
BBC Inside Science
A weekly programme that illuminates the mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.
Latest episodes

26 snips
Jun 20, 2024 • 28min
Micro Nuclear Reactors
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.

5 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 28min
Is gene therapy the future?
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.

18 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 28min
Is treated sewage worse for the environment than raw?
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.

May 30, 2024 • 28min
Ugly animals and asteroid Apophis
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.

12 snips
May 23, 2024 • 28min
Can we get plastic waste under control?
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.

May 16, 2024 • 32min
Do we need a new model of cosmology?
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.

May 9, 2024 • 32min
Bird flu outbreak in cows
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.

4 snips
May 2, 2024 • 28min
200 years of dinosaur science
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.

12 snips
Apr 25, 2024 • 28min
Inside Your Microbiome
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.

Apr 18, 2024 • 36min
Our Accidental Universe
Chris Lintott, a Professor and presenter, discusses his book on serendipitous discoveries in astronomy. Topics include mining Helium-3 on the moon, mysteries of Saturn's moon Titan, and the potential of twin stars. The podcast also covers lunar mining prospects, radio signals, and stargazing adventures with a canine companion.