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...
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
Why do radiators have two sides?
Thanks to Dr John Bissell for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Do you ever run out of sperm?
Thanks to Rod Mitchell for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Could I undergo a full body transplant?
Will Tingle takes on this head scratcher from listener David with the help of Professor Adam Taylor of the University of Lancaster... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Do volcanoes or farts contribute to climate change?
Thanks to UCL's Mark Maslin for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Would wearing mirrors keep me cool?
For this Question of the Week, Lotus wants to know whether wearing mirrors could help us keep cool in the sun. James Tytko took on the challenge of answering... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
How has sex education evolved?
Thanks to Michael Reiss for the answer! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
How languages evolve
Will Tingle took on this linguistic query from listener Satya with the help of David Crystal... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Why might stollen go floppy in the toaster?
Taking on this week's question, James Tytko kneaded help from baking expert Nicola Lamb... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists