The surprising value of boring chats, ‘super El Niño’ and Alzheimer’s evidence reviewed – podcast
Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 4:00 AM · By Presented by Madeleine Finlay, with Ian Sample, produced by Ellie Sans, sound design by Joel Cox, the executive producer is Ellie Bury
Madeleine Finlay sits down with co-host and science editor Ian Sample to discuss three eye-catching stories from the week, including a review into the effectiveness of a new class of Alzheimer’s drug that was once hailed as a game-changer in slowing the progress of the disease. Also on the agenda is the news that the world could be heading for a ‘super El Niño’ this summer and a study exploring whether conversations about dull topics really are as boring as we expect them to be Hate small talk?…