BBC Inside Science

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.

In this engaging discussion, Caroline Steele, a BBC science journalist, shares new research highlights while Daniel Levitin, a cognitive psychologist and neuroscientist, explores music's therapeutic potential. They delve into how caffeine affects our bodies, especially children, and the risks linked to energy drinks. Levitin discusses how rhythm can aid in stuttering and Parkinson's rehabilitation by restoring timing. The duo also touches on music's role in dopamine release and its effectiveness as a complement to traditional medicine.

Summer heatwaves and missed bin collections have created panic in the press that rat numbers in the UK are increasing. We ask Steve Belmain, Professor of Ecology at the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Greenwich for the science. This summer Wales became the first country in the UK to ban plastic in wet wipes, with the other nations pledging they will do the same. Over the past few weeks there’s been work to remove a giant mound of them, known as ‘Wet Wipe Island’ on the Thames in west London. Marnie Chesterton has been to find out how they got there and what damage they could be doing to the river’s ecosystem.Professor Sadiah Quereshi, Chair in Modern British History at the University of Manchester explains why we should see the extinction of species as a modern, and often political phenomenon. Her book Vanished: An Unnatural History of Extinction is the second book we’re featuring from the shortlist for the 2025 Royal Society Trivedi Science Book Prize.And Lizzie Gibney, senior physics reporter at Nature brings us a round up of the news causing a stir in science circles this week.Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producers: Ella Hubber, Jonathan Blackwell and Clare Salisbury Editor: Ilan Goodman Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth

In this engaging discussion, science journalist Caroline Steel joins Professor Henry Snaith, a leading expert on solar cell technologies. They delve into the intriguing potential of space-based solar panels as a viable energy source for Earth, exploring advances in microwave beaming and new cell designs. Additionally, conservation scientist Adam Hart shares insights on unorthodox approaches like trophy hunting for funding wildlife protection, while Simon Parkin recounts the dramatic story of botanists safeguarding Leningrad's seed bank during WWII.

Mark Miodownik, a professor of Materials & Society, and Jane Wood, a textile technology expert, explore the future of fashion. They discuss the science behind everyday clothing, emphasizing sustainability and innovative materials. From kombucha leather to fabrics that adapt to activity and temperature, the conversation highlights eco-friendly alternatives to traditional textiles. They also delve into the role of biomimicry and 3D printing in transforming the fashion industry, advocating for consumer awareness of environmental costs in clothing production.