Podcast Episodes

Why is this song stuck in my head?

You have probably experienced an ‘earworm’ - a catchy bit of music that plays round and round in your head and won’t go away – at least for a short w…

3 years, 10 months ago

Are viruses the key to fighting infections?

We are running out of ammunition against certain infections, as bacteria increasingly evade the antibiotics we’ve relied on for nearly a century. Cou…

3 years, 10 months ago

Are artistic brains different?

Artists can conjure up people, cities, landscapes and entire worlds using just a pencil or a paintbrush. But some of us struggle to draw simple stick…

3 years, 10 months ago

What is healthy hair?

Hair is an important part of our identities – straight, frizzy, long, not there at all – and our efforts to keep it styled and clean have created an …

3 years, 10 months ago

Can we get better at accepting death?

Death is inevitable, though many of us would rather not dwell on it. For those with a terminal illness, however, the end of life is clearly a more pr…

3 years, 11 months ago

What is a quantum computer?

Every year, new computers are being developed that are faster and smarter than ever before. But if you really want to take things to the next level, …

3 years, 11 months ago

Human v machine

Humans can walk for miles, solve problems and form complex relationships using the energy provided by daily meals. That is a lot of output for a fair…

3 years, 11 months ago

Why do bright lights make me sneeze?

This week’s CrowdScience is dedicated to bodily fluids – and why humans spend so much time spraying them all over the place. From snot and vomit to s…

3 years, 11 months ago

Why can't I find gold in my back yard?

If you go outside with a spade and start digging, the chances are you won't find any gold. You might get lucky or just happen to live in a place wher…

4 years ago

Why does ancient stuff get buried?

Digging and excavating are bywords for archaeology. But why does history end up deep under our feet?

This question struck CrowdScience listener Sunil …

4 years ago