CrowdScience

BBC World Service
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4 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 29min

Is the BMI fatphobic?

The podcast explores the limitations of using BMI as a measure of body health and discusses alternative methods for assessing body composition. It delves into the challenges of unrealistic weight expectations for different body types and genetic diversity, as well as the controversies surrounding the societal implications of BMI as a health indicator.
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Mar 8, 2024 • 29min

Do we all see the same colour?

Explore the mysteries of how we perceive colors and if everyone sees the same shade. Experts discuss the impact of eye color, environmental factors, and evolutionary history on our color vision. Intriguing insights into color perception and the variations in how individuals see the world around them.
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Mar 1, 2024 • 27min

How bad is our data for the planet?

Exploring the energy and water consumption of data centers globally, including a high-efficiency facility in Norway. Discussing the environmental impact of data centers, innovative cooling solutions, and the carbon footprint of digital data. Delving into strategies for a more sustainable ICT sector and the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions to combat climate change.
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Feb 23, 2024 • 29min

Why do we have wisdom teeth?

Exploring the mysteries of wisdom teeth, from their evolutionary purpose to the common problems they cause. Experts discuss why some people have trouble with their wisdom teeth while others don't. The history of wisdom tooth extraction practices is examined, shedding light on changing attitudes towards this common procedure. The episode also delves into the evolution of human teeth, comparing them to those of our ancestors and other primates.
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7 snips
Feb 16, 2024 • 27min

What time was the first clock set to?

Exploring the history of timekeeping from sundials to atomic clocks, the podcast delves into how time measurement evolved. They visit the oldest functioning mechanical clock and discuss the challenges of reconciling earth's rotation with atomic time. Featuring clock experts and physicists, they uncover the fascinating journey of how we came to measure time.
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Feb 9, 2024 • 27min

When will the next earthquake hit?

Earthquake survivor, Amanda, wants to know if science will ever be able to give advance warning of quakes. In New Zealand, they dig for ancient earthquake clues and explore earthquake modeling and forecasting. They discuss building earthquake-proof cities and implementing early warning systems. Progress and challenges in earthquake forecasting are examined. The importance of time and safety during earthquakes is emphasized.
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Feb 2, 2024 • 31min

Why do we daydream?

Why do we daydream? In this episode, Alex Lathbridge explores the fascinating world of daydreaming with expert guest Giulia Poerio. They discuss the impact of daydreaming on reality, painful experiments and insights into mind wandering, study results on daydreaming and brain activations, the concept of time perception, factors influencing daydreaming tendencies, and how to break free from daydreaming.
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Jan 26, 2024 • 26min

How should we measure cleverness?

The podcast explores measuring cleverness and intelligence, including the reliance on academic performance and the role of emotional intelligence. They discuss the Flynn effect and the factors contributing to increased IQ test scores. The role of genetics in intelligence is examined, as well as sex differences in intelligence. The correlation between IQ and various aspects of life, such as income and health, is also discussed.
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Jan 19, 2024 • 27min

Were humans ever semi-aquatic?

The podcast explores the possibility of a semi-aquatic phase in human evolution, discussing the diving reflex and its connection to our ability to submerge our faces in water. It examines the aquatic ape hypothesis, highlighting the lack of scientific support and exploring alternative explanations for human traits. The presence of bony ear growths in ancient people from Panama indicates engagement in aquatic activities. The diving abilities of the Indonesian Bajo community and their biological adaptations are also discussed.
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Jan 12, 2024 • 26min

Can planting trees solve the climate crisis?

Explore the possibility of using reforestation to combat the climate crisis as experts discuss the potential impact and challenges of planting trees. Highlighting a reforestation project in Romania as a model, the podcast delves into the role of trees in carbon storage and the benefits for ecosystems. Despite the challenges, there is optimism about solving the climate crisis and preserving nature through restoring and protecting the environment.

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