogeochemistry podcasts

Evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers joins Steven Strogatz to explore how mycorrhizal fungi exchange nutrients with plants and influence soil carbon storage. The conversation examines decentralized resource allocation, partnerships between fungi and roots, and experiments using fluorescent tracers and imaging robots to observe underground networks. Kiers also describes efforts to map fungal biodiversity and protect these ecosystems.

Hosted by Steven Strogatz, Janna Levin

Nature reporters explain why record ocean temperatures associated with an intensifying El Niño could weaken marine carbon sinks. The episode also covers radiation protection for astronauts, thunder-based underground geology and experimental mitochondrial injections for vision loss.

The hosts discuss nitrogen fixation in a marine alga and the evidence for a nitrogen-fixing organelle. Related topics include plastic pollution, antimicrobial resistance and the rumen microbiome. The episode links microbial evolution and physiology with marine nutrient cycling.

Hosted by Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt

Brad Gemmell discusses how changing environmental conditions affect the behaviour and ecology of small marine organisms. Topics include ctenophore predation, diatoms and ocean carbon cycling, and the role of upside-down Cassiopea jellyfish as ecosystem engineers. The conversation connects organismal physiology and movement with broader changes in marine ecosystems.

Hosted by Marty Martin

Anja Røyne discusses nitrogen, fertilizer production and the environmental consequences of changing the nitrogen cycle. Conversation in Norwegian.

Julie Simpson explores the climate role of coastal saltwater wetlands, including marshes, mangroves and seagrass meadows. Alongside habitat, water purification and coastal protection, these ecosystems remove and retain substantial amounts of carbon dioxide. The episode examines how their ecological processes connect conservation with climate mitigation.

Hosted by Madison Goldberg

Stephen Porder explores how living organisms have transformed Earth through their use of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. Drawing on his book Elemental, the conversation connects these biogeochemical changes across deep time with sustainability and choices that could reduce human environmental impacts.

Hosted by Marty Martin, Cameron Ghalambor