Robin explores the wonders of the natural world — the latest nature research, the surprising ways technology helps us understand other species, and heartwarming stories of the bonds between animals and people.
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## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Could Psilocybin Help Treat Anorexia? A Small Clinical Trial Suggests the Psychedelic May Make Patients More Open to Recovery** (Smithsonian Science & Nature) - [Read more](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/could-psilocybin-help-treat-anorexia-a-small-clinical-trial-suggests-the-psychedelic-may-make-patients-more-open-to-recovery-180989261/) - **Exploring how bumble bee queens coordinate chemical signals** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-exploring-bumble-bee-queens-chemical.html) - **Earth's O
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Big Waves Meet Biodiversity: Why Surfing Paradises Could Offer a Key Opportunity for Marine Conservation** (Smithsonian Science & Nature) - [Read more](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/big-waves-meet-biodiversity-why-surfing-paradises-could-offer-a-key-opportunity-for-marine-conservation-180989119/) - **Joro spiders eat wider range of insects than Georgia's native orb weavers** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-joro-spiders-wider-range-insects.html) - **Heat-tolerant corals may be more vulnerable to dis
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **'Mad honey' that can stop your heart is now being sold online worldwide** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-mad-honey-heart-sold-online.html) - **Once the Solar System's Ninth Planet, Pluto Was Reclassified 20 Years Ago. Here's Why Planetary Scientists and the Public Alike Love the Small, Icy Body** (Smithsonian Science & Nature) - [Read more](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/once-the-solar-systems-ninth-planet-pluto-was-reclassified-20-years-ago-heres-why-planetary-scientists-and-the-public-alike-love-
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Blast fishing destroys reefs. Underwater microphones can help detect it** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/blast-fishing-destroys-reefs-underwater-microphones-can-help-detect-it/) - **Reconstructed Jurassic insect calls evoke a 165-million-year-old forest soundscape** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-reconstructed-jurassic-insect-evoke-million.html) - **Virtual cell model could accelerate protein-degrader therapy design** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-virtu
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Sex at arm’s length? Male octopuses use specialised arm to mate, scientists find** (Guardian Animal Behaviour) - [Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/02/sex-octopus-specialist-arm-mating-science) - **At global desertification conference, pastoralists call for greater recognition** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/at-global-desertification-conference-pastoralists-call-for-greater-recognition/) - **A bird's eye view of illegal logging and its consequences in the Peruvian Amazon** (Phys.org Plants
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Long-term study reveals hidden threat of schistosomiasis in endangered chimpanzees** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-term-reveals-hidden-threat-schistosomiasis.html) - **Bonobos can play make-believe much like children, study suggests** (Guardian Animal Behaviour) - [Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/feb/05/bonobos-animal-behaviour-study-engage-make-believe) - **Bogong moths support Australia’s alpine ecosystems, but face uncertain future** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **How ‘gentle power’ can preserve traditional biodiversity in Tokyo** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/how-gentle-power-can-preserve-traditional-biodiversity-in-tokyo/) - **How we found a new transmissible cancer in bullhead catfish** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-transmissible-cancer-bullhead-catfish.html) - **Country diary 1926: Amorous impulse sends insects on a nuptial flight** (Guardian Animal Behaviour) - [Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/24/count
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **'Like a Hole in the Universe': Artemis 2 Astronaut Victor Glover Reflects on Seeing a Total Solar Eclipse While Flying by the Moon** (Smithsonian Science & Nature) - [Read more](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/like-a-hole-in-the-universe-artemis-2-astronaut-victor-glover-reflects-on-seeing-a-total-solar-eclipse-while-flying-by-the-moon-180989284/) - **Australia races to shield little penguins from H5N1 bird flu** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-australia-shield-penguins-h5n1-bird.html) - **E
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Messy life-producing cellular process caught in action for first time** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-messy-life-cellular-caught-action.html) - **How ‘gentle power’ can preserve traditional biodiversity in Tokyo** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/how-gentle-power-can-preserve-traditional-biodiversity-in-tokyo/) - **Hydrogel platform uses vitamin B2 and blue light to simplify living tissue models** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-hydrogel-platform-vitamin-b
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Orange lips and roaring calls: Meet the DRC's shy new rainforest monkey** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-orange-lips-roaring-drc-shy.html) - **Most mammal species discovered in the Global South since 1990 end up in Northern collections** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-mammal-species-global-south-northern.html) - **Sea cucumber breeding clues could help rebuild populations depleted by overfishing** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/202
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Scientists discover learning and memory formation in model membranes** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-scientists-memory-formation-membranes.html) - **Earth's Organisms Developed Via Evolution. Some Theorists Wonder: What if the Entire Cosmos Did, Too?** (Smithsonian Science & Nature) - [Read more](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/earths-organisms-developed-via-evolution-some-theorists-wonder-what-if-the-entire-cosmos-did-too-180989338/) - **How tomato 'golden hour' research could help crops survive h
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Sex at arm’s length? Male octopuses use specialised arm to mate, scientists find** (Guardian Animal Behaviour) - [Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/02/sex-octopus-specialist-arm-mating-science) - **New leadership initiative carries on legacy of late Indonesian environmental activist** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/new-leadership-initiative-carries-on-legacy-of-late-indonesian-environmental-activist/) - **As an industry and a cooking ingredient, seaweed is gaining ground in Brazil** (Mongaba
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **South Africa school uses cattle dung to generate biogas for cooking meals** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/south-africa-school-uses-cattle-dung-to-generate-biogas-for-cooking-meals/) - **Crossbreed dogs show more behavioural problems than pure breeds, study suggests** (Guardian Animal Behaviour) - [Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/19/crossbreed-dogs-cockapoo-cavapoo-labradoodle-behavioural-problems-study-research) - **Lake Powell hits record low, threatening key water and ele
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Safe havens protect Australian mammals from invasive predators. Why aren't they working for other animal groups?** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-safe-havens-australian-mammals-invasive.html) - **Marine Biologists Solved a Wildlife Mystery From the Walkway of the Golden Gate Bridge: How the Harbor Porpoise Mates** (Smithsonian Science & Nature) - [Read more](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/marine-biologists-solved-a-wildlife-mystery-from-the-walkway-of-the-golden-gate-bridge-how-the-harbor-
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Caught on camera: Sand cats may have a ‘sizable population’ in Qatar** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/caught-on-camera-sand-cats-may-have-a-sizable-population-in-qatar/) - **From one deer’s DNA, a road map emerges to save an endangered Philippine species** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/from-one-deers-dna-a-road-map-emerges-to-save-an-endangered-philippine-species/) - **Bringing butterflies back from the brink of extinction** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-b
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **How 'pioneering pairs' of ospreys drive population recovery** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-pairs-ospreys-population-recovery.html) - **After commercial whaling nearly erased them, blue and fin whales are slowly reclaiming the southeast Atlantic** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-04-commercial-whaling-erased-blue-fin.html) - **Six African countries now support precautionary pause on deep-seabed mining** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/six-africa
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Genomics used to find endangered fish populations most vulnerable to climate change** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-genomics-endangered-fish-populations-vulnerable.html) - **This Amazing Archive of Animal Photography Reveals 18,000 Species and Counting. Here's How Joel Sartore Built His 'Photo Ark'** (Smithsonian Science & Nature) - [Read more](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/this-amazing-archive-of-animal-photography-reveals-18000-species-and-counting-heres-how-joel-sartore-built-his-phot
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **AI‑designed viruses are a test of whether biosecurity can keep pace** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-aidesigned-viruses-biosecurity-pace.html) - **On fragile Sumatran peatland, a farmer fights to bring back lost mangroves** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/on-fragile-sumatran-peatland-a-farmer-fights-to-bring-back-lost-mangroves/) - **Rangers and scientists map vulnerable reefs in the remote Groote Archipelago** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-rangers-scien
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **From radar blobs to bird species, AI helps transform migration tracking** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/from-radar-blobs-to-bird-species-ai-helps-transform-migration-tracking/) - **Bond between dogs and humans dates back more than 15,000 years, study finds** (Guardian Animal Behaviour) - [Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/mar/25/bond-dogs-humans-dates-back-15000-years-study-finds) - **Charge-based strategy improves controlled delivery of therapeutic peptides from gelatin-based materials** (Phys.org
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Tree cover is not the same as ecological recovery** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/tree-cover-is-not-the-same-as-ecological-recovery/) - **Antenna-like cell appendage may help turtle embryos sense sex-deciding nest temperatures** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-antenna-cell-appendage-turtle-embryos.html) - **The Operating Room Where Anesthesia Was First Demonstrated Is Now a Landmark. But for the Men Who Claimed Credit, There Was Much Misery** (Smithsonian Science & Nature
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Amazon canopy bridges enable 15,000 wildlife crossings without a single roadkill** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/amazon-canopy-bridges-enable-15000-wildlife-crossings-without-a-single-roadkill/) - **Global hunger levels fall but Africa still lags behind, UN report finds** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/2026/08/global-hunger-levels-fall-but-africa-still-lags-behind-un-report-finds/) - **Random physics helps model individual ant motion** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.o
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Pumas make roads safer for drivers by changing prey behavior patterns** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-pumas-roads-safer-drivers-prey.html) - **A little bird told her: scientist wins $100,000 prize for decoding birdsong** (Guardian Animal Behaviour) - [Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jun/26/human-animal-communication-step-closer-scientist-wins-prize-for-decoding-birdsong) - **Sticky alpine flower confirms Darwin's 150-year-old carnivorous plant prediction** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Bangladesh plans to plant 250 million trees. Keeping them alive will be harder** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/08/bangladesh-plans-to-plant-250-million-trees-keeping-them-alive-will-be-harder/) - **Falls in whale sightings, rare seabirds appearing—is something unusual happening in the Southern Ocean?** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-07-falls-whale-sightings-rare-seabirds.html) - **Aquarium sends shark eggs to bolster wild populations** (Phys.org Plants & Animals) - [R
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Indigenous-led conservation helps save endangered cockatoo** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-indigenous-endangered-cockatoo.html) - **Higher river discharge helps young salmon** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-higher-river-discharge-young-salmon.html) - **176-year oyster mystery spanning WA and the Indo-Pacific solved by DNA** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-08-year-oyster-mystery-spanning-wa.html) - **Revisiting a forest experiment that lay forgotten for
## Episode Summary In this episode, we cover: - **Wild-born birds recruited to teach critically endangered regent honeyeaters their lost songs** (Guardian Animal Behaviour) - [Read more](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/mar/04/wild-birds-teach-honeyeaters-sing-songs) - **How new informatics tools help turn biodiversity data into policy insights** (Phys.org Biology) - [Read more](https://phys.org/news/2026-07-informatics-tools-biodiversity-policy-insights.html) - **How can Indigenous knowledge reshape AI development?** (Mongabay) - [Read more](https://news.mongabay.com/short-article
