Babbage: Don't panic

<p>As <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/09/27/why-are-british-petrol-stations-running-dry?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">British petrol stations run dry</a>, we explore the behavioural science of panic buying. Also, a dried-up lake bed reveals evidence about <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2021/09/25/an-old-lake-bed-reveals-evidence-of-americas-first-inhabitants?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">America’s first inhabitants</a>. And neuroscientist Anil Seth explains what a new theory can tell us about our <a href="https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2020/11/17/two-rival-theories-of-consciousness-are-put-to-the-test?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">conscious experiences</a> of the world—and a chance to win his book. Kenneth Cukier hosts.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at <a href="http://www.economist.com/podcastoffer?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/podcastoffer</a> and sign up for our new weekly science newsletter at <a href="http://www.economist.com/simplyscience?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/simplyscience</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Terms and conditions for the book competition featured in this podcast are available at <a href="http://economist.com/podcast-contest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/podcast-contest</a>.</p> &#10;&nbsp;<br /><hr><p style='color: grey; font - si