

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

Jul 30, 2024 • 28min
Titans of Science: Gerry Gilmore
Gerry Gilmore, an influential scientist renowned for his work on gravity and the universe's structure, shares his insights into the cosmos. He discusses the historical evolution of our understanding of the Milky Way, the tantalizing mysteries of dark matter, and the Gaia mission's groundbreaking achievements in mapping the galaxy. Gilmore also explores the formation of elements post-Big Bang and reveals the unexpected findings from the James Webb Space Telescope that challenge previous galaxy formation timelines. His journey invites listeners into the captivating world of cosmic discovery.

Jul 26, 2024 • 29min
Muscles in microgravity, and probing the placebo effect
A medical professional specializing in skin cancer shares essential tips for summer sun protection, emphasizing early detection and preventive measures. The discussion also uncovers the intriguing placebo effect, revealing how belief influences pain perception. Innovative research on muscle loss in microgravity is highlighted, along with groundbreaking AI advancements in weather forecasting. Additionally, the podcast explores the science behind the pleasant smell of rain and the geographical differences in experiencing this unique aroma.

Jul 23, 2024 • 27min
Sporting extremes: The science of Olympic success
To mark the start of the Olympics, we're hosting our own science themed opening ceremony, centred on sporting extremes. We'll learn about potentially dangerously high temperatures at this year's Games and how athletes are reckoning with them. Then, we'll find out whether (really) cold therapy is the key to recovery, and what the mindset of a successful athlete should be. Then, it's the turn of a sport nutritionist to provide some tips on how to keep your body in with a chance of crossing the line in first place. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Jul 19, 2024 • 30min
Cervical screening self swabs, and jelly-based batteries
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Self-test kits to help doctors bear down on cervical cancer; the 'jelly' batteries that could be used in wearable tech devices; and why seagulls keep trying to steal your chips, and how to stop them: science has the solution! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Jul 16, 2024 • 29min
Titans of Science: Susan Solomon
Today's Titans interview is with the key figure in one of science's modern triumphs. Susan Solomon and her team were the first to theorise and prove what was causing the hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctic, and why it was growing: chlorofluorocarbon pollutants humans were emitting. What followed is a testament to what can be achieved in the face of significant challenges with international collaboration. What lessons does it hold for how we tackle climate change? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Jul 12, 2024 • 34min
Covid insights, Hurricane Beryl, and AI creativity cost
UK's science minister Patrick Vallance discusses Covid insights from the tracing app. The correlation between match days and Covid transmission is explored, alongside Hurricane Beryl formation. Climate change impact on hurricanes and AI's effect on creativity are also discussed.

Jul 9, 2024 • 31min
Titans of Science: Dan Fallows
In this edition of Titans of Science, we hear from some of the biggest names in the business. Today, it's the turn of the British Formula One engineer Dan Fallows. He's currently technical director at Aston Martin and I went to meet him at their base in Silverstone to find out what makes a F1 car do what it does... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Jul 5, 2024 • 32min
Mosquito bloodlust hormones & inflammation drives long Covid
Uncover the lasting effects of SARS-CoV-2 virus on immune response and inflammation in long COVID patients. Dive into the world of mosquito bloodlust as researchers uncover the role of hormones in their feeding behavior. Explore cutting-edge projects at the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition, from quantum computing to climate change. Learn about the significance of observing baby movements for cognitive development and the formation of sinkholes due to soluble rocks. Delve into the mysteries of particle physics and the nature of empty space at subatomic levels.

Jul 2, 2024 • 31min
Titans of Science: Nicky Clayton
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: How clever are birds really? Titans of Science continues, as we sit down with Cambridge University psychologist, and expert in animal comparative cognition, Nicky Clayton. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Jun 28, 2024 • 31min
Remembering Voyager's mastermind, and lizard clean-up crews
In this episode of The Naked Scientists: Edward Stone, the man who led the Voyager probe missions, which are still working half a century on, has died at the age of 88. We reflect on his legacy. Also, scientists discover what they think is the first Neanderthal with Down's Syndrome, clearly cared for by his community. And what should be in your first aid kit if you're heading to a major music festival? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists