Ask the Naked Scientists

Dr Chris Smith
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Dec 5, 2025 • 21min

Can our eyes pop out when we sneeze?

This week, Chris Smith and Clarence Ford tackle the big science questions of the week, including how to perform a circumcision safely; can our eyes pop out when we sneeze; how do general anaesthetics work and do we understand consciousness; is violence inherent to society; do antibiotics kill probiotics; and what would happen to us if the world suddenly stopped spinning?! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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Nov 28, 2025 • 17min

Why do dogs make a beeline for underwear and smelly socks?

Why do dogs make a beeline for underwear and smelly socks? Also, do we really get taller at night, why do some colours reflect and others absorb light, does our skin get thinner as we age, and what's the basis of lisps and accents? Dr Chris Smith and Amy Maciver have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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Nov 21, 2025 • 17min

Are zebras black with white stripes?

Are any people particularly susceptible to alopecia-linked hair loss? Also, what causes eczema and why does it keep recurring, why are the progeny of different species infertile, why does hair go grey but not always symmetrically, and Is asthma a risk factor for bronchitis? Plus, are zebras actually black with white stripes, or white with black stripes?! Join Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford to Ask the Naked Scientist... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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Nov 14, 2025 • 21min

Will we find a cure for diabetes?

In Ask! the Naked Scientists, Dr Chris Smith answers listeners' medical questions. This time, what causes a black eye? How can we alleviate the pain from a trapped nerve? How can you best stop severe bleeding? Why is sickle cell anaemia more common in Africa? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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Nov 7, 2025 • 22min

Is an elephant really related to a hyrax?

Is an elephant really a close relative of a hyrax? What are blood groups? Is there really such a thing as a selfish gene? How did males and females evolve? What makes us feel sleepy? And how can chickenpox be lethal? Join Dr Chris and Clarence Ford as we ask the Naked Scientist! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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Oct 31, 2025 • 25min

Are some people missing an arm muscle?

Are some people missing arm muscles? Are there other muscles that we're losing? Can bats and moles actually see? Can the side effects of prostate surgery be reversed? Is there a cure for Dupuytren's contracture? Do we know what long COVID is? What are bluebottle jellies? Can we protect our food from microplastics? Should you get a rabies check after every dog bite? Dr Chris Smith and Saskia Falken have all the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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Oct 24, 2025 • 22min

Are satellites safe from terrorist attacks?

What happens to helium balloons that float away? Are satellites safe from terrorist attacks? Why does the truth hurt? Why does some poo float after flushing? Are there any treatments for tinnitus? Do headphones contribute to tinnitus? What are restless legs? What is the best way to regulate cortisol levels? Why does the body wake us up to wee? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have all the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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Oct 17, 2025 • 23min

For a short time, I forgot who I was. What happened?

Why does La Nina cause more rainfall in South Africa? How can we keep our skin moist without buying products? Is it possible to be averse to iron in your diet? What causes hot flushes during the menopause? What could cause a potential iron taste in my mouth? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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Oct 10, 2025 • 21min

Are women really more nurturing?

It's another jam-packed episode of Ask the Naked Scientist, illuminating listener questions - in all their usual, rich variety - with fascinating scientific explanations. What do we know about the latest interstellar objects to pass through our Solar System? Is having a great memory all upside? Why does eating pineapple hurt the inside of your mouth? Do waves really come in sets of seven? Does silver have antibiotic properties? Is there a limit to the number of pop songs that can be written? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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Oct 3, 2025 • 22min

How is it possible to have 2 different eye colours?

In this episode of Ask the Naked Scientist: is it possible to teleport atoms? Does garlic repel mosquitoes? What is vaginal thrush? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

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