Tech and Science Daily | The Standard

Heathrow Airport closed after a fire broke out at a single substation in West London - causing a massive power outage.In today’s episode we hear about the critical role of electrical substations in our infrastructure from Head of Technical Regulations at the Institution of Engineering and Technology Mark Coles.We also find out about the global impact of the closure of one of London’s busiest airports from Principal Research Fellow at University College London’s Air Transportation Systems Group, Dr Lynnette Dray.

After nine months on the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have safely returned to Earth on board a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. We’re joined by Dr Keith Siew, Senior Research Fellow at University College London, to discuss the impact of their extended time in space and how their bodies will recover. Also in this episode:Why 79% of UK fintechs are experiencing losses of at least £500,000Lego x Pokemon is on the horizonMercedes tries out Apptronik’s AI humanoid robot Apollo on the factory floorThe Blob Fish has been named Fish of The Year in New Zealand

Extremes of temperature are often talked about as part of the concern around climate change but there is a scenario which could see the capital faced with extremely cold weather as the norm and the threat comes in part from a giant, invisible ocean current in the Atlantic.In an interview taken from our sister podcast, The Standard, climate scientist James Stewart explains more about the possibilities….This topic is part of The London Question from The London Standard. You can read James' full article by clicking here.

The Online Safety Act has come into force today meaning social media platforms must now remove illegal content or face massive fines. But will it actually make the internet safer? Consumer law expert Lisa Webb from Which? joins us to discuss the new rules.Also in this episode:SpaceX capsule Dragon docks at the International Space Station to bring two astronauts stuck in space homeScientists have cracked a 20-year-old mystery that could help develop treatments for Parkinson’sIs the future of computing in our glasses? Meta thinks soGoogle Assistant is disappearing – as Gemini takes overRead our full interview with Tim Peake on the ISS mission, SpaceX, and the future of space exploration.Or listen to the interview on Tech & Science Daily here.

Scientists have used a pioneering technique to unlock hidden details about a famous chimpanzee’s life for the first time.Using osteobiography experts have analysed the bones and tissue of Choppers, a Western chimpanzee from the PG Tips tea adverts.The findings have revealed insights about the long-term effects of captivity which can be used to improve animal welfare.We hear from National Museums Scotland researcher and lead author of the study Dr David Cooper.Also in this episode:Apple’s appeal against the UK government’s demand for encrypted data is due to be discussed in a private hearing at the High Court.Declining vaccination rates are being blamed for a worrying increase in measles casesHow drones are being used to restore Britain’s lost rainforests

British astronaut Tim Peake joined global leaders from the space industry in London this week for the Space Comm Expo.In today’s special episode we hear from the 52-year-old, who was the first British astronaut to perform a spacewalk.Speaking to The London Standard’s Will Hosie, Tim gives his thoughts on space exploration, Elon Musk, British technology, the potential of private companies like SpaceX, and what's next for us to look forward to.

A Russian national has been identified as the captain of the Solong ship, which collided with a tanker carrying jet fuel earlier this week. Wildlife experts say the oil spill could have a devastating effect on wildlife. We speak to Chief Executive of the Marine Conservation Society Sandy Luk about the impact of the jet fuel spill off the Yorkshire coast.Also in this episode:London sees highest rise in ADHD prescriptions since pandemicAre slushies dangerous for kids? Researchers warn parents about glycerol intoxication.Could whales be the ocean’s unsung environmental heroes?

The head of Ofcom has defended the UK’s new Online Safety Act, calling it “very ambitious” in tackling harmful content - but campaigners say it doesn’t go far enough.Plus - new data shows the expansion of ULEZ has improved London’s air quality, but it hasn’t reduced traffic levels. City Hall and Transport Editor Ross Lydall spoke to Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan about the latest stats.Also in this episode:The UK government faces pressure to introduce stronger AI regulations, ensuring humans stay at the heart of decision-making.Scientists discover a hidden function in the immune system that could lead to new antibiotics.Apple delays Siri’s AI upgradeThe Athena moon lander is officially declared dead after tipping sideways on landing.The world’s oldest meteorite crater may hold clues about the formation of Earth’s continents.UK pharmacies warn of daily medicine shortages, forcing patients to search multiple locations for vital prescriptions.What foxes’ whiskers can tell us about their diet

SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight has ended in flames- marking the eighth failed attempt for Elon Musk’s deep-space rocket. Meanwhile, the Athena lander has successfully touched down on the Moon, but engineers fear it may have tipped over. We hear from CMO of Castrol Nicola Buck about how the British oil company is helping to keep the AstroAnt micro robot going as part of the mission.Plus, scientists have created a woolly mouse - a small step towards reviving the woolly mammoth. We heard from co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences Ben Lamm.Also in this episode:Two astronauts stranded on the ISS for nine months are finally set to return homeMPs debate the Safer Phones Bill, which could raise the digital age of consent and introduce new smartphone restrictions for children.PlayStation reveals a limited-edition DualSense controller.Listen to our special episode about work to bring back the woolly mammoth here.