BBC Inside Science The World’s Biggest Iceberg
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Mar 6, 2025 Caroline Steel, a seasoned science journalist, joins Andrew Myers from the British Antarctic Survey, an expert on icebergs. They discuss the massive iceberg A23a, its ecological impacts, and the threat it poses to wildlife. The conversation shifts humorously to the complexities of nuclear waste disposal, likening it to baking a cake. Additionally, they explore new insights on the effectiveness of mobile phone bans in schools and even share the science behind scratching an itch and mastering the perfect boiled egg!
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Russian Research Station on Iceberg
- In 1986, a Russian research station in Antarctica disappeared, prompting speculation.
- It was later found on iceberg A23A, allowing scientists to retrieve the equipment.
UK Plutonium Disposal
- The UK holds the world's largest plutonium stockpile, a byproduct of nuclear power and bomb production.
- This stockpile, costing £70 million annually to secure, will be turned into a rock-like substance for disposal.
School Phone Bans Ineffective
- A study found that banning phones in schools doesn't improve grades or mental health.
- It also doesn't reduce overall phone use, suggesting a need for broader strategies.