Ecology 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

David Lodge discusses environmental DNA as a tool for detecting invasive species and the challenges of translating ecological evidence into policy. The conversation follows invasive-carp detection in river water, scrutiny in legal proceedings, long-term crayfish observations, and the respective roles of researchers and decision-makers.

Hosted by Marty Martin, John Drake

Andrew Glester explores how drones, robotics and machine learning support wildlife research and conservation. Blair Costelloe discusses the WildDrone and WildBotics networks and the Mara Elephant Project; Camille Rondeau Saint-Jean describes real-time animal monitoring; William Njoroge explains how Ol Pejeta Conservancy combines drones with established conservation methods. The episode considers population data, field constraints, regulation and collaboration across disciplines.

Hosted by Andrew Glester

The Science Show examines mineral nodules formed around fossil shark teeth on the deep-sea floor and the ecological risks of exploiting them. The programme also considers plant responses to climate change, debates over introduced species, and the contributions and limitations of three influential scientists.

Hosted by Robyn Williams, Belinda Smith

Chris Smith presents research on individual differences in fruit flies, colour-linked pupil responses in synaesthesia, and how mating patterns broaden cognitive variation in chickadees. The episode also examines which species succeed in cities and how DNA organisation changes in cancer. The publisher provides a full episode player and individual interview transcripts.

Hosted by Chris Smith

This edition of The Science Show covers extinct big cats and early humans, the material properties behind durable Roman concrete, the history of technological disruption by space weather, and methane-consuming microorganisms living in tree bark.

Hosted by Robyn Williams, Belinda Smith

Sarah Crespi and Katie Langin examine assisted migration: replanting forests after wildfire with trees suited to the warmer conditions expected in coming decades. Susana Monsó, associate professor in logic, history and philosophy of science at Spain’s National University of Distance Education, then discusses how philosophical analysis contributes to scientific work, from defining concepts to formulating research questions. Produced with help from Podigy; published 17 September 2026, with a running time of 37 minutes and 28 seconds.

Hosted by Sarah Crespi

Susanne Renner and Alan Cohen reflect on Bob Ricklefs’s contributions to ecology and evolutionary biology. The discussion considers biogeography, life-history research and the value of sustained, careful scientific work. Ricklefs is the subject of the tribute, rather than a participant in this recording.

Sarah Crespi and Richard Stone discuss the spread of disease-carrying Hyalomma ticks as the climate changes, drawing on reporting from Kosovo and the role of surveillance. Evolutionary ecologist Veronika Bókony then explains research on agile frogs whose development changes with temperature, including the reproductive consequences for genetically female frogs that develop male traits. The episode connects climate, disease ecology and amphibian reproduction. The publisher supplies a transcript and external audio.

Hosted by Sarah Crespi

David George Haskell discusses the evolution and ecological importance of flowering plants. The conversation follows the innovations that enabled their diversification and their relationships with animals and ecosystems.

Hosted by Clayton Glasgow

Nature's podcast explores genetically engineered probiotic bacteria that sense elevated glucose and release therapeutic factors, lowering blood sugar in animal studies. The episode also covers ecological research on pumas, geological erosion, and how a solar eclipse can help researchers probe the Sun's magnetic corona.

Nature staff discuss a large survey of insect diversity in the Amazon and unusual orca behavior captured on video involving a sunfish.

Diego Vázquez explores networks of plant-pollinator interactions and what determines which species interact. The conversation contrasts coevolutionary explanations with neutral models driven by abundance, examines the limits of prediction, and considers long-term bee monitoring and the challenges of maintaining ecological research in Argentina.

Hosted by Marty Martin, John Drake

Nature reporters discuss the chemical signal used by naked mole-rat queens to maintain reproductive hierarchy and how people reason when learning unfamiliar games.

Science journalist Rowan Hooper joins the Nature Podcast to explore symbiosis, cooperation, and the importance of organisms working together across the living world.

Portia Wong and Paolo Momigliano discuss population-genetic research on pangolins and its relevance to the illegal wildlife trade. The episode connects genomic evidence with conservation questions and the challenges of tracing threatened wildlife populations.

John Wingfield and Fran Bonier discuss how hormones help wild animals respond to social challenges, seasons and environmental stress. The conversation examines the challenge hypothesis, emergency life-history transitions and allostasis, drawing on studies of wild birds. Wingfield also reflects on scientific leadership and advice for early-career researchers.

Hosted by Marty Martin, Cameron Ghalambor

Daniel Simberloff discusses biological invasions, ecological theory and evidence from field experiments. The conversation explores how introduced species alter communities and ecosystems, and how long-running research informs conservation and management decisions.

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

Toni Lyn Morelli and Alexej Sirén discuss how climate change alters the geographical distribution of species. As habitats change, movement can offer plants and animals a route to persistence, but it also reshapes ecological relationships. The episode examines these shifts and their implications for conservation and the communities that share affected environments.

Hosted by Madison Goldberg