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The best and the worst

Science in Action covers the highs and lows of the scientific world on this episode, from talking to a Nobel prize winner to discussing allegations of scientific misconduct.

The 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Katalin Karikó and Drew Weismann for their contributions to developing the fundamentals that led to life saving mRNA vaccines. Although funding and support were not always assured on their road to the Nobel, Katalin Karikó tells Roland she used these setbacks to drive her towards success.

On the other side of the coin, allegations of scientific misconduct over bold room temperature superconductivity claims. Earlier this year, eleven authors submitted a paper to Nature. Now, eight of them are calling for a retraction. Science journalist Dan Garisto covers the story.

Also this week, NASA Ames researcher Jacob Kegerreis details how Saturn got its rings. Hint: It’s a smashing story.

And, what is the most fear inducing sound in the world? Lions roaring? Gunshots? According to mammals in South Africa it is the human voice. Fear-ecologist Liana Zanette explains.

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Ella Hubber
Editor: Martin Smith
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

(Image: Katalin Karikó. Credit: Mark Makela / Getty Images)

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30 minutes

Last on

Sat 7 Oct 2023 16:32GMT

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  • Thu 5 Oct 2023 19:32GMT
  • Fri 6 Oct 2023 04:32GMT
  • Fri 6 Oct 2023 08:32GMT
  • Fri 6 Oct 2023 12:32GMT
  • Fri 6 Oct 2023 19:32GMT
  • Sat 7 Oct 2023 16:32GMT

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