Inside Science: Skin-cell embryos, Jane Goodall's legacy, drone walls, exoplanet TRAPPIST-1E, and koala vaccine

Inside Science examines a controversial fertility advance that uses skin cells to create embryos, highlighting the technical hurdles, safety concerns, and legal boundaries. The program also pays tribute to Jane Goodall and reflects on her trailblazing influence on science and conservation. It then dives into drone warfare with the concept of a drone wall, detailing the sensor, command, and defensive layers, and the challenges of scale. The show shares fresh thoughts on the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1E from the James Webb Space Telescope, including atmosphere clues and life-hosting potential, followed by news of a koala chlamydia vaccine that could reduce mortality substantially. The episode closes with memories of Goodall and reflections on science communication and ethics.

Reproductive biology and ethical boundaries

The episode centres on a bold but contentious attempt to create human embryos from skin cells using a process called mtomyosis, which aims to produce haploid genome material to enable fertilisation. The researchers report blastocyst-stage development in some cases but chromosomal abnormalities are common, raising safety concerns about potential offspring viability. Discussion with Geraldine Jowett (University of Cambridge) and Emily Jackson (London School of Economics) highlights that, even if technical hurdles are overcome, the UK's fertility laws require that only permitted eggs and sperm be used, and that any clinical use would demand major legal changes and robust safety data. A key point is that this approach currently seems far from clinical translation, with debates about whether in vitro gametogenesis from stem cells might eventually bypass donor eggs and alter the reproductive landscape.

"out of safety concerns and like health of any future child being born and that child also being fertile. Probably this exact approach is not anywhere near being translational for the clinic." - Geraldine Jowett, Doctor

Jane Goodall’s legacy and impact on science

The program shifts to the death of primatologist Jane Goodall and features Joyce Poole, co-founder of Elephant Voices, reflecting on Goodall’s pioneering approach to naming and observing animals, and her tireless advocacy for conservation. Poole recalls how Goodall’s work reshaped our understanding of chimpanzees, their emotions, social lives, and the broader influence on field biology and wildlife protection. The segment underscores Goodall’s role as a mentor and public figure who inspired subsequent generations of scientists and conservationists.

"Jane was such a trailblazer in the things that I care about so much." - Joyce Poole, Biologist

Drone walls and airborne defense

David Hambling discusses drone warfare, focusing on Shahid-type drones as affordable, mass-produced threats that can outpace traditional defense. He outlines a three-layer drone wall: sensors (radar, acoustic networks like Sky Fortress using thousands of microphones), a command and control system, and effectors (electronic jamming and air defenses). The conversation stresses the scale problem, noting that even with multi-layered defenses, the sheer volume of drones outnumbers countermeasures, and European states must invest more in defense infrastructure for drones. The discussion also touches on the rapid development cycle of drones, contrasting them with conventional aircraft programs.

"The drone wall needs to have 3 components: sensors, command and control, and effectors. The problem is the sheer volume of these drones." - David Hambling, Journalist

Exoplanet TRAPPIST-1E and life-friendly clues

Caroline Steele highlights exoplanet TRAPPIST-1E as an Earth-like, rocky world in the habitable zone. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers have ruled out hydrogen- and carbon dioxide-dominated atmospheres, with hints pointing toward a nitrogen-dominated atmosphere, a solvent for potential life-supporting chemistry. The host explains tidally locked conditions and the potential for a twilight ring around the planet where life might persist. While not confirming life, the discussion marks a significant step toward understanding exoplanet atmospheres and the possible diversity of habitable environments beyond Earth.

"This is very Earth-like, it’s earth-ish sized." - Caroline Steele, Science Broadcaster

Koala vaccine and wildlife conservation

The episode reports progress on a koala chlamydia vaccine, which can reduce mortality by at least 65 percent, though delivery to wild populations poses challenges. Experts discuss rollout strategies to protect vulnerable koala populations, with wildlife hospitals as initial targets for vaccination campaigns. The segment emphasizes the importance of vaccines for endangered species and the need for funding and logistics to scale up treatment in wild populations.

Closing reflections

The program ends with a clip of Jane Goodall illustrating the power of understanding animal behavior and communication, reinforcing the theme of science as a bridge between discovery and stewardship. The host signs off with references to ongoing scientific dialogue and responsible research communication.