The Naked Scientists Podcast

Phil Manning, a high-tech fossil expedition expert from the University of Manchester, discusses innovative tools like LiDAR that are revolutionizing dinosaur fossil hunting. David Norman, a paleontologist from Christ College, Cambridge, delves into the historical roots of the term 'dinosaur' and its evolution over time. Christy Curry-Rogers shares thrilling tales of excavating in remote areas, highlighting the blend of modern technology with traditional methods. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of unearthing the secrets of the prehistoric past.

In the news, an old drug heralds a new treatment for the gut parasite Cryptosporidium; the bionic-knee that anticipates where amputees want to go to make movements much more natural; and why we're spotting more Near-Earth Objects, and whether one may hit us. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

In this edition of The Naked Scientists, how is science helping to shape the future of warfare? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Jane Carlton, Director of the Malaria Research Institute, discusses alarming rises in malaria cases, attributing them to funding cuts and new mosquito threats. Richard Hollingham shares insights on South Korea's bold lunar base plans and the competitive landscape of space exploration. Jorge Chavarro reveals that baby gender is influenced by biological and behavioral factors, debunking the myth of random chance in sex determination. Together, they discuss the implications of these findings for global health, space policy, and family planning.

There are more than sixteen thousand care homes across the UK, housing around half a million people. Staggering numbers. They are meant to be places of safety, support, and quiet, relaxed companionship for the people who live and work in them. But when COVID-19 arrived, they became one of the pandemic's deadliest frontlines. In a bid to see what might be possible, the Vivaldi Study - a nationwide effort to gather data from inside care homes - was launched. Can better data improve the lives of people in care homes? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Scientists get their hands on the oldest ice on Earth, and we've been to see it, but what's it going to reveal? Also, measles is on the up, again; we find out why. And, is humour genetic? We talk to the scientist who has studied hundreds of pairs of twins to find out! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we look at 25 years of the Human Genome Project. What is it? And what has it achieved? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

David Gozard, a physicist at the University of Western Australia, dives into the fascinating link between fat cells and obesity-related health issues like diabetes. He discusses groundbreaking research on gut microbes that may help detoxify harmful 'forever chemicals.' Plus, Gozard explains why certain days this month will be a millisecond shorter due to Earth's dynamic rotation influenced by the Moon. Get ready for a blend of health, environmental science, and cosmic curiosities!

In this conversation, Beverly Glover, Director of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, shares her insights on how genetics can enhance gardening. They discuss Mendel's foundational work in genetics and its relevance today. The importance of pollinators is highlighted, particularly how plants can attract them through color and scent. Glover also dives into genetic engineering's role in improving nectar quality for bees and the intricacies of plant-pollinator relationships, ultimately exploring advancements that can boost crop resilience in a changing climate.

In the news, counting the calories: The UK government want shops to help us put 100 fewer calories in our baskets to beat obesity. So will it work? Also, archaeologists uncover the world's oldest fat factory - it turns out that Neanderthals were processing bones for their grease 125,000 years ago, but why? And on Mars the Curiosity rover captures close-up images of spiderweb-like patterns on the planet surface, but what made them? Listeners are also wondering whether green initiatives really do help to save the planet... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists