5 Live Science Podcast

The latest science news with Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team. This week: A breakthrough in the treatment of people paralysed by spinal injuries, and what colours not to wear, if you want to fly beneath a mosquito’s radar.We also look at what we know about the origins of Covid 19 … was it a leaked lab experiment, or a spillover from nature?

Solving the science questions you've been sending in, Naked Scientist Julia Ravey talk astrophysics, black holes, shrinking squid and ways to bust anxiety.

The week's science news with Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team. This week:How close are we to being able to grow complete new arms and legs? New research looks very promising in this direction. And a breakthrough in sight restoration: we take a look at the patient who’s received a bionic eyePlus, in the wake of Covid-19, millions of people have suffered smell and taste loss; for some it’s never returned, and others are left living in a world that doesn’t smell, or taste quite right; how can we help them?

Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientists look at why the government thinks now is the right time to ditch Covid Plan B?Also, how can your brain tell the difference between noises it can ignore, and ones that should be alarming when you are asleep?We’re exploring the world of robotics, what does it involve and how can we use the technology to improve our lives?

We look at the science behind cutting covid isolation to 5 days Vets declare the largest ever outbreak of bird flu across Europe, but why now and how should we respond… We’re looking into the microscopic world of nanotechnology: the science of the very small, including the incredible story of the sword of Damascus; it turns out that the blacksmiths of centuries ago knew a thing or two about carbon nanotubes and how to make metal incredibly tough.

This week Dr Chris delves into the science behind the headlines, including an update on Omicron, top tech and the latest in the gaming world, a century since insulin, how hedgehogs gave us MRSA, and David Attenborough's new documentary.

Sally Le Page from the Naked Scientists presents some of the best good news science stories from 2021. Including how we may have solved train delays caused by leaves on the line, and the mystery of how wombats make their poos cubed shaped. Plus how scientists have made breakthroughs in wiping out malaria this year.

Something mysterious is a foot at The Naked Scientists office... It would seem that Dr. Chris has been playing the part of a very naughty Santa. Join the gang as they attempt to solve some of our biggest festive questions ever! Working together perhaps they'll be able to bring about some Christmas cheer and save the day.

As the UK government moves to Plan B, introducing new restrictions, what actually happens when people catch the new Covid variant? Can wearables like watches predict if you’re incubating a coronavirus infection?Plus, plastic is used in many different contexts… but should we be looking to replace it with a new material? Get the podcast from the BBC Sounds app.

This week, your Christmas science questions and a sprinkling of festive fun as Julia Ravey hears about a planet where it rains rubies, robots that feel pain, a crab with a hairy chest, and how to make a top science rap hit!Get the podcast from the BBC Sounds app.