This week, a computer chip based on carbon nanotubes, and the potential pitfalls of sequencing ancient-human remains.

In this episode:

00:45 A nanotube microprocessor

Scientists are looking beyond silicon, by constructing a computer chip using carbon nanotubes.

Research article: Shulaker et al. News and Views: Nanotube computer scaled up

08:38 Research Highlights

Weighing neutrinos, and discovering a hidden Zika epidemic.

Research Highlight: Lightest neutrino is at least 6 million times lighter than an electron; Research Highlight: Cuba’s untold Zika outbreak uncovered

10:29 Using ancient-human remains conscientiously

While genetic sequencing of ancient-human remains is providing more information than ever, these remains must be safeguarded, warn researchers. Comment Article: Use ancient remains more wisely

17:21 News Chat

The discovery of a 3.8-million-year-old hominin skull, and using CRISPR to make ‘smart’ materials.

News: Rare 3.8-million-year-old skull recasts origins of iconic ‘Lucy’ fossil News: CRISPR cuts turn gels into biological watchdogs

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29 August 2019: Carbon-based computing, and depleting ancient-human genomes

Nature Podcast