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The Science Show gives Australians unique insights into the latest scientific research and debate, from the physics of cricket to prime ministerial biorhythms.

The Science Show

Few astronomical wonders are as spectacular as a total solar eclipse, when the Moon fully covers the Sun, plunging us into daytime darkness. 

If we're lucky, we can see this epic phenomenon as it happens — through special glasses, of course. But our preoccupation with looking at the sky means we may not notice what's happening to the animals around us. 

When it comes to birds, many of which rely on the Sun to tell them when to sing a dawn chorus, how does a solar eclipse change how they behave? And what are the wider implications in this artificially lit world? 

 You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au

Featuring:

 • Liz Aguilar, PhD student in bird reproductive behaviour at Indiana University Bloomington

More information:

Total solar eclipse triggers dawn behavior in birds: Insights from acoustic recordings and community science

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

Lab Notes: How solar eclipses trick birds into singing

Richard Robson from the University of Melbourne has been awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry, the nation’s first Chemistry Nobel in 50 years.

2025 Nobel Prizes plus more from the British Science Festival

This has been a bumper year for whale-watching on Australia's east coast, with thousands of humpbacks spotted cruising along their annual migration route. 

This population was almost wiped out by whalers last century but has bounced back — and then some. A new estimate suggests there are now more of these humpbacks than in pre-whaling times. 

So why are the eastern Australian humpbacks going gangbusters while other populations aren't doing nearly as well? 

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au

Featuring:

 • Wally Franklin, marine scientist at Southern Cross University and the Oceania Project 

More information:

Eastern Australian humpback whale population now well above pre-whaling levels, report finds

Boom to bust? Implications for the continued rapid growth of the eastern Australian humpback whale population despite recovery

The Oceania Project

If you want to hear about how other Australian whales are going, check out The plight of the southern right whales. 

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

Lab Notes: How humpback whales bounced back

The BA, as it was known, established in 1831, was set up to advance science in the interest of the people, old and young, professional and lay. So, how well is it doing now amid international turmoil.

Reports from The British Science Festival in Liverpool England

For decades, climate scientists have been tracking a curious phenomenon. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are steadily increasing overall but they also rise and fall in an annual rhythm — like the planet is breathing.

Each spring, in the southern hemisphere, carbon dioxide levels start to plateau or maybe even drop slightly before shooting up again after summer.

So what's driving these seasonal changes?

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au

Featuring:

 • Nick Deutscher, atmospheric chemist at the University of Wollongong

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

Lab Notes: Why CO2 peaks at this time of year

Iconic jellyfish in saltwater lakes are disappearing.

Climate change and pollution effects seen on Palau

If you've been watching the Women's Rugby World Cup, you may have noticed players have been wearing special mouthguards that light up when they've suffered a significant knock to the head.

It's the first time these concussion-predicting mouthguards have been trialled at a major competition.

So in the wake of recent concussion concerns, from professional AFL and rugby league to community competitions, is this the future of sport?

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au

Featuring:

 • Kate O’Halloran, digital journalist with ABC Sport 

More information: 

Women's Rugby World Cup players trialling flashing mouthguards to help predict concussions

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

Lab Notes: These high-tech mouthguards predict concussions

Sophie Ly takes us to Palau to meet scientists and traditional knowledge custodians who are working together to uncover the secrets of Palau’s ancient terraces.

Uncovering the mystery of Palau’s ancient terraces

Australia’s known for having some of the world’s toughest sunscreen standards, but in June, that reputation was rocked. 

Independent testing of 20 sunscreens found 16 did not meet their advertised SPF50 rating, including three children's sunscreens and three sold by the Cancer Council. 

So how are sunscreens tested, and what can we learn from these recent SPF revelations?

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science journalist and presenter Belinda Smith on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au

Featuring:

 • John Staton, scientific director at SciPharm 

More information:

Choice report finds popular Australian sunscreens fail to meet SPF claims on label

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Wurundjeri and Menang Noongar people.

Lab Notes: After the SPF scandal — how is sunscreen tested?

Just as quantum physics is poised to launch computing into a new era of capability, researchers are seeing the first signs of quantum effects in biology.

Quantum biology, two botanic gardens, and the importance of archaeology

More than 30 years ago, astronomers came up with the bold idea to build the world’s biggest radio telescopes.

One is now taking shape in the Western Australian outback, where scientists and engineers are installing more than 130,000 Christmas-tree-shaped antennas onto the red earth.

And those stunning auroras over the past year? There’s a good chance we’ll see more colourful displays in 2025.

All that and more with ABC Science digital executive producer Genelle Weule and University of Sydney astronomer and 2024 ABC Science Top Fiver Dr Laura Driessen.

Science Extra: More auroras in store?

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