BBC Inside Science

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.

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.

Dr. Christopher Berry discusses the world's oldest forest fossils, revealing evolutionary secrets. Dr. Chris Thorogood talks about the quest to save Rafflesia plants. The podcast also covers gardening challenges, embracing slugs and snails, and the debate on bottled water vs. tap water. Plus, insights on microorganism survival in chlorinated water and fluoride in UK tap water.

Dr Stewart Husband from Sheffield University discusses water quality and microplastics, addressing water sterilization, filters, and chlorine smell. Bumblebees show social learning abilities in solving puzzles, shedding light on social insects. Geneticist Dr Bo Xia identifies the mutation that led humans to lose their tails, sparking a discussion on the benefits of being tail-less and the evolutionary implications.

Controversial topic of solar geoengineering discussed, including dimming the sun. Ban on donkey skin trade celebrated by animal welfare charities. Dr Katalin Karikó's memoir on mRNA research for COVID vaccines highlighted.