Nature Podcast

An ancient solar storm helps pinpoint when Vikings lived in the Americas, and using magnets to deftly move non-magnetic metals.In this episode:00:53 Pinpointing Viking presence in North AmericaIt’s well-understood that Vikings went to North America around a thousand years ago. However, working out a precise date has proven difficult. Now, thanks to an ancient solar storm, researchers have been able to identify an individual year when Vikings were definitely living on the continent.Research article: Kuitems et al.14:57 Research HighlightsHow shoulder muscles gave Pterosaurs an aerodynamic edge, and mysterious radio waves coming from near the centre of the Milky Way.Research Highlight: How ancient reptiles were streamlined for flightResearch Highlight: A mysterious radio signal object is beaming radio waves into the Milky Way17:45 Magnets move non-magnetic metalsScientists have created an array of magnets capable of moving non-metallic objects in 6 dimensions. They hope their new approach could one day be