Podcasts by Question of the Week, from the Naked Scientists
Each week we set out to solve one of the world's weirdest, wackiest, funniest and funkiest scientific puzzles. And along with the answer there's a brand new question to think about for next time...
Further podcasts by Dr Chris Smith
Podcast on the topic Biowissenschaften
All episodes
Do humans have whiskers? from 2023-12-12T16:54:06.067511
Many people across the world are able to grow moustaches and beards, but are these the same as whiskers? Find out in this hirsute QotW. Plus, we ask if eyes overcompensate when wearing sunglasses. ...
Listen
What is a black hole made up of? from 2023-12-08T01:08:56
Thanks to Cambridge University's Ben Allanach for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Why does my nose run in cold weather? from 2023-12-01T03:45:37
Charlene wrote in to ask, 'Why does my nose run in cold weather? What are the physiological benefits of this?' To answer it, Rhys James enlisted the help of consultant ear, nose and throat surgeon,...
Listen
How healthy are seeds? from 2023-11-24T11:45:15
James Tytko took on this question from listener Fraser with the help of nutritionist Sarah Berry... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporti...
Listen
Why isn't it possible to go faster than light? from 2023-11-17T01:38:55
Thanks to Tony Padilla for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
What's the magnifying strength of my marble? from 2023-11-10T12:56:21
James Tytko took on this question with the help of the University of Glasgow's Richard Bowman... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting ...
Listen
Could you deflect a laser around the Moon? from 2023-11-03T01:33:53
Thanks to Professor Michalis Zervas and Professor Simon Hooker for the answers! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scienti...
Listen
Why are there salty and fresh bodies of water? from 2023-10-27T12:42:15
James Tytko took this question on... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Am I manufacturing a mosquito master race? from 2023-10-20T11:35:32
Joanne sent in this question, which James Tytko posed to Laurence Hurst from the University of Bath... Like this podcast? Please help us by suppo...
Listen
How did people in the past find water? from 2023-10-13T10:21:30
Thanks to Dr Ellen Arnold for her help with this question! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Why don't new species suffer inbreeding problems? from 2023-10-06T02:25:19
This week's question involves the evolutionary process of speciation. James Tytko asked the University of Sheffield's Roger Butlin... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why are car wing mirrors so attractive to spiders? from 2023-09-29T01:54:43
Thanks to Geoff Oxford for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Will tattoos protect skin from sun damage? from 2023-09-22T11:27:56
Thanks to Cecilio for sending in this question. James Tytko asked University of Leeds Professor of Dermatology, Julia Newton Bishop, for assistance... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can you freeze hot water faster than cold water? from 2023-09-15T02:31:53
Will Tingle took on this chilling conundrum, with the help of Imperial College London's Henry Burridge Like this podcast? Please help us by suppo...
Listen
What are the odds of this lyrical coincidence? from 2023-09-08T02:17:46
James Tytko spoke with David Spiegelhalter to help solve listener John's musical mystery... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the N...
Listen
Could you time travel to before the Big Bang? from 2023-09-01T11:08:56
James Tytko took this cosmic conundrum on with the help of Toby Wiseman, theoretical physicist from Imperial College London... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can animals catch Covid? from 2023-08-25T02:09:35
Chris Smith took on this week's question from listener Kala... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Why does sugar dissolve faster in hot liquid? from 2023-08-18T02:08:06
Taking on this question from listener Christie, James Tytko enlisted the assistance of Chemistry World's Philip Broadwith... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why does my right brain control my left side? from 2023-08-11T04:13:59
Thanks to Marc de Lussanet for the help with the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Are rockets contributing to climate change? from 2023-07-28T07:32:43
James Tytko enlisted the help of the University of Cambridge's Xander Byrne to help with this question from Frank, who asks: "Have there been any studies on the effects of rocket launches on the gr...
Listen
Do all whales come from the same ancestor? from 2023-07-21T01:44:21
Thanks to Dr Ellen Coombs for the answer. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Do tennis players have favourite balls? from 2023-07-14T02:12:35
Regular listener, Mike, asked: "When tennis players are about to serve, they get a selection of balls. They seem to look at them and then select two to serve with. Now these are all new and good qu...
Listen
How do we track lightning strikes? from 2023-06-30T11:13:11
Listener Derek asked us how weather presenters know about the number of lightning strikes and the process of recording them. James Tytko got in contact with the Met Office's lightning scientist, Dr...
Listen
What decides where nipples are on mammals? from 2023-06-23T11:40:20
Why is it that some mammals with small broods have the baby feeding apparatus near the upper limbs like humans and elephants and some near the lower limbs like cows and horses? As it turns out, thi...
Listen
Could a time traveller start a pandemic? from 2023-06-20T07:40:37
Could someone travelling into the future potentially take a pandemic disease with them, or bring back something similar upon their return? James Tytko enlists the help of Cambridge University immun...
Listen
Can gas be compressed into a solid? from 2023-06-09T12:11:44
Akula writes in to ask, 'Can we compress gas into a solid?' James Tytko seeks to provide the answer... Like this podcast? Please help us by suppo...
Listen
How do we reduce emissions from fertilisers? from 2023-05-27T10:34:23
This week, are biofertilisers an answer to solving the use of chemical fertilisers? Are they more advantageous in any way? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How quickly does evolution work? from 2023-05-05T01:38:02
What is the speed of evolution and, apart from reproduction, what are the factors that affect this? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporti...
Listen
Why do we think clearer after taking a break? from 2023-04-28T01:55:46
Listener Jo asked: "Why is it so I can sit with a sudoku until I have no idea what to do next, so I leave it. When I go back to it later I always find new possibilities straight away." James Tytko ...
Listen
Why are black holes at the centre galaxies? from 2022-09-12T02:50:29
Listener David wrote this cosmic conumdrum into the Naked Scientists "How are black holes formed? And why are they often at the center of galaxies?" Otis Kingsman spoke to astrophysicist and author...
Listen
Should I drink cola after swimming in river? from 2022-08-22T02:05:41
Listener Ed wrote to the Naked Scientists with this particular question. "Why is it recommended to drink cola after swimming in a river? And does it really reduce the risk of getting an upset stoma...
Listen
How can drugs change our salt concentration? from 2022-08-15T06:10:35
Listener Kandi wrote into the Naked Scientists to explain the science behind this major medication method. "I have Hyponatremia as a result of a medication. How does a drug stop your body from usin...
Listen
Can cat and dog poop be used as fertiliser? from 2022-07-25T01:03:30
Listener Lara wrote into the Naked Scientists to ask "Is there a biological benefit for cats and dogs to bury their faeces? Can it help plants grow similar to horse manure?" Otis Kingsman spoke to ...
Listen
How dangerous is an explosion on the moon? from 2022-07-11T01:48:19
Listener Neil wrote in looking for find the answer to this brain blaster. "Would an explosion on the moon be more powerful than on the surface of the earth?" Otis Kingsman spoke to University of Ca...
Listen
Why are fridges difficult to quickly reopen? from 2022-07-04T01:11:25
Listener Josie asked us "Why can't I immediately open my fridge door after closing it? It feels like air pressure is keeping it closed. Is this the case?" James Tytko spoke to Cambridge University'...
Listen
Can cargo X-ray scanners damage electronics? from 2022-06-27T01:29:57
Listener Alaster wrote in to ask "The electricals in my car stopped working after it was transported from Cape Town to the UK. I think there was a fault in the scanner in Cape Town. My question is,...
Listen
How does email and texting affect our brain? from 2022-06-06T03:03:59
Listener Mike presented this question to The Naked Scientists. "Does email and texting affect our brain's cognitive functions?" Otis Kingsman spoke to Dr Ravi Gajendran from Florida International U...
Listen
Why can't some people smell certain plants? from 2022-05-30T04:07:09
Tim wanted to know "Why can't my partner smell certain strong odours when in the countryside? She can smell manure but is immune to smelling certain potent flowers and herbs." Otis Kingsman spoke t...
Listen
Can acid remove a spring's potential energy? from 2022-05-23T02:35:51
Listener Mark wrote in to ask 'What happens to the potential energy of a compressed coil spring that is dissolved in acid?'. Otis Kingsman sprung to action in speaking with Dr Martin Buzza from the...
Listen
Can the Earth's rotation make electricity? from 2022-05-16T02:23
Linda wrote in to ask "Can the spinning of the earth generate electricity similar to the spinning of wind turbines?" Otis Kingsman spoke to Matthew Rooney from the Insitute of Mechanical Engineers ...
Listen
Does a phone weigh more after charging it? from 2022-04-25T12:07:29
Listener Tibor wanted to know the answer to the question, "Does potential energy have any mass? If I was to charge a phone battery, would it become heavier?" Dr Israel Temprano from the Univserity ...
Listen
Why do electric car batteries wear out? from 2022-04-11T12:21:49
Listener Barry wants to know, 'What causes degredation in electric car batteries, and what are the upcoming developments in EV technology?' Chloe Coates from the University of Cambridge spoke to Ev...
Listen
How can we identify a diseased gene? from 2022-03-28T12:03:28
Malcolm wrote in to ask "How can we identify a disease? When looking at a sample of chromosomes, what are scientists looking for to spot a diseased gene?". Otis Kingsman spoke to Jocelynn Pearl fro...
Listen
Does relativity affect the age of moon rocks? from 2022-03-21T12:36:16
Ranjit wrote in to ask this, "As gravity and time have an inverse relationship, at some time in the future, will astronauts bring back moon rocks that are older than the Earth?" James Tytko spoke t...
Listen
Why does an itch move when you scratch it? from 2022-03-14T10:17:45
Mariam has been itching to find an answer to the question of "When I scratch an itch, the itch seems to move around my body. And I want to know why this is." Dr Yvonne Couch from the Radcliffe Depa...
Listen
Can internal voices be influenced by accents? from 2022-03-08T11:39
Fiona wrote in to ask "Why do I hear voices in my head when I'm thinking? And can this voice be influenced by accents?" In order to find answers, James Tytko reached out to Helene Loevenbruck from ...
Listen
Does the moon affect student behaviour? from 2022-02-21T12:30:21
Listener Sal wanted to know the answer to the question 'Is the behaviour of school students affected by moon phases?' Otis Kingsman found 'Teresa Pavia', neurologist and the clinical director of th...
Listen
How do we clean the Hubble Telescope mirror? from 2022-01-31T01:54:58
Daniel wrote into The Naked Scientists with the question of 'How do they stop the mirror on the Hubble telescope from getting dirty?' Otis Kingsman spoke to Sarah Kendrew from the European Space Ag...
Listen
Why Do Stars Twinkle? from 2022-01-24T05:02:41
Richard contacted us this week to ask, 'Why do stars twinkle? And what can their colours tell us about them?' To find out, James Tytko spoke with Dr Jenifer Millard from the Awesome Astronomy Podca...
Listen
Why can't I sleep when my feet are cold? from 2022-01-19T11:29:57
Otis Kingsman found the answer to this chilling question thanks to the help of Professor of Neurology & Sleep Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital's Professor Guy Leschziner... Like this podcast? Plea...
Listen
Why do ant bites hurt so much? from 2021-12-14T03:09:46
Sally Le Page answered this head-scratching question with the help of insect venom expert, Sam Robinson, from the University of Queensland... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How do we prevent space collisions? from 2021-11-22T04:47:32
This week, Matt contacted us asking "With three space missions currently converging on Mars how do the nations avoid orbital collisions? Do they share data, do they have transponders or space traff...
Listen
Is dark matter in lumps or like sand grains? from 2021-11-10T01:41:08
This week, listener Rob emailed us to ask "Is dark matter in large lumps or like grains of sand?" Iacopo Russo got some help from the Little Prince story, as well as from Physics professor Francesc...
Listen
Do shop or garden tomatoes produce more CO2? from 2021-11-08T03:12:19
To answer this juicy question, Julia Ravey asked environmental scientist at the University of York Samarthia Thankappan... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How is eye colour passed down? from 2021-10-18T01:50:43
Teacher Ellie was recently asked a question by her Year 9 pupil in Manchester that she couldn't answer: "I have one blue eye and one brown eye, when I have kids, will they have one blue eye and one...
Listen
Would a body left in space decompose? from 2021-10-12T10:00
Daniel has been dreaming of the stars, but his dreams have been rather eerie. Now, he's on a one way journey to gain some scientific insight. He got in touch to ask 'If a crew on a mission to mars ...
Listen
Why do we keep catching the same diseases? from 2021-10-05T03:43:11
This week, listener Rick emailed us to ask "Why do we acquire lifelong immunity against some pathogens but not others?" Sally Le Page asked author and infectious disease researcher at Imperial Coll...
Listen
Do frogs get itchy? from 2021-09-20T03:21:05
Margaret got in touch to ask The Naked Scientists: "Science has now identified actual nerve endings that humans and other mammals have that send that itchy feeling to the brain. Do snakes and other...
Listen
What happens to light's lost energy? from 2021-09-13T04:59:51
Listener Mark was curious to know: "Since the Universe is expanding, and light coming across it stretches as it does so, becoming more red, what happens to the lost energy when the shorter waveleng...
Listen
How long before the food I eat becomes 'me'? from 2021-09-06T03:03:20
Listener Martin wanted to know: "How long does it take the food I eat to become part of me?" Eva Higginbotham set off to find out the answer... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
What proportion of the brain stores memory? from 2021-08-16T03:41:16
Dave got in touch with The Naked Scientists to ask, "How much of the brain is memory?" This week Harrison Lewis only just remembered to get in touch with Amy Milton from the University of Cambridge...
Listen
Why do ladybirds have varying spot numbers? from 2021-08-09T02:11:01
Listener Ruomei wrote in to ask "Why do ladybugs have different numbers of spots on their backs?"Eva Higginbotham spoke with ladybird enthusiast Helen Roy from the Uk Centre for Ecology and Hydrolo...
Listen
Is lava wet? from 2021-08-02T03:56:20
Listener Henk wrote in to ask "Is lava wet?" Sally Le Page spoke with magmanimous geologist Brooke Johnson from the University of Oxford... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why don't dogs get hairballs when cats do? from 2021-07-19T04:13:14
Beth wrote in to ask "My dog is always licking her fur but never gets a hairball. Why don't dogs get hairballs?" Sally Le Page spoke to three animal aficionados: Nick Sutton, Science Communications...
Listen
If heat rises, why is it colder up mountains? from 2021-07-12T04:06:35
Wayne got in touch to ask: "We've always learned that heat rises but it's normally cooler in the mountains. Shouldn't their higher elevation make it warmer there?" Sally Le Page reached out to atmo...
Listen
Could bagpipes help you recover after Covid? from 2021-07-05T05:44:39
Paul got in touch to ask "If one is recovering or has recovered from covid, would playing bagpipes help to expand the lungs and be beneficial or detrimental?". Adam Murphy reached out to John Dicki...
Listen
Why do crocodiles have such bumpy skin? from 2021-06-23T03:38:48
Johan aged 5 got in touch to ask: "Why are crocodiles' skin so bumpy and not smooth?" Sally Le Page reached out to James Hennessy from Ireland's National Reptile Zoo for the answer... Like this pod...
Listen
Will a can in the ocean float or be crushed? from 2021-06-14T10:14:32
This week, Phil Sansom has been thinking deeply - or rather, sinking deeply - about this question from listener Richard. "Will a can of soda dropped in the ocean sink until it implodes, or float on...
Listen
Is every snowflake unique? from 2021-06-07T05:46:02
This week, Charlotte Birkmanis is chilling out, as she answers Alan's cool question: "I have heard it said many times that no two snowflakes are the same. Given the billions and billions of them th...
Listen
Can overcooking junk food make it healthy from 2021-05-24T03:58:08
This week, we're turning up the heat, as Adam Murphy's been looking into Kelvin's question: "We are told not to overcook our vegetables because this kills the nutrients. Now if that's the case, why...
Listen
Can dog wee dissolve rubber tyres? from 2021-05-17T05:53:56
This week, urine for a treat - Phil Sansom tackles this question from listener Trent. "Every time I walk my dog, it pees on the tyre of a particular trailer. It got me thinking: urine contains uric...
Listen
Can flies survive the winter? from 2021-05-10T02:57:04
Jeffrey got in touch to ask: "We've had a cold and snowy winter, and I've had to shovel my driveway every few days. We had a fly in our house, and I was curious if it survived the cold somehow, or ...
Listen
How do ZIP files work? from 2021-04-26T09:16:08
Listener Ellie wanted to know: "how do ZIP files work on my computer?" Phil Sansom unzipped the question - with an answer from research data scientist Peter Foster... Like this podcast? Please help...
Listen
Why are electrons never in between orbitals? from 2021-04-19T10:53:12
Quantum hats on for this week's 'exciting' question! Listener Mejnun says: "I have learned at school that when an electron excites it jumps to another orbital around the nucleus. If an electron jum...
Listen
Why do chillies stay on your hands? from 2021-04-12T06:13:31
Nancy asked: "Why does chilli stay on your fingers for so long after cooking with them, even after you wash your hands multiple times it can still hurt if you touch your eyes?" So what's the answer...
Listen
How did varying chromosome numbers evolve? from 2021-03-29T03:50:32
Listener Mattie asked "If humans have too many or too few chromosomes it can cause them to be infertile. So how did different creatures get different numbers of them? For example, humans have 46 ch...
Listen
Do animals get bored eating the same food? from 2021-03-22T01:42:07
Listener Douglas asked us: "do animals get bored eating the same thing all the time? Like sheep - do they get bored of one type of grass?" Katie Haylor bored deep into the question, with help from ...
Listen
Why aren't all batteries rechargeable? from 2021-03-17T01:52:54
Listener Michael got in touch to ask "Why can't batteries, such as AA or AAA size, be recharged? What's the difference between regular batteries and rechargeables, especially lithium ones? Is this ...
Listen
How can you make normal TV look 3D? from 2021-03-01T10:41:20
Pavel got in touch to ask "Take sunglasses and remove one lens. Watch a normal television film with one eye darkened by a sunglass lens, and the other free. The film will appear in 3D. Can someone ...
Listen
What are the impacts of an aristocrat's diet? from 2021-02-22T03:35:44
James got in touch to ask us: "What were the health impacts of the vastly different diets and lifestyles of aristocrats and peasants? Would wealthy Roman patricians be much smarter than plebeians b...
Listen
How would a foetus develop in zero gravity? from 2021-02-15T05:08:21
Listener David asked: "Would a foetus develop differently in zero gravity conditions?" Adam Murphy found an answer with the help of reproductive biologist Adam Watkins, from the University of Notti...
Listen
When will we run out of music? from 2021-02-08T02:06:42
"Assuming there are a finite number of musical notes - chords, notes, octaves - at what point, how many years, would we use all combinations of musical themes such that no more music could be creat...
Listen
Why do some people shiver when they pee? from 2021-02-01T10:56:08
Listener Eleanora asked: "I want to know why my dad shivers when he pees." Phil Sansom managed to find the answer to this 'Question of the Wee'.... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
If Earth were heavier, would rockets work? from 2021-01-25T03:34:05
"Is it true that if the mass of the Earth were greater, it would render our chemical rockets incapable of reaching orbit?" Listener Steven launched this question at us, and so Martin Khechara went ...
Listen
Can you get DNA from crematorium ashes? from 2021-01-18T06:36:54
Paul got in touch to ask: "I was wondering if it was possible to get DNA out of crematorium ashes. Could you get any information about the person such as weight or height, from their ashes?" Katie ...
Listen
Is sourdough bread a healthy option? from 2020-12-21T06:02:32
Mervyn got in touch to ask "Is sourdough bread a healthy option?" Eva Higginbotham put the question to dietician Rebecca McManamon... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why are sperm made below body temperature? from 2020-12-14T05:39:53
Jordan got in touch to ask ""Why do females produce eggs inside the body, at body temperature, but males have to produce sperm outside the body, at a lower temperature?" Eva Higginbotham put the qu...
Listen
Compost or landfill: which emits more CO2? from 2020-12-09T11:52:55
Listener Robert asks: "does household composting release fewer greenhouse gases compared to a landfill?" Phil Sansom dug him up an answer, with help from environmental engineer Sintana Vergara... L...
Listen
Could loud music deafen my dog? from 2020-11-23T06:01:31
Robyn got in touch to ask: "I often wonder when I listen to music in the car when my dog is with me: since they hear higher frequencies than humans, do they also perceive for example loud music lou...
Listen
How many people could share my surname? from 2020-11-16T03:33:45
Beata asked "If three hundred years ago there was one person with a certain surname, how many people could have their surname today?" Eva Higginbotham got mathematician James Grime to crunch the nu...
Listen
What time should I water my plants? from 2020-11-09T04:25:05
Kevin asks: "Does watering my veggie garden in the morning mean that water uptake will coincide with the intake of sunlight, and give my vegetables the best chance? Or is it just as good to water i...
Listen
How do bats roost upside down? from 2020-11-02T02:57:46
Satish asks: "how does a bat sleep the whole day hanging from a tree? Won't being upside down affect blood circulation?" Phil Sansom went to find the answer, with help from Western University's Bro...
Listen
Which water is better: hard or soft? from 2020-10-20T10:44:39
Hard... or soft? That's the watery wrangle on which listener Jo asked us to weigh in. She said: "my question is about drinking water. We drink gallons of the stuff in a lifetime, but which is bette...
Listen
Do insects have a stress response? from 2020-10-05T05:07:44
Charlie sent in this question "Humans have adrenaline for our fight or flight situation, do bugs have this too?" Eva Higginbotham put the question to insect-lover and expert, Eleanor Drinkwater fro...
Listen
Why does anxious sweat smell worse? from 2020-09-28T16:19:55
This week's question is a sweaty one! It comes to us from listener Margaret: "Why, why, why can I work in the yard and be covered in sweat for hours, and only stink a little; but reveal one persona...
Listen
How would you measure time when in space? from 2020-09-21T03:26:29
This week we've been against the clock to get the answer to this question from David "What measurement of time would you use in travelling through space as a day, week, month or a year would become...
Listen
Why do I need to pee more nearer the loo? from 2020-09-07T03:58:26
This week we're flushing out the answer to this question from Charlie: "Maybe this is just me, but it dawned on me that whenever I have to hold in a pee, the need to go increases exponentially when...
Listen
Why do particles gather in a bucket's centre? from 2020-08-24T04:01:41
Six-year-old listener Jonathan asks: "when you stir a bucket of water, I know the water is pushed to the outside; however, why do any particles end up the centre after the water has finished spinni...
Listen
Do our brains process sound or light faster? from 2020-08-17T01:57:19
Lionel got in touch to ask us about a curious phenomenon he's noticed since installing a new sensor, raising the question whether our brains process light or sound faster. Eva Higginbotham spoke wi...
Listen
Does burying paper sequester carbon? from 2020-08-10T06:11:45
Johnny asked us if burying paper counts towards carbon sequestration. To dig up an answer, Adam Murphy spoke to Shaun Fitzgerald, Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at the University o...
Listen
Should you wash, rinse, and repeat? from 2020-07-20T05:10:05
Julie got in touch to ask whether there was any reason to wash, rinse and repeat, or if it was just marketing hype. Phil Sansom spoke to two hair specialists, Sally-Ann Tarver and Eva Proudman, abo...
Listen
Why do hospitals need so much PPE? from 2020-07-13T02:43:29
Carol got in touch to ask "The government has provided more than a billion items of PPE to hospitals. There have been 130,000 COVID cases in hospitals, about 10,000 items of PPE per patient. Can yo...
Listen
Why does coffee dissolve so fast? from 2020-07-06T04:13:06
Neerav wanted to know why some things dissolve faster than others, so we spoke to University of Cambridge chemist Ljiljana Fruk to find out... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How alike are the kids of identical twins? from 2020-06-29T02:22:51
Sam got in touch to ask: "If identical twin brothers marry identical twin sisters, and each of those couples has a child, will those two children be like twins?" Eva Higginbotham put the question t...
Listen
Why aren't planes dimpled like golf balls? from 2020-06-15T03:49:24
Darren got in touch to ask us: "Golf balls are dimpled to disrupt the air around the ball. As far as I can gather, this reduces their drag and allows them to fly further than they would if they wer...
Listen
Could saponins help fight coronavirus? from 2020-06-08T03:35:41
We've been hunting down the answer to this questions from Denise: "There are plants that contain saponins and were used by Australian aboriginal people as bush medicine. Is there any research on th...
Listen
Has life changed on the ISS due to COVID-19? from 2020-06-01T01:51:32
We're blasting off to the International Space Station to answer this question from listener Fady: "has life changed for astronauts on the ISS due to coronavirus, and are astronauts still allowed to...
Listen
How do electrons flow in electric current? from 2020-05-26T04:18:46
Rakesh got in touch with this question: "Typically when electrons flow for the electric current, do they come out from the atoms and flow as electric current? Is it not true that when electrons com...
Listen
Do we all have the same skin sensitivity? from 2020-05-19T03:05:22
Matt got in touch with this question: "Do all humans have the same number of nerve endings in their skin, and if so, do those of us who are bigger, either taller or fatter, have reduced sensitivity...
Listen
How do C-section babies get their microbiome? from 2020-04-20T05:01:07
Pavel asked us "On one of the Naked Scientists programmes it was mentioned that a newborn baby has initially sterile intestines and gets most of its microbiome during the passage through the uterus...
Listen
Can frogs survive in a sealed terrarium? from 2020-04-06T03:28:09
Listener Jon sent us this question: "I just purchased some dart frogs which need to live in high humidity conditions. In order to attain this we basically sealed off the terrariums. The question is...
Listen
How much power can we get out of fusion? from 2020-03-16T04:00:55
Fusion could be the most sustainable source of energy in the future. But how much can we get out of it? Like this podcast? Please help us by supp...
Listen
Are big dogs smarter than small dogs? from 2020-03-02T05:30:29
Dogs come in all sizes, from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes. Their head size is hugely different, as must be their brain size. Does this mean that a Great Dane is massively more intelligent t...
Listen
Should I be microwaving my kitchen sponges? from 2020-02-24T06:02:04
Is a kitchen sponge full of bacteria, and will a microwave kill them? We tested this at home and asked an expert! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can a weak immune system worsen sunburn? from 2020-02-10T04:37:39
Listener Robin asks: "I heard on the podcast, that the reason why we get a sunburn, is that the body is trying to fix cells that are damaged by UV radiation. So if one person is sunburned longer th...
Listen
Will the poles switching cause problems? from 2020-01-27T02:25:35
Listener Ray asked us: " The Earth has apparently reversed its polarity fairly regularly, and is perhaps overdue for the next instance. Is anything known about how this will happen, and the effects...
Listen
Why don't women's bodies reject sperm? from 2020-01-20T12:20:55
Jure asked us "Why doesn't a woman's body reject sperm as a foreign object?" Phil Sansom sought out the answer, by speaking to doctor and sexual health consultant Graham McKinnon... Like this podca...
Listen
QotW - Why does my phone coverage vary? from 2020-01-13T04:50:42
Listener Derek got in touch with this question - "I can sit at my work desk, with my phone by my side, and the signal strength display goes from saying "no service" to 4 bars out of 5, within a cou...
Listen
What is the best way to heat my home? from 2019-12-16T07:35:28
Tim says: "The experts at the Energy Saving Trust and British Gas say it's cheaper to heat your home only when you need it. But my heating control panel says that it uses less energy to keep a back...
Listen
QotW - Do hairs grow out grey, or turn grey? from 2019-12-09T09:56:08
Elizabeth got in touch to ask: "do hairs grow out grey, or do hairs that have colour eventually turn grey?" We asked hair expert Desmond Tobin, director of the Charles Institute of Dermatology, Uni...
Listen
Why isn't sea level rise the same worldwide? from 2019-11-25T04:31:57
Listener Geoff asks, "How is it that there are rising sea levels impacting some island nations such as the Maldives and Kiribati, yet 1000 kilometres in any direction there is no discernible sea le...
Listen
Do mosquitoes prefer certain blood types? from 2019-11-18T03:18:23
Vinny asked us: "I have read mosquitos have a preference for blood type and prefer people with Type O blood over those with Type B, or prefer Type B over Type A. Is this true, and how do they know ...
Listen
Why does my watery windscreen turn to ice? from 2019-10-28T12:52:20
Mike got in touch to say: "When the outside temperature is hovering around the freezing mark, the condensation or dew on my automobile windshield is in a liquid state. But if I wipe the windshield,...
Listen
Could you eat a dinosaur? from 2019-10-21T05:14:38
Dan got in touch to ask whether most animals are edible, including dinosaurs! Mariana tucked into this question.... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Will SpaceX's satellites clog up the sky? from 2019-10-14T05:15:11
Listener Pete asks, "SpaceX has launched the first 60 of what is to be a mesh of some 12,000 satellites. Two questions: how will this completed mesh impact 1) ground based optical and microwave ast...
Listen
When should you refrigerate cooked chicken? from 2019-09-30T04:58:12
Julie wrote in with this question for us: "I have received such conflicting advice from TV food cooks. Some say that cooked chicken should be allowed to cool down to room temperature before refrige...
Listen
Can fingernails stop rhino poaching? from 2019-09-23T02:02:52
John asked, "I'd like to know if enough people in the world donated their finger and toe nail clippings, could enough keratin be produced to satisfy the demand and thus stop the poaching of wild an...
Listen
Why does pasta water boil over? from 2019-09-16T12:19:24
This week's question is a curious cooking query from Anthony. "When pasta or rice is added to boiling water, there is a sudden surge of the boiling water to the point that the pot boils over with b...
Listen
Why is wildlife around Chernobyl thriving? from 2019-08-19T05:07:18
This week, a question from Bill. "My question is about Chernobyl and why it is that wildlife seems to be thriving there and yet we understand that humans still can't survive there. Why is this?" Ph...
Listen
Will climate change affect monsoons? from 2019-08-05T00:00
Saugat asked "what is the exact cause of monsoon rain, and how will it be affected because of global warming?" Ruth Geen, from the University of Exeter, works with modelling the effect of climate c...
Listen
QoTW: Can you tell if its sunrise or sunset? from 2019-07-29T00:00
This week, Manik from Canberra asked if it's possible to tell whether it's sunrise or sunset from looking at a photo or a painting. Ankita Anirban spoke to painter James Gurney and physicist Willia...
Listen
Can a huskys fur keep it cool in summer? from 2019-07-15T00:00
This week we are answering a question from Alex: "Are huskies (or dogs in general) able to insulate themselves from the cold of winter and from the heat of a hot summer's day as well?"Matthew Hall ...
Listen
Can a transfusion change your blood type? from 2019-07-08T00:00
This week we are answering a question sent in by Mark: "is it possible to have so many blood transfusions that your blood type changes?" Emma Hildyard asks Cedric Ghevaert, from the Depart...
Listen
Do candles really clear nasty smells? from 2019-05-20T00:00
Patrick sent us this question: "My wife wants me to light a candle after doing my number two, to get rid of the smell. Does this actually do anything?"Phil Sansom has been sniffing out an answer, w...
Listen
How long after eating is that carbon exhaled? from 2019-05-13T00:00
Greg asked, "When I exhale, my breath contains carbon atoms. How long ago were they in my food or drink?" We were hungry for answers, so Ruby Osborn asked Fred Warren from the Quadram Institute Bio...
Listen
How to see faint stars from 2019-04-29T00:00
Sean asked "Why is it that when you look directly at a small faint star it disappears, but when you look at a point near it, you can see it again?" Ben McAllister has been searching far and wide fo...
Listen
Can purple carrots turn your skin purple? from 2019-04-01T00:00
We received this question from Aidan, "Consuming orange carrots in high excess can turn your skin orange, because of the beta-carotene. What about purple carrots?" Jack Tavener and Katie Haylor hav...
Listen
Why do socks disappear in the wash? from 2019-03-18T00:00
We received this question from Chani... "My socks never stay together in the wash. One always disappears. Is there a scientific explanation for where those socks go? Why are they so unhappy in mono...
Listen
Effect of ethanol on brain? from 2019-03-04T00:00
Donald asked us what specific effects ethanol has on the brain and why certain regions are more impacted than others when we have a drink. This week, Joe Galea, from the University of Birmingham, h...
Listen
Why can some people imitate accents? from 2019-02-18T00:00
Lia asked us why some people seem to be naturally good at imitating voices and accents. To get the last word, Adam Murphy got an answer from Jonathan Goodman, from the Language Sciences Department ...
Listen
Why do candles smoke and smell? from 2019-02-04T00:00
Richard was wondering why do candles make more smoke and smell after they've gone out. Jenny Gracie has been sniffing out an answer from Duncan Graham at the University of Strathclyde and Ricky Car...
Listen
QotW - What language do deaf people think in? from 2019-01-28T00:00
Bree asked: If a person is born completely deaf and can't hear a thing, what language do they think in? We asked Dr Mairead MacSweeney, director of the Deafness Cognition and Language Research Cent...
Listen
Do plants eat dirt? from 2019-01-21T00:00
Marcus was wondering how trees, such as giant oaks, can grow so huge and not make a hole in the ground. Where does their mass come from if not from the dirt? Jenny Gracie has been digging deep to f...
Listen
Why doesnt old soap make suds effectively? from 2019-01-14T00:00
When a bar of soap gets used a lot and gets smaller, it seems to struggle to form suds properly. Is something other than just a smaller surface area going on? Eva Higginbotham has been scubbing up ...
Listen
What happens to bubbles in space? from 2018-12-17T00:00
This week, Malcolm's been watching the science fiction film, Passengers. He wanted to know what happens to air bubbles in water if gravity was suddenly turned off. Adam Murphy spoke to Stuart Higgi...
Listen
Can dogs recognise each other as dogs? from 2018-11-26T00:00
Do we know if a Great Dane meeting a Chihuahua recognises it as another dog? We asked Professor Donald Broom from Cambridge University and Dr Charlotte Duranton to help us sniff out the answer to D...
Listen
How do you fly in a hurricane? from 2018-11-19T00:00
This week, Daniel wants to know why hurricane researchers seem to use propeller-driven planes when flying into the eye of the storm. Eva Higginbotham spoke to Dr Anna Young of the University of Cam...
Listen
When did we become modern day humans? from 2018-11-12T00:00
With the help of Cambridge University's Professor Robert Foley, Sam Brown took a trip back in time to answer Stuart's question: If you could bring a baby from the past to grow up in the present, ho...
Listen
How do wombats produce cube-shaped poo? from 2018-10-29T00:00
Poo comes in many shapes and sizes. We are used to seeing it on the street or accidentally stepping in different forms including tubes from dogs, pellets from rabbits or big splats from cows, but I...
Listen
Is second hand smoke more dangerous than smoking a cigarette? from 2018-10-22T00:00
Is it true that second hand smoking or passive smoking is more likely to give you cancer than smoking a cigarette? Tamsin Bell put this to Stefan Marciniak from the Cambridge Institute for Medical ...
Listen
Why do I feel the pressure of wellies in water? from 2018-10-01T00:00
When standing barefoot in water, we don't feel the water pressure on our feet. But when wearing Wellington boots, we do feel a pinching - why? We asked Colm-cille Caulfield, Professor at Cambridge ...
Listen
Why is Blu-Tack sticky? from 2018-09-24T00:00
Tom asked us "Why is Blu-Tack sticky?" Adam Murphy spoke to Jennifer Gaughran, researcher at Dublin City University, to see if she could help with a question that had us stuck... Like this podcast?...
Listen
Could we terraform the Moon? from 2018-09-17T00:00
Chad asked us "Is it possible to terraform the Moon, so that humans could live there long-term?". Tamsin Bell spoke to David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences at the Open University, to s...
Listen
Do wild animals get allergies? from 2018-09-03T00:00
On Twitter, Andrew asked us: "Do wild animals suffer from allergies, and if so, does this occur at the same rate as in humans?" We spoke to Wild Immunologist Andy Flies, from the University of Tazm...
Listen
Are there more stars in the sky or grains of sand on the earth? from 2018-08-20T00:00
Are there more grains of sand on Earth or stars in the sky, and who counted them? We search heaven and Earth to answer Jeff's question, recruiting astronomer Michael Merrifield from Nottingham U...
Listen
How do Non-Stick Pans Work? from 2018-08-06T00:00
Martin asked us "What's the science behind non-stick pans? What prevents the sticking?"; To help out with this sticky situation, we spoke to Jess Wade, a materials scientist at Imperial College Lon...
Listen
What is the minimum land area required to sustain one human being? from 2018-07-31T00:00
Charlie asked us to field the question, "what is the minimum area required to sustain one human being in terms of oxygen and food?" Marika Ottman brought this cultivation conundrum to Marco Springm...
Listen
Brain Response to Audiobooks from 2018-07-16T00:00
Tuomo asks, "Does your brain respond differently when you're listening to an audiobook compared to when you're reading a book? And does this affect how much information you can retain?". Isabelle C...
Listen
Why do humans get bored? from 2018-07-02T00:00
Theo and Simon Hall asked Why do humans get bored? And what is the evolutionary advantage of boredom? Adam Murphy put this question to Dr. Brian Little at the University of Cambridge to get his les...
Listen
How do astronauts weigh things in space? from 2018-06-25T00:00
Chris Taylor wonders how astronauts can weigh things in space. Marika Ottman asks Michael Foale, a former NASA Astronaut and Commander of the International Space Station, to weigh in and assess the...
Listen
Could We Eat Alien Life? from 2018-06-04T00:00
Eamonn asked us to chew over this alien question: If some-day we managed to travel to another planet and discovered aliens, what is the likelihood that we could eat them?We turned to Gareth Corbett...
Listen
Why does my nose drip in cold weather? from 2018-05-21T00:00
Listener Mike asked us to sniff out an answer to cold conundrum... When I cycle my bike in cold weather my nose runs, it doesn't happen in warm weather and is their anything I can do to help with i...
Listen
How does size affect death from falling? from 2018-03-05T00:00
Matt asked how big an animal or human has to be before a fall would kill it. Katie Haylor put this perilous pondering to physicist Stuart Higgins from Imperial College London... Like this podcast? ...
Listen
Do lobsters feel pain? from 2018-02-12T00:00
Switzerland has now banned boiling lobsters live. Do they experience pain; how do we know? Georgia Mills asked Professor Bob Elwood from Queen's University, Belfast, for his take on this hot topic....
Listen
Is it better to walk or run in the cold? from 2018-02-05T00:00
Izzie Clarke's been chilling out with this Question of the Week from Trent... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientist...
Listen
Why does fresh pasta rise during cooking? from 2018-01-29T00:00
Martin wanted to know why fresh pasta rises to the surface of the pot when it's ready. We asked Dr Chris Brock from London South Bank University. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do fish yawn? from 2017-12-18T00:00
The Waite family wanted to know if fish yawn, so Heather Wark spoke to Iain Barber from Nottingham Trent University, to find out. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Could a space rocket be launched from a gun? from 2017-12-11T00:00
Anthony wanted to know if firing space rockets out of giant guns would be a better way to blast off. Heather Wark spoke to Dr Stuart Grey of Strathclyde University to find out... Like this podcast?...
Listen
Why do people pick their noses? from 2017-11-20T00:00
This week we answered the sticky query, Why do people pick their noses?. Lewis Thomson put it to Liverpool GP Dr Laura Wark. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
What happens if your car is struck by lightning? from 2017-11-06T00:00
Elizabeth wanted to know whether she'd be safe if her car was hit by lightning or whether the engine would cut out. Izzie Clarke spoke to Philip Garsed from Cambridge University to spark up the deb...
Listen
How long can we survive for without a head? from 2017-10-30T00:00
In the 1940's there was a chicken who survived for 18 months without a head, how long can humans survive for without a head? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Is it safe to live near a cell phone tower? from 2017-10-23T00:00
Jayson wanted to know if living near a cell phone tower could be affecting his and his family's health. Stevie Bain spoke to physicist Tony Kent from the University of Nottingham to shed some light...
Listen
Are flies easier to swat if you move slowly? from 2017-10-09T00:00
Jon wanted to know whether approaching a fly slowly would make it easier to swat. With the help of animal vision specialist Kate Feller from Cambridge University, Michael Wheeler's been swotting up...
Listen
Does cooking remove alcohol? from 2017-09-25T00:00
Zettie wanted to know how much alcohol stays behind in food when you cook with it. Alexandra Ashcroft asked Vayu Maini Rekdal, from Harvard University, to turn up the heat on this question... Like ...
Listen
How smart is your pet dog? from 2017-09-18T00:00
David wanted to know how our pet dogs compare to other animals, such as primates and dolphins, when it comes to intelligence. Stevie Bain spoke to Ben Ambridge from the University of Liverpool, and...
Listen
Why Do Clothes Dry Below 100 Degrees Celsius? from 2017-09-11T00:00
This week, we aired out Norm's question: if water is a solid, as ice, below 0 degrees Celsius, a gas above 100 degrees Celcius and a liquid between this range, why does washing dry when the air tem...
Listen
Could green humans harvest energy from the sun? from 2017-08-21T00:00
This week, Mark has a conundrum about chloroplasts: If we could go green and harvest energy from the sun, like plants, how big would our skin need to be to sustain a normal level of activity? Georg...
Listen
Does washing dishes leave toxic detergent residue on plates? from 2017-08-14T00:00
Caitlin asked whether detergent residues left on crockery and cutlery could be bad for our health. Katie Haylor spoke to Rob Chilcott from the University of Hertfordshire to find out. Like this pod...
Listen
Can Anti-Noise Silence A Highway? from 2017-06-26T00:00
Is it possible to create noise-cancelling headphones, but for an apartment? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Why Warm up Muscles? from 2017-06-12T00:00
Jim asked whether being in a warm room - like in a hot yoga class - really does help your muscles to warm up quicker. Katie Haylor spoke to Christof Schweining from the University of Cambridge to f...
Listen
Can we exercise our brain to improve at difficult tasks? from 2017-05-15T00:00
Like physical activity, can we exercise our brain to improve at difficult mental challenges? Izzie Clarke spoke to Duncan Astle from Cambridge University about this tiring task... Like this podcast...
Listen
Why do musical instruments sound different when playing the same note? from 2017-05-08T00:00
Why does the same musical note sound different when played on different instruments? Why does, for example, an A-sharp on a piano sound different to an A-sharp on a trumpet? Like this podcast? Plea...
Listen
What sound does a falling missile make? from 2017-04-24T00:00
Listener George wondered why, in films, missiles make a descending sound as they fall? And what would it sound like if it fell into a bottomless pit? Izzie Clarke asked Peter Main from King's Colle...
Listen
Why are blue lights harder to see? from 2017-04-24T00:00
David wanted to know why the blue lights he saw in Christmas trees were often harder to make out. Izzie Clarke spoke to Dr George Dobre from Kent University to shed some light on the issue. Like th...
Listen
Whats the most efficient way to run up steps? from 2017-03-27T00:00
We investigate the most energy-efficient way to climb stairs: one or two at a time? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Sci...
Listen
Can mosquitoes transmit HIV? from 2017-03-20T00:00
Can mosquitoes transmit HIV from one person to another? Ricky Nathvani investigates... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ...
Listen
When should I replace my bulbs with LEDs? from 2017-03-13T00:00
Ricky Navthani has been trying to shed some light of Philip's question, about when he should replace his old CFL lights for more efficient LEDs. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How Does My Tea Become Pee? from 2017-02-27T00:00
When you drink tea and use the toilet shortly afterwards, is that the same liquid? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scie...
Listen
Could we see into the past? from 2017-02-20T00:00
Listener David got in touch to ask about whether mirrors in space could show us what Earth was like a million years ago. Graihagh Jackson asked Cambridge's Anna Hourihane to explain how this might ...
Listen
How did birds survive the dinosaur mass extinction? from 2017-02-13T00:00
If birds are dinosaurs, why didn't they get killed by the asteroid 60 million years ago? Tom O'Hanlon put Fay's query to David Norman from the University of Cambridge. Like this podcast? Please hel...
Listen
Why are the poles north-south? from 2017-01-24T00:00
Listener Tim got in touch to ask: Why do the poles go north-south as opposed to east-west? Graihagh Jackson spoke to Imperial College's Stuart Higgins to find out... Like this podcast? Please help ...
Listen
Do Ants Feel Pain? from 2017-01-23T00:00
Do ants or other insects feel pain in the same way as humans do? And what does it have to do with robots? Tom Crawford gets some ant-sight from the University of York's Eleanor Drinkwater... Like t...
Listen
What Would Peeing on the Moon Look Like? from 2017-01-16T00:00
What would peeing on the moon look like? Is it even possible? Tom Crawford puts this astronomical question to Dr. Chris Messenger from the University of Glasgow... Like this podcast? Please help us...
Listen
Why doesn't water burn? from 2016-12-05T00:00
Water contains hydrogen and oxygen, both of which are important in combustion, so why is it used to put out fires? Why doesn't water burn? Graihagh Jackson put this to chemist Peter Wothers from th...
Listen
Why does a broken magnets form two new ones? from 2016-11-28T00:00
Why is it when we break a magnet in half, we get two new magnets? Why don't we just get separate north and south poles formed? Liam Messin set out to find the answer with Tim Boyd, a Cambridge unde...
Listen
Can light exert a force to move an object? from 2016-10-24T00:00
Why don't you get thrown backwards when you switch on your torch? Kerstin Gopfrich made her way to the Nanophotonics Centre in Cambridge to find out from Dr. Anna Lombardi. The answer to Matt's que...
Listen
How much younger would you be after 50 years on Jupiter? from 2016-10-16T00:00
Could a jaunt to Jupiter be the physics-version of anti-wrinkel cream? This week, Kerstin Gpfrich convinced physicist Dr Stuart Higgins to go on a mission to answer Troy's question... Like this pod...
Listen
Does regular hand soap kill germs? from 2016-10-10T00:00
This week, Connie Orbach has been cleaning up, answering Dale's question he sent in on Facebook: does soap really kill off germs?, with the help of Cherly Trundle from Addenbrooke's hospital infect...
Listen
Could nuclear testing cause earthquakes? from 2016-09-26T00:00
To get a handle on this shaky question Connie Orbach called in Dr Alex Copley from Cambridge University's Department of Earth Sciences... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do animals experience the placebo effect? from 2016-09-19T00:00
Joshua asked us whether animals could ever experience the placebo effect. To find out, Laura Brooks spoke to Eleanor Drinkwater, researcher in animal behaviour at the University of York... Like thi...
Listen
Why does line drying make clothes rough? from 2016-09-12T00:00
Kevin got in touch ask why clothes dried on a washing line can end up feeling rough, crunchy and stiff... To find out, our Laura Brooks contacted Neil Lant at the Fabric and Home Care research and ...
Listen
Can we unlearn something that we have already learned? from 2016-08-22T00:00
It is not only learning that can appear to be quite hard; it's unlearning that we struggle with. How do we unlearn? Is there any technique for unlearning things? Claire Armstrong put this to neuros...
Listen
If we slice the earth in half what would it look like from space? from 2016-08-01T00:00
Lucka Bibic spoke to Prof Marian Holness from University of Cambridge to take her through Robert's question... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why does our stomach grumble when we are hungry? from 2016-07-25T00:00
This week, Natasha from Australia wrote in to ask why her stomach grumble when she is hungry. Lucka Bibic enlisted Dr Roshini Raj from Medical Trinity Center in New York to find out what causes the...
Listen
How did the moon get its markings? from 2016-07-18T00:00
Listener Loot got in touch to ask how the moon got its markings. Claire Armstrong looked towards the heavens for the answer and spoke to the Open University's planetary expert Professor David Rot...
Listen
Did the cavemen have names? from 2016-07-11T00:00
Listener Kat got in touch to ask if cavemen really did have names and when did humans start naming each other. Lucka Bibic went in search of cavemen's names with the Professor of Linguistics at MIT...
Listen
How do octopus camouflage? from 2016-06-27T00:00
Listener Android got in touch to ask how octopuses camouflage themselves if they are colour blind. Graihagh Jackson went under the sea to see if the seaweed is always greener on the other side with...
Listen
How do noise cancelling headphones work? from 2016-06-06T00:00
Mark got in touch to find out how noise cancelling headphones work. Can they damage your ears by playing back loud background noise? Fanny Yuen spoke to Trevor Cox to cut the rumble... Like this po...
Listen
How does cooking affect digestion? from 2016-05-23T00:00
Listener Solomon emailed us to find out exactly what role cooking plays in digestion. Emma Sackville met up with Dr. Giles Yeo to break down the question. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Could we recognise a message from space? from 2016-05-09T00:00
This week, Jeff wrote in to ask whether we would be able to recognise and understand an encrypted message from space. Emma Sackville enlisted Dr. Duncan Forgan from the University of St. Andrews to...
Listen
How fast can an elevator go? from 2016-04-25T00:00
Listener Paul got in touch to ask if it's true that there's almost no restriction in the speed an elevator could ascend when it comes to the human body, but that there was a limiting speed for the ...
Listen
Why does spicy food make me hiccup? from 2016-04-11T00:00
Connie Orbach get's to grip with Lebonhang's question and ask Dr Clemency Booth to help... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Na...
Listen
Can two planets share the same orbit? from 2016-04-04T10:10
This week, Jonathan asked us if it's possible for two planets to share the same orbit. Naked Scientist Graihagh Jackson put this to Dr Stuart Higgins from Cambridge University... Like this podcast?...
Listen
Do humans have pheromones? from 2016-03-07T00:00
People can certainly smell whiffy and sometimes this is attractive, other times not so much but is this a feature of pheromones? Lots of species of mammals have them, so what makes us humans any di...
Listen
Why do mosquitoes prefer some people over others? from 2016-03-01T00:00
Felicity Bedford enlisted the help of Glasgow University's Heather Ferguson for this biting question... Like this podcast? Please help us by supp...
Listen
Why is space so cold? from 2016-02-08T00:00
The number of stars in space is huge, so why is it so chilly? Felicity Bedford spoke to Ryan MacDonald from the Cambridge University Institute of Astronomy to find out more... Like this podcast? Pl...
Listen
Why do our voices sound different in our heads? from 2016-02-01T00:00
Why is it that our voice sounds so different to us than when we hear it back on a recording? Connie Orbach persuaded Dr Nick Gibbons, voice surgery specialist from Lewisham Hospital to take her thr...
Listen
Why do people have such a variety of appearances? from 2016-01-25T00:00
Unless you are an identical twin it's unlikely you've found anyone else who looks just like you. But, why do we all look so different? Felicity Bedford spoke to population geneticist Sir Walter Bod...
Listen
Why do people get bags under their eyes? from 2016-01-18T00:00
We've all had days when we're tired and wish we didn't have dark circles under our eyes. But why do we get these puffy eyes and do they serve a purpose? Felicity Bedford spoke to Dr Sean Lanigan, P...
Listen
What causes sleepwalking? from 2015-12-14T00:00
Listener Sterling wanted to know what causes sleepwalking and how to prevent it. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scient...
Listen
If polar bears were transported to Antarctica, would they thrive? from 2015-12-07T00:00
Reduced sea ice is threatening polar bears in the Arctic. Listener Kevin wanted to know if they would thrive at the south pole instead? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
What would happen if I plucked a guitar in space? from 2015-11-30T00:00
Jess wanted to know what would happen if she plucked a guitar in space. Would her music be out of this world? Felicity Bedford spoke to Professor Jim Woodhouse from the University of Cambridge to f...
Listen
How can I stop a runny nose? from 2015-11-24T00:00
Winter is coming and with it comes a runny nose but how can we stop a snotty hooter? Listener Amanda was keen to nose the answer, so Felicity Bedford spoke to GP Adam Forman to find out... Like thi...
Listen
Why do we go bald on our heads? from 2015-11-16T00:00
It would appear that people on go bald on their heards, but why? And why not elsewhere? Rosalind Davis has been pulling her hair our over this one with Professor Robert Foley from the University of...
Listen
Why do we like looking at views? from 2015-11-01T00:00
Eleanor wanted to know why people enjoy looking at views. Do we learn this socially or is it innate? Rosalind Davies spoke to Michael Forster from the University of Vienna to find out. Like this po...
Listen
Are zombies feasible? from 2015-10-19T00:00
With Halloween just around the corner, Stephen asks the spooky question, Are zombies feasible?. Charis Lestrange investigates with the help of pathologist Suzie English from the University of Cambr...
Listen
What wind speed does it take to tip a lorry? from 2015-10-11T00:00
Marco got in touch after his truck tipped over on the motorway. He wanted to know what speed the wind would need to be blowing at to cause this, so he knew when to stop driving in the future. Rosal...
Listen
Why do power lines make so much noise? from 2015-10-05T00:00
Anders asked the electrifying question, "Why do power lines make so much noise?";. This seemed rather complicated so Charis Lestrange asked Dr Andrew Griffiths, a semiconductor engineer from the co...
Listen
Why is gooseberry jam red when gooseberries are green? from 2015-09-21T00:00
Katie asked the very seasonal question of Why is gooseberry jam red, when gooseberries are green?. This really baffled the Naked Scientists, so Joanna Kerr put this thorny question to Dr Sarka Tumo...
Listen
Why do we make mistakes during repetitive tasks? from 2015-09-14T00:00
Is it brain fatigue? Or do we go into autopilot? Sam Mahaffey asked Dr Steve Fleming from the Wellcome Trust centre for Neuroimaging at UCL why this happens. And if there is anything we can do to s...
Listen
Why do we have toenails? from 2015-09-07T00:00
Fingernails seem to have obvious uses but what are our toenails for? Was their some evolutionary benefit? And does that mean we'll evolve toenail-less feet? Sam Mahaffey and Dr Isabelle Winder from...
Listen
Why does music sound happy or sad? from 2015-08-24T00:00
This week Dave asked why does a minor key sound mournful and a major key sound happy? Amy Goodfellow asks music psychologist Dr Andrea Schiavio from the University of Sheffield if this is really tr...
Listen
Where are we within the universe? from 2015-08-18T00:00
This week Brian Lucas wanted to know: where are we within the universe? Joanna Kerr decided to try and find out with help from Dr Sean McGee, an astrophysicist from the University of Birmingham. Li...
Listen
How many people do you need to avoid inbreeding in a population from 2015-08-10T00:00
This week Louise asked, how many people are needed to avoid inbreeding in a population? To answer her question Connie Orbach looks into setting up her own desert island with the help of Professor M...
Listen
What are wormholes? from 2015-08-03T00:00
What are wormholes, and how would one be created? James Farr investigates the secrets of the universe... Like this podcast? Please help us by sup...
Listen
How much of a wheat field do I need to make one loaf of bread? from 2015-07-20T00:00
This week Amy Goodfellow took a trip to the country to answer Jerry's question - how much bread it takes to make one wholemeal loaf. She spoke to Andrew Whitley, the co-founder of the Real Bread Ca...
Listen
What's the most expensive element on Earth? from 2015-07-06T00:00
This week, Graihagh Jackon drilled into John's question to try and find out what the most expensive element in the world is... But first, how do we define 'expensive?' Chemist Mark Lorch set us str...
Listen
Are fingerprints unique? from 2015-06-29T00:00
This week, Tom Crawford put Helen's question under the magnifying glass to try and find out whether fingerprints really are unique and if so, whether the same applies to toeprints? We put this to F...
Listen
Why does the immune system not attack foetuses? from 2015-06-08T00:00
This week we've been sequencing Lorianna's question: if babies have different genetic sequences from their mother, and are technically foreign objects in the womb, why doesn't the mother's immune s...
Listen
Can I land on gassy planets like Jupiter? from 2015-06-01T00:00
This week we tackle Allana's question: If we were to travel to gas giant Jupiter, would we sink to the core? Or float straight on through? Heather Douglas put this to Dr Marc Rayman from NASA's Jet...
Listen
How do black boxes work? from 2015-05-11T00:00
How do black boxes work? When a plane crashes, there's always a huge search for the elusive 'black box' to solve the mystery. But what is this, and how does it work? Heather Douglas put this to Dav...
Listen
How are robotic voices generated? from 2015-04-27T00:00
We put this question to Dr Pierre Lanchantin from the University of Cambridge... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scient...
Listen
Why are ripe pears juicer? from 2015-04-12T00:00
Unripe pears are dry, yet ripe pears are juicy so how do they become moist? Philip Garsed put Dennis' question to plant scientist Sonja Dunbar, from Cambridge University... Like this podcast? Pleas...
Listen
Can cheese give you nightmares? from 2015-03-23T00:00
Chris wanted to know if it's true what your mum always told you. Does cheese really give you nightmares? Danielle Blackwell spoke to Max Sanderson, a neuroscientist to find out more... Like this po...
Listen
Eels: A source of electricity? from 2015-03-16T00:00
Bonga tweeted us asking if we could ever use eels as a source as electricity? Would it be efficient? And how would it compare to other energy sources? Khalil Thirlaway caught up with Dr David LaVan...
Listen
What parasites can I catch from my pets? from 2015-03-09T00:00
From worms to fleas and even microscopic single celled organisms, our pets can transfer a world of parasites to us if we are not careful. Prof Susan Little, a Veternary Parasitologist tells us what...
Listen
Why do I urinate more in the cold? from 2015-02-23T00:00
Have you ever noticed that you urinate more frequently in cold weather? Why does this happen? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the...
Listen
Are smartphones changing our brains? from 2015-02-16T00:00
It's said that taxi drivers' brains have increased growth in certain areas from navigating around cities. Is increasing smartphone use having a similar effect on other parts of our brains? Like thi...
Listen
Does same-sex attraction happen in animals too? from 2015-02-09T00:00
Is homosexual behaviour seen in other species? What do they do? Why? Find out in this week's Question of the Week... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why does petrol create a rainbow on water? from 2015-02-02T17:00
We find out why petrol creates a rainbow effect when in contact with water, and how the behaviour of light can create all these colours. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can we vacuum up the plastics in our oceans? from 2015-01-26T00:00
Could we clean up our oceans of plastics by fitting vacuum cleaners to ships to suck them up? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the...
Listen
Is it tiring to dream you're awake? from 2015-01-19T00:00
Different waking dream states can affect whether you feel resfreshed or not after a nights sleep. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting...
Listen
Do we really need vitamins? from 2015-01-12T00:00
We chew over some important questions relating to vitamins, including what are they? Do we really need them? Can our bodies store them? And what would happen if we didn't consume any? Like this pod...
Listen
What causes the Earth's plates to move? from 2014-12-15T00:00
The tectonic plates below our feet move. But where does the energy for this come from? Apparently the reason is analogous to how your porridge gets heated up in the morning. We find out why! Like t...
Listen
Can you catch a yawn from a cat? from 2014-12-01T00:00
Why do we yawn? Is it because we're short on air? Matthew Boniface wanted to know this and whether he could catch a yawn from his cat. We spoke to Dr Hugh Matthews from Cambridge University to find...
Listen
Will flights ever get faster? from 2014-11-24T00:00
14 hour flights sound like your idea of hell? Paul Jenn wrote in asking whether it was possible to speed up plane journeys, so we went to Neil Scott, head of engineering at Airbus, to find out. Lik...
Listen
What would happen if you were swallowed by a whale? from 2014-11-17T00:00
If you were swallowed by a whale, could you swim out and up through the oesophagus or would you be digested by the stomach acid? Plus, we ask about the future of flight: Are we going to be forever ...
Listen
Why is my Movember moustache grey? from 2014-11-10T00:00
Facial hair a different colour to that on your head? We stroke our beards to ponder why. Plus we ask, what happens when you get swallowed by a whale? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How will life end on Earth? from 2014-10-27T00:00
Will we cause our own demise by burning the candle at both ends? Or will it be something like the giant impact that caused the dinosaurs to go extinct? What do you think? Like this podcast? Please ...
Listen
Why do leaves turn red in autumn? from 2014-10-20T00:00
Why do leaves turn red in the autumn? And how do they know when it is time to drop? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Sci...
Listen
How can I avoid being struck by lightning? from 2014-10-13T00:00
Listener Ahmed has been struck by lightning twice! Is he prone to attracting lightning, or just unlucky? Like this podcast? Please help us by sup...
Listen
How many people have lived on Earth? from 2014-09-29T00:00
How many people have lived on Earth? We do some number crunching. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
How does self cleaning glass work? from 2014-09-22T00:00
Windows, computer screens and phones that never get grubby? What's the chemistry making that self cleaning glass possible? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
What makes a good password? from 2014-09-15T00:00
We hack our heads to find out how we can make a secure password. Plus we scrub up the issue and ask: how does self-cleaning glass work? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
What happens if a bee gets lost? from 2014-09-08T00:00
If you accidentally relocate a bee in your car, what happens? Would it join another colony or would that be it for the lost bee? For the answer to this insterest-sting question, we spoke to Henry F...
Listen
Can we use solar panels in space? from 2014-09-01T00:00
Could we get solar power from space and if so, how would we be able to transmit this energy back to Earth and use it? We spoke to John C. Mankins from Artemis Innovation Management Solutions to fin...
Listen
Do emotional and pain-induced tears differ? from 2014-08-18T00:00
Humans are the only animals that cry tears of emotion as well as pain. But does each type of tear differ in its chemical composition, and can you tell why someone was crying from looking at this? L...
Listen
Music: a concentration aid or complete distraction? from 2014-08-11T00:00
Music: a concentration aid or a complete distraction? Why do some people find it helpful and others disruptive? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can humans spontaneously combust? from 2014-08-03T00:00
This week, we tackle the burning issue of spontaneous human combustion. Reported cases of people bursting into flames nowhere near a fire. Is there any scientific explanation for this? Like this po...
Listen
How much of my body can I live without? from 2014-07-28T00:00
Which organs are vital and which are luxuries of life? We asked Elena Teh, Medical student at Cambridge University, for the gory details... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Is warp speed possible? from 2014-07-16T00:00
Star Trek fantasy or scientifically feasible? We find out with NASA! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
What does your sneeze say about your personality? from 2014-06-23T00:00
We sniff out the science asking does sneeze volume and sound indicate personality type? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked...
Listen
Can eating sweets stop brain fatigue? from 2014-06-16T00:00
Can you combat brain fogginess and help with french homework by munching sweets? We find out if there is any scientific rationale for this sweet toothed strategy to deal with brain fatigue. Like th...
Listen
Are cremated ashes good for plant growth? from 2014-06-09T00:00
Would a scattering of your beloved's ashes be good for plant growth? Or could it be toxic? We take this question to Cambridge University's Botanic's Head Gardener. Like this podcast? Please help us...
Listen
Is there an antimatter planet out there? from 2014-05-27T00:00
Are there antimatter planets out there? What would they look like? And how would we tell they exist? We find out! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Which painkiller should I use? from 2014-05-19T00:00
What's the difference between aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen? We turn to a Professor of Pain for the answer. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
What is fire and how does it burn? from 2014-05-12T00:00
We light up our brains with this burning question, igniting the issue with a Professor of Chemistry and Fire Science, Richard Hull, from Lancaster University. Like this podcast? Please help us by <...
Listen
Why am I so tired and bored in the office? from 2014-04-28T00:00
Do you feel tired, irritable and bored during the week? Yet full of beans and enthusiasm at the weekend? We find out why this could be! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Man v Machine from 2014-04-07T00:00
Why does my PC need more data storage than my DNA? Surely human processing power is greater than a computers? We crunch into the data to find out! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Is technology steering human evolution? from 2014-03-31T00:00
Is technology changing at too fast a pace for our genetic material? Has human evolution halted? We find out! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Is elevator style travel across Earth possible? from 2014-03-24T00:00
Could we banish planes and instead use the Earths natural spin to help long distance travel across it's surface? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Does Lightning Fry Fish? from 2014-03-10T00:00
When lightning strikes the sea, does it electrocute fish nearby? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Can a brain scan tell if you are depressed? from 2014-02-24T00:00
We zoom into MRI scanning to find out why it is so low resolution and ask, if it was improved could that help diagnosing disorders of the brain? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why are some people left handed? from 2014-02-17T00:00
We find out if other animals exhibit handed'ness. Plus what does it mean to be left handed and right footed? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Is green snot better than yellow? from 2014-02-10T00:00
Does the colour of your snot signify the severity or stage of your cold? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
How can I get rid of deodorant stains? from 2014-02-03T00:00
What causes deodorant stains on clothing, and what's the best way to get rid of them? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked S...
Listen
Why do insects buzz around lights? from 2014-01-13T00:00
There's not that many bugs around this time of year, but those that are seem to collect by by kitchen light. Why is that? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why don't electrons fall into the atomic nucleus? from 2014-01-06T00:00
Why don't electrons crash into the centres of atoms? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Is size important? from 2013-12-11T00:00
Does a fly evolve faster than a toad? A whale slower than a barnacle? And if so, how does our bodies immune system keep up with bugs? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do other animals sweat? from 2013-12-04T00:00
So sweat. Do the birds and bees do it? And even educated fleas? Or is sweating just limited to humans and err, horses? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why do I overlook the obvious? from 2013-11-20T00:00
We find out how our thoughts get overloaded so that we experience visual cortex blindness and overlook the obvious! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why can I squirt a jet of saliva from my mouth? from 2013-11-13T00:00
We find out why some humans squirt saliva from their mouth as a fine jet of spit. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scien...
Listen
Is it a good thing to raise your baby to be bilingual? from 2013-11-06T00:00
We find out if raising your baby to be bilingual is a good or bad thing for brain development. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting th...
Listen
Can superfoods protect against cancer? from 2013-10-30T00:00
We often see headlines that foods like red wine and veggie curry might decrease your likelihood of catching cancer. Is that true? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why do I fart after cottage pie? from 2013-10-23T00:00
Why do I fart after cottage pie? And what exactly is a fart? Do certain foods and cooking techniques affect fart frequency and potency? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can your dog pass on your flu? from 2013-10-16T00:00
Could you pass the flu onto your pooch? Could your dog then sneeze over your Great Aunt Mildred? We find out! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Who's your Bronze Age Ancestor? from 2013-10-09T00:00
This week we dig into our pasts and uncover how related we are to Bronze Age locals. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Sc...
Listen
How many people can Earth support? from 2013-10-02T00:00
We examine whether Earth can sustainably support this many humans. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Does a full moon affect my sleep? from 2013-09-25T00:00
Does the cycle of the moon affect your sleep patterns? We find out! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Is snuff safer than smoking? from 2013-09-18T00:00
What are the relative risks of e-cigarettes, nicotine patches and snuff? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Is sense of smell heightened during pregnancy? from 2013-09-11T00:00
Why is pregnancy associated with high sensitivity to smell? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Dropping a penny on your head from the tallest building in the world from 2013-09-04T00:00
Would it kill you to have a penny dropped on your head from the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai? We find out with Dr Hugh Hunt, Engineer at Cambridge University! Like this ...
Listen
Why do we dream? And what are nightmares? from 2013-08-29T00:00
We find out what happens in our brains as we dream, why we have them, and what nightmares are all about. Like this podcast? Please help us by sup...
Listen
Why does adding ice make fizzy drinks bubble over? from 2013-08-22T00:00
We find out why ice cubes can make fizzy drinks bubble over, by asking a French champagne specialist! Like this podcast? Please help us by suppor...
Listen
Could other planets make a substance like diamond? from 2013-08-15T00:00
Could other planets make a substance like diamond? We ask a deep space mining expert. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked S...
Listen
Do dark matter planets exist? from 2013-08-08T00:00
We find out if dark matter can clump together to form dark planets, dark suns, or dark moons. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the...
Listen
How do cells know what they will be when they grow up? from 2013-08-03T00:00
5 yr old Georgia asks how did the cells in her mum's tummy know to make her brain cells? A Nobel Laureate provides the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Sweeties: suck or crunch? from 2013-07-25T00:00
We brush away at this question: is it better for your teeth to suck on, or chew, your sweets? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the...
Listen
How does a baby safely stay upside down in the womb? from 2013-07-18T00:00
How do babies stay upside down in the womb for so long? We got summer intern Claudia Esftaphiou to do a headstand in the office to try to get to grips with the answer! Like this podcast? Please hel...
Listen
Power from Poo? from 2013-07-11T00:00
Can we get power from poo? We get excited over excrement! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Explode or Freeze first in Space? from 2013-07-04T00:00
Naked Physicist Dave Ansell tries to recreate Space in his garden, in order to get to grips with a listeners question..... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Punching into free will from 2013-06-27T00:00
How does training affect conscious control? What happens to automatic movements as we age? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Na...
Listen
Why do I feel sick after exercise? from 2013-06-20T00:00
We find out what's going on if exercise is making you sick. Plus we ponder the existance of free will. Like this podcast? Please help us by suppo...
Listen
What is the physiology behind emotional breakdown? from 2013-06-14T00:00
What is the physiology behind emotional breakdown? Everybody has had the feeling in traumatic situations of getting all choked up, voice breaking and tears welling up.But why does it happen? We f...
Listen
What is the highest possible mountain on Earth? from 2013-06-07T00:00
We find out if a mountain on Earth could ever reach 20 km high. Plus we ask, what is going on during an emotional breakdown? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do street lights affect birds and plants? from 2013-05-31T00:00
We find out if street lights are affecting plants and birds. Plus we ask how high can a mountain be here on Earth? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How do plants grow upwards? from 2013-05-24T00:00
We find out what happens if you take a plant into space, and we ask how does street lighting affect nature? Like this podcast? Please help us by ...
Listen
What is wind? from 2013-05-17T00:00
We find out what is wind and why do we have it? Plus we ask, why and how do plants always grow upwards? Like this podcast? Please help us by supp...
Listen
Are city dwellers more immune to bugs? from 2013-05-10T00:00
Is living in the big smoke better for your immune system in the long term as you are exposed to more people and their bugs? Plus we ask, what is wind and why do we have it? Like this podcast? Pleas...
Listen
How best to date ancient artefacts? from 2013-05-03T00:00
Naked Archeologist Diana O Carroll takes us on a trip of dating ancient artefacts. Plus we ask, is city living an immune booster? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can gene therapy treat depression? from 2013-04-19T00:00
We find out if gene therapy could help beat depression, plus we ask are early risers more likely to be cheerful? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can we acheive artificial photosynthesis? from 2013-04-12T00:00
We find out if we can mimic the power of plants to meet our energy demands. Plus we ask, could we use gene therapy for depression? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How long does it take for comets to melt? from 2013-04-05T00:00
We find out how long it takes for a comet to melt and we ask could we ever get a cometless sky? Plus we wonder the power of plants. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Could civilisation cope without computers? from 2013-03-22T00:00
We rely increasingly on computer networks. If a solar storm or malicious virus hit the network, could our current civilisation dependency on computer networks be damaged irreversibly? Plus we ask,...
Listen
Do other animals practice dental hygiene? from 2013-03-13T00:00
Are humans the only species that practice dental hygiene to retain their pearly nashers? Plus we ask, could we cope if computers conked? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Will a body wrap help me lose weight? from 2013-03-07T00:00
We find out if a body wrap will help you lose weight. Plus we ask are humans the only animals that practice dental hygiene? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Will our increasing human population cause a water shortage on Earth? from 2013-02-28T00:00
We find out if Earth's expanding human population will affect water supplies. Plus we ask, does the new anti-fat fad Shrinking Violet work? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Are Humans Meant for Monogamy? from 2013-02-14T00:00
Many other species have multiple partners, but are humans meant for monogamy? Plus we ask, do flies have a super sense of smell? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can you make a mini Mars at home? from 2013-02-08T00:00
We find out if you can emulate a Martian environment in the kitchen, and if so, can you grow plants there? Plus we ask, are humans meant for monogamy? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can you get a Tabby Human? from 2013-02-01T00:00
Cats can have patterned fur, but can you get a tabby human? Plus we ask can we make a miniature Mars at home? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do anti-mosquito sound devices work? from 2013-01-25T00:00
We find out if there is any evidence that anti-mosquito sound devices actually work. Plus we ask, do you get tabby humans? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How is sleepiness related to cheerfulness? from 2013-01-21T00:00
We find out if there is a relationship between early rising and cheerfulness. Plus we ask how best to repel mosquitoes! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why aren't blood donations rejected? from 2013-01-14T00:00
We find out why blood donations aren't rejected more readily. Plus we ask, is sleepiness related to cheerfulness? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How do touch sensitive switches work? from 2012-12-17T00:00
We find out why touch sensitive switches are sensitive to skin, soap and potato but not everything else? Plus we ask how do drinks & exercise affect the taste of your chewing gum? Like this po...
Listen
Do foetuses get cancer? from 2012-12-10T00:00
We find out if foetuses get cancer, 15 yr old Louis from London got in touch asking: their cells divide rapidly, so surely they can make genetic errors and get cancer? Plus we ask, how do touch sen...
Listen
Can we make a real life Spiderman? from 2012-12-03T00:00
We find out if we could mix spider and human DNA to create a real life Spiderman. Plus we ask, do foetuses get cancer? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
On Mars nobody can hear you scream. Is that really true? And if so, why? from 2012-11-26T00:00
ON MARS NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM. Is that really true? And if so, why? Plus we ask, can we mix spider and human DNA to make Spiderman? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do menstrual cycles synchronise? from 2012-11-21T00:00
Do menstrual cycles synchronise for women who live together? If so, is there any evolutionary reason for this? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How long can one survive on self cannibalisation? from 2012-11-20T00:00
This week we find out how long you could survive by just eating your own severed limbs, plus we search for synchrony in menstrual cycles. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why do certain fungi produce hallucinogens? from 2012-11-06T00:00
This week we find out why certain mushrooms contain hallucinogens, plus we ask, how long could you survive by eating your own limbs? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can you melt a potato? from 2012-10-29T00:00
This week we ponder potatoes! You can bake a potato, boil a potato, fry them, chip 'em and roast 'em. But CAN YOU MELT one? Plus we ask, why do fungi bother to produce hallucinogens? Like this podc...
Listen
Was pre-historic cave art only done in caves? from 2012-10-22T00:00
We find out where our ancestors artistically expressed themselves, plus we ask, how can we melt a potato? Like this podcast? Please help us by su...
Listen
Could we converse with animals? from 2012-10-15T10:59:19
This week we find out if we there will ever be a real life Dr Doolittle. And sticking with expressing ourselves we ask - was prehistoric art restricted to caves? Like this podcast? Please help us b...
Listen
Would self bone marrow transplants reverse aging? from 2012-10-01T00:00
We find out if banking our bone marrow early in life, and transplanting down the line, may help halt the aging process. Plus we ask, why are we so good at forgetting names?..... Like this podcast? ...
Listen
Has Life Only Started on Earth Once? from 2012-09-17T00:00
Earth seems like such a good place for life to thrive, so is it a good place for life to get started? Has life started on Earth more than once? If so, where is it? Like this podcast? Please help ...
Listen
Can mirrors make an infinitely powerful laser? from 2012-09-09T00:00
By simply bouncing a laser beam between two mirrors, could you produce an infinitely powerful laser? And if not, why not? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How does one telephone wire transfer all of that data? from 2012-09-03T00:00
We find out how it is possible for a single telephone wire to carry information for a telephone conversation, file downloads to a computer, WiFi access, and allow us to watch a film and listen to t...
Listen
Is Vitamin D Production like Photosynthesis? from 2012-08-13T00:00
We need exposure to sunlight in order to be able to make vitamin D. Does this mean that humans, like plants, undergo a sort of photosynthesis? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Could we introduce life onto Mars? from 2012-08-06T00:00
This week we speak with NASA's Planetary Protection Officer to find out if we could, and should, introduce life onto Mars. Plus we ask is a human producing Vitamin D a bit like a photosynthesising ...
Listen
Will your choice in cutlery alter how your food tastes?? from 2012-07-09T00:00
Can the type of cutlery used to prepare and serve food really alter its flavour? And does it really change, or is it just our perception? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Does ice really reduce swelling and speed up healing? from 2012-07-03T00:00
We find out if applying ice to an injury actually helps to speed up healing. Plus we ask, would dining with a silver spoon make your food taste better? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Could gene therapy be used to cheat a DNA test? from 2012-06-25T00:00
We find out if you can escape detection at a crime scene by using clever gene therapy techniques. Plus we ask, does applying ice to an injury actually help? And if so, how? Like this podcast? Pleas...
Listen
Why do women live longer than men? from 2012-06-18T00:00
We find out why men generally die before women. Plus we ask can we use gene therapy to cheat a DNA test and escape a crime scene...... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can we create a living organism from basic elements? from 2012-06-10T00:00
We find out if we can create a living organism from basic elements. Plus we ask, why do women live longer than men? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do motorways create a microclimate? from 2012-05-28T00:00
This week we find out how a species has so successfully infiltrated the verges of the UK road systems. Plus we ask can we create life by heating up basic chemicals... Like this podcast? Please help...
Listen
Can a magnet be so powerful it crushes what it attracts? from 2012-05-21T00:00
We apply some Naked Science force to this week's question and find out if we make a magnet so strong that is squashes, rather thanks sticks to, your white goods. Plus we ask do motorways create a m...
Listen
Why do feet smell cheesy? from 2012-05-14T00:00
This week we hone our noses and sniff out the answer to this stinker of a question...."Why do toenails, and even feet in general, smell cheesy? Plus we ask can we make a magnet so strong that is sq...
Listen
Why don't women have beards? from 2012-05-01T00:00
We find out why, if the gene that codes for men having hairy chests and backs provides an evolutionary advantage in response to an environmental pressure, don't women have beards and hairy chests t...
Listen
Would reading from a screen keep me awake? from 2012-04-23T00:00
We find out if monitors, screens and e.books are more than your standard page turner leaving you tossing and turning and up all night. Plus we ask, why have women lost their hairy beard and chests....
Listen
Will my skin soak up the calories in skin cream? from 2012-04-16T00:00
This week we find out if a liberal slathering of oil based moisturiser makes up part of our daily calorie quota. Plus we ask, are monitor screens and e.books more than your standard page turner, le...
Listen
Why don't you make best use of your energy reserves? from 2012-04-02T00:00
This week we find out why our bodies can't get their priorities right. We find out why we seek out food when we already have enough energy stored around our waists in the form of love handles and p...
Listen
Is there an absolute maximum temperature? from 2012-03-26T00:00
This week we find out about the inequality of the temperature scale as a listener asks: "If we can have a lower limit on temperature - absolute zero - so cold that nothing happens, why do we not ha...
Listen
Can you Catch Cancer? from 2012-03-19T00:00
Could you get cancer from someone else? Tasmanian devils can catch cancer transmitted through biting. Are there instances of cancers being transmitted this way in humans? Can you catch cancer thro...
Listen
Would you receive any warning before being squished by a meteoite? from 2012-03-13T00:00
If there were a large object, say a meteorite falling straight down where you are standing, what kind of warning would you notice? Would there be an accompanying sound? Or would you not know until ...
Listen
When will indestructible plastics finally degrade? from 2012-03-05T00:00
We know that nothing persists for ever so surely plastics in the sea have to break down at some point. How long does it take? And where does the plastic end up? Like this podcast? Please help us by...
Listen
Can you cross a kangeroo with a sheep to get a wooly jumper? from 2012-02-27T00:00
As the joke goes.....if you cross a kangaroo with a sheep you get a wooly jumper. Is it now possible with modern techniques to cross different animals to make one completely new species? Plus we as...
Listen
Goldfinger versus Goldmember? from 2012-02-20T00:00
Which film dominates with their most realistic use of lasers? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Listen
Can you brew beer in zero gravity? from 2012-02-13T00:00
We find out if fermentation yeast survive in Space, we ponder if it is possible to brew up a beer at zero gravity, plus we ask which is the most realistic fictional laser weapon?..... Like this pod...
Listen
How much of me is the original me? from 2012-02-06T00:00
A 57 year old male wonders - do I have any original parts? How much of the baby that was born in 1954 is still part of me? Plus we ask can you brew beer in space..... Like this podcast? Please help...
Listen
Would turning off standby devices increase my heating bills? from 2012-01-30T00:00
We're told to save electricity by switching off devices on standby. But if a home is heated solely by electricity, would there still be any savings by turning off all those devices? And a 57 male a...
Listen
How does a Headache Hurt? from 2012-01-23T00:00
This week I'll be getting inside your head.....with a question from Jarraryd Dunn. Plus we'll be asking is there any point in switching off your lights, TVs, and phone chargers during the winter?.....
Listen
The Case of the Caramels from 2012-01-16T00:00
With New Year's Resolutions in full swing here's a sweet thermal caramel quandary for us to sink our teeth into..... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do Sunglasses Cause Sunburn? from 2012-01-09T00:00
Can wearing sunglasses fool your senses into thinking there is less sun and increase your risk of getting sunburn? We take on this quandry and also wonder why cooking caramel causes temperature to ...
Listen
Why do My Feet Look Further Away? from 2011-12-19T00:00
Why would your feet seem further away when lying down? We put our visual depth perception to the test to find out how being horizontal could change the way you see the world. Plus, we ask if wear...
Listen
Do fish orgasm? from 2011-12-12T00:00
Fish reproduce by squirting out eggs and fertilising them, so where's the joy in that? Is there any form of pleasure that fish can experience through reproducing? We explore this fishy conundrum in...
Listen
Why some noises send shivers down my spine? from 2011-12-05T00:00
Why is it that the sound of nails being dragged down a blackboard makes every muscle tense and every nerve jangle? We tackle this teeth-grittingly uncomfortable problem in QotW. Plus, we ask wheth...
Listen
Why can't I focus on a reflection? from 2011-11-28T00:00
For those who are long or short-sighted, have you ever experienced an inability to focus on objects in the mirror - even though you should be close enough to the mirror to see them clearly? Find ...
Listen
What happens when two black holes meet? from 2011-11-21T00:00
When two abnormalities in space time collide, what sort of mess are they likely to produce? Will we see it? Find out in this supermassive QotW! Plus, we ask why some objects stay blurry in the mi...
Listen
Why don't umbilical cords become tangled? from 2011-11-15T00:00
Given that a foetus is essentially a swimming thing on the end of a piece of string, how is it that the two don't become tangled more often? Find out in this jelly-like QotW. Plus, we ask what wo...
Listen
Do our pupils let in more light if we wear sunglasses? from 2011-11-07T00:00
The pupil of the eye dilates in low-light conditions. Does this mean that the same amount is let into the eye when we wear sunglasses? Plus, we ask if babies can tie themselves in knots. Like this ...
Listen
How can we avoid the effects of zero g? from 2011-10-23T01:00
Astronauts have to put up with living in zero gravity, so how might they go about avoiding its ill effects? Find out in this body-bending QotW. Plus, we ask if humans have whiskers. Like this podc...
Listen
Why don't black holes explode? from 2011-10-17T00:00
Black holes emit Hawking radiation and gradually reduce in size, so is there a critical mass at which a black hole can no longer support itself? Find out in this QotW. Plus, we ask how much gravi...
Listen
Can we make power from poo? from 2011-10-10T00:00
Human excrement burns quite well, so why not use it to power a house? But how could this be done? Find out in this fragrant QotW. Plus, we ask why black holes don't explode. Like this podcast? Plea...
Listen
Do pregnant women breathe more? from 2011-10-03T00:00
Does being pregnant mean you have to breathe for two? Find the answer in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if poo power really is possible. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why do cheese and wine go together? from 2011-09-26T00:00
Certain foods seem to complement each other while others grate; why is this? Is it a matter of personal taste, or is there some science behind it? Plus, we ask if pregnancy makes breathing harder...
Listen
Is modern medicine affecting the human gene pool? from 2011-09-19T00:00
If babies are born by caesarian and modern medicine allows many more people to survive to adulthood, will the human gene pool be affected? We explore this huuuge question in a very concise Questi...
Listen
How does a calculator work? from 2011-09-12T00:00
Calculators are rather speedy at subtracting, sums and deriving standard deviations. But how do they do it? We find out in this QotW. Plus, we ask if modern medicine is affecting the human gene poo...
Listen
Why do wet dogs smell? from 2011-09-05T00:00
If you've ever returned from taking the dog for a walk through rain, you'll probably be very aware of the terrible way it smells! But what is it that makes wet dogs smell so awful? We tackle this w...
Listen
How do solar sails work? from 2011-08-22T00:00
Given that photons are massless, how do solar sails get pushed along by light? We explore the reasoning in this Question of the Week! Plus, we ask why wet dogs always seem to smell so appalling. Li...
Listen
Do bubbles keep your bath warmer for longer? from 2011-08-15T00:00
Do bubbles act like insulation on the surface of your bath? Will it prevent the need for that toe-burning hot water top up? Find out in this QotW! Plus, we ask how solar sails stay aloft on simp...
Listen
Why do sandy footprints appear raised? from 2011-08-08T00:00
Why is it, that when you take photos of footprints in sand, they can sometimes appear raised? We tackle this holiday illusion in Question of the Week! Plus, we ask if bubbles in your bath can keep ...
Listen
What does non-coding DNA do? from 2011-06-20T00:00
Ever wondered what all that junk in your DNA trunk is doing? Find out in this QotW! Plus, we ask: what's the point of two sets of organs? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Are there more earthquakes now? from 2011-06-13T00:00
Is it true that there are more earthquakes now than in the past, and that they are more intense? We explore the problem in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if non-coding DNA has a purpose....
Listen
Why does cereal stick to the bowl? from 2011-06-06T00:00
Have you ever noticed how leaving bits of leftover breakfast cereal uneaten causes it to harden like cement to the side of the bowl? Why is this? We explore the science of cereal cement, with addit...
Listen
When does wind chill turn to heating? from 2011-05-30T00:00
So you've felt those cold winds robbing you of your heat, but how fast do you have to go before they give it back? And why do planes stay cold when shuttles are hot? Find out in this QotW! Like thi...
Listen
How much Fuel is too much Fuel? from 2011-05-23T00:00
Does a full fuel tank waste cash? Is there an optimum level to which you should fill your car's petrol tank so it doesn't just use the excess energy simply to carry the petrol around? Do vehicle m...
Listen
Does loud music annoy whales? from 2011-05-16T00:00
If you've been to a whale acrobatics display at a tourist centre, you probably noticed some very loud music being played. But does it actually annoy the whales? Plus, we ask how much petrol is the ...
Listen
How do we keep warm? from 2011-05-09T00:00
This week: what methods does our body use to keep itself warm? What does shivering actually do? Plus, we ask if whales like music. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How do giraffes vomit? from 2011-04-18T00:00
Giraffes have very long necks indeed so how do they go about barfing? We find out how they revisit their dinner. Plus, we ask how the human body keeps warm. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why do we get circles around or eyes? from 2011-04-11T00:00
Eye circles plague many of us at one time or another. Some of us have them all our lives! But what causes them? We have the answers... or a few of them. Plus, we ask if giraffes find it tricky to v...
Listen
What's the most efficient way to heat water? from 2011-04-04T00:00
How did you go about heating the water for this morning's shower? Did you leave the boiler on all night or just heat what you needed? Find out which is the most energy efficient in this Question of...
Listen
Where on Earth is gravity the strongest? from 2011-03-28T01:00
Where do you have to go on the Earth to find the strongest pull of gravity? And where might one go to find the weakest? Plus, we ask which is the most efficient method of heating water: keeping a t...
Listen
How do you calculate the distance to a star? from 2011-03-21T00:00
In the absence of a giant ruler, how does one go about measuring how far the Earth is from a star? Simon Singh explains in this QotW. Plus, we ask where in the world gravity feels strongest. Like ...
Listen
Why don't potato peelers need sharpening? from 2011-03-14T00:00
Potato peelers are the staple of the kitchen drawer, but why don't they ever seem to need a good honing as ordinary knives do? We have the answer(s). Plus, we ask how the distance to a star is calc...
Listen
How do painkillers target pain? from 2011-03-07T00:00
This week, how do painkillers locate the bits that hurt? Do they have an inflammatory sat-nav or do they just numb your entire body? Plus, we ask why potato peelers never need sharpening. Like this...
Listen
What are cramps and how does one avoid them? from 2011-02-28T00:00
This week, we discover the reasons for those aches and pains known as cramps. What causes them and how can they be prevented? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
How fast does a car have to go to lift you off the ground? from 2011-02-21T00:00
If you're hanging onto the back of a car, how fast would it have to go before you were lifted off the ground? Plus, we ask about muscle cramp and how to avoid it! Like this podcast? Please help us ...
Listen
Do we walk in circles if we can't see? from 2011-02-14T00:00
Is it possible to walk in a straight line if one is blind or blindfolded? Are blind people better at it? Find the answer in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask how fast a car would have to trav...
Listen
Is an e-card more environmentally-friendly? from 2011-02-07T00:00
Which is better for the environment: an e-card or a traditional paper card? We have the answer for you in this (not terribly romantic) Question of the Week! Plus, we ask if people still walk in str...
Listen
What does it mean when soaps claim to kill 99.99% of germs? from 2011-01-31T00:00
Some hand washes claim to kill 99.99% of all germs. What do these advertising slogans really mean? Would two hand washes kill 100 per cent of all germs? Plus, we ask if sending an e-card is really ...
Listen
Why does light bend under gravity? from 2011-01-24T00:00
Light is supposed to be massless so how is it that gravity makes a beam bend? Plus, we ask what the hand wash adverts mean when they claim to kill 99.9% of known germs. Like this podcast? Please he...
Listen
How does the brain interpret Braille? from 2011-01-17T00:00
In this touchy-feely Question of the Week we find out which bits of the brain interpret text and Braille. Are they the same? Plus, we ask how it is that light bends under gravity, even though it's...
Listen
Are humans the only species to drink the milk of another? from 2011-01-10T00:00
When you think about it, drinking the milk of a cow is a little odd. Are we the only animal in the world that drinks the milk of another species? Why do we drink it anyway? Plus, we ask how Braille...
Listen
What Makes Someone Photogenic? from 2010-12-20T00:00
This week we find out why the camera loves some of us and seems to seek revenge on others as we investigate what makes someone photogenic... Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do magnetic bracelets work? from 2010-12-13T00:00
If blood is full of iron does that mean magnetic jewellery is good for you? We find out. Plus, we ask if there is any science to being photogenic. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Can I drink through my bottom? from 2010-12-06T00:00
Bowels are quite good at absorbing water so why not have a drink through one? Perhaps it's not such a good idea! Find out in this QotW. Plus, we ask if magnetic bracelets actually work. Like this p...
Listen
How fast is the universe expanding? from 2010-11-29T00:00
Will the universe expand faster than the speed of light in the future? Is this even possible? Will there be a big crunch at the end? The answer's in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if it's ...
Listen
What happens when a caterpillar pupates? from 2010-11-22T00:00
What happens insides the shell of a chrysalis? Does the caterpillar turn into a protein-y mush or does it simply grow wings? Plus, we ask what happens once the universe has finished expanding. Like...
Listen
How many bees to boil a human? from 2010-11-15T00:00
In this buzzing Question of the Week we find out how many bees are required to cook a human bee-ing. How much honey would they need to feast on in order to achieve this feat? Plus, we ask if a cate...
Listen
Do you experience more daylight atop a mountain? from 2010-11-08T00:00
If you're standing on top of Mt Everest, will your day be brighter for longer? Will there be more sunlight and why? Plus, we ask how many bees it takes to boil an entire person! Like this podcast? ...
Listen
Did the Icelandic volcano produce more carbon than the grounded flights would have? from 2010-11-01T00:00
Which would have produced more carbon: the Icelandic volcano or the planes which would have flown if it hadn't erupted? Find out in this QotW. Plus, we ask if altitude can affect the hours of day...
Listen
Why might a person not be able to see coloured ink on a whiteboard? from 2010-10-25T00:00
Why might a person, who apparently isn't colour-blind, not be able to see red or green on a whiteboard? What is colour-blindness anyway? We try to find the answer in this Question of the Week. Plus...
Listen
Why does travelling backwards make you feel ill? from 2010-10-18T00:00
Why is it that some people get a bit queasy when facing backwards on a train? Find out in this QotW! Plus, we ask how it's possible that someone is unable to see coloured lines on a whiteboard. Lik...
Listen
Does everyone see the same phase of the moon? from 2010-10-11T00:00
The moon and its fickle phases are analysed in this week's question. Does someone in Australia see the same full moon at the same time as someone in the UK? Does being on the other side of the worl...
Listen
How can something appear to roll uphill? from 2010-10-04T00:00
The quest is on to find out how something can appear to roll up a hill, rather than down. Plus, we ask if the moon appears the same to viewers on either side of the planet. Like this podcast? Pleas...
Listen
Are apple cores poisonous? from 2010-09-27T00:00
We find out about the true nature of apple cores. They're not as innocent as they look. Plus, we ask how a ball can appear to move uphill. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Is olive oil better for you? from 2010-09-20T00:00
We find out why we're often told that olive oil is better for you. Is there any truth to the advertising? Plus, we ask about the dangers of apple cores! Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why does it smell after it rains? from 2010-09-13T00:00
We explore the smells created by that wet weather phenomenon, rain. What brings about the damp, earthy smell? Plus, we ask if olive oil really is good for you. Like this podcast? Please help us by ...
Listen
How much farting is required for lift-off? from 2010-07-26T00:00
How much and how fast would you have to let loose your intestinal gases in order to lift yourself from the ground? We work through the physics of farting! Plus, we ask why certain smells are releas...
Listen
Is there an evolutionary benefit to kissing? from 2010-07-19T00:00
What is the point of kissing? Does it have any benefit for us or our progeny? Plus, we ask how much you'd have to fart in order to lift yourself off the ground! Like this podcast? Please help us by...
Listen
Why didn't The Americas have what the Europeans had at the time of conquest? from 2010-07-12T00:00
We ask why the New World wasn't technologically as advanced as the Old World. Is this a valid question? Plus, we ask what the benefits of kissing might be. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Why does an electric toothbrush affect my vision? from 2010-07-05T00:00
When brushing one's dental equipment with an electric toothbrush one may notice a slight wobbling of the television images. Why does this happen? Plus, we ask why the Americas hadn't developed the ...
Listen
Why is the nervous system crossed over? from 2010-06-28T00:00
Why does one side of the brain control the other side of the body? Surely it would make more sense if the left half of the brain told the left side of the body what to do. We find out what the curr...
Listen
Can dogs watch TV? from 2010-06-21T00:00
Many a dog has been observed barking at the television - but can they see what's going on in 'One man and his Dog'? Can they see images better on LCD TVs rather than CRT? Plus, we ask why one side...
Listen
What happens to light travelling at light speed? from 2010-06-14T00:00
We work out what would happen if you shone a light whilst travelling at light speed. Would you see anything? Would an observer see anything? Plus, we ask if dogs really can watch TV. Like this podc...
Listen
Can genes carry our memories? from 2010-06-07T00:00
In our quest for answers we discover how memories might be encoded in genes, though probably not the sort of memories you were expecting. Plus, we ask what would happen if you shine a light whilst ...
Listen
Why do some foods make our urine smell? from 2010-06-01T00:00
What is it that sometimes makes micturating nasally irritating? Why does asparagus make your urine smell and why might some cereals do the same thing? Plus, we ask whether memories can be handed do...
Listen
Sounds of the Stables - Why don't donkeys sound like horses? from 2010-05-24T00:00
Why do horses go "neigh!" when donkeys "he-haw!"? And what noize do zebras make? Just because they look similar, should they sound the same? Plus, we ask how food alters the smell of your urine....
Listen
Why do we have different blood groups? from 2010-05-17T00:00
We discover some likely explanations for the different blood groups seen in humans. Is there any reason for having one blood type over another? Do other animals have them too? Plus, we ask: why do...
Listen
Why haven't crocodiles changed? from 2010-05-10T00:00
Crocodiles have been the same for millennia upon millennia. What's going on? Why are they so uneventful in terms of evolution? Plus, we ask why we have different blood types. Like this podcast? Ple...
Listen
Does the Doppler shift affect radio? from 2010-05-03T00:00
Do radio signals change as we move to and from the transmitter? Do our movements affect how a radio boradcast sounds? We find the answer in this question of the week. Plus, we ask why crocodiles ha...
Listen
Can you carbon date your granny? from 2010-04-26T00:00
We find out if it's possible to put an age on someone without a birth certificate. Given that cells regularly regenerate in the body, can you carbon date your grandmother? Plus, we ask if radio sho...
Listen
Do Worms Drown? from 2010-04-12T01:00
This week's question endeavours to find the answer to the footpath conundrum - how do worms survive in the rain? What happens if the soil dries out? Plus, we ask if it's possible to carbon-date one...
Listen
Who has the cleaner mouth, dog or human? from 2010-03-29T01:00
We explore why a dog's mouth might be cleaner then a human's from the perspective of getting a bite from either. Who's got the worst oral bacteria? Plus, we ask how worms survive flooding of their ...
Listen
Are all the calories in food absorbed? from 2010-03-22T00:00
This week's question is all about energy! Do our bodies manage to harvest all the energy from food or do we miss a few calories here and there? Plus, we ask whose bite is worse, dog or human? Like ...
Listen
Do subliminal learning CDs work? from 2010-03-15T00:00
We find out if it's possible to revise for exams, become a mechanic or pick up a new language in your sleep! Do those CDs really work? Plus, we ask how many calories our bodies actually absorb from...
Listen
How is money made? from 2010-03-08T00:00
In this lucrative Question of the Week we find out how paper notes and metal coins are minted and printed in the money making factories of the UK. Plus, we ask if and how subliminal CDs work... Lik...
Listen
Why does white clothing become see-through when wet? from 2010-03-01T00:00
We find out about the physics behind wet T-shirt competitions! Why is it that pale clothing becomes transparent with the addition of water? Plus, in a totally unrelated question, we ask how money i...
Listen
Does ploughing snow cause global warming? from 2010-02-22T00:00
In this seasonal Question of the Week we explore how removing the lovely white reflective stuff might cause the whole world to warm up. Plus, we ask how wet T-shirt competitions work (the science b...
Listen
Can you make a phone call from a black hole? from 2010-02-15T00:00
Got an urgent call that needs to overcome virtually infinite gravity? This Question of the Week explores if mobile calls from black holes are possible. Plus, we ask if ploughing up the snow can wor...
Listen
Did the dinosaurs have the same seasons as we do? from 2010-02-08T00:00
We discover whether life in the Cretaceous period was as seasonal as it is today. Did dinosaurs put up with leaves on the line too? Plus, we ask whether it's possible to make a call from a black ho...
Listen
Will the washing dry outside in the winter? from 2010-02-01T00:00
We find out if evaporation works in cold weather too! Is it worth using the tumble dryer, after all? Plus, we ask if the seasons have always sat in the same part of the solar year... Like this podc...
Listen
Can a tanker pull birds off-course? from 2010-01-25T00:00
We find out whether a giant hulk of steel can disrupt a bird's navigation system. Would a 350,000 ton tanker do the trick? Plus, we ask how cold it can be before hanging out the washing becomes poi...
Listen
Do pets look like their owners? from 2010-01-18T00:00
We find out if the old adage is true - do pets really look similar to their owners? Or is it just that we only tend to remember those that do look similar? Plus, we ask why pigeons like settling on...
Listen
How do countries add up their CO2 emissions? from 2010-01-11T00:00
In this environmentally-themed QotW we find out how nations across the globe add up their greenhouse gas contributions. Does everyone do CO2 accounts in the same way? Plus, we ask why it is that pe...
Listen
Why can't dogs eat chocolate? from 2009-12-21T00:00
We discover why delicious chocolate is deadly for dogs. Why should they be denied the pleasure? Plus, we ask how countries measure their carbon dioxide output accurately. Like this podcast? Please ...
Listen
What would happen if you 'Tasered' an elephant? from 2009-12-14T00:00
We find out what would happen if you tried to use a stun gun on an elephant. Would you live to tell the tale? Plus, we ask why dogs need to avoid chocolate... Like this podcast? Please help us by <...
Listen
How do you propagate seedless fruit? from 2009-12-07T00:00
We find out how one makes more seedless grapes, bananas, oranges and watermelons when they don't have any seeds! Plus, we ask what would happen if you had the audacity to Taser(tm) an elephant... L...
Listen
How much radiation does an x-ray expose you to? from 2009-11-30T00:00
This week's question is all about the cell-zapping power of radiation. Just how much does a standard medical scan expose you to? How does that compare to the levels radiation workers are limited to...
Listen
Why serve white wine chilled? from 2009-11-23T00:00
Why is it that we serve white wines and red wines at different temperatures? Does this really affect the bouquet? Plus, we ask how many x-rays are too many. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Do red skies at night mean shepherd's delight? from 2009-11-16T00:00
We find out why it is we see red skies at all and the meteorology behind, Red sky at night, shepherd's delight; red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning. Is it true? Plus, we ask why different wi...
Listen
How many offspring does a sperm donor create? from 2009-11-09T00:00
We find out how many children a sperm donor will father. Is there a limit to the number? Plus, we ask whether red skies at night really do delight shepherds. Like this podcast? Please help us by
Why does holding the TV aerial improve the picture? from 2009-11-02T00:00
Why is it that, when your mum asks you to move the TV aerial to a better position, the signal improves while you move it about and then degrades as soon as you let go? We find out what it is that m...
Listen
What are floaters? from 2009-10-26T00:00
We find out what vitreous floaters are and how they can be removed. Will a coil of wire do the trick? Plus, we ask why holding a TV aerial can improve the picture. Like this podcast? Please help us...
Listen
Are Spiders Expert Architects? from 2009-10-19T00:00
How do spiders make such perfect webs? Are they expert architects, mathematical geniuses or natural engineers? Plus, we ask what the floaters in our eyes are, and if we can pull them out of the w...
Listen
Is it dangerous to sit too close to the TV? from 2009-10-12T00:00
We find out why we were told as kids not to sit too close to the television. Is there any scientific basis to the warning? Plus, we ask how it is that spiders manage to build such intricate and reg...
Listen
How do sharks make blood? from 2009-10-05T00:00
We find out how sharks, proud owners of cartilaginous skeletons, make red blood cells without the aid of bone marrow. Plus, we ask whether it's safe to get up close and personal with your televisio...
Listen
Why do we have fingerprints? from 2009-09-21T00:00
Just what is the point to all those ridges and furrows set into our fingers, toes, palms and soles? We do some detective work on the answer. Plus, we ask how sharks make blood when they have bones ...
Listen
What dictates the frequency of the waves? from 2009-09-14T00:00
We discover what it is that makes fewer or more waves crash against the shore each minute. Is it the tides, the sun or the number of surfers? Plus, we ask, why do we have finger prints? Like this p...
Listen
Do Plants have Immunity? from 2009-09-07T00:00
We find out if and how plants might combat little nasties like bacteria and viruses. Plus, we ask what defines the frequency of ocean waves. Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Tattoos Forever from 2009-08-03T00:00
We find out why tattoos can hang around for a lifetime. Plus, we ask if plants have an immune system. Like this podcast? Please help us by suppor...
Listen
Setting the Pace from 2009-07-27T00:00
We find out how pacemakers keep your heart in check, even if you go running after a bus. Plus, we ask how tattoos manage to stay under your skin for so long. Like this podcast? Please help us by
Snap, Crackle and Pop! from 2009-07-20T00:00
We find out what it is that makes rice-based cereals so noisy. Plus, we ask how does a pacemaker know to keep step with a human heart? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Egg Ventilation from 2009-07-13T00:00
We find out how developing bird embryos get their oxygen whilst trapped inside an egg. Plus, we ask what makes breakfast cereals go, "snap, crackle and pop?" Like this podcast? Please help us by
Night Sneezing from 2009-07-06T00:00
In this Question of the Week, we ask if we sneeze in our sleep? What stops us from 'atchoo'ing while we're snoozing? Plus, we ask how oxygen gets into a developing egg. Like this podcast? Please he...
Listen
Scrapping a Banger from 2009-06-29T00:00
On this Question of the Week, we askif it makes environmental sense to trade in an old car for a new one, asthere's so much embodied carbon in a car. Find out how efficient your new car would need ...
Listen
Dirty Laundry from 2009-06-22T00:00
We clean up the science of washing powders, how they work and why stains rather than dyes are removed by them. Plus, we ask whether it is better for the environment to continue driving an old car o...
Listen
Raining Into Space from 2009-06-15T00:00
We ask if the Earth rains outwards and loses water to space! Plus, how does laundry detergent target stains but avoid dyes? Like this podcast? Please help us by Listen
Safest Sites for Asteroid Impact from 2009-06-08T00:00
Where would be the best place for an asteroid to strike the Earth? Would deep ocean, land or polar ice cap be the least destructive? We weigh up the options on this Question of the Week. Plus, we a...
Listen
Sunflowers Doing the Twist from 2009-06-01T00:00
We find out how sunflowers follow the sun as it moves from east to west and whether the bloomshave the same attraction to the moon. Plus, we ask where the best place would be for an asteroid to lan...
Listen
Will the Dumb Out-Breed the Clever? from 2009-05-25T00:00
This week, we ask if the human race is evolving to be less intelligent, as those with more education tend to delay breeding and have fewer children. Plus, we ask how sunflowers follow the Sun, and ...
Listen
Waggle Dance Evolution from 2009-05-18T00:00
How did the waggle dance - the complex dance that honeybees use to describe the whereabouts of good food - evolve in small steps? We find out in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask where human ...
Listen
Jumbo Aerobatics from 2009-05-11T00:00
This week's question jet propels us into the blue skies thinkingon passenger jet manoeuvrability. Can a large airliner perform barrel rolls and loops? We also ask, how did bee dances come about? Li...
Listen
Night Time Weight Loss from 2009-05-04T15:05
In this Question of the Week, we ask if the positions of the Sun and Moon influence your weight - Is night time your light time, what do you weigh at midday? Diana O'Carroll finds out. Plus, we a...
Listen
Can Magnets Descale Your Pipes? from 2009-04-27T00:00
In this Question of the Week, we find out if a magnetic field can stop pipes from clogging up with limescale? Many manufacturers would like us to believe that simply clamping a magnet to your plumb...
Listen
How do Fish Sleep? from 2009-04-20T00:00
As they can't close their eyes, how do fish sleep? We find out in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if magnetism can really stop limescale from sticking to your pipes... Like this podcast? Pl...
Listen
Deadly Snakes from 2009-03-30T17:47
This Question of the Week is about getting to the root of toxic snake bites. Why do Aussie snakes have such a venomous reputation? Plus, we ask what goldfish get up to at night... Like this podcast...
Listen
Chameleon Food from 2009-03-22T00:00
In this week's QotW we find out what food to eat if you want to turn orange. Plus, we ask why Australian snakes are, on the whole, moretoxic than their global counterparts. Like this podcast? Pleas...
Listen
Growing a Winter Fur Coat from 2009-03-16T00:00
On this Question of the Week, we ask if humans grow a winter coat, and then moult in the winter, as so many other furry animals do? Plus, if Flamingoes are pink because of their diet, can we eat to...
Listen
The Biology Of Burns from 2009-03-09T00:00
In this Question of the Week, we discover the biological basis of burns - just what does happen to your cells when you touch something hot? Plus, we ask if humans undergo seasonal moulting - do we ...
Listen
Google Power from 2009-03-02T00:00
This week, we search our own databanks to find out how much energy it takes to search for something on Google. Plus, we ask what happens at a molecular level when we touch a hot object... Like thi...
Listen
The Many Shapes of Leaves from 2009-02-23T00:00
In this special Question of the Week, we explore the reasons why trees, even when closely related an in the same environment, can have such diverse leaf shapes. Plus, we ask how much energy it take...
Listen
Musical Milk from 2009-02-16T00:00
Why should milk 'change it's tune' when it's being steamed? In this Question of the Week, we find out why the sound of steaming milk changes abruptly at around 60C (140F), and invite you to conside...
Listen
Wearable Robots from 2009-02-09T00:00
Could a robotic suit make a ballerina out of a buffoon? Could technology allow ordinary people to perform extraordinary tasks? We find out in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask why milk seems ...
Listen
Spit and Polish from 2009-02-02T00:00
How does spit make your shoes so shiny? A good polish needs more than just elbow grease, it needs your saliva too! We find out in this Question of the Week, and ask if it's possible to build a suit...
Listen
Counting Without Counting from 2009-01-26T00:00
You can instantly tell if there are three objects on a table, but if there are twenty, you would need to count them to be sure. Why can we spot the small groups without having to count, and how big...
Listen
Fossilised Fence Posts from 2009-01-19T00:00
Petrified wood is a type of fossil, but some claim to have seen wooden fence posts that have already become petrified. Is it scientifically possible for wood to fossilise in such a short period? ...
Listen
Meteoric Life Forms from 2009-01-12T00:00
Meteorites, dust and other space rubbish is falling to Earth all the time, but does any of it ever contain life? We find out if aliens hitch a lift on space rubble in this Question of the Week. P...
Listen
Having your Cake and Eating it All from 2008-12-22T00:00
If you're given an excess of chocolate or sweets as a present, is it better for you to wolf them all down in a huge binge, or just eat a few each day to make them last? We find out what to do with...
Listen
Tryptophan and Turkey from 2008-12-15T00:00
What is tryptophan, and does Turkey really make you sleepy? We find out in this seasonal Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if you should scoff down all of your Christmas chocolates in one go, or m...
Listen
What Makes Us Laugh? from 2008-12-08T00:00
What is it that makes us laugh? We find out what makes us giggle and keeps stand up comedians in work! Plus, we ask if eating Turkey really makes you sleepy... Like this podcast? Please help us by ...
Listen
Psychopaths and Lie Detectors from 2008-12-01T00:00
Could a psychopath pass a lie detector test, if they felt no remorse for their crimes? We find out if the technology is up to finding the truth in this Question of the Week. Plus, what is it that ...
Listen
Helium Balloons on the Moon from 2008-11-24T00:00
In this Question of the Week, we learn the correct etiquette for attending a birthday party on the Moon - Should you bring a helium balloon, or will it just be a let down? Plus, we ask if people wh...
Listen
The Beasts Who Barbeque from 2008-11-17T00:00
Are we the only animals who cook our food? Why do we need to cook, and if it's so good, why haven't other animals joined us at the barbeque? We find out in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask i...
Listen
Wiping Away the Human Race from 2008-11-10T00:00
If the human race were to become spontaneously extinct, how long would it take for all evidence of us to be wiped from the planet Earth? Will there be evidence of human activity forever, or will we...
Listen
The Speed of Time from 2008-11-03T00:00
Why does time seem to go quicker as we age? It seems that the longer we live, the shorter the days seem to be. Paradoxically, sometimes the hours drag by while the weeks fly past! We find out why...
Listen
A Better Balanced Bicycle from 2008-10-27T00:00
Where should you put your bags to best balance your bike? Will groceries on the handlebars waste your pedal power, or will paniers on the back pull you backwards? We find out in this Question of th...
Listen
Better Battery Life from 2008-10-20T00:00
How do you get the best out of your batteries? Should you discharge them completely, or keep them permanently topped up? We find out in this Question of the Week! Plus, we ask where is the best pla...
Listen
Repeat Listening from 2008-10-13T21:34
Why do songs, even those you hate, sound better the more you hear them? We find out why familiarity can defeat contempt in this Question of the Week, and ask if you should let your batteries run d...
Listen
Do Animals have Blood Groups? from 2008-10-06T00:00
Why do we have different blood groups, such as A, B, O and rhesus positive or negative? Do animals have blood groups? If so, are they the same as humans, or do they have their own? We find out in t...
Listen
Elderly Eyebrows from 2008-09-29T00:00
Why do eyebrows and other bodily hair grow out of control as we get older? We find out why we develop a post-retirement facial forest in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask why humans have bloo...
Listen
How do Smells Travel Underwater? from 2008-09-22T00:00
Sharks seem to smell blood underwater from miles away in mere seconds - but how fast do smells really travel underwater? We find out in this Question of the Week, and ask why eyebrow hair gets out ...
Listen
Glow in the Dark Danger from 2008-09-15T00:00
Are Glow-in-the-Dark watches a radiation hazard? Should you store your best timepiece in a lead lined box? Find the answer in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask how smells travel underwater...
Listen
Running out of Memory from 2008-09-08T00:00
Does our memory have a limited capacity? In this Question of the Week, we'll find out if learning something new pushes out old information and why your brain needs a regular workout. We'll also ask...
Listen
Do We Drink Dinosaur Drinks? from 2008-07-29T18:31:24
Do we drink the same water that dinosaurs drank? Has your water passed through the countless bladders of the past? In this Question of the Week, we find out if our drinking water has been repeate...
Listen
Who Wants to Live Forever? from 2008-07-21T00:00
How old is the oldest organism? In this Question of the Week we find out if any organism has found the secret of eternal life, and can truly live forever. Plus, we ask if all the water on Earth has...
Listen
Breathing Without Lungs? from 2008-07-14T00:00
How does the Bornean Flat-Headed Frog breathe when it has no lungs? No, it's not a bad joke, it's our Question of the Week! We find out how this marvellous little frog survives, and ask if any an...
Listen
Remembering Your Dreams from 2008-07-07T00:00
Why are dreams so hard to remember? In this Question of the Week, we find out why your night time imagination slips away as you wake and is gone before your first coffee! Plus, we ask how certain...
Listen
The Colourful Compounds of Copper from 2008-06-30T00:00
Why are copper compounds so colourful? In this week's Question of the Week we find out how one metal can have so many colourful compounds, as well as a distinctive green flame. Plus, we ask why dre...
Listen
Cutting Calories by Cooking from 2008-06-24T18:43:35
If you burn your Pizza to a crisp, are you're left with a low calorie (if not very tasty) meal? In this Question of the Week we find out whether cooking contributes calories to a dish, or turn your...
Listen
Lightning Defibrillator from 2008-06-23T00:00
Being struck by lightning can be a heart-stopping experience - but could a second strike re-start your heart? In this question of the week, we find out if a bolt could act as a defibrillator, and i...
Listen
Over-Salted Fish from 2008-06-09T00:00
Most fish live in either freshwater or saltwater, but some live in both. In this Question of the Week we find out how these fish manage to avoid becoming too salty or too watery. Also, we ask if yo...
Listen
The Science of the Didgeridoo from 2008-06-02T00:00
How do you make a didgeridoo do what it does do? For this week's QotW, we find out how the length and shape of the instrument and the skill of the player affects the sound of a didgeridoo. Plus, we...
Listen
How Would ET Phone Home? from 2008-05-26T00:00
If we ever do find alien life around other stars, just how would E.T. phone home? We find out what technology we would need to communicate with our nearest stars, and the practical limitations. Plu...
Listen
Did Dinos Die Young? from 2008-05-19T00:00
How long was a big dino's lifespan? On this week's Question of the Week, we find out how many candles a dinosaur birthday cake would have, and how we can tell from only fossilised remains. Also, we...
Listen
Earplugs Make Sounds Louder? from 2008-05-12T00:00
Wearing earplugs may help to cut out external noises, but why does it make it impossible to eat crunchy crisps? In this Question of the Week, we find out why earbud headphones make internal noises ...
Listen
Olympic Flame in Flight from 2008-05-05T00:00
What keeps the Olympic torch alight, in flight? To keep the Olympic spirit burning, it must need to travel on aeroplanes, but how do you keep a naked flame burning, while keeping other passengers s...
Listen
Running out of Oil from 2008-04-29T17:16:32
When will we run out of oil? In the 1970s, it was predicted that oil wells would run dry by the year 2000, but new reserves were discovered. So in this week's Question we find out how long we hav...
Listen
Lightning on TV from 2008-04-21T00:00
Should you turn off the TV in a thunderstorm? In this electrifying Question of the Week we find out if an attached aerial attracts lightning, or if it's safe to ride out the storm in front of your...
Listen
Survival in a Sealed Car from 2008-04-14T00:00
How long would you survive sealed in a compact car? Is there enough oxygen to survive your journey, or should you just open a window to avoid suffocating on your own expelled gas? Also, we ask if l...
Listen
Drinking Wine in the Desert from 2008-04-07T18:48
Should you drink wine in the desert? Would an alcoholic drink dehydrate you faster than no drink at all? If so, should you let the alcohol evaporate first, and how long would this take? This is ...
Listen
Accented Notes - How do people lose their accent while singing? from 2008-03-31T00:00
For this week's Question, we find out why it is that although some people speak with a strong accent, this almost completely disappears when they sing. Could it be that there are language lessons t...
Listen
The Timing of the Tides from 2008-03-17T00:00
On this week's Question of the Week, we plunge into a question about tides! We find out how the tide times are worked out to the nearest minute, and why anyone would need such precision. Plus, we ...
Listen
Dirty Hair Grows Slower? from 2008-03-10T00:00
This week, we tackle the hirsute - will clean, trimmed hair grow quickly? Can you slow the growth with neglect? We find out if cut hair grows back quicker and thicker, or if that's just an urban my...
Listen
Caves and Carbon Dioxide from 2008-03-04T18:47:25
Our question this week concerns caves - we find out if more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes caves to grow quicker. Could an acidic atmosphere create cathedral-sized caverns? Like this podc...
Listen
A True Scale of Smell from 2008-02-25T00:00
This week, we find out if our noses tell us the truth. Does a strong smell mean a lot of odour in the air, or can we be tricked by small smells? In short, does our sense of smell have a sense of sc...
Listen
The Smell of Old Books from 2008-02-18T00:00
Books can hold stories, knowledge, ideas and memories - but what about the smell? So on this week's QotW - What gives an old book that distinctive smell? Also, we ask how we perceive the 'size' of ...
Listen
Self-Shocking Electric Eels from 2008-02-11T00:00
This week, we find out how Electric Eels avoid a self-shock when stunning their prey, and we ask some smelly questions; what gives an old book it's distinctive smell, and does a strong smell mean a...
Listen
Recycled Oxygen in Space from 2008-02-04T00:00
This week, we find out how they manufacture oxygen on the International Space Station - a technique that astronauts must be 'over the moon' about! Plus, we ask how electric eels avoid self-shockin...
Listen
Runaway Runway - Can a plane take off on a Treadmill? from 2008-01-28T00:00
This week, we find out if an aeroplane on a treadmill could the plane still take off, and ask how air is made in space, and if electric eels suffer from self-shock syndrome... Like this podcast? Pl...
Listen
Who freewheels downhill faster, a fat person or a skinny person? from 2008-01-21T00:00
This week, we find out if a fatter cyclist free-wheels faster than a thinner cyclist, and ask if an aeroplane runway is replaced with a treadmill, can the plane still take off? Also, how is oxygen...
Listen
What Makes a Boomerang Keep Coming Back? from 2008-01-13T00:00
This week we find out why boomerangs keep coming back, and ask would a plane on a treadmill still take off, and who gets to the bottom of a hill first - a freewheeling fat or thin cyclist? Like thi...
Listen