Explore every episode of the podcast Tech and Science Daily | The Standard

On today’s Tech and Science Daily from The Standard, we look at Puma’s massive new Oxford Street flagship store, Stansted and Southend finally joining London’s contactless rail network, and how wetter winters are forcing the UK transport system to adapt.

We also speak to Tim Johnson from the Civil Aviation Authority about staying safe from Travel Tuesday holiday scams, break down HSBC’s new AI partnership with French startup Mistral AI, and run through December’s biggest game releases – plus the best Cyber Monday tech deals for Londoners.

For all the latest news, head to standard.co.uk.

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On today’s Tech and Science Daily from The Standard we explain what the digital phone switchover means for London landline and telecare users, break down how the latest UK Budget plans to keep high-growth tech firms and R&D jobs in Britain, and look at UCL’s role in uncovering a vast Bronze Age “mega city”.

We also dive into a newly discovered deep-sea hotspot bursting with life, Nintendo’s acquisition of Bandai Namco’s Singapore studio, and a cosy sci-fi life-sim shadow-dropping into Xbox Game Pass.

For all the latest news, head to standard.co.uk.

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On today’s Tech and Science Daily from The Standard, we cover DLR cleaners striking over sick pay on London’s driverless railway, the Courtauld’s £82m plan to transform Somerset House into a state-of-the-art campus, and new UK analysis warning that over-reliance on carbon removals could push up climate costs.

In gaming, Cyberpunk 2077 passes 35 million sales and outpaces The Witcher 3, while in consumer tech Apple is tipped to overtake Samsung as the world’s top smartphone seller thanks to the iPhone 17.

Plus, we’re joined by Which? to reveal why eight in ten Black Friday “bargains” are often the same price, or cheaper, at other times of the year – and how to shop smarter this weekend.

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City Hall is probing the surge in so-called “skinny jabs”, as London Assembly members warn of unlicensed sellers, counterfeit pens and off-label prescriptions. The hearing digs into how Londoners are accessing GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro — and whether people are being properly protected and informed.

The Environment Agency has released new bathing-water rankings, showing a slight improvement across England’s coasts and lakes — but river sites are still performing badly, with only two out of fourteen meeting basic standards.

Plus, a landmark study in Wales has mapped its most threatened species, revealing around 3,000 plants and animals surviving in just a handful of locations.

Also in this episode:

• UK firm Lacuna Space prepares to launch four new “Wisdom of the Trail” satellites to connect remote sensors directly to orbit.
• Tokyo astronomers report a potentially promising dark-matter signal in 15 years of Fermi telescope data.
• Fujitsu unveils an “ocean digital twin” to speed up certification of blue-carbon projects.
• Saudi Arabia’s PIF faces scrutiny over finances amid its $55bn deal to buy EA.
• Battlefield 6 launches its free trial via Redsec, unlocking three playlists and maps until 2 December.

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The NHS approves a groundbreaking new “living drug” for aggressive leukaemia, offering fresh hope for patients whose cancer has returned or resisted treatment — and marking a major win for London’s life sciences sector.

Plus, UCL and Royal Free researchers push forward with greener, cheaper ways to manufacture next-gen cell therapies.

We also look at how UK scientists are repurposing Covid-era mRNA tech to protect against snake venom, and why new climate data shows Europe’s winters — including London’s — are becoming wetter far faster than models predicted.

Later in the episode, we speak to Prehistoric Planet: Ice Age executive producer Mike Gunton about snow sloths, Ice Age surprises, and the lessons ancient climate change still holds today.

Also in this episode:

• A new germanium-based quantum material sets a record for hole mobility — and could support faster, cooler and more efficient future chips
• Ghost of Yotei drops its biggest update yet, including New Game Plus and a 120Hz mode for PS5 and PS5 Pro
• Nintendo rolls out a stability patch for both Switch and Switch 2, fixing data-transfer and Bluetooth issues

For all the latest news, head to standard.co.uk.

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The UK’s science and tech sector takes centre stage as leaders gather at the Science Museum for the Innovation for Growth summit, discussing how Britain can turn world-class research into real economic impact.

Plus, London Global Cancer Week shines a spotlight on major new data revealing global differences in cancer survival.

We also speak to Panos Panay, President of the Recording Academy, about how streaming and global connectivity are reshaping music tastes — and why artists performing in non-English languages are thriving like never before.

Also in this episode:

• A new report warns the UK is now the most expensive place in the world to build nuclear power.
• UK clinicians report early hope in a groundbreaking gene therapy for Hunter syndrome.
• The MoD launches the world’s first military esports tournament.
• The digital-only PS5 hits its lowest price yet in early Black Friday deals.

For all the latest news, visit standard.co.uk.

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Britain’s defence tech gets a major boost as the Ministry of Defence signs a £316 million contract to equip Royal Navy ships with DragonFire laser weapon systems — capable of hitting a £1 coin from over a kilometre away. We break down what this leap in naval protection means for jobs, defence, and the UK’s future warfare capabilities.

Plus, one of the UK’s largest prostate cancer studies gets underway, aiming to transform diagnosis and reduce harm for thousands of men.

We also speak to Professor Mark Rowlands about why Plymouth has been crowned the happiest place in the UK to be a dog.

Also in this episode:

• UCL scientists identify what triggered a huge ‘earthquake swarm’ near Santorini, detecting magma flows deep beneath the seafloor.
• James Webb Space Telescope spots a supermassive black hole that shouldn’t exist, challenging theories of early-universe formation.
• Cricket 26 launches ahead of the Ashes, with updated squads, stadiums and “Bazball”-inspired modes.
• Google tests Quick Share compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop, hinting at smoother cross-platform file transfers.

For all the latest news, head to standard.co.uk

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London’s tech scene is awash with fresh investment as AI startups and fintech innovators pull in major funding rounds. We break down what this wave of cash means for the future of jobs and housing, amid London’s booming AI ecosystem.

Plus, AI data scraping battles are intensifying. With lawsuits flying, we speak to Fastly co-founder Simon Wistow about the escalating fight over how AI companies use online content.

Also in this episode:

• Google releases Gemini 3, rolling advanced AI tools directly into Search
• NASA tracks a rare interstellar comet as it passes through our solar system
• PhysicsX, a London “physical AI” startup, has just extended its Series B to more than £117 million
• London fintech SAPI raises £60m to support small businesses with flexible repayment tools.
• Rent-to-own platform Keyzy secures funding to buy £130m in homes for aspiring first-time buyers

All that, plus the latest from London’s thriving tech and science scene, in today’s Tech & Science Daily.

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On this replay preview of Brave New World, Evgeny Lebedev is joined by bestselling author and modern Stoic thinker Ryan Holiday to unpack today’s media landscape, the rise of echo chambers, and what Stoic leadership looks like in a noisy world.

Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here.

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Several major online platforms have been taken offline following a Cloudflare outage.

Spotify, X, Facebook and Canva were all hit when the network broke down in what the company called an “internal service degradation”.

A magnetic micro robot that can travel through tiny blood vessels to deliver medication right where it’s needed has been developed by scientists in Switzerland.

We speak to professor of Robotics and Intelligence Systems at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich Brad Nelson about the new technology, and how it could impact treatment for stroke and brain tumour patients.

Also in this episode: 

• Google CEO Sundar Pichai says no company "including us” would be immune if the AI bubble bursts
• Brit ordered to repay £4m million in cryptocurrency after hacking celebrity social media accounts
• Cambridge researchers warn AI could become a “cognitive poison” in schools without a radical rethink of how education is delivered and assessed
• UK volcanic rocks coils turn CO2 into stone locking away decades of industrial emissions
• IBM and UFC debut an AI system that gives real-time stats to commentators

This episode’s thumbnail image shows how small the latest ETH micro robot is. Credits: Luca Donati / lad.studio Zürich

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A mental health charity is warning that vulnerable people are being exposed to potentially dangerous advice when they turn to AI for support.Mental Health UK say without safeguards to ensure AI chatbots rely on trusted sources, users could be exposed to serious risks.

Plus, businesses are pouring billions into artificial intelligence, but new data shows much of that work never makes it into daily use.

We speak to Valliance AI’s senior tech value partner Tarek Nseir about what’s holding businesses back from realising the benefits of AI.

Also in this episode:

• Criminals are using £20,000 gadgets to break into keyless cars according to a BBC investigation
• How a jab for a common virus could lead to new treatment for multiple sclerosis
• The tiny ‘cell hotels’ launched into space to reveal how human gut cells behave in zero gravity
• The tap-in, tap-out tech being rolled out to make train to airport travel easier
• Weather warning as the cold snap hits after Storm Claudia
• The high-tech greenhouses using LEDs to grow strawberries in December

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Scientists have found evidence that humans may have a previously unknown “remote touch” ability - sensing objects beneath surfaces or buried in sand without direct contact. 

We're joined by Dr Elisabetta Versace, the study’s lead author and Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Queen Mary University of London, who explains how humans can sense objects without touching them.

Valve unveils new ‘Steam Machine’ games console to rival Xbox and PlayStation that plays PC games through your TV.

Project Fetch: Anthropic carry out experiment to test if AI LLM Claude can help train a robot dog.

Jeff Bezos’s space firm Blue Origin successfully lands rocket booster for the first time - to heat up the space race against Elon Musk’s SpaceX.

Also in this episode:

• Samsung hikes memory chip prices by up to 60% as shortage worsens
• OnePlus 15: MKBHD calls latest smartphone “not normal”
• Tired of waiting for Spotify Wrapped? You can now find your weekly listening stats

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On this replay preview of Brave New World, Evgeny Lebedev is joined by Dr John Krystal — Professor of Neuroscience at the Yale School of Medicine — to explore how ketamine could transform the treatment of mental health disorders.

They discuss what ketamine is, how it works, and why it’s being hailed as a breakthrough in tackling the global mental health crisis.

Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here.

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On this replay preview of Brave New World, Evgeny Lebedev is in conversation with Dr Peter Attia — a leading physician, longevity expert, and bestselling author.

Together they explore Medicine 3.0 — Peter’s blueprint for extending both lifespan and healthspan — and why emotional wellbeing is just as vital as physical health.

“It doesn’t matter how healthy you are,” Peter says, “if the most important relationships in your life are not happy.”

Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here.

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On this replay preview of Brave New World, Evgeny Lebedev is joined by Dr Aubrey de Grey — a pioneering biomedical gerontologist and co-founder of the SENS Research Foundation.

Known for his radical views on ageing, Dr de Grey believes we can and should treat ageing as a medical condition, not an inevitability.

In this fascinating conversation, Evgeny and Aubrey explore everything from the ethics of life extension and the science behind reversing cellular damage, to how society might change if ageing becomes optional.

Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here.

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A flotilla of Indigenous leaders have made a symbolic journey from the glaciers of the Andes to Belém, Brazil in time for the COP30 climate summit.

Their mission: to demand a greater role in climate talks and protections for their territories, as extraction industries and climate change press ever deeper into Indigenous lands.

Super Typhoon Fung-wong has weakened after battering the Philippines this weekend.

Wind speeds of around 115 mph dropped to between 80 and 100 mph as the storm moved northeast towards Taiwan.

An international team of scientists has achieved a world-first, creating plasma 'fireballs' to discover how powerful jets from distant black holes stay stable.

Pablo Bilbau, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Oxford, explained what they’ve been doing and why

Also in this episode:

• China has partially lifted export controls on key computer chips used in car production

• A new national forest has been confirmed for the Oxford-Cambridge corridor

• Scientists say camels and llamas could help unlock new treatments for brain disorders

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Elon Musk, already the world’s richest man, has had a record-breaking pay deal approved — one that could be worth nearly $1 trillion.

At Tesla’s annual meeting in Texas, 75% of shareholders backed the move, giving Musk what’s believed to be the biggest compensation package in corporate history.

But over the next decade, will he hit the huge goals needed to earn it?

Sir Keir Starmer has told COP30 that the UK is “all in” on net zero.

Speaking in Belem, the gateway to the Brazilian Amazon, the Prime Minister said clean energy is key to jobs, growth, and climate security.

It comes as the UN warns 2025 is set to be the second or third hottest year on record, after an “unprecedented streak” of global heat.

The University of Cambridge is offering a new, minimally invasive enzyme injection to treat a severe spinal disease in dogs — the first and only treatment of its kind in the UK.

The injection has been said to have an exceptional success rate.

It targets intervertebral disc disease, which affects around a quarter of dachshunds.

We’ll hear from Professor Paul Freeman at Cambridge’s Veterinary School, who co-developed the treatment with colleagues at Texas A&M University.

Also in this episode:

• The much-awaited GTA 6 has been delayed again, now expected in November 2026.

• Scientists warn that a common diabetes drug may reduce the benefits of exercise.

• Google announces its biggest-ever carbon removal deal, funding restoration of the Amazon rainforest through carbon credits.

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Ever heard of “vibe coding”? It's been named Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary, but what does it mean?

You can thank OpenAI's co-founder Andrej Karpathy, who came up with the phrase.

The World Weather Attribution has released new data revealing that climate change significantly amplified Hurricane Melissa’s destructive winds and rainfall.

We speak to the rapid study's co-author, climate scientist Theodore Keeping, from the World Weather Attribution team at Imperial College London.

Three Chinese astronauts are stuck in space for longer than expected, after an unidentified object hits the return spacecraft.

Also in this episode:

• UK energy supplier Tomato Energy has collapsed

• Prince William honours young environmentalists at Earthshot Prize

• The newly described species of toads that give birth to fully formed toadlets

• AI chatbots "suffer from brainrot" too

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Marks & Spencer’s revealed the impact of a massive cyber attack earlier this year. The retailer says profits were hit hard when hackers took them offline at Easter, knocking out online sales and leaving shelves bare for weeks.

Elsewhere, scientists in London are looking at whether wireless power could be used to keep lunar rovers running in space. The collaboration between Imperial College London and MSA Space is being funded by the UK Space Agency.

Suze Cooper speaks to Professor of Electrical Energy Conversion at Imperial, Paul Mitcheson, about what it could mean for future space exploration.

Also in this episode…

• Plans to block scam mobile calls from abroad within a year
• Is Government red tape causing UK science and tech to ‘bleed out’?
• Scientists warn geoengineering could trigger droughts and hurricanes
• Sky Live to be discontinued less than three years after launch
• WhatsApp officially arrives for Apple Watch wearers
• An extra reason to look to the skies this bonfire night

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OpenAI has signed a $38 billion (£29 billion) deal with Amazon.The seven-year partnership gives OpenAI access to Amazon Web Services. It’s the latest in a string of partnerships necessary to ensure what OpenAI CEO Sam Altman describes as the ‘massive, reliable compute’ needed to scale up AI.

Elsewhere, UK scientists have developed a gel that encourages teeth to regrow their own enamel - something long thought impossible. We speak to Professor Alvaro Mata, Chair in Biomedical Engineering & Biomaterials at the University of Nottingham, about how it works and why it’s a breakthrough for oral healthcare.

Also in this episode…

• Victims of ‘silent scandal’ pregnancy drug call for UK inquiry
• Study shows walking 5,000 steps a day could slow Alzheimer’s-linked brain decline
• Amazon rolls out UK’s largest fleet of electric lorries
• Are video game developers breaking the law by ‘switching off’ games people have purchased?
• The campaign calling on parents to get their kids moving this winter
• Can chimpanzees make rational decisions?

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Water companies are being urged to clean up potentially harmful ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water.

High levels of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been discovered in UK water sources and while industry body Water UK says it’s still safe to drink - they are calling for a ban on the chemicals to avoid future problems.

Also in this episode, The Bionic Awards are coming to London. Entries are now open for the inaugural event to be held in Shoreditch next year. 

We speak to founder of the awards and London Standard tech editor Alex Pell along with AI filmmaker Diane Laidlaw of Afro Futcha, about the importance of recognising AI creativity.

Plus…

• A new £1.9million study will look at whether AI can help doctors make better decisions around how to treat prostate cancer
• New research shows skipping breakfast might leave you feeling hungry but won’t impact your thinking skills
• The Microsoft glitch that’s waited 10 years for a fix
• A new sustainable tub for Cadbury’s Heroes and a change to the chocolate line-up

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Behavioural scientist Coltan Scrivner, from the Recreational Fear Lab, explains the science behind our fascination with fear.

In this episode:

• What is morbid curiosity?
• How our bodies react to horror
• Why are we drawn to shows like Terrifier 2 and Netflix’s Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
• Do we lack empathy if we like scary films?
• Recurring themes in horror movies and why they’re used
• The morbid films a behavioural scientist watches…
• Can horror have a bad impact on our mental health, or is it beneficial?

For all the latest news head to standard.co.uk

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U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to restart nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 1992, citing the need to stay on an “equal basis” with Russia and China.

Virgin is to take on the Channel Tunnel, challenging thirty years of Eurostar dominance.

Ahead of the release of Small Achievable Goals on ITVX on November 1st, we join Canadian actress and writer, Meredith MacNeill, who stars as Kris in the show.

Meredith talks about bringing menopause to the screen with humour and honesty.

The Government confirms £55bn boost for science and tech research and development.

Also in this episode:

• MAX conference: Adobe unveils a series of new AI-powered tools

• Mediterranean diet can help tackle IBS symptoms, trial finds

• Astronomers have made an unexpected discovery at the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS — one of only three ever observed

• Dictionary.com has chosen “6‑7” as its 2025 Word of the Year 

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Nvidia is poised to reach a $5 trillion dollar market value after its shares jumped 5% following a string of announcements at its annual GPU Technology Conference.

Hurricane Melissa has hit Cuba after ferocious winds caused power outages and catastrophic damage across Jamaica.

And why looking at art in galleries can provide immediate stress relief, with Dr Tony Woods from King's College London.

Also in this episode:

• OpenAI completes shift to becoming for-profit

• Morning-after pill is now available for free in pharmacies across England

• Scientists conclude how corals rebuild themselves on the reef

• Three big cats have specialist CT scans to solve medical mystery

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All main global operations are understood to be impacted, with the UK among those to see office roles axed.

Storm hunters fly into Hurricane Melissa as Jamaica braces for 'storm of the century'.

To hear our chat with Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman, click here.

From December, Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat will start blocking users under the age of 16 in Australia.

And, why the British Library's 'Secret Maps' exhibition is so significant now, with Nick Dykes, Curator of Modern Map Collections. Plus, why Taylor Swift may even draw a crowd.

Also in this episode:

• Turkey hit by a magnitude 6.1 earthquake

• Suffolk on alert following a new bird flu outbreak

• CRISPR-engineered pig kidney keeps man alive for nine months

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Hurricane Melissa is now Category 5, meaning it is the strongest storm to hit Jamaica since 1988.

As of 5 a.m. EDT on Monday, maximum sustained winds of 160 mph were recorded.

How destructive is Storm Melissa going to be? How much rainfall is expected to hit Jamaica, and has climate change played a role in its intensity?

We speak to Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman, from the Met Office.

Also in this episode:

• Is the US finally closer to a TikTok deal?

• Rapid blood test for children ‘could spot sepsis and save lives’

• Microsoft reveals its latest AI-powered tools to search the web

• Why “hangxiety” is very much real, according to science

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From 2am on October 26th, the clock change will mark the end of British Summer Time (BST) and the start of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

But when did the tradition begin? To find out more, we speak to the Curator of Time at Royal Museums Greenwich, Dr Emily Akkermans.

Sir Keir Starmer has said digital IDs will “cut the faff”, in a bid to reverse scepticism for the scheme.

To learn more about the government's proposed digital ID's, listen here.

Plus, a biology teacher has become the first patient in the UK to receive a “gamechanger” therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS).

Also in this episode:

-OpenAI will be able to store data on British soil for the first time under a new Government deal

-For the first time, questions about menopause will be included in NHS health checks

-Amazon have unveiled 'Amelia', their AI-powered AR glasses for their delivery drivers

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We're joined by Swizz Beatz, a GRAMMY-winning producer who’s worked with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Busta Rhymes.

He’s also the co-founder of The Dean Collection, established with his wife, Alicia Keys.

Swizz has announced a new global partnership with Qatar Airways - launching the Creative 100, a platform celebrating and connecting the world’s most visionary creatives.

He also tells us about redesigning aeroplanes, why he's not afraid of artificial intelligence, and the one piece of tech he can’t live without when he's creating.

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OpenAI has unveiled its new AI-powered web browser, ChatGPT Atlas, now available for Mac users and coming soon to Windows, iOS and Android.

The browser lets you chat with ChatGPT while you surf the web, summarise pages, and even perform actions like booking flights — all designed to make browsing more interactive and personalised.

Eurostar unveils its first-ever double-decker electric trains, set to run between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam by 2031.

Plus, a tiny eye implant helps people with advanced macular degeneration regain sight in a world-first trial.

We speak to the trial’s lead investigator Mr Mahi Muqit, a consultant vitreoretinal surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

Also in this episode:

• The Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack is now estimated to be the most economically damaging hack in UK history

• Elon Musk fires back at NASA’s chief as tensions rise in the new space race

• Storm Benjamin set to batter the UK with 70mph winds and heavy rain later this week

• Masked thieves pull off a daring daylight robbery at the Louvre, stealing royal jewels worth €88 million

• And a glossy ibis is spotted in a new part of Scotland for the first time, as climate change shifts migration patterns

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Experts are warning that women are being exploited by a growing ‘menopause gold rush’ as companies and influencers rush to give profit-driven advice.It’s led to a call for a national education programme to ensure women get clear, evidence-based support and advice.

Meanwhile, UK scientists are hoping to join NASA in working on the Habitable Worlds Observatory - a new telescope designed to search for signs of life on distant planets.We hear from Dr Vincent Van Eylen, Associate Professor in Exoplanets at UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory about the project and what it means for the UK’s role in future space exploration.

Also in this episode:

• AI could give NHS staff back 400,000 hours a month
• MPs are questioning why UK’s key online services rely on Amazon after yesterday’s major outage
• Space debris that has fallen to Earth is thought to be from a Chinese rocket
• Microsoft confirms next-gen Xbox is in development
• Bingo, holidays and meals out are helping older men stay stronger for longer

Hear Rachelle Abbott's interview about the AWS outage from yesterday's Tech & Science Daily. She speaks with Antonio Weiss, a Senior Partner at The Public Services Consultants, and former Senior Digital Adviser to Sir Keir Starmer, about the internet disruption.

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A huge internet outage caused widespread global disruption on Monday, with a number of major websites and apps experiencing significant service issues.

The issue was linked to a problem on cloud computing provider, Amazon Web Services (AWS). 

Major organisations such as HMRC, Lloyds Bank, Ring Doorbell, Snapchat, Slack, and Fortnite were among those affected, with outage monitoring website Downdetector reporting a massive spike in errors, 6.5 million in total worldwide.

Tech & Science Daily spoke to Sir Keir Starmer’s former Senior Digital Adviser, Antonio Weiss, who is now a senior partner at The Public Services Consultants.

Also in this episode:

-Why European astronauts are training to fly helicopters ahead of lunar missions…

-Alongside Cate Blanchett, The King has hailed the work of Kew Gardens' Millennium Seed Bank 25 years after it opened

-Birth of rare female eastern mountain bongo is a ‘significant milestone’ for species

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Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What To Do About It by digital activist Cory Doctorow is now out in hardback.

In his new book, Cory explains why the internet is getting worse - and who is behind it.

The Standard’s Will Rogers-Coltman sat down with Cory to dig a bit deeper.

Will joins us on the podcast to tell us what Enshittification is, and why Cory thinks AI is heading for a “ghastly crash”.

Also in this episode:

• A ‘game-changing’ HIV prevention jab will be offered in England and Wales

• Around 300,000 military veterans are now able to download their digital ID cards

• The five plants to protect your home from flood damage, according to Defra

• OpenAI pauses Sora video generations of Dr Martin Luther King Jr

• 'Growing evidence that students achieve higher grades when using AI to study'- Pearson

• The number of bees at risk of extinction in Europe

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Thousands of people have alleged that they, or a family member, developed forms of ovarian cancer after using Johnson’s Baby Powder — and are now seeking damages at the High Court in London.

The pharmaceutical giant has been accused of knowingly selling talcum powder in the UK that was contaminated with asbestos.

To find out more about the case and what comes next, we spoke to The Standard’s courts correspondent, Tristan Kirk.

We also spoke to Dr Adam Clancy, lecturer in Materials Chemistry at UCL, to learn more about the mineral talc, its connection to asbestos, and its potential effects on the human body.

Plus, Apple has introduced its new M5 chip across the iPad Pro, MacBook Pro, and Vision Pro.

Health officials have also announced that newborn babies in England will be routinely screened for a rare genetic condition that can cause long-term health problems if left untreated.

Also in this episode:

• UK railways get a brand new clock design for the first time in half a century

• The Asus ROG Ally X handheld goes up for pre-order

• Why experts are calling for an end to the “shrink it and pink it” approach to women’s running shoes

• The ‘magical’ moment a 3,000-year-old secret of the Peebles Hoard is revealed

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Scientists have found a way to “see” anxiety in the brain.This is the first study of its kind looking at the intense "avoid-avoid conflict" anxiety.

Participants took part in a video game-style task, which was designed by PhD student Ben Stocker - who joins us to discuss the findings in more detail.

Meta has introduced a PG-13 cinema-style rating for teenagers using Instagram.

And an image of a rare hyena in a ghost town wins Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Also in this episode:

-Scientists have warned the planet has reached its first catastrophic climate tipping point

-OpenAI’s ChatGPT will soon be able to have erotic conversations with users

-And new analysis of Ice Age fossils suggests hippos lived in Central Europe much later than previously thought

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Apple has announced a major expansion of its renewables investment in Europe.

It's part of the company's ongoing effort to cut the carbon footprint caused by customers powering and charging Apple devices.

By 2030, Apple aims to become carbon neutral across its entire supply chain.

According to researchers from University College London, quitting smoking in middle age or later is linked to slower age-related cognitive decline over the long term.

To find out more, we spoke to lead author Dr Mikaela Bloomberg from UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care.

And – eating peppermints can increase alertness in people who are ill with the common cold.

Also in this episode:

Which breweries are using artificial intelligence to develop their latest beers?

TikTok: campaigners warn millions of users will be at risk if London office closes

Scientists say some dogs could be as addicted to toys as humans are with online gambling and gaming

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Is God real?

Since the Big Bang Theory was proposed, it has been a point of contention between science and religion.

To tie in with the release of the English edition of God: The Science, The Evidence, The Standard's features writer Claudia Cockerell spoke to one of its authors, French engineer Michel-Yves Bolloré.

Their book claims that there is evidence of the existence of God.

Claudia walks us through the book, their evidence, and the reaction from cosmologists.

To read the full article, click here.

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Around 70,000 users of Discord globally could have had sensitive data stolen by hackers.

The platform says criminals targeted a third-party service called 5CA, hired for age verification appeals.

Data stolen includes official ID photographs, and potentially personal information such as partial credit card numbers and messages.

A new tool is being developed by MI:RNA to help diagnose osteoarthritis in dogs earlier.

Qualified vet and Chief Scientific Officer, Robert Coultous, joins us to tell us more.

Acclaimed violinist Esther Abrami on London’s Southbank Centre and TikTok’s new accelerator programme for classical content creators.

Also in this episode:

 -‘Viewing own face through baby filter could help unlock memories’

-Scientists transplant a pig liver into a human

-20,000 people to help drive mental health research

-Incense bowl and helmet handle among finds at National Trust estate dig

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On this replay preview of Brave New World, Evgeny Lebedev is in conversation with the Oscar-winning actor, Dame Helen Mirren.

Now, this is a bit of a break from the usual guests on Tech & Science Daily, but in this wide ranging conversation Evgeny and Dame Helen discuss everything from the evolution of technology, ageing, to the contemporary media landscape and social media.

“It’s so sad that Kurt Cobain died when he did, because he never got to see GPS”

Listen to the full conversation on the Brave New World podcast here.

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Two teenagers have been arrested after a ransomware attack stole data from a nursery chain in London.

The Met Police say the pair, aged 17, have been arrested on suspicion of computer misuse and blackmail.

Cyberhackers were said to be using the pictures and names of about 8,000 children, to demand ransom money.

Women who have a caesarean birth at an advanced stage of labour are about eight times more likely to devolop scars in the womb, which are known to increase the likelihood of premature births in the future.

To learn more, we’re joined by Anna David, Professor and Consultant in Obstetrics and Maternal Fetal Medicine at University College London Hospital, and she’s also Director of the Institute for Women’s Health at UCL.

Plus, why gold prices have rocketed to a new all-time high.

Also in this episode:

• Meta updates Facebook's algorithm to give you more of what you actually want to see

• A modified Land Rover that even had a propeller to cross the Bering Strait, is going to auction

• An athlete runs the entire circumference of Cornwall to raise money for Alzheimer's disease

• What city has used enough power to make over 850 billion cups of tea?

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The world may be at a crucial turning point in the transition to clean power.

A new analysis by energy think tank Ember shows renewable energy generation has overtaken coal globally for the first time on record.

We’re joined by Robert Palmer, deputy director at Uplift, to unpack what this milestone means for the future of energy — from falling costs and growing solar capacity to the political will needed to phase out oil and gas.

Also in this episode:

• Spotify users can now use ChatGPT to find music and create playlists

• The Met police dismantle a criminal network suspected of smuggling 40,000 stolen phones out of the UK

• Jaguar Land Rover resumes manufacturing after major cyber attack

• Nutrition science firm ZOE launches an AI-powered gut health app

• Pine martens return to Exmoor National Park for the first time in a century

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Former England captain and 2003 World Cup winner Lewis Moody has revealed that he’s been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

What is motor neurone disease, what are the symptoms, how is it diagnosed, and can sport cause the condition?

We join UCL’s professor of clinical neurology, Andrea Malaspina.

Professor Malaspina is also clinical and academic lead of the Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre.

Also in this episode:

The world’s leading AI event, HumanX, is officially coming to Europe in 2026

The Big Issue partners with tech company Lenovo to equip charities with laptops

Storm Amy: Thousands of homes remain without power

The Andrew Law Gallery at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum reopens this October

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The device called Tissue Metrics could transform the way eczema is diagnosed and treated.

In the UK, there are 1.5 million adults who suffer from the condition.

Their tech aims to provide objective data for faster and more accurate eczema diagnosis and treatment - even within a week.

To find how the technology works and why this will “end misery for millions”, we speak to lead researcher, Professor Michael Crichton from Herriot-Watt University.

Clip courtesy of STV news.

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The world’s leading primatologist, Dame Jane Goodall, has died aged 91. 

Jane dedicated more than sixty years of her life to studying chimpanzees and conservation.

We hear from Dan Simmonds, London Zoo’s Animal Operations Manager, and Dr Jake Brooker, a postdoctoral researcher in primatology at the University of Durham.

Also in this episode:

• The Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin on Storm Amy, as weather warnings are upgraded to amber

• Instagram’s boss says the app does not listen to our conversations

• Experts call for sunbed ban

• Walking shapes how our brains process sound, study suggests

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Sir Keir Starmer revealed a new NHS virtual hospital at the Labour conference. Available via the NHS app from 2027, the government says it will deliver “millions of appointments” between patients and consultants across the country, as well as help manage tests, scans and prescriptions.

From today, every GP practice in England will have to let patients book online appointments throughout the day.

Also in this episode, 2.8 billion-year-old lunar rock samples suggest that the interior of the mysterious dark side of the moon may be colder than we once thought. To find out why this research is important, and why the two sides of the moon are different, we join Professor Yang Li from UCL’s Department of Earth Sciences and Peking University, co-author of the new study.

Plus, Amazon reveals the new Kindle Scribe Colorsoft at their 2025 Hardware Event. They also announced four new Echo devices and more Ring doorbells.

And the rest:

• E-bikes and e-scooter fires are on course to reach an all-time high this year, new analysis reveals
• A new species of Jurassic reptile has been discovered, and it's related to lizards and snakes
• Why burning wood indoors could cause damage in a similar way to cigarette smoke
• Robot cars vs the police...

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The ninth annual Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report has landed. It reveals 80% of companies report paying a ransom to recover or protect critical data, and 59% of SMEs experienced a cyberattack in the last 12 months.

In light of cyber attacks on firms such as Jaguar and Marks & Spencer, we spoke to Danny Jenkins, CEO and co-founder of IT security service ThreatLocker.

Danny told us the UK is "very at risk" from cyber attacks, and explains what the government need to do to protect businesses.

YouTube to settle lawsuit with US President Donald Trump over account suspension. The president had his account temporarily banned following the Capitol riots in January 2021.

And an NHS hospital has become the first to offer a new, non-invasive ovarian cancer surveillance test.

Also in this episode:

-Video game maker Electronic Arts agrees record $55bn buyout to go private

-Woman convicted after Met Police make 'world's largest' cryptocurrency seizure worth £5.5bn

-The unique Stratus Covid symptom, as cases rise across UK

-1 in 3 would walk away from someone having an epileptic seizure, according to a new study

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Rail minister Lord Hendy has said the government are bringing train tickets “into the 21st century”.

From Monday, passengers travelling on Northern train services between Harrogate and Leeds will be able to pay for their journey using an app on their phone - while on the move.

Jaguar Land Rover will restart some production in "the coming days".

Trees in the Amazon are growing despite threats from man-made climate change.

Plus, Dr Simon Erridge on why expanding NHS access to medical cannabis could add more than £13bn to the UK economy - and help thousands of people with long-term health conditions return to work.

We also speak to patient Fatma Mehmet from Hertfordshire, who says medical cannabis has been life-changing.

Also in this episode:

-People may age faster if their father smoked during puberty, study finds

-Did our species walk on Earth half a million years earlier than previously thought?

-Professor Brian Cox unveils his next - and biggest - tour yet. 

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The Prime Minister has confirmed controversial plans to roll out digital IDs, which will be available on people’s phones by the end of this Parliament.

We speak to cybersecurity expert Alex Laurie, SVP at Ping Identity, about what the scheme means for personal data and online safety.

Meanwhile, conservationists warn Britain is “shockingly underprepared” for climate change as extreme weather devastates habitats and species across the country.

Also in this episode:

• Xiaomi unveils a $630 smartphone to rival the iPhone 17 – and even takes on Tesla with its new EV models
• Police launch a crackdown on vape spiking across London’s nightlife
• The All-American Rejects release a video game–inspired music video, directed by Jamie Thraves
• Children raised around dogs may face a lower risk of asthma, say Canadian researchers
• Scientists in Australia test bite-resistant wetsuits designed to reduce shark attack injuries

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Rachelle speaks to YouTuber Brandon B on the importance of the creator economy to the UK.

A new cross-party forum to support the creator economy has been unveiled at the YouTube festival.

This will act as a bridge between creators and Westminster.

According to an impact report carried out by Oxford Economics, YouTube content creators contributed £2.2bn to the UK economy in 2024 and supported 45,000 jobs.

Plus, following the major cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover, the Government is now considering stepping in to help keep its suppliers.

Earlier this week, JLR extended its pause in production until October 1st.

And, a warning to the band Muse… Scientists discover that supermassive blackholes may not be as massive after all.

Also in this episode:

• PlayStation State of Play: A release date and trailer for Marvel: Wolverine revealed
• New cancer cases worldwide could rise by 61% by 2050 – study
• New nature detecting sensors have been added to the Natural History Museum gardens

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An AI tool that’s already helped the UK government claw back almost half a billion pounds in fraud is set to be rolled out worldwide.

The Fraud Risk Assessment Accelerator identifies loopholes in policy to prevent them being exploited by fraudsters.

Meanwhile, scientists have confirmed the Silverpit Crater off the coast of Yorkshire was formed by an asteroid. We speak to associate professor at Heriot Watt University Uisdean Nicholson about the findings.

Also in this episode:

• More than 200 leading politicians and scientists have warned the UN that AI needs binding international limits by 2026
• More than 70 ‘super-battery’ projects get one step close to being funded and boosting renewable energy storage
• Chinese scientists say a rogue gravitational wave could be a signal from another universe
• Trophies for Tomb Raider: Anniversary are spotted online - could this mean a surprise October release?
• Sweden pitches itself as the remedy you need for your physical and mental health

Today’s thumbnail image shows a seismic map of the top of the Silverpit Crater. Credit: Uisdean Nicholson.

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Health secretary Wes Streeting is urging pregnant women to ignore Donald Trump’s claims about a link between paracetamol and autism, calling them ‘dangerous’ and 'without evidence'.

The comments have sparked outrage among scientists and campaigners on both sides of the Atlantic.

To explain why paracetamol remains the NHS’s first-line choice for pain management in pregnancy, Suze Cooper is joined by Professor Dimitris Siassakos, professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at University College London and honorary consultant at UCLH.

Also in this episode:

• The EU’s cybersecurity agency says the attack that disrupted flights at Heathrow was caused by ransomware
• Jaguar Land Rover extends its ‘production pause’ until October following the cyber attack on their systems earlier this month
• Nvidia pledges $100 billion (£73bn) to power openAI’s next generation of AI models
• Mars says all ten of its European chocolate factories are now running on renewable energy
• New government plans could see water-saving showers and toilets fitted as standard in new homes
• NASA announces its class of 2025 as ten astronauts prepare for two years of training

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