CrowdScience

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.

The Moon and Earth are drifting gradually further apart. Every year the gap between them increases by a few centimetres. We know that the Moon’s gravity has an important effect on Earth - from controlling the tides to affecting the planet’s rotation - but slowly, imperceptibly, over billions of years, that influence will diminish as the Moon moves away. For CrowdScience listener Tony in the UK that idea poses another question. What if we were to look back in time? What effects did the Moon have when it was closer to Earth? Would it counteract the planet’s gravity more so that, at the time of the dinosaurs, a Brontosaurus would weigh a little less that it would if it existed now? It’s an intriguing question. And, given that it involves both the Moon AND dinosaurs, it’s one that’s got presenter Anand Jagatia really excited! Anand begins his journey on Brighton beach on the South coast of the UK. He’s there to watch the full Moon rise - and get a few insights on Tony’s question - from astronomer Darren Baskill and astrophotographer (and cellist) Ivana Perenic. Anand talks to Darren about the influence of the Moon’s gravity on Earth today. As they stand on the beach, with the sea lapping at their feet, they can certainly see its effect on the ocean tides. But did you know that the Moon also causes tides on the land as well? Every time it’s overhead the ground you’re standing on is higher by a few centimetres. Professor Neil Comins, author of the book What If the Moon Didn’t Exist, explains why the tides are the reason the Moon is moving away from Earth – and it has been ever since it was first formed. And how was it formed anyhow? We turn back time with Prof. Sara Russell from the Natural History Museum in London to discover one of the most dramatic events in the early history of our solar system... when two worlds collided. And, of course, it helps to know what a dinosaur weighed in the first place. Anand turns to paleontologist Nicolas Campione, who’s been puzzling over the most accurate way to calculate the bulk of a Brontosaurus. Contributors: Dr. Darren Baskill, Astronomer, University of Sussex, UK Ivana Perenic, Astrophotographer Dr. Nicolas Campione, Paleontologist, University of New England, Australia Prof. Sara Russell, Cosmic Mineralogist, Natural History Museum, UK Prof. Neil Comins, Astronomer, University of Maine, USAPresenter: Anand Jagatia Producer: Jeremy Grange Editor: Cathy Edwards Production Co-ordinator: Ishmael Soriano Studio Manager: Jackie Margerum(Image: Tyrannosaurus Rex and Spinosaurus in front of the moon - stock photo Credit: MR1805via Getty Images)

What does it really mean to be an adult at 18? The podcast explores this age of majority from various perspectives, including fascinating insights from neuroscientists and anthropologists. Discover how brain development continues into the 20s, challenging traditional views of maturity. Cultural differences also come into play, particularly regarding marriage in India and the pressures that shape perceptions of adulthood. Personal stories illustrate the complexities of maturation, decision-making, and what it means to truly grow up.

What if cars were apex predators? This intriguing question unfolds as discussions reveal the staggering impact of vehicles on wildlife. From roadkill statistics to the term ‘traffication,’ the podcast dives deep into how cars alter ecosystems and the lives of animals. Innovations like wildlife crossings in Brazil showcase attempts to mitigate vehicle collisions. Meanwhile, the hidden effects of noise pollution on species like coho salmon illuminate the urgent need for conservation strategies. An eye-opening examination of humanity's relationship with cars and nature awaits!

In this discussion, Charles Fernyhough, a psychology professor specializing in inner speech, unravels the intriguing science of our inner voice. He shares insights into how this dialogue begins in childhood, evolving from audible to silent conversation. Using MRI technology, he reveals that our inner dialogue resembles listening more than speaking. The conversation dives into deep questions about what makes us human and even touches on robotic consciousness, exploring the fascinating intersection of thought, memory, and self-awareness.

Kelly, a curious listener, ignited a quest into human regeneration after questioning if our tongues can regrow. Joined by Dr. Elly Tanaka, an expert on axolotls—the amphibians renowned for regrowing limbs—they explore why humans lag behind in regeneration. The conversation dives into the evolutionary origins of regenerative abilities, potential dormant genes in humans, and innovative lab-grown heart organoids. Kelly even showcases her new axolotl tattoo, symbolizing this fascinating journey into the limits and possibilities of bodily regeneration.

Anand Jagatia, a curious host exploring biological symmetry, dives into why animals, including humans, exhibit bilateral symmetry, while plants do not. He travels back 570 million years to the Ediacaran period with paleobiologist Dr. Frankie Dunn, uncovering ancient life forms that began the symmetry trend in the animal kingdom. The discussion extends to the strange world of echinoderms with Dr. Imran Rahman, raising questions about their unique penta-radial symmetry and its evolutionary implications.

Discover the world of shipping containers and their vital role in global trade. Learn how lighter materials, like aluminum, could decrease carbon emissions. Explore innovative designs such as collapsible containers that enhance space efficiency. Dive into the challenges of integrating ammonia as a cleaner fuel and the potential revival of sails in modern shipping. Hear about pioneering efforts at leading ports, aiming for sustainability and eco-friendly practices in the shipping industry.

Alan Jamieson, a marine biologist from the University of Western Australia, and Edie Widder, an expert in bioluminescent creatures, explore the striking adaptations of deep-sea fish. They discuss how these fish survive under extreme pressure and the secrets of bioluminescence in the dark ocean depths. Notably, they highlight the role of TMAO in protein function and uncover the surprising challenges of studying life in the abyss. Their journey reveals insights into one of Earth's most mysterious ecosystems and the limits of marine survival.