Perimenopause is everywhere. How do you know if you’re in it?

27 October - 15 mins
Podcast Series Science Weekly

Perimenopause has become a hot topic, with celebrities sharing their experiences and doctors offering tips and advice online. But despite the benefits of growing awareness, a rising number of women are now encountering misinformation about treatments such as HRT. Madeleine Finlay hears from Dr Paula Briggs, a consultant in sexual and reproductive health, about why experts have raised the alarm. Science correspondent Nicola Davis gives the facts on symptoms, tests and treatments. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

15 mins

Series Episodes

‘It’s a theatre and we’re pawns’: taking the stand as an expert witness Playing

‘It’s a theatre and we’re pawns’: taking the stand as an expert witness

As one of the world’s leading forensic anthropologists, Dame Sue Black has acted as an expert witness in a myriad of high-profile criminal cases. Her work has taken her from the lab to active war zones and the aftermath of natural disasters to identify victims’ bodies. Speaking to Ian Sample, the professor explains why standing up in front of a judge and jury has been one of the more terrifying parts of her career, the reputational risk of presenting evidence in court and what the future of forensic science could look like. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

18 mins

29 October Finished

Elizabeth Holmes is back in the spotlight: why can’t we look away? Playing

Elizabeth Holmes is back in the spotlight: why can’t we look away?

You Can See Everything, a documentary about the disgraced health tech company founder Elizabeth Holmes, has enjoyed a record-breaking opening in the US. It is a testament to how fascinated we remain by the convicted fraudster, but what is behind the enduring appeal? US technology editor Blake Montgomery tells Madeleine Finlay why Holmes continues to fascinate us, and reflects on whether the Theranos scandal has had a permanent impact on Silicon Valley. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

17 mins

22 October Finished

‘These risks are real’: the threat of AI bioweapons Playing

‘These risks are real’: the threat of AI bioweapons

In his annual speech on threats to the nation, Sir Ken McCallum, the head of the UK’s intelligence service, MI5, warned that AI had the potential to ‘change the stakes’ on existing and even new bioweapons. To find out why, and how, Ian Sample speaks to Dr Tom Inglesby, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. He explains what has governments so worried and what measures could be put in place to reduce the risks. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

15 mins

20 October Finished

Is your boss watching you? The rise of AI surveillance at work Playing

Is your boss watching you? The rise of AI surveillance at work

Workers have always been monitored by their bosses, first through output targets, and then via computer software labelled ‘bossware’. But AI is transforming the capabilities of these systems, processing huge volumes of data to provide minute-by-minute accounts of activity, and productivity. To find out more, Ian Sample hears from UK technology editor Robert Booth. He explains which sectors are adopting this approach, why they are doing it, and how it could end up being counterproductive.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

17 mins

15 October Finished

The surprising psychology of morbid curiosity Playing

The surprising psychology of morbid curiosity

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to livestream the execution of Nidal Malik Hasan has incurred condemnation from human rights groups and politicians on all sides. But according to Coltan Scrivner, an author and psychologist at Arizona State University and expert on morbid curiosity, people are still likely to watch in large numbers. He explains why we are drawn to dark and disturbing content, and Madeleine Finlay tells Ian Sample how consuming this kind of material can harm observers’ mental health. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

17 mins

13 October Finished

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