Science presenter Liz Bonnin and science journalist Ginny Smith discuss the mystery of why we need to sleep, challenging existing theories. Professor Andrea Sella reveals the properties of the rare element promethium. Professor Liana Zanette explains how animals fear human voices more than other predators. Expert Megan Rossi tackles a listener question on gut bacteria diversity in well-traveled individuals.

Liz Bonnin discusses the potential of micro nuclear reactors for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The evolution of eggs in the animal kingdom and public perception of micro nuclear reactors are explored. Dr. Alexandra Freeman's appointment to the House of Lords and the importance of evidence communication are highlighted.

Professor Robin Lovell-Badge discusses gene therapy breakthroughs for deafness, sickle cell disease, and immune deficiencies. Laura Wilcox explains the impact of volcanoes on weather. Physicist Martin Bencsik reveals how honeybees communicate through vibrations. Jim Al-Khalili talks about solar flares and Earth's protection.

Wastewater experts Simon Evans and Ali Morse discuss the environmental impacts of treated sewage, highlighting its contribution to pollution. Biologist Cindy Engel explores animals' self-medicating behavior in the wild. Harry Witchel predicts Eurovision winners based on song criteria.

Explore the neglected conservation of 'ugly' animals, the significance of bug splats in measuring insect populations, and the exciting scientific prospects of asteroid Apophis. Guests Linda Geddes and Barbara Kasprzyk-Hordern provide unique insights on these fascinating topics.

Kenyan waste picker John Chweya and plastics scientist Steve Fletcher discuss plastic pollution impact and solutions. Science journalist Florence Williams delves into heartbreak research. Dr. Lara Cassidy reveals Avar empire discoveries from ancient DNA. Dr. Erica McAlister defends flies as pollinators.

Astrophysicist Dr. Chris North discusses the need to rethink the Lambda Cold Dark Matter model in cosmology. Climate anxiety, bee resilience to flooding, and supporting bee populations are also explored, along with a unique symphony created from climate data.

Dr. Tom Peacock discusses alarming bird flu outbreak in cows, raising concerns over human transmission risks. Space physicist Dr. Nathaniel Frissell explains studying solar eclipse via radio waves. Astrophysicist Dr. Rebecca Smethurst talks about rare binary star system T Coronae Borealis exploding, visible for a limited time. BBC reporter Georgina Rannard shares scientific research during the solar eclipse event.

Palaeontologist Victoria Gill explores the 200-year history of dinosaur science, starting with the discovery of Megalosaurus by geologist William Buckland. She visits the Oxford University Museum of Natural History to see the original fossils, discusses the role of illustrator Mary Morland in early dinosaur science, and joins experts at the University of Edinburgh as they extract a potential new dinosaur species from Jurassic rock. The podcast delves into the evolution secrets of Megalosaurus, the unsung heroes of dinosaur discoveries, and the ongoing mysteries of paleontology.

Microbiologist Prof Jacques Ravel and Prof Tim Spector discuss concerns in microbiome testing industry. Daniel Kahneman's legacy in psychology and lab monkey price fluctuations are explored. Neural organoids and ethical considerations are examined in scientific research.