The Science Show

Australia’s social media ban aims to protect young people from online threats, but it may also restrict their access to discussion of democracy and political systems.

AI seems to be absolutely everywhere at the moment. While we're still waiting for the productivity revolution — or the jobs apocalypse — the energy costs of AI are already staggering.
So how should we think about those environmental impacts of AI? And what can we learn from previous turns of the great technological wheel?
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 Niraj Lal, renewables expert at the Australian National University 
Extra information: 
Data centres are vital for the future and AI but their environmental footprint can be a problem
This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.

How did life begin? It may not have been on Earth, with asteroids carrying a range of organic molecules

Fire, insects and disease all pose a threat to Australia's forests but scientists are now seeing a rise in natural tree deaths right across the country. 
New research links this background mortality to higher average temperatures.
So what do these higher temperatures mean for our forests and the future of Australia's ecosystems? 
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: 
Professor Belinda Medlyn, plant ecologist from Western Sydney University
Extra information: 
Pervasive increase in tree mortality across the Australian continent
Rising tree death rates in all types of Australian forest tied to climate change
This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.

Natasha Hurley-Walker considers what might explain a mysterious stellar object which shines every 18 minutes.