The Nature Podcast brings you the best stories from the world of science each week. We cover everything from astronomy to zoology, highlighting the most exciting research from each issue of the Nature journal. We meet the scientists behind the results and provide in-depth analysis from Nature's journalists and editors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Complex synthetic cells bring scientists closer to artificial cellular life
00:46 Synthetic cells made from bacterial bits For years researchers have been interested in creating artificial cells, as they could be useful for manufacturing compounds and understanding how life works. Now a new method shows how this can be accomplished using polymer droplets that integrate components of burst bacteria. The synthesised cells are able to perform translation and transcription and have several features that resemble real cells, like a proto-nucleus and a cytoskeleton. Research article: Xu et al. News and Views: Life brought to artificial cells A mysterious ancient creature identified from its vomit, and the combination of immunity, diet and bacteria that could protect from metabolic disorders. Research Highlight: The Jurassic vomit that stood the test of time Research Highlight: A sugary diet wrecks gut microbes — and their anti-obesity efforts
09:33 Research Highlights
11:42 Briefing Chat
We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, research on the safety of three-person embryos, and the gene that gave our ancestors an edge over neanderthals.
Nature News: Embryos with DNA from three people develop normally in first safety study
Nature News: Did this gene give modern human brains their edge?
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