The Life Scientific

Caroline Smith, Head of Collections at the Natural History Museum, specializes in meteorites and their profound implications for life beyond Earth. She reveals fascinating insights into the Narcla Martian meteorite and its evidence of past water, highlighting meteorites as keys to understanding early Solar System chemistry. Caroline discusses the security of transporting valuable samples and the preparation for Mars sample return missions. Her personal journey from childhood rock collecting to space science is both inspiring and informative, underscoring the societal value of her work.

AP De Silva, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at Queen's University Belfast, is a pioneer of molecular photosensors. He discusses his groundbreaking work on portable fluorescence-based blood analyzers, inspired by his grandmother's health struggles. De Silva shares his journey from Sri Lanka to Belfast, his innovative sodium sensor that saves lives, and how molecular logic could revolutionize healthcare. He reflects on the impact of his collaborations and expresses hope for the future of molecular engineering in medicine.

Sir Peter Knight, Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London, is a trailblazer in quantum optics and a key figure in the UK's National Quantum Technologies Programme. He discusses how quantum computers could solve complex problems in seconds and explains the intriguing concept of superposition and its implications. Knight shares insights from his transition from chemistry to theoretical physics and reflects on his pride in mentoring future quantum scientists. He also outlines the UK's leading position in quantum technology and its transformative potential across various fields.

Eleanor Schofield, a materials engineer and Director of Collections at the Mary Rose Trust, delves into the fascinating world of conserving the Tudor warship Mary Rose. She shares her insights on the challenges of preserving 500-year-old wood and metal, including the innovative use of PEG to prevent shrinkage. Eleanor also discusses the emotional impact of seeing the ship's scale and the importance of cutting-edge synchrotron science in her work. Her personal journey through loss and career transitions adds depth to her commitment to history and conservation.

"My ideas are often labelled as impossible, or useless, or both. Usually when people say that I'm on the right track."George Church is a geneticist, molecular engineer, and one of the pioneers of modern genomics. He's also someone who makes a habit of finding solutions to the seemingly impossible.Over the course of his career so far, George developed the first method for direct genomic sequencing, helped initiate the Human Genome Project, and founded the Personal Genome Project: making huge quantities of DNA data publicly available for research. Today, as a professor at Harvard Medical School and MIT, he’s working on some of the most headline-grabbing - and controversial - science on the planet: from the so-called "de-extinction" of woolly mammoths, to growing transplant-suitable organs in pigs, to virus-proofing humans.When inspiration strikes, there seems to be little that will slow him down - even the fact that he has narcolepsy, the neurological disorder that causes sudden sleep attacks. In fact, as George tells Professor Jim Al-Khalili, some of his best ideas come in those moments between waking and sleep...Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy Taylor for BBC Studios

Movies might have us believe that bomb disposal comes down to cutting the right wire. In fact, explosive devices are complex and varied - and learning how to dispose of them safely involves intense training, as well as the ability to stay calm under pressure. This was the world of Dr Gareth Collett, a retired British Army Brigadier General and engineer, specialising in bomb disposal; whose 32-year military career took him around the world, including heading up major ordnance clearance projects in Iraq and Afghanistan. After retiring from the army, Gareth became a university lecturer – but following his diagnosis with bladder cancer, started researching a possible link between bomb disposal veterans and higher rates of urological cancers.In conversation with Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Gareth discusses this ongoing research, dealing with PTSD - and why he just can't watch Oscar-winning movie The Hurt Locker...Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy Taylor for BBC Studios

Many people will be familiar with Parkinson’s disease: the progressive brain disorder that causes symptoms including tremors and slower movement, leading on to serious cognitive problems. You might not know that it’s the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. Today it affects around 11.8 million people and that’s forecast to double by 2030. Dr Sonia Gandhi is one of the scientists working to change that trend. As Professor of Neurology at University College London and Assistant Research Director at the Francis Crick Institute, her work involves using stem cells to build models of the human brain, helping to drive the development of drugs and other therapies for Parkinson’s patients.Talking to Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Sonia explains why this destructive condition is on the rise - and the promising routes they're studying to find new ways to tackle it.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy Taylor for BBC StudiosFor details of organisations that offer advice and support to anyone affected by Parkinson's Disease, please go online to bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Mark O'Shea, a herpetologist and venomous snake expert, shares thrilling tales of his close encounters with deadly reptiles. He discusses the challenges of antivenom production and the ecological importance of snakes in controlling rodent populations. Mark recounts a dramatic rattlesnake bite and the difficulties faced in rural healthcare access for snakebite victims. He also reflects on his journey from a disinterested student to an esteemed professor, and the personal joy of having a new species named after him.

There can't be many people in the world who've saved lives in hospital emergency rooms and also helped care for the wellbeing of astronauts in space – but Kevin Fong’s career has followed a singular path: from astrophysics and trauma medicine, to working with NASA, to becoming an Air Ambulance doctor.Kevin is a consultant anaesthetist and professor of public engagement and innovation at University College London. He’s worked on the front line in hospitals, dealing with major incidents and helping shape policy; but he's also stayed true to his childhood passion for space, working on multiple projects with NASA and even going through the astronaut application process himself. As if that wasn’t enough, he’s also become a well-known figure in science broadcasting through his various radio and TV shows.Speaking to Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Kevin admits it hasn't always been an easy path – but his passion for both space and medicine have got him through. And today, he's channelling his energies into ensuring we protect the NHS's most precious commodity: its staff.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy TaylorThis programme was a BBC Studios Audio prouction for Radio 4.

Dame Pratibha Gai, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at York University, has revolutionized how we understand chemical reactions at the atomic level with her pioneering environmental transmission electron microscope. She discusses the inefficiencies of traditional chemical processes and how her work allows real-time observation and manipulation of reactions. Gai shares her inspiring journey in a male-dominated field and emphasizes the importance of mentorship. Additionally, she highlights the collaborative nature of microscopy advancements and their potential for environmentally friendly innovation.