Jigsaw puzzles ignite a passionate debate: are they a joyful challenge or a frustrating mess? A ten-time UK champion shares lightning-speed tips amid thrilling competition anecdotes. Delve into the brain's inner workings as experts reveal the role of the hippocampus in recognizing shapes and colors. Discover why women excel in puzzle-solving and how similar cognitive skills connect us to clever crows. Whether for focus or creativity, the allure of jigsaws offers both fun and a workout for the mind!

Do you find your bearings quickly or are you easily disorientated? Do your friends trust you with the directions in a new city? Finding our way in the physical world, whether that is around a building or a city, is an important everyday capability, one that has been integral to human survival. This week CrowdScience listener David wants to know whether some people are ‘naturally’ better at navigating, so presenter Marnie Chesterton sets her compass and journeys into the human brain. Accompanied by psychologists and neuroscientists Marnie learns how humans perceive their environment, recall routes and orientate themselves in unfamiliar spaces. We ask are some navigational strategies better than others? Professor Hugo Spiers from UCL shares his latest lab for researching navigation and tells us that the country you live in might be a good predictor of your navigation skills. But is our navigational ability down to biology or experience, and can we improve it? With much of our modern map use being delegated to smartphones, Marnie explores, with Prof Veronique Bohbot what an over-reliance on GPS technology might do to our brain health. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producer: Melanie Brown(Photo: Man standing on rural road holding up a road map, head obscured by map. Credit: Noel Hendrickson/Getty Images)

Why do dogs have such shorter lifespans compared to humans? Delve into fascinating biological mechanics behind longevity across various species, from rapid aging in small animals to the centuries-old Greenland shark. Discover how evolutionary trade-offs influence growth and reproduction strategies. The role of genetics, metabolism, and even emotions tied to pet companionship adds depth to this exploration. Plus, learn about the surprising longevity of certain bat species and their unique adaptations.

Discover how your voice reflects your identity and influences your profession. A listener training to teach learns vocal techniques from a speech tutor, enhancing clarity and authenticity. Explore the cultural and physical factors that shape voice—could climate affect how loudly we speak? A surprising sailing tale adds intrigue, while practical exercises with tongue twisters highlight the balance of natural talent and practice in vocal expression. Join this engaging journey into the art and science of the human voice!

René Oudmaijer, a senior scientist at the Royal Observatory of Belgium, joins the discussion about why a couple in Ostend perceives their home getting sunnier. They explore celestial anomalies, tectonic movements, and structural issues that might explain the unusual sunlight shifts. The team even considers the possibility of memory tricks playing a role. Will scientific inquiries unveil the truth behind this intriguing phenomenon?

Join Professor Cassius Stevani, an expert in organic and environmental chemistry, and Professor Katie Field, a bioluminescence researcher, as they illuminate the mysterious world of glowing mushrooms. They dive into the evolutionary significance of this phenomenon and discuss the biochemical processes behind the glow. Hear about exciting efforts to cultivate bioluminescent fungi and discover how these mushrooms may use their light to attract insects for spore dispersal. It's a captivating exploration of nature's enchanting glow!

Michael Anderson, a neuroscientist from Cambridge, delves into how our brains handle language retention and loss. Monika Schmid, a linguistics professor, discusses the emotional challenges of first language attrition as we age. Larry Kimura, a Hawaiian language expert, shares inspiring community efforts in language revitalization. Gabriela Pérez Báez highlights the socioeconomic factors threatening many languages. Together, they explore the deep link between language, identity, and the urgent need for preservation.

Join dermatologist Dr. Madalyn Nguyen, biological anthropologist Dr. Kara Hoover, author Katherine Ashenburg, and pheromone expert Dr. Tristram Wyatt as they unravel the mysteries behind body odor. They delve into the cultural history of hygiene, revealing Europe's historical fear of washing. The conversation shifts to the science of body odor, exploring bacteria's roles and genetic factors. Discover how natural scents may play a surprising role in attraction and communication, and learn why some might not smell at all!

2024 is the biggest election year in history. From Taiwan to India, the USA to Ghana, by the end of the year almost half of the world’s population will have had the chance to choose who governs them. But there are a huge number of possible voting systems – and listener James wants CrowdScience to find out which is the fairest. To do so, we create a fictional country called CrowdLand to try out different electoral systems. Presenter Caroline Steel consults mathematician David McCune and political scientists Eric Linhart and Simon Hix, and we hear from listeners around the world about how they vote in their respective countries. Can we find the perfect voting system for CrowdLand? Contributors: Prof David McCune, William Jewell College, USA Prof Eric Linhart, University of Technology Chemnitz, Germany Prof Simon Hix, European University Institute, Italy Actors: Charlotte Bloomsbury Ross Virgo Presenter: Caroline Steel Producer: Florian Bohr Editor: Cathy Edwards Production Co-ordinator: Ishmael Soriano Studio Manager: Donald MacDonald(Image: Hand of a person casting a vote into the ballot box during elections, Thailand Credit: boonchai wedmakawand via Getty Images)

In this discussion, Stuart Beare, a sunflower grower, shares insights on how sunflowers’ flexible stems enable them to withstand strong winds. Roland Ennos explains the biomechanical principles that keep these tall plants standing. Sigrid Adriaenssen explores how the engineering of sunflowers can inspire skyscraper design, focusing on stability and sustainability. They discuss how nature's adaptations can lead to innovative architecture and efficient design solutions, merging the beauty of flowers with the practicality of urban structures.