Naked Scientists Question of the Week

Loading player...
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 descent. Graihagh Jackson was perplexed and intrigued by the question and so went to meet engineer, Dr Philip Garsed from Cambridge University to get up to speed...
24 Apr 2016 English United Kingdom Science

Other recent episodes

How do animals adapt to a changing magnetic field?

Alan writes in, acknowledging that many animals use the Earth's magnetic field for navigation purposes. Given the shifts in poles and field intensity we experience due to convection currents in the Earth's core, how do they stay on course? James Tytko asked Miriam Liedvogel, professor of ornithology, to help find…
11 Apr 5 min

Do we know what the Wow! signal was?

In 1977, astronomer Jerry Ehman detected a narrowband radio signal, far stronger than any that have been recorded before or since, using Ohio State University's Big Ear telescope as it was pointing in the direction of the Saggitarius constellation. Listener to the show, Donald, wants to know if any consensus…
4 Apr 4 min

Should elderly people use trampolines?

Thanks to John Travers for the answer!Listener Francisco asked: I have been told that jumping on a trampoline is healthy for humans. It is considered as a good exercise; and also to better coordinate brain and body. I am 73 and wonder whether it is advisable for me to jump…
27 Mar 4 min

Is it safe to burn plastic?

Silke is writing all the way from French Polynesia, asking what's best to do with all the plastic rubbish she picks up from the beach, and whether burning it is advisable. James Tytko asked Richard Lampitt from the National Oceanography Centre to help find an answer... Like this podcast? Please…
21 Mar 6 min

Does thalidomide alter DNA?

Listener to the show, Elaine, wants to know whether her mother, who was a thalidomide baby, might have passed on effect of the drug to her children. Thalidomide was a treatment for morning sickness which caused severe birth differences in children born to mothers who used the drug. James Tytko…
13 Mar 5 min
All episodes