Babbage from The Economist
438 episodes - English - Latest episode: 21 days ago - ★★★★★ - 398 ratingsBabbage is our weekly podcast on science and technology, named after Charles Babbage—a 19th-century polymath and grandfather of computing. Host Alok Jha talks to our correspondents about the innovations, discoveries and gadgetry shaping the world. Published every Wednesday.
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Episodes
Babbage: Rise of the robots
February 22, 2022 19:11 - 36 minutes - 84.4 MBRelations between people and robots are being reset. Host Alok Jha explores why the pace of automation is likely to accelerate, and what it means for societies and jobs. We also ask how advancements in AI and robotics can improve collaboration between humans and machines. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...
Babbage: A Starship is born
February 15, 2022 22:46 - 41 minutes - 94.9 MBElon Musk’s rocketry firm SpaceX has announced that its monstrous, dirt-cheap Starship rocket will soon be ready for its maiden voyage into orbit. Host Alok Jha explores the project’s potential impact on space travel, scientific discoveries and human connectedness on Earth. We also examine the business philosophy that has helped SpaceX innovate, and the risks that could hinder its ambitions. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podc...
Babbage: What is web3?
February 08, 2022 21:06 - 40 minutes - 93.6 MBWeb3 is the latest Silicon Valley buzzword, referring to a third iteration of the internet built on blockchain technology. Backers say it will reinvent cyberspace but scepticism is growing. Host Kenneth Cukier investigates the hype and the potential. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...
Babbage: Hide and seek
February 01, 2022 16:30 - 32 minutes - 74.6 MBTechnology is profoundly changing warfare. On a battlefield packed with sophisticated sensors, is it possible to avoid being seen and killed? Host Shashank Joshi examines the tech that’s turning combat into an intense competition between hiding and finding. And, how to update the ancient art of deception for the digital age. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist....
Babbage: Sequencing the future
January 25, 2022 16:30 - 33 minutes - 77 MBGenomic sequencing has risen to prominence during the pandemic. But the technology has vast potential to transform many aspects of human health. Host Alok Jha investigates the rise of the genome and personalised medicine. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Havana syndrome
January 18, 2022 22:27 - 39 minutes - 91.1 MBNew cases of Havana syndrome are baffling scientists. Alok Jha investigates the theories behind the mysterious malady plaguing Western diplomats. Are microwave weapons to blame, or could the illness have psychological origins? For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The smartwatch will see you now
January 11, 2022 21:08 - 42 minutes - 97.3 MBA new tech boom is disrupting medicine. We investigate how wearable trackers, such as the Fitbit or Apple Watch, could transform health care. And, could the devices help prevent the next pandemic? Kenneth Cukier hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Everyone’s going to the Moon
January 04, 2022 18:39 - 27 minutes - 63.3 MBA new age of lunar exploration is dawning, bringing opportunity and geopolitical jostling. We explore the science and economics of the next space race. Also, correspondent Alok Jha investigates how to avoid conflict on missions to Mars. Kenneth Cukier hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience. With thanks to NASA for additional audio used in...
Babbage: A new look at the cosmos
December 21, 2021 16:30 - 39 minutes - 90.9 MBThe James Webb Space Telescope launches this week. It promises to transform human understanding of the universe. By gazing deep into space, it will see billions of years back in time. But is the long-delayed project worth the $10-billion price tag? And, science correspondent Gilead Amit asks NASA’s head of science Thomas Zurbuchen about the mission’s impact on the agency. Alok Jha hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcasto...
Babbage: Unpacking Omicron
December 14, 2021 18:39 - 29 minutes - 68.1 MBThe world is desperate to understand the variant, which is poised to overtake Delta in parts of Europe. We ask how experts make sense of emerging data to project Omicron's impact. Also, Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter explains why scientists have drawn widely differing conclusions from covid-19 statistics. And, we reveal the winners of our final book giveaway of the year. Kenneth Cukier hosts. To keep up-to-date with our coverage of the Omicron variant, go to economist.com/omicron. For f...
Babbage: Goodbye darkness, my old friend
December 07, 2021 16:30 - 29 minutes - 67.1 MBThousands of satellites are being propelled into low-Earth orbit to provide internet access. Host Alok Jha investigates the impact on astronomy, as companies such as SpaceX multiply their constellations. What can be done to protect the night sky? We would love to hear from you—please take a moment to complete our listener survey at economist.com/babbagesurvey. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our...
Babbage: Omicron and on
November 30, 2021 18:05 - 28 minutes - 65.3 MBCountries are scrambling to stop the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. We search for scientific clues to understand how it will shape the pandemic. Professor Sharon Peacock, one of the world’s top variant hunters, predicts Omicron will be more transmissible than previous strains. And, will Omicron supplant the Delta variant globally? Correspondent Hal Hodson looks to immunology for answers. Alok Jha hosts, with The Economist’s health policy editor, Natasha Loder and deputy editor, Edward ...
Babbage: Reservoir dogs
November 23, 2021 19:13 - 29 minutes - 67.7 MBThe coronavirus could be lurking in many species of animals, according to a new report. We analyse the implications for human health. Also, what is the relationship between an unbalanced gut microbiome and autism? And, the father of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy died this month. Aaron Beck’s daughter, the psychiatrist Judith Beck, tells us how her father turned the world of psychiatry upside down. Kenneth Cukier hosts. We would love to hear from you—please take a moment to complete our list...
Babbage: Mind matters
November 16, 2021 18:38 - 26 minutes - 61.7 MBAn estimated 55 million people around the world live with dementia, yet only a quarter have been formally diagnosed. How will technology improve diagnostic devices for the condition? Also, with better testing in place but few treatments available, we explore if healthcare systems can cope with this silent epidemic. And, author and professor, Nina Kraus explores how brains build a sound world. Kenneth Cukier hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscri...
Babbage: Going antiviral
November 09, 2021 17:54 - 26 minutes - 60.1 MBAs covid-19 threatens Europe once again, effective oral antiviral treatments for covid-19 are finally being approved by regulators. Is this the next step towards beating the virus? Also, author Azeem Azhar on what the accelerating growth of technology means for business, the economy and society. And we reveal the winners of our latest book giveaway. Kenneth Cukier hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up...
Babbage: The colour of health
November 02, 2021 19:31 - 36 minutes - 83.5 MBThe pandemic has exposed and exacerbated how the colour of a person’s skin can fix the odds on their physical health. Host Alok Jha and Tamara Gilkes Borr, US public policy correspondent, investigate what drives these disparities around the world. As health services embrace artificial intelligence, is medical AI compounding human bias—or could it hold the cure? With Dr Lisa Angeline Cooper, healthcare professor at Johns Hopkins University; Dr Jenna Lester, director of the Skin of Colour cli...
Babbage: The colour of health
November 02, 2021 19:31 - 36 minutes - 83.5 MBThe pandemic has exposed and exacerbated how the colour of a person’s skin can fix the odds on their physical health. Host Alok Jha and Tamara Gilkes Borr, US public policy correspondent, investigate what drives these disparities around the world. As health services embrace artificial intelligence, is medical AI compounding human bias—or could it hold the cure? With Dr Lisa Angeline Cooper, healthcare professor at Johns Hopkins University; Dr Jenna Lester, director of the Skin of Colour cli...
Babbage: Cleaning the air
October 26, 2021 18:35 - 28 minutes - 65.7 MBThe World Health Organisation recently declared that air pollution is the greatest environmental threat to health globally. What do cities and governments need to do to clean up their act? Also, we explore how Occam’s razor, a theory from a medieval theologist, has influenced science. And, could music be an effective way to communicate with extraterrestrials? Alok Jha hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and si...
Babbage: on Babbage
October 19, 2021 18:55 - 30 minutes - 70.4 MBOn the 150th anniversary of the death of Charles Babbage, we retrace the footsteps of the brilliant but irascible British inventor, mathematician, and engineer. Host Kenneth Cukier investigates why Babbage is hailed by some as the grandfather of the computer, while others argue his contribution is overblown. And could letting go of parts of his legacy help unleash the future of computing? For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcast...
Babbage: on Babbage
October 19, 2021 18:55 - 30 minutes - 70.4 MBOn the 150th anniversary of the death of Charles Babbage, we retrace the footsteps of the brilliant but irascible British inventor, mathematician, and engineer. Host Kenneth Cukier investigates why Babbage is hailed by some as the grandfather of the computer, while others argue his contribution is overblown. And could letting go of parts of his legacy help unleash the future of computing? For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcast...
Babbage: Rocks in space
October 12, 2021 19:40 - 30 minutes - 69.9 MBA probe to study the Trojan asteroids is expected to take off this week, but what will this mission uncover about the formation of the solar system? Also, we explore new technology to observe asteroids, as well as a mission to deflect an incoming celestial object. And, we hear from the Nobel co-laureate in Physiology or Medicine, Ardem Patapoutian, about temperature and pressure sensing. Alok Jha hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at econo...
Babbage: A new Anthropocene diet
October 05, 2021 15:34 - 26 minutes - 60.1 MBA new generation of technologies are transforming the world’s food-production system. Food scientists are producing cruelty-free meat in the lab, growing salad underground in vertical farms and bringing aquaculture on land. The Economist's US digital editor Jon Fasman uncovers the future of food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Don't panic
September 28, 2021 17:41 - 26 minutes - 59.5 MBAs British petrol stations run dry, we explore the behavioural science of panic buying. Also, a dried-up lake bed reveals evidence about America’s first inhabitants. And neuroscientist Anil Seth explains what a new theory can tell us about our conscious experiences of the world—and a chance to win his book. Kenneth Cukier hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly science newsletter at ...
Babbage: From pandemic to twindemic
September 21, 2021 18:10 - 28 minutes - 66 MBAs the northern hemisphere heads towards its second winter battling covid-19, epidemiologist Professor Dame Anne Johnson explains the risk of a surge in flu cases and how to avoid a double pandemic. Also, a decline in mental health was one of the unforeseen consequences of the coronavirus crisis. Dr Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist, advises how to turn everyday anxiety into a positive emotion. And, a new form of sea defence is part natural, part artificial. Kenneth Cukier hosts. For full acc...
Babbage: Booster shot
September 14, 2021 18:22 - 24 minutes - 57.1 MBAs the northern hemisphere heads towards its second pandemic winter, some countries have already started to make third doses of vaccine available to their most vulnerable citizens. But scientists disagree about whether offering boosters is the best use of vaccine resources—or necessary at all. And, a big study in Bangladesh finds simple ways to encourage mask use. Also, we reveal our book competition winner. Kenneth Cukier hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio e...
Babbage: The building blocks of life
September 07, 2021 17:29 - 27 minutes - 37.6 MBFrom the hive of molecular activity inside every cell to how cells self-organise into complex living things and those organisms evolve into different species, host Kenneth Cukier explores the fundamental architecture of life. He also investigates how the power of stem cells could be used to treat genetic diseases and why there is still debate about the origins of modern humans. With Geoffrey Carr, The Economist’s science editor; Dr Alison Woollard, professor of biochemistry at Oxford Univer...
Babbage: Back to school
August 31, 2021 18:07 - 28 minutes - 38.9 MBAs debates over vaccinating children rage and the Delta variant of covid-19 surges in many countries, what impact will the return to classrooms have on the covid-19 pandemic? Also, our science correspondent Alok Jha asks ecologist Meg Lowman about the secrets that can be revealed by exploring the treetops. And the northern white rhino is nearing extinction, but can technology bring this species back from the brink? Kenneth Cukier hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and...
Babbage: Unstrung — the end of string theory?
August 24, 2021 16:32 - 25 minutes - 57.5 MBThe 20th Century was a golden age for physics but some of its ideas for explaining the material universe have been thrown into doubt. Could a theory known as entropic gravity usher in a new dawn? Also, how should scientists engage with science deniers? And, the technology behind the next generation of prosthetic limbs. Natasha Loder hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly science news...
Babbage: Unstrung — the end of string theory?
August 24, 2021 16:32 - 25 minutes - 57.5 MBThe 20th Century was a golden age for physics but some of its ideas for explaining the material universe have been thrown into doubt. Could a theory known as entropic gravity usher in a new dawn? Also, how should scientists engage with science deniers? And, the technology behind the next generation of prosthetic limbs. Natasha Loder hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly science news...
Babbage: Keeping it cool
August 17, 2021 16:58 - 24 minutes - 34.2 MBSolar geoengineering has the potential to help counteract global warming, so why are scientists so cautious about it? Host Kenneth Cukier also explores a new, green idea that could revolutionise air conditioning. And our obituaries editor remembers Steven Weinberg, a Nobel laureate in physics who united two of the known forces in the universe. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly science n...
Babbage: Open-source intelligence
August 10, 2021 17:54 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBAmateurs, activists and academics are using technology and open-source data to uncover state secrets. Shashank Joshi, The Economist’s defence editor, explores how open-source intelligence is disrupting statecraft and asks John Brennan, a former director of the CIA, how these techniques are being used alongside secret intelligence to detect missile silos in China. Guests include Elliot Higgins, founder of Bellingcat, an open-source intelligence collective; Melissa Hanham, affiliate at Stanfo...
Babbage: The shot of the century
August 03, 2021 17:18 - 26 minutes - 61.3 MBThe discovery of insulin was a breakthrough in medicine, allowing millions of people to live with diabetes. Host Kenneth Cukier investigates how this life-changing innovation happened. Yet today less than half of the people in the world who need it have access to insulin — how can it be made more accessible? And what does the future hold for insulin treatments? For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our ne...
Babbage: Protein power
July 27, 2021 17:44 - 27 minutes - 37.4 MBGoogle’s DeepMind has developed an artificial-intelligence system that can predict the three-dimensional shape of proteins. How will this monumental step-change for biology be used? Also, a new study shows how wearable devices could help doctors understand long covid. And how songbirds reacquired an ability lost by their dinosaur ancestors. Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our n...
Babbage: Cloud of suspicion
July 20, 2021 16:51 - 29 minutes - 40 MBHigh stakes and big money lead some athletes to cheat at the Olympic games. Tim Cross, The Economist’s Technology editor, investigates the prevalence of doping in sport and asks if testing can ever keep a lid on the use of performance enhancing drugs. He finds out the impact of the pandemic on testing at the Tokyo games, talks to Olympians about the pressures involved and imagines what if doping restrictions were removed. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions ...
Babbage: Cloud of suspicion
July 20, 2021 16:51 - 29 minutes - 40 MBHigh stakes and big money lead some athletes to cheat at the Olympic games. Tim Cross, The Economist’s Technology editor, investigates the prevalence of doping in sport and asks if testing can ever keep a lid on the use of performance enhancing drugs. He finds out the impact of the pandemic on testing at the Tokyo games, talks to Olympians about the pressures involved and imagines what if doping restrictions were removed. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions ...
Babbage: Best behaviour
July 13, 2021 16:03 - 26 minutes - 37 MBCountries with high covid-19 vaccination rates, including England, are lifting social restrictions. Behavioural scientist Katy Milkman and health-policy editor Natasha Loder assess the impact of these changes. Will mask-wearing and social distancing stick? And, how people may one day drill for copper as they now drill for oil. Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly scien...
Babbage: Urban jungles
July 06, 2021 17:19 - 31 minutes - 43.6 MBAs urbanisation progresses and lethal heatwaves become more common, could miniature forests help air-condition cities? Plus, how virtual clinical trials could save money, time and lives. And, counting the hidden costs of artificial intelligence with Kate Crawford, cofounder of the AI Now Institute at NYU and author of “Atlas of AI”. Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly...
Babbage: Power play
June 29, 2021 18:08 - 28 minutes - 39.6 MBAn unlimited supply of clean, carbon-free energy—nuclear fusion is a technology that could change the world. Can engineers make fusion work on a commercial scale? Also, mathematician Jordan Ellenberg on how geometry shapes the world. And, why one of the most common sporting injuries is more of a risk to women than men—and how to prevent it. Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our n...
Babbage: The other environmental emergency
June 22, 2021 18:56 - 28 minutes - 39 MBThe loss of biodiversity poses as great a risk to humanity as climate change. Catherine Brahic, The Economist’s environment editor, investigates whether technology can help to monitor, model and protect Earth’s ecosystems. Also, do conservation scientists need to employ a new approach to work better with technologists? For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly science newsletter at economist.co...
Babbage: Mapping Africa
June 15, 2021 16:35 - 29 minutes - 41 MBJust 2% of the world’s human-genome catalogue represents people of African origin. A massive sequencing project aims to uncover untold genetic diversity and overlooked disease risks. Also, a new study shows intense exercise is a risk factor for ALS, the most common form of motor-neuron disease. And, the return of cicadas in America bodes ill for children’s well-being. Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcas...
Babbage: A flicker of light for Alzheimer’s
June 08, 2021 17:01 - 24 minutes - 55.1 MBAfter almost two decades, the FDA has granted conditional approval to a drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’ disease, called aducanumab. But the new drug, and its approval, is surrounded by controversy. Will the gamble pay off? Also, a clever upgrade to fog-collecting technology which could provide a water source in remote locations. And, potentially life-saving oxygen enemas? Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.c...
Babbage: Clearing the air
June 01, 2021 18:58 - 29 minutes - 67.8 MBAirborne transmission is one of the main ways that SARS-CoV-2 spreads. So why has it taken so long to be officially recognised? Host Kenneth Cukier and science correspondent Alok Jha investigate the flaws in public-health guidelines and how to assess the risk of aerosol contagion. It is time for a revolution in ventilation. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly science newsletter at economi...
Babbage: It’s in the genes
May 25, 2021 17:52 - 23 minutes - 53.5 MBHow can RNA, which is crucial for the development of vaccines, be used for controlling agricultural pests? Also, we ask Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian, a pioneer in next-generation DNA sequencing, what this technology heralds for the future of healthcare. And can dogs be used to screen for covid-19 at airports or mass gatherings? Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new w...
Babbage: The red planet
May 18, 2021 16:16 - 26 minutes - 61 MBAs China becomes the second country to land a rover successfully on the surface of Mars, what does the Tianwen-1 mission aim to achieve? Also, our innovation editor explores the challenge of recycling old electric vehicles, and how does Victorian-era pollution still shape England’s cities? Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simply...
Babbage: Chips and blocks
May 11, 2021 17:35 - 31 minutes - 44.8 MBCutting-edge semiconductors are the most complex objects that humans make. Host Hal Hodson and Tim Cross, The Economist’s technology editor, delve into the secretive science that powers a growing portion of economic activity and the world-leading yet precarious work of TSMC—the company that dominates chipmaking. The pandemic has exposed vulnerabilities in this system, but the race to dominate the world of chips is just beginning. With Dipti Vachani, vice president of automotive and IoT at A...
Babbage: Belt, road and orbit
May 04, 2021 15:57 - 22 minutes - 52.1 MBChina recently launched the first module of its new space station—what impact will this have on the international scientific community? Also, how orbiting telescopes could be useful in understanding cancer. And when solving problems, why do people prefer to innovate by adding things rather than getting rid of them? Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new weekly science newslett...
Babbage: Post-covid syndrome
April 28, 2021 16:43 - 27 minutes - 64 MBAs research on long covid advances, how should countries respond to the impending public health emergency? Also, new hope in the fight against malaria in the form of a highly effective vaccine. And, why the sound of nature might be good for your health. Kenneth Cukier hosts A note for our listeners: from May 4th 2021 Babbage will be published every Tuesday. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new ...
Babbage: Promising the earth
April 21, 2021 16:29 - 29 minutes - 68.6 MBPresident Biden is hosting a virtual summit with world leaders on Thursday 22nd April aiming to convince countries to take bolder action on climate change. Does this mark a new era for American leadership on climate? With China and America at odds over human rights, security and economic competition, can they work together against this common threat? And will countries take sufficient action to meet the challenge at hand? Charlotte Howard hosts A note for our listeners: from May 4th 2021 B...
Babbage: Where it began
April 14, 2021 17:51 - 35 minutes - 80.6 MBAlmost a year and a half since the discovery of the virus that causes covid-19, The Economist’s health policy editor, Natasha Loder, investigates one of the pandemic’s most compelling mysteries: where did SARS-CoV-2 come from? Peter Daszak, who was part of the World Health Organisation’s controversial fact-finding mission to China, explains what evidence they gathered from Wuhan’s animal markets and the city’s microbiology laboratories. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and...
Babbage: Finger on the pulse of bias
April 07, 2021 17:06 - 22 minutes - 51.9 MBHospitals routinely measure patients' blood-oxygen levels to determine the severity of covid-19. Why do these and other medical devices and treatments work less well for non-white people and women? Also, if you can have microwave ovens—why not microwave boilers for central heating? And, we explore how bees run vaccination campaigns too. Kenneth Cukier hosts For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our new we...