David Boldeman is joined by science journalist Ellen Phiddian to explore the strange and often misunderstood physics of tides. The conversation unpacks why most coastlines experience two tides a day, why tidal behaviour varies so dramatically around the world, and what tide charts are actually measuring. Along the way, they examine spring and king tides, the influence of geography and ocean shape, and how tidal forces affect not just the oceans, but the Earth and Moon over deep time including the possibility that tides played a role in the origins of life.

For the latest science news and discoveries visit https://connectsci.au/news

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This episode explains how sea level rise is measured — not just that it’s happening. It demystifies the tools, the data, and the validation process that sit behind one of the most talked-about climate metrics.

Sea level is a baseline measurement that underpins city planning, infrastructure design, flood risk modelling, and long-term coastal decision-making. Understanding how we know builds trust in what we know.

Science journalist Ellen Phiddian joins host David Boldeman to guide you through the measurement process, how evidence is tested, and how journalists assess confidence in scientific claims.

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In this Ultramarine episode of the Connect Sci Podcast, host David Boldeman speaks with Sean Daly from Citizens of the Reef about how students, teachers, and everyday Australians can play a real role in protecting the Great Barrier Reef.

Sean explains the major threats facing coral reefs — especially climate change and outbreaks of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish — and why traditional scientific monitoring can only cover a small fraction of this vast marine system. He talks about the Great Reef Census, a global citizen-science project where divers, tourists, schools, and volunteers photograph and analyse reef images to build the most comprehensive picture yet of reef health.

Explore the organisations and resources mentioned:

• Citizens of the Reef — https://citizensgbr.org/
• Great Reef Census — https://greatreefcensus.org
• Schools Program — https://greatreefcensus.org/schools
• Sean’s Schools presentation available via Google Drive

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