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Physics World Weekly Podcast podcast

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Physics World Weekly Podcast

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  Physics World  

Physics World Weekly offers a unique insight into the latest news, breakthroughs and innovations from the global scientific community. Our award-winning journalists reveal what has captured their imaginations about the stories in the news this week, which might span anything from quantum physics and astronomy through to materials science, environmental research and policy, and biomedical science and technology. Find out more about the stories in this podcast by visiting the Physics World website. If you enjoy what you hear, then also check out our monthly podcast Physics World Stories, which takes a more in-depth look at a specific theme.

Physics World Weekly offers a unique insight into the latest news, breakthroughs and innovations from the global scientific community. Our award-winning journalists reveal what has captured their imaginations about the stories in the news this week, which might span anything from quantum physics and astronomy through to materials science, environmental research and policy, and biomedical science and technology. Find out more about the stories in this podcast by visiting the Physics World website. If you enjoy what you hear, then also check out our monthly podcast Physics World Stories, which takes a more in-depth look at a specific theme.

 

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Progress

Duration

Release Date

#100

Purpose-Led Publishing:  Antonia Seymour outlines the role of not-for-profit publishers

[Purpose-Led Publishing] (https://www.purposeledpublishing.org/) is a coalition of three not-for-profit scientific publishers: [IOP Publishing] (https://ioppublishing.org/) , [AIP Publishing] (https://publishing.aip.org/) and the [American Physical Society] (https://www.aps.org/) . The coalition launched earlier this year, and its members have promised that they will continue to reinvest 100% of their funds back into science. Members have also pledged to “publish only the content that genuinely adds to scientific knowledge,” and have also promised to “put research integrity ahead of profit”. This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features an interview with Antonia Seymour, who is chief executive of IOP Publishing. She played an important role in the creation of Purpose-Led Publishing and argues that scientists, science and society all benefit when physicists publish in not-for-profit journals. Audio engagement Also in this episode, we meet Corragh-May White who is surveying podcast listeners to try to work out the best ways for using audio to get people engaged in science. She is doing a master’s degree in science communication at the University of the West of England and is making short science podcasts in different styles for her subjects to listen to. If you would like to take part in the 20-minute survey, you can contact White at [Corragh2.White@live.uwe.ac.uk] (mailto:Corragh2.White@live.uwe.ac.uk) for more information. ... Read more

22 hrs Ago

29 MINS

29:53

22 hrs Ago

#99

Statistical physics provides powerful insights into the living world

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features an interview with [Tannie Liverpool] (https://people.maths.bris.ac.uk/~matbl/) , who uses statistical physics to explore outstanding questions in biology. Based at the UK’s University of Bristol, where he is professor of theoretical physics, Liverpool explains how complex biological behaviours can be described at a very fundamental level using statistical physics. He chats with Physics World’s Katherine Skipper about own research into cells and tissues, including the mathematics of wound healing. Liverpool also explains how physicists, materials scientists and mathematicians working in other fields are being inspired by the statistical physics of life. Celebrating all things quantum This Sunday, 14 April is World Quantum Day and in the podcast we take a brief look at how Physics World and IOP Publishing are celebrating. You can find out more at this [IOPscience Quantum Science Subject Collection] (https://iopscience.iop.org/page/quantum-science?utm_campaign=WQD2024&utm_medium=pw&utm_source=landing_page) and on [Physics World’s ] (https://physicsworld.com/c/quantum/) [quantum page] (https://physicsworld.com/c/quantum/) . Looking further into the future, on 2 July the first instalment of [Physics World Live] (https://physicsworld.com/p/physics-world-live/) will look at the burgeoning field of quantum sensors.  This live online panel debate will feature leading experts in quantum sensors. [Register here] (https://comms.ioppublishing.org/k/Iop/phyics_world_live_registration) to take part and put your questions to the panellists. ... Read more

11 Apr 2024

26 MINS

26:53

11 Apr 2024

#98

Science centres inspire scientific literacy and diversity in STEM

In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast I am in conversation with [Frederic Bertley] (https://www.fredericbertley.com/) – who is president and CEO of [COSI] (https://cosi.org/) (Center of Science and Industry) in Columbus, Ohio. Bertley explains how science centres like COSI can boost scientific literacy and talks about the [Color of Science] (https://cosi.org/MOBILEAPP/color-of-science.php) initiative, which he founded to highlight and promote diversity in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Bertley also talks about his life-long love of ice hockey and how sports can be used to get people interested in science. Indeed, he explains in detail the physics of baseball pitches and the hockey slapshot. He also talks about how COSI is encouraging Ohioans to observe and understand the total eclipse of the Sun, which will occur in a significant portion of the state on 8 April. He explains how COSI will engage with the public in venues as diverse as libraries and bars to share the science surrounding the eclipse. ... Read more

04 Apr 2024

29 MINS

29:28

04 Apr 2024

#97

Superfluid helium: the quantum curiosity behind huge experiments like the LHC

The effects of quantum mechanics are all around us, but the quantum properties of matter are generally only apparent at the microscopic level. Superfluidity is an exception, and some of its bizarre characteristics can be seen with the naked eye. What is more, superfluid helium II has found several important applications in science and technology – and is used multi-tonne quantities today at facilities like the Large Hadron Collider. My guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast is [John Weisend] (https://www.staff.lu.se/lucat/user/e6111626e26c5c016fe5a14c79cbfb39) who is senior accelerator engineer at the European Spallation Source and adjunct professor at Lund University in Sweden. He is a specialist in cryogenic engineering, and has written the book [Superfluid: How a Quantum Fluid Revolutionized Modern Science] (https://physicsworld.com/a/superfluidity-the-mysterious-quantum-effect-that-became-a-backbone-of-experimental-physics/) . We chat about the physics behind this amazing substance and how it is used in some of biggest physics experiments on the planet. ![Sponsor logo] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Sponsor-logo.jpg) This episode is sponsored by [Pfeiffer Vacuum] (https://www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com/en/) . Pfeiffer Vacuum provides all types of vacuum equipment, including hybrid and magnetically-levitated turbopumps, leak detectors and analysis equipment, as well as vacuum chambers and systems. You can explore all of its products on the [Pfeiffer Vacuum website] (https://www.pfeiffer-vacuum.com/en/) . ... Read more

28 Mar 2024

35 MINS

35:59

28 Mar 2024

#96

Frugal approach to computer modelling can reduce carbon emissions

As computing power continues to grow, theoretical physicists have been able to do larger and more complicated simulations. Running these models consumes a growing amount of energy, and for the time being, this results in more greenhouse-gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Indeed, doing an intensive supercomputer simulation can result in emissions that are on par with taking a long-haul flight. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, [Alejandro Gaita] (https://www.uv.es/gaita/about.html) and [Gerliz Gutiérrez ] (https://www.icmol.es/rtmm/)  of Spain’s University of Valencia tell Physics World’s Margaret Harris how the physics community can reduce its computing-related carbon emissions. Gaita and Gutiérrez are theoretical materials physicists and they argue that scientists should take a frugal approach to computer modelling, which can achieve scientifically relevant results while minimizing energy consumption. ---Gaita and Gutiérrez describe practical examples of frugal computing in this article, which was co-written by Valencia’s [Aman Ullah] (http://www.molmattc.com/portal/index.php/members) : “ [A call for frugal modelling: two case studies involving molecular spin dynamics] (https://arxiv.org/abs/2401.13618) ”. ... Read more

21 Mar 2024

27 MINS

27:05

21 Mar 2024

#95

Keith Burnett: IOP president says it is our duty to make physics more inclusive

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features a wide ranging interview with [Keith Burnett] (https://www.iop.org/about/governance/council/keith-burnett) , who is president of the [Institute of Physics] (https://www.iop.org/) (IOP). The IOP is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland. It represents 21,000 members and a key goal of the institute is to make physics accessible to people from all backgrounds. Burnett, who is halfway through his two-year term in office, was knighted in 2013 for his services to science and higher education. He has served as vice chancellor of the University of Sheffield and is also an advocate for high-quality vocational education and technician training. He talks to Physics World’s Matin Durrani about the challenges facing universities; physicists as entrepreneurs; supporting early-career physicists; and the need for the IOP to continue its drive to boost the diversity of the physics community. ---The Institute of Physics owns IOP Publishing, which brings you Physics World Image courtesy of Hannah Veale ... Read more

15 Mar 2024

34 MINS

34:59

15 Mar 2024

#94

Tackling climate change while improving human wellbeing

Environmental challenges like climate change are forcing us to rethink how we live in cities. This provides humanity with an important opportunity to develop new policies that also improve the overall wellbeing of urban dwellers. Our guest in this episode of Physics World Weekly podcast is [Radhika Khosla] (https://www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/people/radhika-khosla/) – who is an urban climatologist based at the Oxford Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment at the UK’s University of Oxford. She points out that extreme heat is proving to be the most deadly consequence of climate change and talks about the need to develop and implement cooling technologies that do not boost greenhouse gas emissions. Khosla explains why the rapid urbanization of India offers opportunities to develop environmental policies that improve people’s lives. She also talks about her plans for the journal [Environmental Research Letters] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1748-9326) , where she has recently become editor-in-chief. ... Read more

07 Mar 2024

17 MINS

17:02

07 Mar 2024

#93

Radiology societies call for critical evaluation of AI, building the UK’s quantum workforce

Artificial intelligence (AI) shows great promise for use in radiology, which involves the use of medical imaging to diagnose and treat disease. Integrating AI tools into radiology could advance the diagnosis, quantification and management of multiple medical conditions. However, it is essential to acknowledge that some AI products may be add little value or even have potential to cause harm. To ensure that AI is used appropriately, five radiology societies in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand have come together to publish a [joint statement] (https://www.jacr.org/article/S1546-1440(23)01020-7/fulltext) on the development and use of AI tools in radiology. This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features an interview with one of the authors of this paper. [Bibb Allen] (https://birminghamradiologicalgroup.com/radiologists/bibb-allen-md/) is Chief Medical Officer for the American College of Radiology Data Science Institute, and a diagnostic radiologist at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama. Also in this episode, Physics World’s Katherine Skipper reports back from a [workshop] (https://physicsworld.com/a/are-we-ready-for-the-quantum-economy/) that looked at how the UK could boost its quantum workforce. ... Read more

29 Feb 2024

28 MINS

28:39

29 Feb 2024

#92

Looking to the future of US particle physics: P5 member Abigail Vieregg is our guest

Late last year the [Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel] (https://physicsworld.com/a/influential-us-particle-physics-panel-calls-for-muon-collider-development/) ( P5) released a report that looks to the future of particle physics in the United States. The report is called Exploring the Quantum Universe and one of its authors, [Abigail Vieregg] (https://physics.uchicago.edu/people/profile/abigail-vieregg/) , is our guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. Vieregg is an astrophysicist and cosmologist at the University of Chicago and she talks about future experiments that P5 has recommended including a muon collider that could search for new physics on a much smaller footprint than conventional colliders. Vieregg also chats about the proposed CMB-S4 next-generation cosmic microwave background observatory, which ties-in with her research on the polarization of the cosmic microwave background. Vieregg also describes the buzz surrounding P5 meetings as the panel was presented with a wealth of ideas from the particle-physics community. She says that she is proud of the positive response P5 has garnered from physicists. ... Read more

22 Feb 2024

39 MINS

39:43

22 Feb 2024

#91

Bionic jellyfish and more efficient windfarms: a conversation with John Dabiri

Jellyfish have a very simple, yet very effective way of swimming – and this has attracted the attention of the aeronautics engineer [John Dabiri] (https://dabirilab.com/dabiri) at the California Institute of Technology. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, Dabiri talks about his work on the artificial enhancement of jellyfish. He also explains how fluid dynamics can be used to boost the efficiency of windfarms, and explores the possibility that swimming organisms play important role in the mixing of the oceans. Dabiri and Caltech’s [Simon Anuszczyk] (https://www.galcit.caltech.edu/people/sanuszcz) describe their bionic jellyfish in a paper that has been accepted for publication in the journal [Bioinspiration & Biomimetics] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1748-3190) . The accepted manuscript can be read here: “ [Electromechanical enhancement of live jellyfish for ocean exploration] (https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-3190/ad277f) ”. ... Read more

15 Feb 2024

25 MINS

25:08

15 Feb 2024

#90

Graphene-based materials show great promise for hydrogen transport and storage

Hydrogen can be used as a carbon-free source of energy in a wide range of applications including home heating, transportation and industry. However, there are significant challenges that must be overcome to ensure the safe and efficient storage and transportation of the gas. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, the materials expert [Krzysztof Koziol] (https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/centres/composites-and-advanced-materials-centre) explains why he is developing graphene-based materials and polymers to facilitate a hydrogen economy. Based at the UK’s Cranfield University, he chats about how existing national infrastructure for distributing natural gas can be retrofitted to safely carry hydrogen. Koziol also talks about his collaboration with Airbus to develop a cryogenic storage system that could lead to hydrogen-powered aircraft. ... Read more

08 Feb 2024

36 MINS

36:19

08 Feb 2024

#89

MRI keeps proton beam therapy on target, new technique tracks bacteria motion

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton beam therapy are two powerful techniques of medical physics. The former gives us real-time images of internal structures of the body, and the latter can deliver a high dose of radiation to a tumour while reducing the damage to surrounding healthy tissue. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, the medical physicist [Aswin Hoffmann] (https://www.hzdr.de/db/!ContMan.Visi.Card?pUser=112096&pNid=3011&pLang=en) talks about a research initiative in Germany that is combining the two techniques to achieve high-precision radiation therapy. The work is being done at the [Center for Innovation in Radiation Oncology] (https://www.oncoray.de/research/mri-based-radiation-therapy-planning/) (OncoRay) in Dresden and the [Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf] (https://www.hzdr.de/db/) . Hoffmann explains why it is important to develop MRI-guided proton beam therapy and the challenges that his team is overcoming. Also in this episode, we chat about a [new experimental technique] (https://physics.aps.org/articles/v17/s8) that physicists have developed to study how bacteria move about. This research is part of the burgeoning field of active matter and we explore why physicists are interested in bacteria, flocking birds and other living systems. ... Read more

01 Feb 2024

29 MINS

29:16

01 Feb 2024

#88

Start-up is sending its quantum magnetometer into space

[SBQuantum] (https://sbquantum.com/) is a Canadian company that spun-out of Quebec’s University of Sherbrooke in 2017. It has developed a magnetometer that uses a superposition of quantum states to enhance its sensitivity to magnetic fields. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, the company’s co-founder and CEO David Roy-Guay explains how the technology works and why an SBQuantum magnetometer will be launched into space as part of a multimillion-dollar competition to advance how we measure Earth’s magnetic field. He also talks about more down-to-earth uses of the firm’s sensors in mineral exploration, navigation and security scanning. ... Read more

25 Jan 2024

33 MINS

33:39

25 Jan 2024

#87

The Magellanic Clouds: astronomers make the case for a name change

The Magellanic Clouds are prominent features of the southern sky that are named after the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. He sailed west from Europe to the Philippines in the early 16th century and the clouds were described by a returning crew member. Voyages such as Magellan’s set into motion the European colonization of much of the world. This involved the oppression and assimilation of indigenous peoples and led to racism and inequality that endures to this day. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast the astronomers [Mia de los Reyes] (https://mdlreyes.github.io/) and [Sally Oey] (https://lsa.umich.edu/astro/people/core-faculty/msoey.html) explain why it is time to rename the Magellanic Clouds to make astronomy more hospitable to people from places that still suffer the legacy of colonization. They also talk about astronomy’s connections with colonialism and consider a few suggestions of new names for the clouds. De los Reyes is based at Amherst College and Oey is at the University of Michigan. They are in conversation with Physics World’s Margaret Harris. ... Read more

18 Jan 2024

26 MINS

26:48

18 Jan 2024

#86

Award-winning technology allows a paralysed person to walk, new journal focuses on sustainability

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features an interview with [Henri Lorach] (https://people.epfl.ch/henri.lorach?lang=en) , who is part of the team that won the [2023 Physics World Breakthrough of the Year award] (https://physicsworld.com/a/brain-computer-interface-that-allowed-a-paralysed-man-to-walk-is-the-physics-world-2023-breakthrough-of-the-year/) . The Swiss–French group bagged the prize for creating a brain–computer interface that allows a paralysed person to walk. Lorach, who is based at EPFL, explains how the technology works and describes the team’s plans to miniaturize and commercialize the system. Also in this week’s podcast is [Jonas Baltrusaitis] (https://engineering.lehigh.edu/chbe/faculty/jonas-baltrusaitis) , who is editor-in-chief of the new journal [Sustainability Science and Technology] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/2977-3504) . Produced by IOP Publishing, which also brings you Physics World, the journal will open for submissions later this month. Baltrusaitis explains that the journal will highlight the roles that scientists and engineers are playing in achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He also talks about his research into sustainable catalysis processes, which he does using cutting-edge surface-science tools at Lehigh University in the US. ... Read more

12 Jan 2024

39 MINS

39:38

12 Jan 2024

#85

Company uses quantum optics to generate sequences of truly random numbers

Random numbers are used in several important technologies including cryptography and numerical simulation. However, large sequences of truly random numbers are notoriously difficult to generate – and correlations lurking within sequences can have dire consequences. Quantum systems are inherently random, so they offer a way to generate random numbers. In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, our guest is Ramy Shelbaya who is who is chief executive officer of [Quantum Dice] (https://www.quantum-dice.com/) – a UK-based start-up that uses quantum optics to generate random numbers. He explains how the company’s technology creates sequences of random numbers at high speed, and why Quantum Dice is currently miniaturizing its technology so it can be deployed in mobile phones. ... Read more

04 Jan 2024

25 MINS

25:45

04 Jan 2024

#84

Paul Howarth: how we can get politicians to engage with nuclear power

[Paul Howarth] (https://www.nnl.co.uk/about/leadership-team/executive-team/) is the CEO of UK’s [National Nuclear Laboratory] (https://www.nnl.co.uk/) and our guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast. He talks about the challenges of getting politicians to engage in long-term thinking about the UK’s nuclear-energy policies and explains why small modular reactors offer a practical way for the country to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. Howarth talks about what inspired him to follow a career path in nuclear science and technology – and he explains how the National Nuclear Laboratory underpins the safe operation of nuclear facilities in the UK. ... Read more

14 Dec 2023

32 MINS

32:10

14 Dec 2023

#83

Top 10 Breakthroughs of 2023: we explore this year’s best physics research

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast features a lively discussion about our [Top 10 Breakthroughs of 2023] (https://physicsworld.com/a/physics-world-reveals-its-top-10-breakthroughs-of-the-year-for-2023/) . Physics World editors discuss the merits of research on a broad range of topics including particle physics, quantum technology, medical physics and astronomy. The top 10 serves as the shortlist for the Physics World Breakthrough of the Year award, the winner of which will be announced on 14 December. Links to all the nominees, more about their research and the criteria for the award can be found  [here] (https://physicsworld.com/a/physics-world-reveals-its-top-10-breakthroughs-of-the-year-for-2023/) . ![Reports on Progress in Physics logo] (https://physicsworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/ropp-circle-317x317.png) Physics World‘s coverage of the Breakthrough of the Year is supported by [Reports on Progress in Physics] (https://iopscience.iop.org/journal/0034-4885) , which offers unparalleled visibility for your ground-breaking research. ... Read more

07 Dec 2023

35 MINS

35:25

07 Dec 2023

#82

Why Alice & Bob are making cat qubits, IOP calls for action on net-zero target

This episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast looks at two very different and very difficult challenges — how to build a quantum computer that can overcome the debilitating noise that plagues current processors; and how to ensure that the UK meets its target for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our first guest is the nuclear physicist and sustainable energy expert, [Martin Freer] (https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/physics/freer-martin.aspx) , who coordinated the writing of a report from the [Institute of Physics] (https://www.iop.org/) (IOP) called [Physics Powering the Green Economy] (https://www.iop.org/strategy/science-innovation/physics-powering-green-economy) . Freer, who is at the University of Birmingham, explains why more investment and support will be needed to ensure that the UK meets its target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emission by 2050. Meanwhile in Paris, the quantum-computer maker [Alice & Bob] (https://alice-bob.com/) is developing “cat qubits” that promise to reduce the amount of hardware required to do quantum error correction. The company’s co-founder and CEO Théau Peronnin explains how the technology works and how it could be used to build quantum computers that could solve practical problems. He also explains why the company chose its quirky name. ... Read more

30 Nov 2023

37 MINS

37:11

30 Nov 2023

#81

Biomedical ethicist calls for rules governing human research in commercial spaceflight

Our guest in this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast is the biomedical ethicist [Vasiliki Rahimzadeh] (https://www.vnrahimzadeh.com/) , who along with colleagues has called for the commercial space industry to adopt ethical policies and best practices for research done on humans during space flights. Rahimzadeh, who is at Baylor College of Medicine in the US, explains that as well as minimizing risks to paying astronauts who take part in experiments, an ethical framework should also ensure that private spaceflight – which is still the purview of the elite – benefits society as a whole. ---Rahimzadeh and colleagues outline their call for an ethical framework in an [article in Science] (https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adh9028) ... Read more

23 Nov 2023

27 MINS

27:43

23 Nov 2023