Discovery

Mathematics is one of the most extraordinary things humans can do with their brains but where do our numerical abilities come from? Maths writer Alex Bellos looks for answers from a tribe in the Brazilian Amazon which has no words for numbers in its language. He also meets a budding mathematician who is only seven months old. Image credit: Edward Gibson

Maths writer Alex Bellos delves into the fascinating world of numerical cognition in animals. From lemurs undergoing math tests to the incredible abilities of an African grey parrot named Alex, the podcast explores the foundations of our understanding of numbers and the unique skills different species possess.

Professors Jim Skea, Paul Younger, and Mark Jacobson discuss the future of energy, focusing on geothermal and renewable energy sources. They explore strategies to reduce energy demand and shift to clean energy. The podcast highlights the importance of worldwide cooperation to combat climate change.

Physicist Jim al-Khalili and other scientists discuss the beauty and power of equations in describing the physical world. They explore Einstein's theory of general relativity, the Dirac equation, and the application of mathematics to the real world. The podcast highlights the emotional depth and aesthetic beauty found in equations, emphasizing their transformative power in understanding the universe.

Discover the mysteries of Saturn's moon Enceladus, from salty oceans to geysers, making it a prime spot for extraterrestrial life. Scientists share the intriguing findings from the Cassini mission, exploring the moon's unique features like mountain chains and potential geysers. Delve into the awe-inspiring geysers shooting water vapor and ice particles, highlighting the potential habitability of Enceladus and the proposal for a new mission to search for signs of life.

Author Andrea Wulf discusses the forgotten father of environmentalism, Alexander von Humboldt. Humboldt warned of human-induced climate change 200 years ago. He influenced Darwin and his radical ideas of nature in flux still resonate today.

Exploring the impact of vehicle emissions on human health, including the Volkswagen scandal and the potential premature deaths caused by nitrogen oxides. Shedding light on the severe consequences of air pollution worldwide and efforts to tackle high levels of NO2 emissions in central London. Discussing advanced control systems to optimize pollutant reduction in combustion and monitoring particle transformations for health implications. Analyzing sources of air pollution in urban environments and highlighting the need for urgent action to combat future deaths.

"I'm determined to prove botany is not the 'Cinderella of science'". That is what Professor Kathy Willis, director of Science at the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew, told the Independent in 2014. In the two years since she took on the job at Kew she has been faced with a reduction in government funding. So, Kathy Willis has been rethinking the science that is to be done by the staff of the Gardens and has been criticised for her decisions.But as well as leading this transformation, Kathy has a distinguished academic career in biodiversity. She is currently a professor at Oxford University and, during her research career, she has studied plants and their environments all over the world, from the New Forest, when she was a student in Southampton, to the Galapagos Islands where she studied the impact of the removal of the giant tortoises on the vegetation there.(Photo: A Galapagos turtle walks in the Primicias farm in Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador, Credit: AFP/Getty Images)

Academic turned pharmaceutical industry head Patrick Vallance discusses his transition, ethical challenges in drug development, and initiatives for global healthcare. Topics include nitric oxide's role in cardiovascular health, personalized medicine, and researchers transitioning between academia and industry.

Professor Robert Plomin discusses the genetics of intelligence with Jim al-Khalili, highlighting the significant influence of genetics over environmental factors. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing genetic differences in children for transforming education and reducing parental stress.