The Science Show

She could only read and write from age 10. She reared children and had a first unsupportive husband. But Mary Somerville was able to correct the work of Isaac Newton, help discover Neptune, and write a science book which became a university text.

Every now and again, dozens or even hundreds of perfectly healthy looking whales strand themselves on a beach. And despite people's best efforts, many — if not all of them — will die. So why do whales strand themselves, and why do they seem to do it at the same locations? This episode was first broadcast in August 2025. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith 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]:Kate Sprogis, marine mammal ecologist at University of Western Australia More information: Cause of mass pilot whale stranding at Cheynes Beach still no clearer one year onThis episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

Norman Swan, Fiona Stanley and Lorin Clarke describe their involvement with Robyn Williams and The Science Show with MC Richard Glover at a party celebrating 50 years of broadcasting.

It's impossible to escape microplastics. They're in our food and water, and the air around us is teeming with them. So considering they're all around us, how can we minimise our exposure to tiny plastic fragments without resorting to living in a cave? This episode was first broadcast in August 2025. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith 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]:Cassandra Rauert, microplastics researcher at the University of Queensland More information:Microplastics are in our food, water and air. How can we minimise our exposure to them?Human exposure to PM10 microplastics in indoor airAverage household dishwasher releases 33 million nano and microplastic particles per year, research findsLaundry is a top source of microplastic pollution — but you can clean your clothes more sustainablyThis episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

The Science Show gives Australians unique insights into the latest scientific research and debate.