Madeleine Finlay

Rain has arrived after England and Wales experienced their driest July on record, but reservoirs remain at exceptionally low levels. Hydrologist Anna Murgatroyd explains how much rainfall may be needed to replenish water supplies through next summer, why drought conditions can increase flood risk, and how people can help conserve water.

A Guardian Science Weekly podcast examines how fossils have become big business as wealthy private collectors pay increasingly high prices for dinosaur specimens. It focuses on one of the United Kingdom’s best fossil collections, gathered on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and sold overseas for display at the Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi. Scientists warn that rising prices are preventing domestic museums from acquiring important fossils, limiting opportunities for research and new scientific observations.

The podcast examines evidence that people are reading less as competing demands consume their attention. Madeleine Finlay discusses the cognitive benefits of reading, including effects on memory and IQ, with Guardian science editor Ian Sample and experimental psychologist Falk Huettig of the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, who argues that declining literacy could have broad consequences.

Madeleine Finlay and Guardian science editor Ian Sample discuss research identifying four distinct types of thinker, an unprecedented cyclosporiasis outbreak in the United States linked to two deaths, and funding cuts threatening Jodrell Bank Observatory and its Lovell Telescope. The episode also highlights calls from artists, writers and scientists for the UK government to protect the heritage site.

Madeleine Finlay and Guardian science editor Ian Sample discuss three science stories: research identifying four distinct types of thinker, an unprecedented US cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to two deaths, and funding cuts threatening Jodrell Bank and its iconic Lovell Telescope.

Madeleine Finlay visits the Rothbury estate in Northumberland, a historic landscape held by the same family for 700 years that has been put up for sale. The UK’s Wildlife Trusts are seeking £30 million to preserve the estate intact and establish a major nature-recovery project. Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Katy Barke discusses the conservation goals, archaeologist Sam Turner explains how research into centuries of land use will guide the project, and farm liaison officer Rosie Pearce outlines the potential for more wildlife-friendly farming.

The audio feature examines whether a pioneering rewilding project on a farm in Lincolnshire can demonstrate that restoring nature is economically viable. It describes how intensive farming has damaged England’s ancient woodlands and freshwater wetlands and follows an aristocratic landowner’s effort to show that protecting wildlife can generate income.

The podcast examines the scientific evidence behind the growing popularity of saunas and cold plunge pools in the UK. Madeleine Finlay speaks with Ian Sample and University of Portsmouth extreme-environments researcher Heather Massey about whether claims of mental and physical health benefits are supported by research.

The investigation into Tam O’Braan’s fraudulent Scottish tea scheme reaches its climax as his deceptions are exposed in court and the source of the tea he supplied is revealed. Scottish growers receive long-awaited answers, and the episode reflects on the current state of the tea industry that emerged from his actions.

An investigation examines suspicions among Scottish tea growers about the origins of Tam O’Braan’s products and how scientific analysis helped clarify concerns about a potential tea fraud.

Science correspondent Nicola Davis revisits her first meeting with Tam O’Braan while investigating his claims of producing award‑winning Scottish-grown tea, noting early signs that aspects of his story were inconsistent as interest in his activities increased.

The first person has been treated in a trial of a gene therapy designed to rejuvenate ageing retinal cells and potentially improve vision. The treatment is part of emerging research into cellular rejuvenation; if it proves safe and effective, it could lead to broader therapies aimed at reversing aspects of ageing.

Evolutionary biologist Toby Kiers discusses the ecological importance of fungi and the vast underground networks they form. She explains her work mapping fungal systems on Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean and argues that fungi should be considered alongside flora and fauna as a vital force supporting planetary health.

Scientists report a halving of men’s average testosterone levels over 50 years and warn of an emerging fertility concern. Obesity, diabetes, endocrine‑disrupting chemicals and climate-related factors are identified as potential contributors. The discussion explores how the research has been received and what actions researchers believe are needed in response to the findings.

Britain has lost tens of millions of wild birds over five decades due to habitat loss, pesticides, disease, predation and climate pressures, yet young people are increasingly taking up birdwatching. Social media and the Merlin Bird ID app are helping Gen Z reconnect with nature despite shifting baseline syndrome, which makes long‑term environmental decline harder to perceive. Insights from writer Robert Macfarlane and RSPB youth council member Jess Painter highlight how digital tools and renewed interest in wildlife are fostering engagement with conservation.

Britain has lost an estimated 73 million wild birds over the past 50 years, dramatically diminishing the volume and diversity of its dawn chorus. Experts attribute the decline to habitat loss, industrial agriculture, pollution, climate change and emerging diseases, with many once-common species now on the UK red list. Conservationists warn that shifting baseline perceptions obscure the scale of loss, while new tools such as the Merlin app are helping more people reconnect with nature. The Guardian recreated historic dawn chorus soundscapes to illustrate changes across decades, underscoring the urgency for coordinated action to protect bird populations.

Researchers discuss advances in creating lifelike synthetic blobs that can grow and divide using lab‑made DNA, examining the significance of this step and potential future applications in synthetic biology.

Experts explain why algae rapidly returned to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool despite extensive cleaning and repainting efforts ordered by President Trump, outlining the scientific drivers of recurring blooms and potential strategies for mitigation.

Met Office forecasters warn that England could see temperatures reach 40C amid a wider European heatwave causing school closures, travel disruptions and emergency restrictions. Scientists link the extreme conditions to the emerging El Niño, expected to be unusually strong, raising concerns about worsening heat impacts and the need for measures to stay safe in high temperatures.

Sea ice loss in the Arctic and its impact on the climate crisis are explored through a discussion of an experimental project aimed at thickening ice. Early indications of the project’s feasibility, cost considerations and potential environmental benefits are examined, based on on‑site reporting and interviews with those involved.

The UK prime minister proposes banning social media for under‑16s as part of an expanded online safety initiative, prompting mixed reactions from parents, scientists and campaigners. Researchers question the evidence that such bans reduce harm, while critics argue the move shifts responsibility away from platforms themselves. Hosts explore scientific findings on social media’s effects on young people and the potential consequences of an outright ban.

A clinical trial shows that the drug daraxonrasib, taken as a daily pill, can double survival time for patients with an extremely lethal cancer. Host Madeleine Finlay speaks with oncologist Naureen Starling to explain how the treatment works and why experts consider it a major breakthrough with potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.

A palaeontologist discusses how birds evolved from dinosaurs, how some species survived the asteroid impact, and why their adaptability may help them cope with modern environmental pressures.

Scientists warn that extreme heat during the 2026 World Cup may endanger players and referees, prompting a call for stronger mitigation measures from Fifa. Environmental concerns include the tournament’s large fossil‑fuel footprint. The psychological influence of VAR on referees and fans is also explored.

Scientists and presenters discuss the rise of red light therapy devices, examining how the technology affects collagen and skin health and reviewing available evidence on claims that the masks reduce wrinkles, redness and acne, while outlining current research into broader medical applications.

A global review has led to polycystic ovary syndrome being renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome to better reflect its hormonal and metabolic causes. Campaigners argue the new name could improve understanding, diagnosis and treatment. A science correspondent and a representative from the charity Verity discuss the motivations behind the change and its potential benefits for women affected.

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has resulted in nearly 400 confirmed cases and over 100 deaths, prompting heightened concern from global health authorities. Clinical epidemiologist Daniela Manno outlines how the outbreak may have started, the risks associated with its spread and the strategies available to contain it, while explaining why the situation has drawn particular international attention.

The hosts discuss new developments in hantavirus preparedness, the Pentagon’s release of previously classified UFO documentation, and research suggesting that participation in cultural activities may be associated with slower biological ageing.

President Trump’s recent executive order accelerates research and access to psychedelic drugs, particularly ibogaine, as potential treatments for mental health conditions and traumatic brain injury. Journalist Mattha Busby discusses Joe Rogan’s influence on the policy shift and explores broader motivations behind the administration’s interest, along with expected practical effects for researchers and scientific progress.

Madeleine Finlay speaks with Patrick Barkham to mark David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, reflecting on a century of environmental change and how Attenborough’s work increasingly focused on the impacts of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.

A recent hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship traveling from Argentina to Cape Verde has resulted in three deaths and seven identified cases, prompting investigation into potential human-to-human transmission. Prof Jonathan Ball outlines the virus’s origins, its usual transmission route from rodents to humans, and the steps health agencies are taking to contain the situation.

Representatives from 57 countries met in Santa Marta, Colombia, for the first global climate meeting focused on ending the fossil fuel era. The discussion highlights how the summit was organised, notable absences among participants, and whether the optimism expressed can lead to concrete action toward a global transition to renewable energy.

Discussion of new data showing a decline in the number of years people in the UK spend in good health, scientific explanations for why some old houses feel spooky, and the factors enabling two runners to potentially break the two-hour threshold at the London marathon.