The Infinite Monkey Cage

BBC Radio 4
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60 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 42min

Illuminating Light - Jess Wade, Russell Foster and Bridget Christie

Join physicist Jess Wade, renowned for her work on light technologies, and neuroscientist Russell Foster, who studies the intricacies of circadian rhythms, as they shine a light on a captivating array of topics. They delve into how light influences culture and biology, the dual nature of light as particles and waves, and even the evolutionary significance of early life's sensitivity to light. Comedian Bridget Christie adds her comedic flair, musing on the mysteries of light and its connection to our understanding of ghosts!
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89 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 42min

Moths v Butterflies - Katy Brand, Jane Hill and Chris Jiggins

Join Professor Chris Jiggins, an expert in butterfly evolution, Professor Jane Hill, who unpacks how climate change affects moths and butterflies, and comedian Katy Brand, known for her witty takes on life. They dive into the fascinating world of Lepidoptera, exploring the distinct traits that separate moths from butterflies. With humor, they discuss metamorphosis, the wonders of colorful wing patterns, and even Katy's butterfly tattoo. The team blends science and comedy while highlighting the critical ecological roles these insects play.
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28 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 42min

Technofossils - Sarah Gabbott, Mark Miodownik and Aurie Styla

Mark Miodownik, a Professor of Materials and Society, discusses how everyday items could become future fossils. Sarah Gabbott, a Paleontologist, shares intriguing insights on ancient fossils and the secrets they hold. Comedian Aurie Styla adds humor to the discussion about techno-fossils, speculating how archaeologists might misinterpret discarded technologies like smartphones. They explore the durability of plastics and how future generations might view our current life, questioning what legacies we’ll leave behind.
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59 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 43min

The Mighty Spud - Sandy Knapp, Glenn Bryan and Susan Calman

Join botanist Sandy Knapp and geneticist Glenn Bryan as they unravel the fascinating world of potatoes. Discover how all supermarket potatoes belong to a single species and the exciting diversity of wild varieties in South America, which has Susan Calman planning her next adventure! They also dive into potato genetics, the quirky history of these tubers, and even spin a musical number using a potato keyboard. Prepare for a playful journey that mixes science with humor, celebrating the mighty spud in all its glory!
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71 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 42min

How to Build the Perfect Athlete - Helen Glover, Hugh Dennis, Steve Haake and Emma Ross

In this discussion, Olympic rower Helen Glover shares her inspiring journey of returning to sports after motherhood, emphasizing the unique challenges female athletes face. Professor Steve Haake explores how cutting-edge technology impacts sports performance, while exercise physiologist Emma Ross dives into the physiological differences that affect athletes. Comedian Hugh Dennis adds humor with tales of his cycling adventures, all while the group contemplates what truly makes the 'perfect athlete' amidst laughter and personal anecdotes.
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78 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 43min

Should We Settle in Space? - Tim Peake, Kelly Weinersmith and Alan Davies

Join British astronaut Tim Peake, biologist Kelly Weinersmith, and comedian Alan Davies as they explore whether humanity should settle in space. Peake shares insights from his time at the ISS and advocates for space exploration. Weinersmith discusses the hurdles of colonizing Mars and the Moon, while Davies injects humor into the conversation about life beyond Earth. They tackle the scientific and ethical implications, from growing food on Mars to the absurdities of space travel, making for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.
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39 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 43min

201st Birthday Bonanza - Mel Giedroyc, Deborah Meaden and Nish Kumar

Mel Giedroyc, renowned for her role in The Great British Bake Off, explores the engineering wonders behind London's subterranean transport systems. Deborah Meaden, a savvy entrepreneur, delves into the emotional complexities of animal grief, examining whether our pets really experience sadness. Comedian Nish Kumar queries climate scientist Ed Hawkins about the looming climate crisis, seeking hope amid doom. Together, the trio navigates the delightful intersections of science and everyday life, sparking curiosity and laughter.
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106 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 42min

Nature's Shapes - Dave Gorman, Sarah Hart and Thomas Woolley

Mathematician Sarah Hart, a fellow at Birkbeck University, joins comedian Dave Gorman and Thomas Woolley to explore nature's geometry. They discuss how evolution crafts elegant forms, like tortoise shells and the leaf distribution of trees. The conversation touches on Alan Turing’s influence on animal patterns, the mystery of the golden ratio, and even Gorman's quirky disdain for oblongs. With humor and insight, they reveal the mathematical wonders embedded in the natural world.
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64 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 43min

The Sound of Music - Brian Eno, Sam Bennett and Trevor Cox

Join Trevor Cox, an Acoustic Engineering Professor, Sam Bennett, a Music Professor specializing in technology, and the iconic musician Brian Eno as they delve into the evolution of sound. They discuss the fascinating history of music recording from early phonographs to the revolutionary Fairlight CMI synthesizer. Hear about the challenges of capturing sound, the transition from analog to digital music, and a live audience experiment that turns phones into a digital orchestra. It's a captivating intersection of technology and creativity!
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18 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 42min

Saturn v Jupiter - Katherine Parkinson, Paul Abel and Michele Dougherty

Join theoretical physicist Paul Abel and planetary scientist Michele Dougherty as they engage in a cosmic face-off between Saturn and Jupiter. Discover the allure of their breathtaking appearances and the secrets lurking beneath their mesmerizing surfaces. The duo dives into the wonders of their moons, discussing ongoing missions that might uncover extraterrestrial life. With some humorous wrestling analogies thrown in, this lively debate reveals the intriguing dynamics of these gas giants and their captivating roles in our solar system.

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