Podcast Episodes

An exploration of empathy

On the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration Of Human Rights, we look into the phenomenon of caring for things outside of ourselves – whether…

2 years, 3 months ago

Boring science

After 41 Indian miners were happily rescued last week, Unexpected Elements takes a look at how our futures might lie below the surface.

As climate cha…

2 years, 3 months ago

Meetings with intelligent worms

This week on the show that brings you the science behind the news, inspired by COP28, we’re talking about meetings. Honestly, it’s way more interesti…

2 years, 3 months ago

All about cricket(s)

The cricket world cup has us looking at the science of spitting on cricket balls, particle accelerators, and insect sound engineers.

Also on the progr…

2 years, 4 months ago

Why we need to talk toilets

To mark UN World Toilet Day on 19 Nov, Alex Lathbridge discusses all things toilet related with Andrada Fiscutean and Tristan Ahtone, as they attempt…

2 years, 4 months ago

Working 70 hours a week

This week on the show with the science behind the news, we’re looking at a story that has sparked a debate in India about a 70-hour work week.

In an i…

2 years, 4 months ago

Scary science

In the week where many celebrated Halloween we are wondering about that tingle down your spine, the dryness in your mouth, the racing pulse - might i…

2 years, 4 months ago

Fashion to dye for

Lagos Fashion Week makes some unexpected connections to vegan wool, 1920s car marketing, and Right to Repair legislation. If we consider our obsessio…

2 years, 5 months ago

Putting Madonna to the test

According to the pop icon Madonna, music makes the people come together. But can we prove that using science?

As Madonna embarks on her greatest hits …

2 years, 5 months ago

How bedbugs took over the world

How did bedbugs become a global concern? We examine why their unconventional reproduction methods are so successful, how bedbugs and humans even cros…

2 years, 5 months ago