Unexpected Elements

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

Jessamine Abel, a Professor of Asian Studies and the author of Dream Super Express, joins to delve into the fascinating evolution of Japan's bullet trains. She discusses how the Shinkansen revolutionized rail travel, addressing industrial challenges and safety innovations. Abel elaborates on the cultural pride surrounding these trains and unique customs, like buying bento at stations. Additionally, the podcast explores Mumbai's efficient lunch delivery system, showcasing how trains keep cities connected in extraordinary ways.

For International Talk Like a Pirate Day on 19th September, we dig up a treasure chest full of pirate-inspired science.First up, we peer down our microscopes at a bacterium that takes its inspiration from a pirate warship. Next, we turn our attention to scurvy, the disease that plagued mariners and is now making a comeback in the modern age. We then get on the line with marine archaeologist Dr Sean Kingsley, who is about to set sail on a mission to survey the unexplored wrecks of Nassau. Plus, we delve into the tricky topic of modern-day piracy and copyright, before testing our pirate knowledge in a swashbuckling quiz.All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Kai Kupferschmidt and Sandy Ong Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Margaret Sessa Hawkins, with Robbie Wojciechowski and Imaan Moin

The inauguration of Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam has us looking at how we decide when, where, and even whether to build dams.But humans aren’t the only ones building dams – Loren Taylor of the Beaver Institute joins us to talk all about nature’s hydroengineers and the wide-spread benefits beavers (and their dams!) have on ecosystems. Also on the program, how close are we to clean energy from space, the science behind holding your breath for a really, really, really, REALLY long time, and how natural sounds can be turned into musical instruments. All that, plus more unexpected elements.Presenter: Alex Lathbridge with Andrada Fiscutean and Katie Silver Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Robbie Wojciechowski.

A dinosaur with metre-long spikes has been discovered. The species, Spicomellus afer, is from the Jurassic Period and is the oldest example of a group of animals called ankylosaurs. The scientists behind the research have dubbed the new dinosaur the ‘punk rock dinosaur’, which led the Unexpected Elements team to go out searching for the science on all things punk, rock, and heavy metal.First up, we find out what other punks might be lurking in the fossil record. And meet a pair of unconventional molluscs. Next up on the set list, we investigate the physics underpinning mosh pits and the implications this could have for crowd control. We speak with Anirudh Patel, an astrophysicist from Columbia University, who is scouring deep space to find out more about the origins of heavy metals. And we dig into the unexpected link between water pipes and IQ. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Camilla Mota and Meral Jamal Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Lucy Davies and Robbie Wojciechowski

It’s August, and in the northern hemisphere, many people are hitting the beach to escape the summer heat. And that inspired us to investigate bucketloads of beach-based science. First up, we find out about the forces that build and shape the seaside. Next, we discover that the waves from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption reached the atmosphere. Speaking of waves, we’re joined by Dr Edward Hurme from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, who tells us about his research into surfing bats. And why are beaches disappearing?All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Tristan Ahtone and Phillys Mwatee Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Imaan Moin, Robbie Wojciechowski and Lucy Davies