CrowdScience

Pascale Hibon, a staff astronomer at the European Southern Observatory in Chile, shares her expertise in studying distant celestial objects using the Very Large Telescope. The conversation reveals how light from these objects often journeys for billions of years, making Hibon a kind of time traveler. They discuss the nature of light, its dual wave-particle characteristics, and breakthroughs in telescope technology. The podcast also raises intriguing questions about the longevity of photons and their transformative journey across the universe.

Jean-Pierre Wolf is a professor in the Applied Physics Department at the University of Geneva, specializing in lasers for climate applications. He discusses the intriguing potential of weather engineering to control rainfall. Cloud seeding and its ethical implications are explored, revealing both the benefits for agriculture and the environmental concerns. Wolf also highlights groundbreaking laser technologies that could replace traditional methods, showcasing innovative ways to influence weather patterns while minimizing pollution. A fascinating dive into the future of rain manipulation!

CrowdScience listener Jon started wondering how our teeth are created while he was in the dentist’s chair. It took his mind off the drilling. He wants to know how our teeth are made, what goes into them and how come we only get two sets of teeth when other animals, like sharks, grow thousands of new ones throughout their lives.Anand Jagatia goes back to prehistoric times to discover how the story of teeth began millions of years ago. Palaeontologist Yara Haridy explains that teeth weren’t designed originally for eating at all, but as a kind of armour on the exoskeletons of fish that was also sensitive to the environment. It turns out that our teeth in fact are part of our evolutionary success story. Biological anthropologist Peter Ungar reveals that we flourished as a species because our teeth are designed to get the maximum energy from our food. Anand discovers how teeth can even be grown in a lab when he meets researchers Ana Angelova Volponi and Xuechen Zhang whose team has managed to replicate the environment in which teeth develop. He also talks to Katsu Takahashi who has discovered a method for developing a third set of teeth. It’s a whole new way of creating teeth that will change the way we make them. Presenter Anand Jagatia Producer Jo Glanville Editor Ben Motley Studio Manager Bob Nettles Production co-ordinator Ishmael Soriano Translation, Katsu Takahashi interview Bethan Jones

The epic space story of a sci-fi dream that changed spaceflight forever. Told by the Nasa astronauts and team who made it happen. Our multi-award-winning podcast is back, hosted by space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock. She tells the story of triumph and tragedy - of a dream that revolutionised modern space travel forever.You can listen to the trailer here. To hear episodes, search for 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle, wherever you get your BBC podcasts. 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle is a BBC Audio Science Unit production for the BBC World Service. Theme music by Hans Zimmer and Christian Lundberg, and produced by Russell Emanuel, for Bleeding Fingers Music. Archive: Mission audio and oral histories, Nasa History Office.

Robert Hampson, a professor at Wake Forest University, dives into the fascinating world of technology and its potential to enhance human memory. He explores cutting-edge research aimed at restoring memory impairment and discusses the ethical implications of using tech for cognitive enhancement. The conversation also covers brain-computer interfaces, deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's, and how personal anecdotes illustrate the transformative effects on patients' lives. Gain insights into the future of brain health and the intersection of neuroscience and technology!

Your whole life is governed by spin. The rotation of our planet tells you when to wake up, and Earth’s orbit around the Sun is the reason why some of us dig out a jumper for half the year and a t-shirt for the rest. But what if that all changed? That’s exactly what 8-year-old Geronimo in Ecuador wants to know. He and his dad, Fabian, have got themselves dizzy trying to figure out what would happen if the Earth stopped spinning, or better yet, started spinning in the opposite direction. Would everyone fly off into space? Would school be at night? Eager for answers, they decided to ask CrowdScience. Presenter Anand Jagatia embarks on an interstellar journey, blasting off with the celestial origins of spin itself. Astronomer Amy Bonsor from the University of Cambridge in the UK explains how Earth’s rotation began, with collapsing clouds of gas, planetary pile-ups and crushing gravitational force. At Keele Observatory, things get apocalyptic. Anand meets astronomer Jacco van Loon, who explains what would happen if Geronimo somehow waved a magic wand and brought Earth’s rotation to a halt. With months of unbroken daylight or darkness, devastating storms and even the loss of the Earth’s magnetic shield, it’s like the script of a disaster movie. Wave that magic wand again and we imagine a world where the Earth not only stops... but starts spinning the other way. Meteorologist Joao Basso from the University of Leipzig in Germany walks us through a mind-bending 2018 study that tells us the surprising things that would happen to the global climate. Presenter: Anand Jagatia Producer: Harrison Lewis Series Producer: Ben Motley

Sara Russell, a planetary scientist at the Natural History Museum, and Richard Greenwood, a meteorite researcher at The Open University, dive into the origins of Earth's water. They discuss how water likely didn't exist when the planet formed from molten rock and explore theories suggesting asteroids, like Bennu, might have contributed to our water supply. Additionally, they examine oxygen isotopes linking Earth and the Moon, shedding light on cosmic impacts and the timeline of water's arrival on our planet.

A listener wonders if we can capture energy from stars beyond our sun. Each star emits a staggering amount of energy, leading to fascinating possibilities. Experts discuss measuring star brightness and showcase a unique telescope experience. The idea of a Dyson Sphere emerges—an ambitious concept of harvesting energy by placing panels in orbit around distant stars. Advanced solar technologies may one day enable us to harness this cosmic power, pushing the boundaries of renewable energy. The future of starlight as a resource sparks creative innovation.

No one really cares that CrowdScience listener Sam has a younger brother, but they do care about his sister. In fact, they’re fascinated by her. That’s because Sam and his sister are fraternal twins. He’s been wondering all his life why he’s treated differently. Could it be cultural? Twins have long appeared in classical mythology, revered literature, and playful comedies—captivating artists and audiences alike across time and continents. Or is there something more scientific behind our fascination? Why are twins special? Anand Jagatia investigates with Karen Dillon from Blackburn College in the USA, who says it’s more complicated. Over the years we have created stereotypes of who and what twins are. Our perception has been warped by history and pop culture. As an identical twin herself, she knows firsthand how stereotypes can shape a twin’s identity. Philosopher Helena De Bres from Wellesley College in the USA believes these stereotypes play on human anxieties. Their similarities and differences are derived from their biology, maybe our genes have more of an influence over our personalities and behaviours than we like to think? And Nancy Segal agrees, Director of the Twin Studies Centre at California State University in the USA. She has spent her career studying twins. She’s found that nearly every trait, whether it be behavioural or physiological, has a genetic component to it. Anand is sure to leave you thinking that Sam, his sister and all the other twins across the globe, really are special! Presenter: Anand Jagatia Producer: Harrison Lewis Series Editor: Ben Motley (Image: Twin girls (8-10) wearing matching coats and pigtails. Credit: Jade Albert Studio, Inc via Getty Images)

In this discussion, Pelle Guldborg Hansen, a Professor of behavioral science at the University of Roskilde, dives into innovative strategies to persuade more people to cycle. He suggests shifting from rational arguments to appeals that resonate with our desires and vanity. The conversation explores how psychological factors influence cycling choices, the importance of safety measures in urban settings, and the effectiveness of marketing to change perceptions. Insights from experts in Denmark highlight how a fresh approach can transform cycling into a trendy and enjoyable choice.