BBC Inside Science

Dr. Chris Powell, a director at Cambridge BioPharma Consultants, discusses the potential to replace animal testing in drug development with innovative technologies. Dr. Matthias Huss, a glaciologist, reveals that Swiss glaciers have lost 25% of their ice over the past decade and shares his efforts to preserve a piece of glacier history in his freezer. Science journalist Roland Pease dives into the discovery of stellar coronal mass ejections and their implications for exoplanet habitability, showcasing the fascinating interplay of technology and nature.

Lizzie Gibney, a senior physics and AI reporter at Nature, shares new revelations about orcas hunting great white sharks and a groundbreaking interactive map of Roman roads. Carlos Frenk, a Durham University cosmologist, discusses the universe's expansion and the intriguing possibility that dark energy might be weakening, hinting at drastic cosmic implications. Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in AI, issues urgent warnings about the risks of superintelligence and the need for proactive measures to ensure humanity's safety in an era of advanced technology.

In this engaging discussion, guests tackle pressing scientific issues. Hannah Cloke, a hydrology professor, explores how warm ocean temperatures may have intensified Hurricane Melissa and whether we should expect worse storms in the future. Ian Brown, an avian virologist, warns about the growing concern of the H9N2 bird flu strain adapting to humans. Meanwhile, science journalist Roland Pease delves into the intrigue of interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, addressing wild conspiracy theories around it. Mathematician Katie Steckles adds fun with puzzling stories from the world of science.

In this discussion, Professor Francesca Cordeiro reveals how a bionic eye implant helps blind patients regain their ability to read. Brenna Hassett shares groundbreaking techniques for extracting hormones from ancient remains, shedding light on early human reproduction. Stephen Burt highlights the vital role of manual rainfall observations in climate science, emphasizing the human touch in data collection. Science broadcaster Caroline Steele introduces intriguing stories, including Martian ice formation and induced menstruation in mice, captivatingly bridging the past and future of scientific discovery.

Gilly Forrester, a professor of evolutionary psychology, shares insights on why play is crucial for learning and social bonding, revealing surprising similarities in problem-solving between humans and chimpanzees. Dr. Katie Steckles, a mathematician, explains game theory and how it can optimize strategies, including the fascinating dynamics of the Prisoner’s Dilemma. Jaz Singh, a former contestant on The Traitors, delves into the intense psychological gameplay experience, discussing deception and strategy in high-stakes environments.

Furong Li, a power grid expert from the University of Bath, discusses how the UK can enhance grid efficiency by learning from China’s renewable investments. Science journalist Phil Ball explains groundbreaking Nobel-winning quantum experiments from the 1980s, linking them to today's quantum computing advancements. Comedian Josie Long adds her unique flair, reflecting on the joy and existential dread inspired by extinct megafauna, revealing how these prehistoric wonders shape our cultural narratives.

Dr. Geraldine Jowett, a reproductive biologist at Cambridge, and Emily Jackson, a law professor at LSE, delve into groundbreaking research where skin cells are transformed into early-stage human embryos. They discuss the implications for infertility treatments, ethical concerns, and necessary legal changes. Journalist David Hambling examines modern drone technologies and the concept of a 'drone wall' for defense, while Caroline Steele highlights recent scientific discoveries, including a potential nitrogen atmosphere on an exoplanet and a new vaccine for koalas.

Laura Andreae, a Professor of Developmental Neuroscience, discusses the complex genetic factors contributing to autism, debunking harmful myths. Tim O'Brien, an Astrophysics Professor, shares insights on NASA's Artemis missions and the importance of lunar exploration. Tim Minshall, an expert in manufacturing, dives into the hidden complexities of global supply chains, emphasizing their vulnerabilities. Conservationist Dave Sexton recounts the inspiring story of 'Kinky,' a sea eagle's resilience after injury, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation.

Join Steve Haake, a sports engineering professor, as he delves into the physics behind pole vaulting, explaining how Armand Duplantis achieves record heights with technique and equipment. Neuroscientist James Ainge reveals groundbreaking work on brain cells that track distance, sharing insights from experiments with rats and humans. Mathematician Katie Steckles introduces exciting new mathematical discoveries and their implications, including recent findings in knot theory and the geometry of shapes. It's a fascinating blend of sports, neuroscience, and mathematics!

In a captivating discussion, science journalist Jonathan Amos sheds light on potential biosignatures found by NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars, revealing what these findings mean for the search for life on the red planet. Dr. Andrew Farnsworth from Cornell Lab discusses the impact of the Tribute in Light memorial on migrating birds, explaining how the bright beams can disorient them. Together, they explore the balance between honoring memories and protecting wildlife, highlighting the intersection of science and conservation.