Inside Science: Macroscopic quantum tunneling, China’s renewables leadership, Shackleton’s Endurance, and Moon geology

Overview

BBC Inside Science explores a week of science across physics, energy, biology, and space. It explains how macroscopic quantum tunneling in superconducting circuits enables quantum bits, and examines why China is rapidly expanding renewables with massive solar, wind, and EV growth. The episode also features comedian Josie Long discussing extinct megafauna and climate history, a reevaluation of Shackleton’s Endurance, and lunar science that could reveal ancient rocks on the Moon’s far side rim. The show closes with a look at inheritance of fitness in mice via sperm microRNA and the enduring sense of wonder that science can inspire.

Presented with accessibility and curiosity, the program weaves complex ideas into accessible explanations while highlighting ongoing mysteries that invite further exploration.

Quantum hardware and computing

The discussion centers on macroscopic quantum tunneling in superconducting loops, where electrons pair up to form a coherent quantum current. This setup underpins superconducting qubits, the building blocks of current quantum computer prototypes from major tech companies. The host and guest explain how quantum states can exist in superposition and how tunneling enables switching between states, providing a potential advantage for certain tasks like optimization and search. The conversation also touches on the practical challenges, including the need for extreme cooling and the prospect of alternative quantum architectures that could ease cooling demands. Pseudo-quote "macroscopic quantum effects in superconducting loops that let currents behave as a single quantum object are the basis for quantum bits" - Phil Ball

China’s renewables surge

Two engineers discuss why renewables have leapfrogged coal to become the dominant electricity source globally, with China at the forefront. Key factors include targeted investments, in-house R&D, and a robust manufacturing ecosystem for solar panels and wind turbines. The interview emphasizes scale: massive solar and wind deployment, advanced grid infrastructure, and an expanding electric vehicle market, with local manufacturing controlling much of the energy technology stack. Quote "The pace of change is astonishing, with electric vehicles becoming a mature supply chain in China" - Zulfikar Khan

Extinct megafauna and joy in science storytelling

Comedian Josie Long describes her UK tour focused on extinct megafauna, highlighting how these creatures were contemporaries of humans and how much remains unknown about their diversity and extinction. The segment balances wonder with the climate and human impact narrative, using humor to make deep-time biology approachable and emotionally resonant. Quote "It reminds you of the sheer potential of the world, how wonderful and diverse it is, and it feels like magic that was real" - Josie Long

Endurance and lunar science

A new study challenges the notion that Shackleton’s Endurance was the strongest ship of its time, suggesting Shackleton knew it wasn’t, and discussing what those claims mean for maritime engineering history. The conversation moves to lunar science, where the Moon’s South Pole-Aitken Basin might contain pristine rocks from deep within the Moon, potentially accessible by Artemis 3 missions. The discussion showcases how historical narratives can be revised by new analyses and how lunar geology could unlock answers about the Moon’s interior. Quote "Shackleton himself knew it wasn't the strongest ship" - Yuko Tukari

Inheriting fitness and mystery in biology

The episode closes with a report on a study showing that trained mice can pass on fitter traits to their offspring via microRNA in sperm, influencing mitochondrial function and endurance. The gender-specific nature of the effect remains puzzling, highlighting how epigenetic information can cross generations in unexpected ways. Quote "microRNA are passing into the sperm and influencing offspring endurance" - Penny Sarche