Microbiology podcasts

Anna Truzzi and Luca Pellegrino discuss experiments on a historical antibacterial preparation and the sources of bias in AI systems. An external segment with Ian Scott and Ilaria Zanardi explores elephant communication, including low-frequency sound, long-distance signalling and the evidence for individually distinctive calls.

Hosted by Anna Truzzi, Luca Pellegrino

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

Nature staff discuss an AI tool for assessing the effects of nine billion human genetic mutations, followed by research challenging assumptions about Bunsen burners and contamination near laboratory work areas. This episode is part of Nature Podcast’s Briefing Chat series and is available from the publisher on Acast.

Science journalists discuss why the food-borne illness cyclosporiasis is difficult to track and a new map of a major highway in the human nervous system. Leslie Chan then explains an ingestible metabolic probe that detects gut-microbiome enzyme activity from volatile signals in the breath.

The hosts discuss research linking bacterial signatures to colon-cancer recurrence and a separate study of bacteriophage-derived proteins that trigger bacterial pilus detachment. The episode works through the scientific papers and experimental questions; the cancer findings concern an association rather than proof of causation.

Hosted by Vincent Racaniello, Michael Schmidt

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.

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

Nature journalists discuss a chemical route that converts PVC waste into motor lubricant and engineered yeast that produces a potential cancer drug.

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

Charlene Lancaster speaks with Cesar de la Fuente about using artificial intelligence to discover novel antibiotics from organisms and genetic sources spanning spiders, archaea, woolly mammoths, and humans.

Lars Bakken discusses using bacteria to reduce nitrous-oxide emissions associated with agricultural fertilizer. Conversation in Norwegian.

Jessica Lønn-Stensrud discusses bacteria, their roles in everyday life and the balance between beneficial and harmful microorganisms. Conversation in Norwegian.

Anne Spurkland discusses coronavirus biology, transmission and responses to the emerging pandemic. This Norwegian conversation reflects knowledge at its original 2020 publication date.