The Science Show

And palm oil producers in South-East Asia have changed their ways, considering the environment more than they did. Brendan May is turning his attention now to nickel mines in tropical countries.

In March 2018, a South African astronomer looking into the distant universe "discovered" a bright red spot in the sky that hadn't been there previously; it felt like an exciting potential discovery. A message was sent to other astronomers, asking them to look at this new dot and study it further.
After forty minutes and a few more calculations, he realised this "star" was much closer to home and nothing new at all: it was the planet Mars.
According to Dr Kat Ross, making this kind of mistake is something of a rite of passage for astronomers.
You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.
Get in touch with us: [email protected]
Featuring:
Dr Kat Ross, Curtin University
This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.

* 2026 Nobel prizes in science* Air fryer vs deep fryer: Which produces more indoor air pollution?* First major biography of Francis Crick

If you reach for the old tea towel in the cupboard, this episode is for you. 
It's time to talk textiles: why older towels seem to be better at drying, and when it may be time to throw out your more well-worn towels.
Jonathan follows the thread with Ellen Phiddian to find out what we can do with our linen. 
You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.
Get in touch with us: [email protected]
Or get yourself a Radio National tea towel commemorating Science Week 2026!
Featuring:
Ellen Phiddian, Science Reporter ABC
This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.

And genetics reveals further details of a great friendship story – humans and dogs.