# The surprising value of boring chats, ‘super El Niño’ and Alzheimer’s evidence reviewed

An episode of [Science Weekly](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/136697669), 16 Apr 2026, 21 min.

Audio: https://flex.acast.com/audio.guim.co.uk/2026/04/15-64283-gnl.sci.20260415.eb.round_up_alzheimers.mp3

Madeleine Finlay sits down with co-host and science editor Ian Sample to discuss three eye-catching stories from the week, including a review into the effectiveness of a new class of Alzheimer’s drug that was once hailed as a game-changer in slowing the progress of the disease. Also on the agenda is the news that the world could be heading for a ‘super El Niño’ this summer and a study exploring whether conversations about dull topics really are as boring as we expect them to be. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

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