
The Naked Scientists Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2025 • 37min
Prostate cancer: When should we intervene?
Today's programme is all about prostate cancer; exploring what the disease is, who gets it, and how it can be treated. We'll explore the game-changing test from a Cambridge based firm, and question whether sometimes the best approach is to leave the cancer alone... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

May 30, 2025 • 32min
UK invests in 'cyber army', and turning lead into gold
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: The UK announces a 1 billion pound budget for a cyber army: but what will these keyboard warriors be doing? Also, a vaccine for norovirus that is just one pill. And, physicists at CERN turn lead into gold, albeit briefly! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

May 27, 2025 • 33min
Titans of Science: Simon Baron-Cohen
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, Titans of Science continues with Autism research pioneer, Simon Baron-Cohen... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

May 23, 2025 • 34min
Curing mosquitoes' malaria, and the history of our units
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: The new drug that cures mosquitoes of malaria. Intrigued? You'll see why scientists have done this, in just a minute. Also, the Microsoft AI system set to revolutionise weather forecasting, so you can plan that barbecue with impunity in future! And, 150 years of the metre, kilo and second: how science finally agreed on a definition for some of our most important units... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

May 20, 2025 • 35min
The rising tide of fungal diseases
This episode of The Naked Scientists was brought to you in partnership with the health foundation Wellcome.In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we return to the world of fungi and why this is one of the most serious health threats you haven't heard of... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

May 16, 2025 • 37min
DNA frees man after 38 years, and breast cancer breakthrough
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: New DNA evidence helps free a British man after 38 years in prison. Also, Cambridge scientists push up breast cancer survival rates and cut side effects with a new treatment regimen. And, why the near and the far side of the Moon are world's apart in appearance: it's all down to temperature differences inside, scientists say... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

May 13, 2025 • 31min
Titans of Science: Sarah Parcak
Sarah Parcak was born in Bangor, Maine on the 23rd of November 1978. She attended Bangor High School before reading Egyptology and Archaeology at Yale University. She then studied here in Cambridge under the supervision of the world-renowned Egyptologist Barry Kemp. After that, she was a teacher at Swansea University and then also at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.She pioneered the use of tech to advance archaeology, including the use of detailed satellite images, which has earned her the nickname "The Space Archaeologist". Sarah's discovered literally thousands of forgotten... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

May 9, 2025 • 38min
Tough climate future ahead, and self-inflicted snake bites
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: A landmark report that outlines the generational impact of climate change; also, the man bitten by snakes and even injected with venom hundreds of times has provided the key to a powerful new antivenom; and a breakthrough in oven technology that's helping to cook up a revolution in industrial baking... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

6 snips
May 6, 2025 • 34min
How fungi shape our world
Guests Lee Davis, a fungal collections manager, Lim Boddy, a microbial ecologist, Norman van Rijn, a fungal infections researcher, and Sumi Robson, a research manager at Wellcome, delve into the fascinating world of fungi. They discuss their crucial ecological roles, particularly in climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture. The captivating life cycle of Cordyceps fungi is highlighted, alongside the alarming rise of invasive species like Candida auris. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding fungi to address public health and environmental challenges ahead.

May 2, 2025 • 35min
Indus River in Kashmir crossfire, and gene-stealing cancers
Tensions rise as India considers cutting off water to Pakistan over the Indus River conflict. Meanwhile, fascinating research reveals how an ancient transmissible canine cancer could transform our understanding of tumor biology and the evolution of cancer. In a lighter twist, scientists are utilizing virtual reality technology to help people tackle their fear of public speaking, showcasing how immersive environments can greatly boost confidence and enhance presentation skills.