The Infinite Monkey Cage
BBC Radio 4
Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Joined by a panel of scientists, experts and celebrity science enthusiasts they investigate life, the universe and everything in between on The Infinite Monkey Cage from the BBC. From the smallest building blocks of life to the furthest stars, the curious monkeys pull apart the latest science to reveal fascinating and often bizarre insights into the world around us and what lies beyond. Can trees talk to each other? Can science help you commit the perfect murder? What might aliens look like and the burning question of our time, are strawberries alive or dead? Join them as each episode they put a different scientific topic under the microscope, from aliens, black holes and hedgehogs, to bacteria, poison and the Big Bang.
With past guests including actors Dame Judi Dench and Sir Patrick Stewart, comedians Steve Martin and Conan O’Brien, astronaut Tim Peake, primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Hannah Fry, The Infinite Monkey Cage promises to make you laugh, enrich your knowledge and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the universe that we call home.
Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or someone who nodded off in physics class, listen in to learn all about funny, fascinating and sometimes ridiculous topics – with the occasional monkey business.
With past guests including actors Dame Judi Dench and Sir Patrick Stewart, comedians Steve Martin and Conan O’Brien, astronaut Tim Peake, primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Hannah Fry, The Infinite Monkey Cage promises to make you laugh, enrich your knowledge and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the universe that we call home.
Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or someone who nodded off in physics class, listen in to learn all about funny, fascinating and sometimes ridiculous topics – with the occasional monkey business.
Episodes
Mentioned books
32 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 43min
Journey to the Centre of the Earth - Phil Wang, Ana Ferreira and Chris Jackson
Join comedian Phil Wang, once an engineering student, along with seismologist Ana Ferreira and geoscientist Chris Jackson, as they journey into the Earth’s layers. They reveal the surprising complexities of the Earth’s structure, from continental blobs deep within to the extreme conditions that hamper direct exploration. Phil hilariously grapples with his fears of falling through gaps between tectonic plates, while Ana shares cutting-edge techniques for studying our planet's hidden depths. The conversation brilliantly blends science with humor, making geology captivating!
51 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 42min
An Unexpected History of the Body
Join Prof. Helen King, an expert in medical history, Sir Mark Walport, a physician with an adventurous spirit (and x-rays of his own feces!), and Keith Moore, librarian of the Royal Society, as they explore the bizarre history of the human body. They delve into outrageous beliefs, from wandering wombs to tobacco enemas. Expect laughter while examining how past misconceptions shaped our understanding of anatomy. The trio also reveals daring self-experiments that propelled scientific discoveries forward!
63 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 42min
Is Extinction the End?
Join geneticist Adam Rutherford, known for his work on human history, paleontologist Susannah Maidment from the Natural History Museum, and ex-virologist turned comedian Ria Lina. They dive into the fascinating world of de-extinction. Can we resurrect creatures like the woolly mammoth? They explore the science behind cloning and back-breeding, weighing in on the ethical implications and potential benefits to ecosystems. The humor flows as they discuss extinct species they'd rather not have back, blending laughs with serious insights on biodiversity and our responsibilities.
57 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 43min
Fantastic Elastic
Brian Cox and Robin Ince expand their knowledge of elasticity with Olympian Bryony Page, comedian Jessica Fostekew & experts Dr Anna Ploszajski and Prof James Busfield from Queen Mary University of London. What makes stretchy things stretch? Together our panel journey through different applications of elastic materials and examine, at the molecular level, what happens when we stretch a material and crucially what causes it to return to its original shape. This is especially pertinent to our guest Olympic and British champion trampolinist Bryony Page who has capitalised on elasticity in her 24 year long career. We discover that the bounce of a trampoline mainly comes from the elasticity of steel and how dependent this is on temperature. Cold temperatures are not only treacherous for trampolines; we explore how the cold proved fatal to the elastic components of both the Titanic and the Challenger space shuttle.Plus we hear how scientists sometimes just can’t beat nature; natural rubber and spiders silk are two such cases. Anna Ploszajski takes us through some of the more inventive techniques scientists have engineered to produced more of these natural materials, including genetically engineering goats to be milked for silk.Producer: Melanie Brown
Exec Producer: Alexandra Feachem
Researcher: Olivia JaniBBC Studios Audio production
39 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 42min
The Science of Baby Making
Join Professor Joyce Harper, an expert in fertility treatments, and comedian Sara Pascoe, who shares her IVF journey. They delve into the amazing process of embryo development and the potential for synthetic wombs. The conversation highlights ethical dilemmas surrounding reproductive technologies, like genetic manipulation and the concept of 'designer babies.' With humor and insight, they explore the complexities of reproduction and the future possibilities for parents, balancing serious discussions with light-hearted anecdotes.
24 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 42min
Starless World
Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a renowned space scientist and communicator, joins cosmologist Roberto Trotta and comedian John Bishop for a captivating discussion. They explore the deep connection between humanity and the stars, examining how celestial bodies have shaped our civilization and culture. Trotta highlights early astronomers, particularly women, linking lunar cycles to human biology. The conversation also touches on the transformative journey from viewing stars as divine to scientific discoveries, and how stargazing enhances our understanding of the universe and ourselves.
Nov 20, 2024 • 43min
Hedgehogs
Join hedgehog expert Hugh Warwick, known for his advocacy and books on the species, alongside Sophie Lund Rasmussen, Oxford researcher dubbed 'Dr. Hedgehog', and broadcaster Pam Ayres, who poetically cherishes wildlife. They dive into the quirky lives of hedgehogs, discussing mating rituals, surprising hunting skills, and quirky behaviors like self-anointing. The conversation also touches on conservation challenges, including habitat connectivity and even the threat of robotic lawn mowers, all wrapped in humor and love for these spiky mammals.
Nov 13, 2024 • 43min
The Cyber Codebreakers
Victoria Baines, a Professor of Information Technology and former cybercrime investigator, joins the discussion alongside comedian Alan Davies to unravel the complexities of cyberwarfare. They explore how the evolution of technology has led to new cybercriminal tactics and the ever-present threat of attacks on public and private sectors. Intriguingly, they share personal anecdotes about getting tricked online and provide vital tips for safeguarding against these risks. Add a sprinkle of humor, and you’ve got an enlightening look into our digital dilemmas!
15 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 42min
Alien Life - Russell Kane, Lisa Kaltenegger and Chris Lintott
Join Lisa Kaltenegger, director at the Carl Sagan Institute, alongside comedian Russell Kane and astronomer Chris Lintott, as they explore the tantalizing questions of extraterrestrial life. They humorously discuss the challenges of detecting alien signs, including the mysterious methane on Mars and the implications of AI. Delve into how evolution could shape alien organisms, the potential for microbial life, and humanity’s ambitious cosmic messages. Buckle up for a thought-provoking ride through the galaxies and the great unknown!
10 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 43min
An Unexpected History of Science - Rufus Hound, Matthew Cobb, Victoria Herridge and Keith Moore
Join paleontologist Tori Herridge, zoologist Matthew Cobb, and Royal Society librarian Keith Moore as they explore the quirky origins of scientific inquiry. They unveil bizarre endeavors like testing unicorn horn as a spider repellent and discuss how a stunning book on fish nearly derailed Newton's groundbreaking work. With humorous anecdotes about historical artifacts and a nod to the overlooked contributions of women in science, this conversation highlights the delightful absurdities that have shaped scientific progress through the ages.
