Does new science get us closer to finding out how life on earth began?

Does new science get us closer to finding out how life on earth began?

From BBC Inside Science by BBC Radio 4

February 26, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

The episode explores the origins of life on Earth through new RNA discoveries and discusses AI's current state with insights from various guests.

Perhaps it’s the biggest question science has left to answer, how did life begin? Now, molecular biologists in Cambridge university have discovered tiny molecules of RNA which they say might provide some clues. Science journalist and author Philip Ball explains what we know and whether we’ll ever find the origins of life on earth. Professor Michael Wooldridge has given this year’s Royal Society’s Michael Faraday Prize lecture. He speaks to Tom Whipple about why the AI we have is not what he wanted it to be; rational. And science columnist at the Financial Times Anj Ahuja brings her favourite new science to discuss. To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk, search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University. Presenter: Tom Whipple Producer: Kate White, Katie Tomsett, Clare Salisbury and Alex Mansfield Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

People in this episode

Host: Tom Whipple

Guests: Philip Ball, Michael Wooldridge, Anj Ahuja

Topics covered

  • origins of life
  • molecular biology
  • RNA
  • artificial intelligence
  • science journalism
  • Royal Society lecture

Keywords

  • life origins
  • RNA discovery
  • molecular biology
  • AI
  • science journalism
  • Royal Society
  • Cambridge university

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cambridge university, Royal Society, Financial Times, BBC Inside Science, The Open University

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