Unexpected Elements

A lost teddy bear mission sparks a fascinating discussion on how bear hibernation can aid astronauts' health in space. There's a surprising conservation win linked to a US Air Force site that helps protect endangered species. Expert Justin Gregg explains the reasons behind our tendency to anthropomorphize objects, sharing heartwarming anecdotes. Plus, delve into the idea that getting lost could actually enhance our memory and navigation skills. A whimsical mix of science and heart warms this insightful exploration!

Dr. Siyakha Mguni, an archaeologist from the University of Cape Town, dives into the ancient world of rock art, sharing insights on dating techniques and conservation challenges. He discusses the fascinating origins of prehistoric cave paintings and their animal motifs. The conversation also touches on the limitations of radiocarbon dating. Alongside these ancient stories, the team explores how microbiology influences art restoration, revealing how bacteria can help preserve masterpieces like frescoes and why mosquitoes could be the future of 3D printing.

In this fascinating discussion, Marcus du Sautoy, an Oxford professor of mathematics, highlights the stunning beauty of math and its creative aspects, arguing for a more artistic approach to teaching the subject. Meanwhile, Fig O’Reilly, Miss Universe Ireland 2019 and NASA data analyst, shares her unique journey of balancing pageantry with science communication. The conversation also touches on the genetic versus cultural influences on beauty, the intriguing 'audience effect' on performance, and the surprising world of civet coffee and death metal singing.

Join food historian Pen Vogler as she unpacks the fascinating history of beer, tracing its origins back to ancient China and exploring the evolution from home brewing to a professional industry. She also explains why a 150-year-old Arctic Ale could still be drinkable and discusses the beliefs surrounding alcohol’s role in cold expeditions. Additionally, the episode dives into unique topics like auto-brewery syndrome and the surprising ways yeast might help combat climate change, making for a delightful blend of science and history.

As rescue and relief efforts in the Caribbean are ongoing after Hurricane Melissa, Unexpected Elements looks at the science of storms. We explore how AI might help us better predict the weather patterns, and whether it could act as an early warning signal to help us prepare for natural disasters, and we look at what a sinkhole off the Coast of Belize has helped reveal about 6000 years of storm history in the Caribbean. Giles Harrison, Professor of Atmospheric Physics at Reading University helps explain the unexpected link between bees and storm clouds. We also investigate whether storms with female names are more deadly, your letters have us contemplating banana varieties, and whether wind turbines could ever have an effect on the breeze.Presenter: Alex Lathbridge, with Andrada Fiscutean and Leonie Joubert Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins with Eliane Glaser, Minnie Harrop, and Lucy Davies

Forensic ecologist Patricia Wiltshire, an expert in palynology, explains how pollen and microscopic evidence can crack criminal cases and locate hidden graves. She shares insights on how precise pollen profiles link suspects to crime scenes, and the challenges she faces in court. The discussion also dives into kleptoparasitic spiders that steal from one another and the sneaky tactics of seagulls pilfering food from humans. Plus, there’s a look at escalating human-elephant conflicts in Kenya and the allure of genetic taste preferences.

In this engaging discussion, technology journalist Ed Gent shares insights on biometric authentication and the risks posed by AI-driven deepfakes. Health reporter Christine Yohannes explores innovative 'brain selfies' for concussion detection, raising ethical questions. Behavioural ecologist Adrian Schrader reveals how rhino dung serves as a complex biometric signal, unlocking secrets about their social lives. Together, they delve into the implications of biometrics on privacy, security, and conservation, highlighting the fascinating intersection of technology and nature.

Record high gold prices have us looking at the science of inflation, why gold is leaking from volcanoes, and entomologist Katy Prudic explains why shiny gold can be a good color for camouflage.Plus the dark science going on in a gold mine, whether we can move at the speed of light, and the debate around golden rice. All that, plus more unexpected elements.Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, Robbie Wojciechowski and Lucy Davies.

Egyptian strongman Ashraf Mahrous recently pulled two ships totalling 1,150 tonnes with his teeth, setting his sights on the Guinness World Record. Inspired by this story, this week we’re tackling the science of all things strong. First, we find out about new research that could keep our muscles strong as we age. Next up, we discover why graphene is so strong and how it could help improve data storage. We're then joined down the line by Dr Matt Caplan, an astrophysicist from Illinois State University, who tells us about his search for a weird substance called ‘nuclear pasta’. And no, you won’t find it in your local Italian restaurant. Plus, find out how robo-exoskeletons can help you climb hills and why Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance was weaker than expected. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Kai Kupferschmidt and Andrada Fiscutean Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Robbie Wojciechowski and Lucy Davies

The launch of Taylor Swift’s much-anticipated 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, has inspired this week’s episode of Unexpected Elements.First up, we hear how a Brazilian songbird courts its mate as part of a boyband. We then find out about the microbes that dance to survive in their extreme habitat. Next up, Professor Troy Magney, a forest ecophysiologist at the University of Montana, tells us about his TSWIFT machine and how it can assess the health of the planet’s forests. Also in the programme, we find out why migratory birds trick weather data, how fish sing, and how hackers used SWIFT bank payments to nearly pull off a billion-dollar heist.All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Camilla Mota and Godfred Boafo Producers: Imaan Moin and Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Robbie Wojciechowski and Lucy Davies