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Science Weekly

Science Weekly

By: The Guardian
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Summary

 Twice a week, the Guardian brings you the latest science and environment news© 2026 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. Science
Episodes
  • Hantavirus explained: how does it spread and who is most at risk?

    Hantavirus explained: how does it spread and who is most at risk?
    May 5 2026
    Three people have died after an outbreak of hantavirus onboard a cruise ship travelling from Argentina to Cape Verde. The World Health Organization says a total of seven cases – two confirmed by laboratory testing and five suspected – have been identified on the cruise ship so far. It is also investigating whether rare human-to-human transmission of the virus could be behind the cases. Madeleine Finlay talks to Prof Jonathan Ball from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine to find out where the virus comes from, how it is transmitted to humans, and what health agencies will be doing to try to contain it. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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    13 mins
  • ‘Historic breakthrough’: could the fossil fuel era be coming to an end?

    ‘Historic breakthrough’: could the fossil fuel era be coming to an end?
    May 5 2026
    The transition towards renewable energy received a boost last week when representatives from 57 countries met in Santa Marta, Colombia, for a world-first climate meeting aimed at bringing the fossil fuels era to an end. Madeleine Finlay hears from the Guardian’s global environment editor, Jon Watts, about how the landmark conference came about, who was missing, and whether the optimism can translate into real world action. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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    15 mins
  • Sub-two-hour marathon, spooky houses explained and why is UK health in decline?

    Sub-two-hour marathon, spooky houses explained and why is UK health in decline?
    Apr 30 2026
    Madeleine Finlay sits down with co-host and Guardian science editor Ian Sample to talk through three eye-catching stories from the week, including the news that the number of years people in the UK are spending in good health has declined compared with a decade ago. Also on the agenda is the science, tech and nutrition behind two runners at this weekend’s London marathon breaking the two-hour threshold, and an answer to why some old houses feel particularly spooky. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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    20 mins
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