

The Naked Scientists Podcast
The Naked Scientists
The Naked Scientists flagship science show brings you a lighthearted look at the latest scientific breakthroughs, interviews with the world's top scientists, answers to your science questions and science experiments to try at home.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 18, 2025 • 32min
A climate COP out?
Today, we're analysing the COP30 conference in Brazil, asking whether the will to tackle climate change is drying up. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Nov 14, 2025 • 28min
Flu season starts early, and staving off hungry seagulls
Virologist Ed Hutchinson discusses the alarming early spread of H3N2 and the effectiveness of this year's vaccines against severe outcomes. Consultant neonatologist Topper Nostin introduces an innovative 'swim cap' for less invasive brain monitoring in newborns, promising earlier interventions. Engineer Martin Unwin explains how two small HydroGNSS satellites will map Earth's water cycle using reflected GNSS signals. Lastly, behavioral researcher Niltje Bugat reveals how gulls respond to angry versus calm voices, suggesting a new, harmless way to deter these pesky birds.

Nov 11, 2025 • 32min
80 years of nuclear weapons
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we go nuclear, and explore the science and politics of weapons of mass destruction... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Nov 7, 2025 • 30min
Vaping rates surge, and space race to deliver economic boon
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Among British people vapers now outnumber smokers for the first time. From Big Bang to Big Crunch - the new theory showing the expansion of the Universe might be slowing down. And, evidence that our early ancestors, three million years ago, may have excelled at DIY!Linda - So these are the annual population survey statistics from the Office for National Statistics that look at smoking, it was the main focus, so smoking in the UK but also vaping behaviour. And we see that for the first time the proportion of people aged 16 and older who vape is higher... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Nov 4, 2025 • 33min
The National Physical Laboratory at 125
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we go behind the scenes at the National Physical Laboratory as it celebrates 125 years at the forefront of science... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Oct 31, 2025 • 36min
Hurricane Melissa's wake, and alcohol-free beer with a buzz
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: How the latest science helped the Caribbean prepare for Hurricane Melissa. Also ahead, the alcohol-free beers providing a 'buzz' without the hangover. And, why a German warehouse is simulating a European Moon landing... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Oct 28, 2025 • 29min
Proteomics promises a revolution in preventative medicine
Join Andrew Frankel, a seasoned nephrologist, and Richard Lipscomb from Proteomics International, as they explore the groundbreaking potential of proteomics in predicting future diseases. Kirsten Peters reveals how blood protein biomarkers can anticipate conditions like kidney disease, esophageal cancer, and endometriosis years ahead of traditional methods. Smita Sinna discusses patient engagement and the economics of early testing. Together, they highlight a paradigm shift in healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, emphasizing the transformative possibilities of molecular science.

Oct 24, 2025 • 35min
Eye implant restores vision, and corvids follow human calls
In the news podcast, a new retinal implant - just two millimetres wide - that is helping restore sight to blind people; a 'pristine' star that gives us a glimpse of the workings of the early Universe; and we'll be finding out how wild rooks can master human commands. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Oct 21, 2025 • 32min
Frozen Flora: 25 years of the Millennium Seed Bank
As the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew celebrate the 25th Birthday of the Millenium Seed Bank in Sussex, James Tytko ventures into its giant underground vaults to learn why they are a crucial part of global plant conservation... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Oct 17, 2025 • 34min
Talc linked to cancer, and improving yoghurt with ants
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Whether talc-based products - like baby powder - can cause ovarian cancer. Also ahead, the "Sword Dragon of Dorset" found on England's Jurassic Coast. Plus, we'll be finding out about the 'double comet' visible in the night sky... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists


