This week we’re taking you on a journey, from the ancient origins of life to lessons for a space-age future, stopping in the middle for a look at some traditional knowledge that’s just as relevant today.

We’ve also put together a special feature highlighting a year’s worth of women in STEM from the podcast for the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM. Our resident podcaster Rose does an incredible job of getting at what a STEM career is really like, and what a scientist actually does, from some familiar faces but also some voices you might not be used to hearing.

Science stories you might’ve missed

Fishy prescriptions: According to an international team of researchers, waterways contaminated by anti-depressants are compromising global fish populations. When exposed to waters polluted by anti-depressants, the behavioural diversity of fish decreased. When fish all start acting the same, their chances of survival in the wild are reduced.

Electric silicon: Curtin University researchers have just worked out how to make silicon at room temperature. By replacing extreme heat with electricity, the economic and environmental costs of silicon production are dramatically reduced.

International recognition for Australian Academy of Science Fellow: Professor Martina Stenzel has been recognised as one of the most distinguished women in chemistry by the International Union for Pure and Applied Chemistry. Professor Stenzel is a celebrated polymer chemist who has undertaken ground-breaking research into the use of polymers in cancer treatment.