Hear the biggest stories from the world of science

World’s tiniest pacemaker could revolutionize heart surgery

Hear the biggest stories from the world of science | 02 April 2025

Download the Nature Podcast 02 April 2025

In this episode:

00:46 Millimetre-sized pacemaker fits inside syringe

Researchers have developed a tiny, temporary pacemaker that dissolves when no longer needed, helping to overcome some of the challenges associated with current devices. Temporary pacemakers are often required after heart surgery but implanting them can require invasive procedures. This new device is injectable, requires no external power and is controlled using light shone through the skin. The tiny pacemaker has shown promise in animal and heart models, and the team think it could also be used in other situations where electrical stimulation is needed, like the brain.

Research Article: Zhang et al.

08:19 Research Highlights

Measurements show that global warming is causing lakes to lose their oxygen, and a massive, 30-year analysis showing that a diet of plant-rich foods is associated with healthy ageing

Research Highlight: Life-giving oxygen is wafting out of lakes worldwide

Research Highlight: The best foods for healthy ageing ― and the worst

10:21 Shingles vaccine linked to reduced dementia risk

A large-scale population study suggests that getting a shingles vaccine reduces the probability of someone getting dementia by around one-fifth. By taking advantage of the way a shingles vaccine was rolled out in Wales, a team were able to compare dementia outcomes in vaccine-eligible people to those born just a few weeks earlier who were ineligible. Although more tests will be needed to confirm this finding and to understand the mechanisms behind it, the team hope that vaccination against this viral infection could represent a cost-effective way to for preventing or delaying dementia.

Research article: Eyting et al.

20:20 Briefing Chat

Data suggests that racial profiling plays a role in whether someone receives a traffic citation or fine, and studies suggest that paying researchers who review manuscripts could speed up the peer-review process, without affecting the quality of reviews.

Ars Technica: Study of Lyft rideshare data confirms minorities get more tickets

Nature: Publishers trial paying peer reviewers — what did they find?

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