In this episode of the Physics World Weekly podcast, we meet Hannah Coleman, Ryan Hill and Matt Brookes of the UK’s University of Nottingham, who talk about a new way of scanning the brain using quantum devices called optically pumped magnetometers. A key feature of the technique is that it allows magneto-encephalography to be used to study the brains of children, which had not been possible using other technologies.

We also hear from Adam Soule, an undersea expert at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the US. Soule talks to Physics World’s James Dacey about doing science in the Alvin submersible vehicle, which is currently be refurbished to allow it to reach the astonishing depth of 6.5 km.

Finally, my colleague Margaret Harris joins me for a chat about some of the unexpected consequences of the recent cold snap in Texas.