The Universe's Mathematical Twin With Marcus Chown [Bonus Episode] (491)

In mid-2026, a swarm of AI agents coordinated a cyberattack on Hugging Face, a platform where machine learning communities can collectively work to improve AI models and capabilities. This breach happened without human supervision. Friend of the show and science communicator Dr. Petr Lebedev brings us up to speed on what is now being referred to as the first true AI safety incident. A crucial conversation on why the AI race needs to hit the brakes so regulations can be implemented to reduce the risk of AI misalignment. This conversations was recorded in late August, 2026. Subscribe to SciencePetr on Youtube - www.youtube.com/@SciencePetr Petr's conversation with Yoshua Benjo - www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvvvtbBvh6Q https://sciencepetr.com/

Science writer and journalist Marcus Chown returns for a shorter, more philosophical chat. When Einstein first proposed gravitational waves, atoms hadn't even been discovered, so who knows what the next century holds? We dig into the strange idea of the universe's "mathematical twin," and discuss the Standard Model of physics - a brilliant framework, but riddled with holes. www.marcuschown.com

Science writer and former astrophysicist Marcus Chown joins us to discuss the elusive graviton - the theoretical particle behind gravity.   In this chat we dig into the four fundamental forces of nature, why gravity is so uniquely hard to pin down, and why detecting a graviton would require a detector larger than Jupiter. Marcus also unpacks string theory, the only framework that manages to fold gravity in with the other forces, and why it's fallen out of favour with much of the physics community. www.marcuschown.com/

A bonus episode straight from the audience at Geraint Lewis' book launch for "The Shortest History of Reality." Listeners fire off some big questions: where do we sit with the 95% of the universe we can't explain? What is dark energy? Why does time feel so different experientially? Along with other questions concerning the Theory of Everything, whether light really has a speed, what happens to our mass when we die, consciousness and the Twin paradox! 

Join us for a special live episode of Shirtloads of Science, recorded at Willoughby Library for the launch of Professor Geraint Lewis' new book, "The Shortest History of Reality" - a compelling journey tracing the evolution of humanity's understanding of reality. In this live session, Geraint touches on a number of deep and puzzling concepts concerning reality (according to an astrophysicist) - from the baffling fact that 95% of the universe remains a mystery, to the clash between relativity and quantum mechanics, space and time, dark matter and dark energy, the mind-bending one-electron theory, and the ever-elusive Theory of Everything. https://www.geraintflewis.com/

Motor journalist Toby Hagon returns to Shirtloads of Science for round two on electric vehicles. Toby shares how he got into motoring journalism and what the job really involves. We break down 400V vs 800V batteries, charge cycles, and the reality of battery degradation, decode WLTP vs NEDC ratings, and marvel at just how powerful EVs really are. evcentral.com.au outbacktravelaustralia.com.au evcentral.com.au outbacktravelaustralia.com.au

Motor journalist Toby Hagon joins Shirtloads of Science to talk all things electric vehicles. We break down the often-confused difference between kilowatts and kilowatt-hours, compare EVs against petrol cars on performance, energy use, and cost, and explore everything from single to quad-motor setups. Toby unpacks AC vs DC charging and battery basics, looks at how servicing costs stack up, and separates real EV fire statistics from the hype. This was a big one, so we split it in two - catch part two next week evcentral.com.au outbacktravelaustralia.com.au

Associate Professor Anai Gonzalez-Cordero joins us on Shirtloads to explore the remarkable world of stem cells and how they can develop into almost any cell in the human body! She explains how her team is using stem cell technology to better understand and develop potential treatments for inherited retinal diseases, including Stargardt disease and Usher syndrome. We also discuss her work at the Children's Medical Research Institute and the importance of supporting genetic research through Jeans for Genes Day (coming up on the 7th of August!) If you'd like to help fund life-changing genetic research, consider making a donation this Jeans for Genes Day www.cmrijeansforgenes.org.au/

What if evolution isn't just about the survival of the fittest? Rowan Hooper, senior editor at New Scientist, joins Shirtloads to discuss his new book Togetherness - a challenge to the idea that nature is defined purely by competition. From the fig and wasp's ancient partnership to the mycorrhizal fungal networks threading through forest soils, Hooper makes a compelling case that relationships and symbiosis are overlooked fundamental aspects of evolution.

This conversation was originally recorded and published in November, 2024. In light of Richard's passing, we wanted to share it again because his insights remain as inspiring and relevant as ever. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.