Natural Resource Today Podcast

#255: From Cooperation to Competition: How Latitude Shapes Forest Life

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Trees near the equator thrive on teamwork, but further north rivalry takes root.

#254: Plants, People and the Web of Life in Africa

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Green growth builds the web, but human hands can break it.

#253: The Tiny Fish That Climbs Waterfalls

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The extraordinary journey of Africa’s climbing fish.

#252: The Future of Canada’s Oceans

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Adapting the Blue Economy for a changing world.

#251: The Secret Chemistry of Plants and Wastewater

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tracing the secret pathways of medicines through the plants we eat.

#250: The Fire History of Tropical Peatlands

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Charcoal records reveal long-term fire patterns.

#249: When Dinner Turns Deadly: Amazon Fish Contamination

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when your main source of protein becomes a health hazard?

#248: Scorpion Venom Unlocks Clotting Breakthrough

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Scorpion venom discovery could pave the way for lifesaving blood‑clotting treatments.

#247: How Plant Hormone Therapy Could Boost Global Food Security

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Plants face a constant balancing act.

#246: Wireless Subsoil Monitoring for Smarter Farming

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Reshaping the future of farming.

#245: South Africa’s Karoo Basin Earthquake Clusters

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Karoo Basin in South Africa has experienced earthquake swarms near Leeu Gamka.

#244: Tshifhiwa Stanley Radzilani | Broadcasting Through Hard Times: COVID-19 and Community Radio in Vhembe

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The guest's contributions are based on his academic research. They are shared in his personal capacity and do not represent the views of this plat...

#243: Pharmaceutical Pollution: Protecting People and the Planet

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pharmaceutical pollution can harm wildlife.

#242: On the Brink: How Long-Term Science Can Save Our Planet

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Earth is in crisis.

#241: Dr Thanyani Phaiphai | Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement Implementation in Vhembe's Primary Schools

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The guest's contributions are based on his academic research. They are shared in his personal capacity and do not represent the views of this platform...

#240: Arinao Denga | Insights into Egg Production

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Arinao Denga holds an Honours degree in Animal Science from the University of Venda.The guest's contributions are based on her academic research. ...

#239: Dr Pfarelo Matsila | Exploring How Vhembe's Informal Street Traders Balance Livelihood Activities with Caregiving Responsibilities

06 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Pfarelo Matsila is a researcher at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Centre for Sexualities, AIDS, and Gender (CSA&G). The guest's contri...

#238: The Impact of Reduced Snowfall on Glaciers in Central Asia

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02611-8

#237: Bono Mulabisani | Understanding Carbon Taxation in South Africa

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bono Mulabisani is an energy trader. The guest's contributions are based on her academic research. They are shared in her personal capacity and do...

#236: Nakisani Princess Sigama, Representation of Afrophobia Violence on X (formerly Twitter) in South Africa

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nakisani Princess Sigama holds a master’s degree in communication and media studies from the University of Venda.

#235: Knowledge Mariba Tshiangwa, University of Venda, The Influence of Microfinance on Small Enterprises in Vhembe District, Limpopo

01 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Knowledge Mariba Tshiangwa is pursuing a Master of Commerce (MCom) at the University of Venda.

#234: Elisa Pandelani Munzhelele, University of Venda, Understanding Pharmaceutical Contaminants in South Africa's Wastewater

25 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Elisa Pandelani Munzhelele is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Sciences at the University of Venda.

#233: Dr Melford Mbedzi, Mangosuthu University of Technology - Invasive Alien Plant Species Eradication

18 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Melford Mbedzi is a lecturer at Mangosuthu University of Technology.

#232: Ndivhuho Khantshi, ThomaTree Family (Pty) Ltd - Mobilizing Resources for Wetland Conservation

04 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More Information:www.thomatree.co.za

#231: Human Fire Use in East Asia

27 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2500042122

#230: The Domestication of Pigs

20 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2507123122

#229: Wildlife Trafficking Hotspots

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02371-5

#228: Community Engagement in Plastic Pollution Research

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-025-00127-8

#227: Climate Change Threat to Wild Animals

30 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/biaf059

#226: The Link Between Plastic Chemicals and Cardiovascular Deaths

23 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105730

#225: Projecting Impacts of Climate Change on Crop Production

16 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1088/2752-5295/adcbc9

#224: Understanding Avian Influenza Virus in Cats

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofaf261

#223: Severe Drought in Africa

25 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://dx.doi.org/10.2760/2135988

#222: Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Global Shipping

18 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1029/2024EF005255

#221: Human Impact on Global Biodiversity

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08752-2

#220: The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health in Madagascar

21 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2025.100438

#219: Effects of Pesticides on Bumble Bee Brain

14 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-025-02169-z

#218: Functional Properties of Tropical Forest Canopies

07 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-08663-2

#217: New Volcanic Eruption Forecasting Tool

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-56689-x

#216: Understanding Glacier Lake Outburst Floods

21 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-025-00388-w

#215: Monitoring Melting of the Arctic Ice

14 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apor.2024.104316

#214: Sahara Historical Rainfall Pattern

07 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2024.119195

#213: Understanding Ebola Virus Transmission

31 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adr6140

#212: Relationship Between Loneliness and Heart Disease

24 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-02078-1

#211: Effects of Microplastics and Nanoplastics on Terrestrial Ecosystems

17 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2024.11.018

#210: Buntu Ngcebetsha, Rhodes University - Imaging the Sky

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More Information: [email protected]

#209: Understanding Nigeria’s Residential Building Energy Use

22 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.5334/bc.452

#208: Discovery of New Bacteria Species

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-53855-5

#207: The Link Between Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Human Health

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.09.015

#206: Sinalo Grangxabe, Cape Peninsula University of Technology – Community-Based Conservation and Waste Management in South Africa

04 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/3480

#205: Boredi Chidi, Cape Peninsula University of Technology - The Role of Yeast in Food Preservation

27 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For more information, contact Dr Boredi Chidi at [email protected]

#204: Cynthia Dlangamandla, Cape Peninsula University of Technology - The Importance of Wastewater Treatment in South Africa’s Poultry Slaughterhouse Industry

20 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://etd.cput.ac.za/handle/20.500.11838/3698

#203: Wild Gorilla Self-Medication

13 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0306957 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research servic...

#202: Thandazile Marazula, Cape Peninsula University of Technology - Community Protection from Radiation

06 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.2166/wh.2024.056 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services compan...

#201: Understanding Blood Sugar Regulation in Bats

30 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02485-7 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services...

#200: Michael Agenbag, Cape Peninsula University of Technology - New Theory for Effective Municipal Service Delivery in South Africa

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Further Reading: https://hdl.handle.net/10520/ejc-newgen-v20-n2-a4 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research s...

#199: Global Warming and Sea Level Rise

16 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More Information: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adn1470 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services co...

#198: Zambezi River Basin Natural Resource Management

09 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More Information: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2024.101030 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research servi...

#197: What Caused Morocco Earthquake of 2023?

02 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More Information: https://doi.org/10.1029/2024GL109052 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services comp...

#196: Vegetation Change in Inner Mongolia

26 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More Information: https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.4769 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services company...

#195: History of Agriculture in East Africa

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More Information: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2023.2747 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services co...

#194: Discovery of New Plant Species Related to Cocoa Tree

12 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More Information: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12225-024-10171-x Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research service...

#193: Discovery of New Armadillo Species

05 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More Information: https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syae027 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services co...

#192: World’s Last Wild Horse Species

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More Information: https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkae113 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services...

#191: Shrinking Body Size of Gray Whale

21 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17366 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services company...

#190: Biodiversity Conservation Governance

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.03.005 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research servi...

#189: Impact of Urbanization on Biodiversity in Africa

07 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-024-01362-2 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research service...

#188: Coastal Erosion Projections in California

31 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01388-6 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research servic...

#187: Origin of Baobab Trees

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07447-4 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research service...

#186: Mosquito Response to Climate Change

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2024.100317 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research serv...

#185: Rendani Mulaudzi - “The Most Significant Research Findings: Top 50 Scientific Breakthroughs and Discoveries of 2022”

10 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:4a2ed096-3500-39a4-a77f-511d0efb9a95 Episode Sponsor:Naturalresourcetoday...

#184: Impacts of Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs in Papua New Guinea

03 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-023-01683-y Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research service...

#183: Evolution of Bats from the Solomon Islands

26 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1093/evolut/qpae039 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services co...

#182: Understanding global concurrent heatwaves and extreme sea level rise

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01274-1 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research servic...

#181: Arctic Precipitation Changes

12 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL107467 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services comp...

#180: Impacts of Open Waste Burning on Air Quality

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1002/asl.1231 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services company,...

#179: Flash Drought Development

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41612-024-00618-0 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research service...

#178: Tree Wood Density Distribution

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17224 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services company...

#177: Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of Coral Reefs in Seychelles

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-55459-x Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research service...

#176: Preventing Habitat Loss

08 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.17211 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research services company...

#175: Discovery of a New Pseudoscorpion Species

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1192.111308 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research servic...

#174: Understanding Wetland Methane Emissions

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-01933-3 Episode Sponsor: Naturalresourcetoday.com is a South African scientific research service...

#173: The Evolution of Modern Birds

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2319696121 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a lead...

#172: Discovery of an Ancient Shark Species

09 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.3897/fr.27.e112800 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a leadin...

#171: Predicting Dog Personality Using Artificial Intelligence Approach

02 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-52920-9 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a l...

#170: Marine Heatwave Impact on Pacific Cod Growth

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2023.00050 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a ...

#169: Southern Ocean Acidification

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44438-x Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a le...

#168: Extreme Heat and Floods in China

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adi2714 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a leadi...

#167: Understanding the Evolution of Human Brain Development

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02253-z Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a l...

#166: Impact of Aerosols on Cloud Dynamics

01 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01319-8 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a l...

#165: Understanding Albinism in Large Mammals

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkad156 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a le...

#164: Mercury Pollution Impacts on Neotropical Birds

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10646-023-02706-y Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Res...

#163: High-Latitude Volcanic Eruptions and Historical Global Cooling

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2221810120 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a lead...

#162: Rapid Intensification of Tropical Cyclones

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40605-2 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a l...

#161: Understanding Mosquito Evolution

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41764-y Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a ...

#160: Understanding Same-Sex Sexual Behaviour Evolution in Mammals

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-41290-x Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a l...

#159: Discovery of a New Species of Coral Reef Fish

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8404548 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a leadi...

#158: Global Distribution of Traded Alien Fern Species

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.87.101104 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a le...

#157: Predicting Extinction of Mammals

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-023-01259-3 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a l...

#156: Air Pollution from Landscape Fires

22 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

More information: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06398-6 Episode Sponsor: Natural Resource Today Network (Pty) Ltd: Natural Resource Today is a l...