Unexpected Elements

Join Dr. Krishma Singhal, a postdoctoral physicist from Rice University, as she dives into the fascinating world of soft-matter physics and knitting. Discover how the unique topology of knit loops creates elasticity and programmable fabric behaviors. The discussion also explores the health benefits of donating blood and how polar bears contribute to Arctic ecosystems. Get ready for surprising insights about piranhas, the science of sneezing, and the chemistry behind salting roads—perfect for a holiday treat!

In this engaging discussion, visual ecologist Daniel Hanley from George Mason University shares fascinating insights into how animals perceive the world. He explains why birds can see ultraviolet light while mammals cannot have green pigmentation. The conversation touches on bittersweet feelings tied to the end of beloved series like Neighbours and how screen time may contribute to vision issues. Listeners also learn about the innovative camera Hanley created to visualize animal perception, bringing the invisible world into focus.

Join Jingmai O’Connor, an expert on the dinosaur–bird transition and Associate Curator of Fossil Reptiles at the Field Museum, as she unpacks the fascinating links between birds and their dinosaur ancestors. The discussion delves into how rice farming may have shaped chicken domestication and the chicken-or-egg paradox. Learn about innovative research revealing humans' surprising ability to understand chicken vocalizations. Plus, discover Brazil's rise as a poultry giant and what happens to chickens during tornadoes!

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.