Question of the Week
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...
If the Universe is expanding, what is it expanding into?
Anne writes in with this question, which James Tytko took on with the help of the University of Cambridge's Public Astronomer, Matt Bothwell... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
What is the smell when it's raining?
Elizabeth with a transatlantic teaser for this question of the week: "I heard that people in the UK can't smell when it rains, but us Americans can. If I went to the United Kingdom, would I be able to smell the rain there? Would someone from the UK be able…
Can we extract DNA from fossils?
Join James Tytko in the hunt for ancient DNA thanks to this question from listener Phil. Jack Lovegrove from the Natural History Museum was on hand to help with the answer... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
What makes up the space when subatomic particles move?
Phil sent in this quantum conundrum which Will Tingle took on with the help of Ben Allanach, Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Do plants get cancer from UV light?
Thanks to Garth Jenkins from the University of Glasgow for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Are there stars outside of galaxies?
Brian has been in touch to ask whether stars can be independent of galaxies. James Tytko asked the University of Cambridge's public astronomer Matt Bothwell to help find the answer... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Why are wind turbine blades shaped the way they are?
For today's question, James Tytko takes on Janey's query on the shape of modern wind turbine blades and draws a comparison with old fashioned windmills: why such different designs? Professor of Renewable Energy Simon Hogg from Durham University provides the answer... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the…
Is maths the easiest school subject to remember?
While helping his son with his maths revision, Andrew was struck by the ease with which he slipped back into the groove of the subject. He wants to know why that might be. James Tytko sought to find out with help from Catherine Loveday, neuropsychologist at the University of Westminster…
Why do we need to keep replacing our cells?
James Tytko answers listener John's question with the help of Professor of Cardiovascular Health, Nadia Rosenthal... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
What kills an unused car battery?
Thanks to Rhod Jervis for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
What is responsible for a coffee's foam?
Thanks to Steven Abbott for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Are the laws of physics consistent around the universe?
James Tytko asked Toby Wiseman, professor of theoretical physics at Imperial College London, to answer this question from listener Daniel... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Why does some plastic lose its flexibility over time?
Jimmie sends in this week's question, seeking an answer as to why plastic loses its flexibility. James Tytko took on the question with the help of Chemistry World's Phillip Broadwith... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Could we make ourselves disgusting to mosquitoes?
Thanks to Professor Heather Graham for the answer!This episode of Question of the Week, listener Donald asks:"Assuming mosquitoes have taste buds, then they should have adverse tastes. Have molecular scientists explored how to make or find chemicals that make mosquitoes disgusted?"Will - As someone who's about to head off to…
Can a "random" action ever be exactly replicated?
This week's Question of the Week comes in from listener David, who asks:'On the show 'Tipping Point', Often at the end they play out the final three counters as 'What would have happened.' Would the result actually be what would have happened?Thanks to Tony Padilla for the answer! Like this…
What language do the profoundly deaf think in?
Thanks to Bencie Woll and Victoria Mousley for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
How far can electrons get away from their atom?
Thanks to University of Cambridge's Ben Allanach for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Will eating sugary foods last avert glucose spikes?
Steve has written in to us to ask whether the order in which one eats their food makes a difference to whether or not they experience glucose spikes. We thought this was an interesting question for Cambridge Professor Giles Yeo to sink his teeth into... Like this podcast? Please help…
Why do babies have such a strong grip?
Thanks to Andrew Bremner for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
How did the ancient Romans multiply their numerals together?
Thanks to Ems Lord for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists