Inside Science: Artemis II Moon Mission, Autism Genetics Explained, Mull Eagles Conservation

In this week's Inside Science, Victoria Gill guides listeners through a multi-topic episode: the Artemis II crewed moon mission and its implications for space exploration; a rigorous look at the genetics of autism and the influence of environment; new gravitational wave findings from LIGO that test general relativity; reflections on modern manufacturing and the fragility of global supply chains; and a poignant segment from Mull, Scotland, about the white-tailed eagle recovery and the tale of the young eagle named Kinky. The program weaves expert voices with historical audio, offering a broad view of science in society, technology, and the natural world.

Autism genetics and the science behind the risk

The episode opens with a discussion on autism that emphasizes its largely genetic basis, detailing hundreds of genes involved and the possible but smaller roles environmental factors may play. Laura Andre from King’s College London explains how twin studies imply high heritability, while advances in DNA sequencing have identified many contributing genes. She also discusses the complexity of autism as likely not a single disorder and addresses how some people view a cure differently depending on their experience and needs. The segment blends science with sensitivity to lived experiences, highlighting ongoing debates about treatment, support, and identity.

"The simple answer is that it is mostly genetic" — Laura Andre, professor of developmental neuroscience, King’s College London.

Artemis II: a new chapter in lunar exploration

The program then shifts to space with Tim O’Brien explaining Artemis II, the plan to send four astronauts in a capsule around the far side of the Moon and return to Earth. The discussion places Artemis in a broader geopolitical context, noting renewed competition among nations and private companies in space, as well as the enduring inspiration of lunar exploration. The interview reflects on the legacy of Apollo and the ongoing questions about what humans hope to learn from returning to the Moon, including planetary origins, resource potential, and long-term human presence.

"Artemis II is intended to loop them around the far side of the moon, bring them back to Earth" — Tim O’Brien, astrophysicist.

Gravitational waves and tests of relativity

Another science thread centers on black holes and gravitational waves, with updates from LIGO about a particularly strong signal that allows detailed modeling of a black hole merger. The podcast explains how the data reveal the dynamics of black-hole interiors and even test Hawking and Einstein’s ideas about event horizons and general relativity, offering a glimpse of potential future breakthroughs toward a more complete theory of physics.

"the signal to noise is so great on that observation" — Tim O’Brien, astrophysicist.

Manufacturing resilience and global supply chains

Tim Minchell, head of manufacturing at Cambridge, uses the humble toilet roll to illustrate how modern manufacturing chains are deeply interconnected and highly complex. He discusses resilience challenges exemplified by events like the Suez blockage, emphasizing the environmental costs and the importance of cleaner transport options for moving goods globally. The conversation frames manufacturing as a critical backbone of everyday life and economic security, urging moves toward local production where feasible and cleaner logistics when moving goods.

"If something as simple as a roll of toilet paper has immense complexity behind it" — Tim Minchell, Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge.

Wildlife watching: Mull’s sea eagles

The final segment brings listeners to Mull in Scotland, where a conservationist tracks the white-tailed eagle recovery and a remarkable juvenile named Kinky. Dave Sexton recounts the eagle’s injury, its perseverance through winter, and the uncertain but hopeful fate of the bird as it returns to the landscape. The piece offers a human-scale lens on biodiversity conservation and the long arc of ecological restoration.

"Kinky is a remarkable young sea eagle" — Dave Sexton, RSPB Mull officer and ambassador.

The episode wraps with an invitation to submit questions for future episodes, maintaining the show’s spirit of curiosity and inclusive science communication.