Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss slime mould, a basic organism that grows on logs, cowpats and compost heaps. Scientists have found difficult to categorise slime mould: in 1868, the biologist Thomas Huxley asked: ‘Is this a plant, or is it an animal? Is it both or is it neither?’ and there is a great deal scientists still don’t know about it. But despite not having a brain, slime mould can solve complex problems: it can find the most efficient way round a maze and has been used to map Tokyo’s rail network. Researchers are using it to help find treatments for cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and computer scientists have designed an algorithm based on slime mould behaviour to learn about dark matter. It’s even been sent to the international space station to help study the effects of weightlessness. WithJonathan Chubb Professor of Quantitative Cell Biology at University College, LondonElinor Thompson Reader in microbiology and plant science at the University of GreenwichAndMerlin Sheldrake Biologist and writerProducer: Eliane Glaser In Our Time is a BBC Studios Audio production

In this engaging discussion, writer Jenny Uglow, urban history professor Rosemary Sweet, and art lecturer Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth explore the fascinating phenomenon of 'vase-mania' in 18th-century Britain. They delve into the societal shifts as antique vases became symbols of status and cultural capital amidst the rise of the middle class. The conversation highlights Josiah Wedgwood’s innovations in pottery, the allure of Greek antiquity, and the relationship between classical aesthetics and modern design, revealing how these influences shaped tastes and identities.

Judith Mossman, a classics expert, Andrew Erskine, specializing in ancient history, and Paul Cartledge, a researcher in Greek culture, delve into the life of Plutarch, the Greek biographer. They explore how Plutarch's 'Parallel Lives' shaped perceptions of historical figures by comparing Greeks and Romans through virtues and vices. The conversation highlights Plutarch's influence on Shakespeare, his narrative techniques, and the moral lessons derived from figures like Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar, illustrating the enduring power of storytelling in history.

Join expert guests Jayne Birkby, an exoplanetary sciences professor, Saidul Islam, a chemist focused on life's chemistry, and Oliver Shorttle, a natural philosophy professor, as they explore the origins of life and what makes planets habitable. They discuss the conditions needed for life to thrive on Earth and beyond, the search for Earth-like planets, and the significance of cosmic chemistry. Dive into the fascinating world of potential extraterrestrial life and the future of astrochemistry.

Christine van Ruymbeke, a Persian literature expert from Cambridge, Narguess Farzad, a senior lecturer on Persian studies, and Dominic Parviz Brookshaw, a professor at Oxford, delve into the life and works of Nizami Ganjavi. They discuss his epic poems in 'Khamsa', highlighting the tragic love stories of Khosrow and Shirin and Layla and Majnun. The conversation also reveals Nizami's portrayal of strong female characters and his mastery of weaving philosophy and art, showcasing his enduring impact on Persian literature and culture.

Andreas Gestrich, Professor Emeritus at Trier University, and Elaine Chalus, Professor of British History at the University of Liverpool, delve into the complex political landscape of early 18th-century Britain. They explore the urgent need for a Protestant successor to Queen Anne, highlighting Princess Sophia of Hanover's unexpected elevation in the line of succession. The discussion covers the political maneuvering involved in the Act of Settlement, the ramifications of the Jacobite uprisings, and the Hanoverian legacy's influence on British politics and culture.

In this engaging discussion, Guido Bonsaver, a Professor of Italian Cultural History at Oxford, Jennifer Burns, an expert in Italian Studies from Warwick, and Beatrice Sica from UCL delve into the life and works of Italo Calvino. They explore how Calvino's WWII experiences influenced his shift from neorealism to fantastical writing in masterpieces like 'Invisible Cities.' The conversation highlights his belief that art can enhance life, the impact of his childhood reading, and the evolution of his narrative style, intertwining political engagement with imaginative storytelling.

Mike Edmunds, Emeritus Professor of Astrophysics, and Liba Taub, Professor Emerita at Cambridge, delve into the mysteries of the Antikythera Mechanism. They discuss its discovery by sponge divers in 1900 and unveil its complex design as an ancient analogue computer. The conversation highlights how this 2,000-year-old device skillfully modeled astronomical movements and revolutionized our understanding of Greek engineering. Additionally, they explore the cultural connections between ancient astronomy and society, illustrating the sophisticated knowledge of the time.

In this engaging discussion, Helen Wilcox, an expert in English Literature, Victoria Moul, a specialist in early modern bilingual culture, and Simon Jackson, a music director and scholar, illuminate the life of poet George Herbert. They explore Herbert's unique blend of poetry and music, his influence on 17th-century Christianity, and the emotional depth of his works. Insights into his struggles with faith and chronic illness reveal the personal nature of his writing, while his lasting legacy continues to inspire both poets and worshippers today.

Maartje van Gelder, a Professor in Early Modern History at the University of Amsterdam, Stephen Bowd from the University of Edinburgh, and Georg Christ from the University of Manchester dive into the rise of Venice as a maritime power. They explore how Venice transformed from marshy islands into a booming trade empire lacking walls. The conversation reveals peculiar aspects like the influence of the Arsenalotti during sieges and the unique governance by the doge. They also discuss Venice's strategies against the looming threat of rival powers and its multifaceted cultural legacy.