Episode description

For decades, scientists have debated whether protons have ‘intrinsic charm’, meaning they contain elementary particles known as charm quarks. Now, using machine learning to comb through huge amounts of experimental data, a team have shown evidence that the charm quark can be found within a proton, which may have important ramifications in the search for new physics.

Research article: The NNPDF Collaboration

News and Views: Evidence at last that the proton has intrinsic charm

How sea sponges ‘sneeze’ to clean their filters, and why bonobos’ infantile behaviour helps them receive consolation after conflict.

Research Highlight: How a sponge ‘sneezes’ mucus: against the flow

Research Highlight: Bonobo apes pout and throw tantrums — and gain sympathy

We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, the repeated evolution of the crab body-shape, and why demanding work can lead to mental fatigue.

Discover: Evolution Only Thinks About One Thing, and It’s Crabs

Nature News: Why thinking hard makes us feel tired

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