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SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 115 A comet older than the Sun Astronomers have found new clues about the origin of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS suggesting it’s more than twice as old as the Sun and solar system. The nearby “Super Earth” that might be a candidate for life Astronomers have taken a closer look at a nearby exoplanet finding it may be more Earth-like than previously thought. A new way to study the birth of the universe Scientists have discovered a new way to create quark gluon plasma – the first matter in the universe. The Science Report The number of women testing positive for gonorrhoea doubles over the past decade. New study shows people taking medicinal marijuana are far worse drivers. The growing problem of human pollution now present over the entire planet. The discovery of a half-billion-year-old fossil has rewritten the origin story of starfish Skeptics guide to the four flavours of aliens     Our Guest This Week Professor Bill Collins from Curtin University   Our regular guests: Alex Zaharov

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 114 United States Space Force confirms it has weapons in orbit The United States Space Force confirms it has weapons in orbit to protect America’s assets in space. Why a moon could not survive in orbit around Venus A new study claims a moon could not survive in orbit around Venus because of the planet’s unusually slow rotation. Water discovered near the galaxy’s Supermassive black hole New observations of the star IRS 3, located near Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole, suggest it’s emitting huge amounts of gas and dust, forming an exceptionally large stellar envelope containing water molecules. The Science Report A new study has shown that air pollution isn’t just bad for your lungs, it’s bad for your eyes as well. The new high-tech sponge made from plant fibres that can mop up an oil spills. Palaeontologists find that Tyrannosaurus rex had around the same body temperatures as humans. A new study shows 93 per cent of Australia’s first nations population died in the firs

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 113 New evidence of superflares on the Sun A new study has found that a giant sunspot observed back in 1947 had the potential to trigger a massive solar super flare. How Gondwana changes life on Planet Earth A new study has rewritten the evolution of one of planet Earth’s greatest ancient land masses, the super continent of Gondwana. The incredibly shrinking planet Mercury A new study suggests that the planet Mercury may have shrunk by as much as 30 percent since its creation. The Science Report Studies warn that a third of the world’s population are exposed to second hand smoke. New figures show deradicalization programs have failed. A new study has found that 2025 was one of the driest years in the past three decades. It was in this month in 1936, that the world’s the last known Tasmanian Tiger died at the Hobart Zoo. Skeptics guide to the Nazi’s hollow Earth conspiracy. Our Guest This Week Professor Bill Collins from Curtin University   Our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt f

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 112 BepiColumbo on final approach to Mercury The BepiColumbo spacecraft Mercury Transfer Module has successfully separated from the main spacecraft, marking a major milestone in its eight year journey to the nearest plant to the Sun. Mercury’s crust formed by extreme volcanism A new study has shown that the planet Mercury’s crust was formed by extreme volcanism. First orbital launch success from European soil For the first time in history, a space launch from continental Europe has successfully reached orbit. The Science Report People with lung cancer more likely to have larger quantities of microplastics in their lungs. A genetically modified pig kidney keeps a patient with kidney failure dialysis free for nine months. Palaeontologists discover the fossilized remains of a peculiar new species of Jurassic squid. Scientists have discovered the first Denisovan radius bones at a fossil dig site in Southwest China. Skeptics guide to the regrets of the dead.   Our Guests This Week Dr

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 111 27 new Trans Neptunian Objects discovered in the outer solar system The first ever joint observation of Trans Neptunian objects by NASA’s Hubble and Webb space telescopes has discovered 27 new worlds in the dark outer reaches of the solar system. A decagon discovered at Saturn's south pole New observations by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have revealed a giant, evolving, 10-sided decagon atmospheric structure encircling Saturn's south pole. LINK’s failed rescue mission scopes its target but can’t save it The LINK spacecraft which was meant to rescue NASA's doomed Swift Gamma Ray space Telescope  has now reached to within 15 kilometres of Swift and has even managed to take some images of the stricken observatory. The Science Report The latest data on HIV and sexually transmitted diseases in Australia paints a mixed picture. Climate change forcing a decline in global sea weed forests. Asian elephants shown to resist impulsive behaviour in favour of rational problem solving. The

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 110 Lunar far side rocks rewriting history A new study claims the timing and intensity of asteroid bombardment across the lunar surface declined gradually, rather than being a short, intense burst of impacts as previously thought. The crystals that might have made Snow Ball Earth worse A new study claims planet Earth may have been pushed deeper into a global deep freeze known as snowball Earth by something as ordinary as salt. Meteor strike reported off the Western Australian coast The European Space Agency’s Near Earth Objects co-ordination centre has reported a meteor impact in the Indian Ocean off the coast of north western Australia.  The Science Report Warnings of a ten percent chase that AI could cause human extinction within the next decade. The world enters a new era of artificial general intelligence with the release of GPT-6 Astra. A new study has shown that Psychiatrists agree on a diagnosis in only 55% of cases. The 2026 Ig Nobels handed out in Switzerland showing wha

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 109 Witnessing the birth of a comet More than 5 billion kilometres from Earth, an ancient icy object is slowly awakening as a distant frozen world known as a Centaur transforming into an active comet. New mysteries about the moons of Neptune A new study has revealed that three of Neptune's inner moons may be the shattered remains of ancient icy worlds. NASA’s Roman Space Telescope blasts off bound for orbit beyond the Moon NASA’s next great flagship cosmic observatory the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has successfully launched into space bound for orbit on the dark side of the Earth beyond the Moon. The Science Report Scientists have found a link between flavour chemicals in some vapes and pregnancy problems. A new study shows flight attendants and pilots have the highest risk of death from radiation-related cancers. A growing plant disease spreading across parts of Western Australia is linked to a loss of habitat. Scientists claim they’re working on a tent that can supply its

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 108 Discovery of a new class of molten planet Astronomers have discovered a new type of molten planet beyond our Solar System. The mother of all solar storms New evidence in tree ring records is showing scientists that the Sun can become far more violent than previously thought. Two giant blobs of hot rock discovered on Earth’s core mantle boundary Scientists have discovered two immense, ultra-hot rock structures located at the base of Earth’s mantle, around 2,900 kilometres beneath Africa and the Pacific which are affecting the underlying liquid outer core. The Science Report A new study suggests El Niño is intensifying as the planet warms. Researchers have discovered that some centenarians have rare cancer killing cells in their bodies. A new study shows Tasmanian tigers were significantly different from both wolves and wild dogs. Warnings that Artificial Intelligence is making writing styles more similar and losing the individual identity. Alex on Tech Apple’s new iphone fold

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 107 Have scientists glimpsed a hint of dark matter A new analysis from the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment has recorded a particle interaction that scientists are having great difficulty explaining. A new scenario describing the birth of the Moon A new study claims the Earth’s Moon could have formed within just five hours of the giant planetary collision that formed the binary system. Starship's first orbital test flight slated for September 15 SpaceX looks set to undertake its next Starship test flight next week – and this one will be a full orbital flight. The Science Report There’s more confirmation today that people who use cannabis are more likely to develop psychosis. An Australian developed nuclear reactor designed to fit on the back of a truck has been ignored by the Albanese labor government. A new study has found memory loss begins much earlier than previously thought. The red waterfall in eastern Antarctica is likely a sign the region was once inundated with seawater. Skeptics g

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 106 The most distant Blazar ever seen Astronomers have detected the most distant blazar ever recorded. The blazar -- catalogued as OP 313 was detected some 8 billion light years away. Did the motion of an ocean carve Enceladus's tiger stripes? A new study suggests the iconic tiger stripes at the south pole of the Saturnian ice moon Enceladus may have been formed by ocean waves. SpaceX to build the world’s biggest space port in Louisiana SpaceX boss Elon Musk has announced plans to build the world’s largest spaceport in the Louisiana wetlands on the Gulf Coast 185 kilometres west of New Orleans. The Science Report It seems most girls prefer lovers to fighters at least in non-human animals. Scientists discover a type of brain activity that’s 'tagging' priority information to remember later. Discovery of the fossilized remains of a giant crocodile that once dominated the food chain. The trend for retro phones could mean people want to distance themselves from their smartphones. Skepti

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 105 More evidence Mars once had liquid water More than 20 years after NASA's Mars Spirit rover landed on the red planet scientists have uncovered new evidence that suggests liquid water – essential for life as we know it -- may once have covered large parts of the Martian surface. Are mysterious little red dots hiding something big A new study claims mysterious Little Red Dots seen near the dawn of the universe are likely to reside in small, dense compact star forming galaxies. Chang'e-7 lunar mission delayed Beijing has scrubbed for now its Chang’e-7 mission to the Moon sighting a failure to meet strict launch conditions. The Science Report A promising new way to tackle one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Proof that alumni relationships between judges and lawyers are affecting court rulings. Looking for inexpensive and safer alternatives to dangerous lithium-ion batteries. The new app helping blind or visually impaired people navigate outdoors. Alex on Tech: Meta g

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 104 Strange anomaly discovered below the Martian south pole Astronomers have discovered a strange thermal asymmetry deep beneath the surface of the Martian southern hemisphere. Starship bound for home Starship 40 has finally left Australian waters bound for home. The orbiter used for SpaceX test flight 13 has been loaded aboard the 48,000-tonne semi-submersible vessel Forte for the long journey back to Starbase Texas. Roman Space Telescope final countdown The final countdown is now underway for the launch of NASA’s new Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. The Science Report A new record for keeping brain organoids made in a laboratory alive and developing. A new study shows smoking rates have continued to drop while vaping rates climb. Warnings that Australia’s native reptiles are disappearing at twice the rate previously thought. A new dog study says man’s best friend may be communicating with you through blinking. Skeptics guide to covering up the South Australian algal bloom. Our

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 103 *Warnings that some Earth microbes could contaminate the Moon NASA says some of Earth's microbes hitching a ride to space with human explorers could survive in the shaded nooks and crannies of the Moon's South Pole contaminating the otherwise pristine environment. *China’s first reusable rocket China has finally landed a reusable rocket in one piece. *Russia develops a nuclear rocket motor Russia has developed a prototype nuclear plasma engine which could cut journey times to Mars from 6 months to just 30 days. *September Skywatch The September equinox, and the constellations Capricorn, Pegasus, and Cygnus are among the highlights of the September night skies on SkyWatch.   Our regular guests: Alex Zaharov-Reutt from techadvice.life Tim Mendham from Australian Skeptics And Senior science writer and Sky and Telescope magazine contributor Jonathan Nally   

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 102 *SpaceX’s Starship arrives at Christmas Island After some 24 days at sea, a SpaceX recovery team has successfully towed its test flight 13 Starship into the remote Australian Indian Ocean territory of Christmas Island.  The unplanned operation was hastily put together after the spacecraft unexpectedly held together following its splashdown off the Western Australian coast. *How old really is the universe? Astronomers have come up with a new way to work out the age of the universe finding it to be 13.6 billion years old – some 200 million years younger than previously thought. *Einstein’s general relativity theory still stands More than 100 years after Albert Einstein published his iconic general theory of relativity, it remains science’s best understanding of gravity and the universe on the cosmic scale. *The Science Report A new study shows that carrying a little extra weight could be beneficial as you get older. People lacking human connections more likely to turn to AI ch

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 101 *NASA scraps its Swift rescue mission NASA has been forced to abandon its planned rescue mission to save the Swift Gamma Ray Space Telescope. *The Milky Way’s first big galactic collision Astronomers have discovered what was probably the first major galactic collision involving our home galaxy the Milky Way cannibalising a dwarf galaxy less than two billion years after the big bang. *Understanding the stuff atoms are made of New observations by the world’s largest atom smasher have revealed some of the basic fundamental physics of the universe, challenging long-standing theories of how gluons behave inside atomic nuclei. *The Science Report Australia records its first confirmed case of H5 N1 bird flu in a mammal on the nation’s main land. How bushfires are polluting water supplies with arsenic. Successful Phase 3 trials of a new Australian developed personalized mRNA cancer vaccine. The growing impact of plastic pollution on Lord Howe Island’s Sable Shearwaters rookery. Over

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 100 The ingredients for planets formed far earlier than thought A new study suggests that the basic ingredients needed to form planets - and possibly life - may have existed just a hundred million years after the big bang -- far earlier in the history of the Universe than previously thought. Hunting for the hypothetical axion For years scientists have been hunting for a hypothetical elementary particle called the AXION which could lead to new physics unlocking some of the greatest mysteries of the universe. Now the German Research Foundation has given a green light to the construction of a new six million Euro experiment called the BabyIAXO – a first step in the search for the elusive and as yet undetected particle. NASA’s Swift rescue mission back on track Katalyst Space has successfully uploaded a new flight software update designed to return its Link spacecraft into a more stable configuration.  Link is on a rescue mission to save NASA’s Swift gamma ray space telescope from cra

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 99 Discovery of black hole stars at the cosmic dawn Astronomers have suggested mysterious objects from the dawn of time known as little red dots may represent an entirely new type of cosmic phenomenon which they’re calling black hole stars. Claims Mars could have had liquid water less than a billion years ago A new study claims Mars may have had liquid water flowing across its surface as recently as 757 million years ago, far more recent than the several billion years previously thought. A new mission to extend the life of satellites in orbit Northrop Grumman’s latest Mission to extend the life of spacecraft has successfully reached Geostationary Transfer Orbit and is now closing in on its first target telecommunication satellite. The Science Report A new, faster more inexpensive test for lung cancer. Having European ancestry linked to a greater risk of developing colorectal cancer. Scientists have used artificial intelligence to design and build functioning viruses. Kids who start

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 98 Three supermassive black holes discovered in a single galaxy for the first time Astronomers have for the first time, discovered a galaxy near the dawn of time containing three monster black holes. A new White House advisory body on UFOs The pentagon has just released its latest batch of X-files looking at unexplained phenomena and strange happenings.  The release follows the appointment of Harvard University astrophysicist Avi Loeb as chair of the new White House scientific panel on UFOs. Was Venus once just like Earth A new study suggests that the hellish inhospitable world of Venus could have once been far more Earth like. The Science Report Western Europe has just experienced its hottest June and July on record. A new study says if you want to live longer then take the stairs. Scientists still don’t know how long most fungi can live - or even how to define their age. A dog’s ability to understand human language is likely a product of both nature and nurture. Skeptics guide

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 97 The world watches as a SpaceX rocket crashes into the Moon A disused SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage has crashed into the Moon providing astronomers with useful data on the effects of impacts hitting the lunar surface. The radiation eating mutant fungus from Chernobyl Scientists say there’s a black fungus in the highly radioactive ruins of the Chernobyl power station that’s now evolved to feed on radiation. NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory Scientists have designed two revolutionary new computer chips to process data from a new space telescope called the Habitable Worlds Observatory that will search the skies for Earth like planets and for signs of life on those worlds. The Science Report A strong correlation found between dementia death rates and living in the suburbs. Improving pedestrians’ thermal comfort through tree, shrub, and grass plantings along city streets. The exotic origin story of the Australian platypus. New Zealand's endangered yellow-eyed penguin found to be thr

SpaceTime Series 29 Episode 96 The largest known galaxy in the universe Astronomers have taken the deepest images yet of the largest known galaxy in the universe – a behemoth called IC 1101 located at the heart of the galaxy cluster Abell 2029. Evidence of streams flowing on Pluto Astronomers have found the first ever evidence of liquids flowing across the surface of the distant frozen world of Pluto. The Mars Curiosity rover celebrates its 14th birthday on the red planet NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover has just celebrated its 14th birthday on the surface of the red planet. It was on August the sixth 2012 that the 899 kilogram vehicle touched down on the floor of Gale Crater on a mission to determine if Mars was capable of ever hosting the sort of habitable conditions that could have supported life as we know it. With in months scientists were provided with their answer – a resounding YES. The Science Report Scientists developed a new app that could fast-track autism diagnosis. Researchers genetically engineer t