Briefing Chat: The tongue trick that helps sunbirds suck

This episode of The Nature Podcast explores three fascinating scientific stories from the latest Nature Briefing. First, a groundbreaking study reveals that exosomes derived from pig semen can potentially deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into the eye by temporarily opening tight junctions in the retina—a promising, non-invasive alternative to current treatments for retinoblastoma in children. The research, tested in mice and rabbits, shows tumor reduction and preserved vision, with potential applications for other hard-to-reach areas like the brain. Next, a deep dive into the 'motherhood penalty' in academia, based on a large Danish dataset, reveals that women with children are 29% less likely to be employed at universities eight years post-childbirth, with a 35% lower chance of tenure and 31% fewer publications—highlighting persistent gender inequities despite progressive parental policies. The study underscores systemic issues in work-life balance, especially around caregiving responsibilities. Finally, scientists uncover a novel feeding mechanism in sunbirds: using their uniquely shaped, partially transparent tongues to create suction against their beaks—making them the first known vertebrates to suck nectar solely through tongue manipulation, a discovery with potential for biomimetic engineering. The episode closes with gratitude to guests Lizzie Gibney and Flora Graham.