The Life Scientific

Elephants are the largest living land mammal and today our planet is home to three species: the African bush elephant, the African forest elephant, and the Asian elephant.But a hundred thousand years ago, in the chilly depths of the Ice Age, multiple species of elephant roamed the earth: from dog-sized dwarf elephants to towering woolly mammoths.These gentle giants' evolutionary story and its parallels with that of humankind has long fascinated Dr Tori Herridge, a senior lecturer in evolutionary biology at the University of Sheffield, where - as a seasoned science broadcaster - she's also responsible for their Masters course in Science Communication.Tori has spent much of her life studying fossil elephants and the sites where they were excavated; trying to establish facts behind relics that are far beyond the reach of Radio Carbon Dating. To date she's discovered dwarf mammoths on Mediterranean islands, retraced the groundbreaking Greek expedition of a female palaeontologist in the early 1900s, and even held an ancient woolly mammoth’s liver. (Verdict: stinky.)But as she tells Professor Jim Al-Khalili, this passion for fossil-hunting is not just about understanding the past: this information is what will help us protect present-day elephants and the world around them for future generations.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced for BBC Studios by Lucy Taylor

What does it take to earn the nickname, ‘The Leonardo da Vinci of heart surgery’?That's the moniker given to today's guest - a man who pioneered high-profile and often controversial procedures, but also helped drive huge medical progress; carrying out around 2,000 heart transplants and 400 dual heart-lung transplants during his 60-year career.Sir Magdi Yacoub is Emeritus Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Imperial College London, and Director of Research at Harefield Hospital’s Magdi Yacoub Institute. Inspired by a surgeon father and impacted by the tragic early death of his aunt from a heart condition, his medical career includes various surgical firsts alongside numerous research projects, to further our understanding of and ability to treat heart disease. He headed up the teams that discovered it is possible to reverse heart failure, and that successfully grew part of a human heart valve from stem cells for the first time. But it hasn't always been plain sailing. At times, his work – such as early, unsuccessful transplant attempts, or using a baboon as a life-support system for a baby – attracted serious public criticism.Speaking to Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Sir Magdi reflects on the highs and lows of his cardio career, and offers his advice to the next generation of surgeons and researchers hoping to make their mark in heart medicine. Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy Taylor

What's it like living underwater for two weeks? What's the trickiest part of training to be an astronaut? What are the most memorable sights you see from space? Several extreme questions, all of which can be answered by one man: Major Tim Peake.After a childhood packed with outdoor adventures, via the Cub Scouts and school Cadet Force, Tim joined the British Army Air Corps and became a military flying instructor then a test pilot; before eventually being selected as a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut.In 2015, Tim became the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station. Over the course of a six-month mission, he took part in more than 250 scientific experiments and worked with more than two million schoolchildren across Europe.In a special New Year’s episode recorded in front of an audience at London’s Royal Society, Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to Tim about his lifelong passion for adventure, the thrill of flight and why scientific experiments in space are so important.Presented by Jim Al-Khalili Produced by Lucy Taylor

Anna Korre, an environmental engineer at Imperial College London and Co-Director of the Energy Futures Lab, dives into the complexities of carbon capture and sustainability. She shares her journey from Greece, overcoming societal expectations to become a leader in STEM. Korre discusses her innovative research in sub-surface CO2 storage and its potential for decarbonizing industries. The conversation highlights the importance of scientific evidence in environmental debates and the need for public engagement to combat climate change effectively.

Rosalie David, a trailblazer in Egyptology, discusses her groundbreaking work on mummies, highlighting the fusion of ancient history and modern medicine. She reveals her early adventures in Egypt and the pivotal shift in studying mummies as valuable sources of historical insight. David shares startling findings, including a forensic investigation into a young woman's murder 3,000 years ago and the establishment of the world's first mummy tissue bank, uncovering a complex understanding of ancient Egyptian health and society.

Peter Stott is a climate scientist at the UK's Met Office Hadley Centre and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. In this conversation, he recounts how the devastating 2003 heatwave inspired his research into extreme weather and human impact on climate change. He confronts climate denialism with hard evidence and shares his journey from physics to atmospheric science. Peter also discusses significant moments in his career, particularly his battles with skeptics and the importance of effective science communication in addressing global warming.

Ijeoma Uchegbu, a Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience at University College London, discusses the groundbreaking potential of nanoparticles in medicine. She explains how these tiny carriers can deliver drugs to hard-to-reach areas, aiming to revolutionize treatments for conditions like blindness and pain management. Ijeoma shares her inspiring journey from a foster child in rural Kent to an innovative scientist, highlighting her creative approaches, including stand-up comedy, to communicate complex scientific ideas and engage others.

Darren Croft, a researcher and Professor of Animal Behaviour at the University of Exeter, dives into the fascinating world of killer whales. He examines the crucial role of matriarchs in orca family units, revealing how these elder females guide their pods. The discussion also touches on the evolutionary enigma of menopause in killer whales, a rare phenomenon that may enhance the survival of their offspring. Croft's personal journey from dyslexia to animal behavior research adds a heartfelt touch, showcasing both struggles and triumphs in the pursuit of understanding these majestic marine mammals.

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, shares his journey from tech titan to global health champion. He discusses the crucial role of vaccines in reducing child mortality and the ongoing battles with vaccine skepticism. Gates highlights the need for equitable access to healthcare innovations and reflects on the impact of his personal life changes on his philanthropic vision. He also touches on lighter topics like his love for pickleball and the necessity of continued investment in global health initiatives.

Kip Thorne, an Emeritus Professor of Theoretical Physics at Caltech, shares his remarkable journey through groundbreaking research on black holes and gravitational waves, which won him a Nobel Prize. He discusses his childhood in Utah and how it shaped his passion for science. The conversation flows into his Hollywood ventures, revealing how he infused scientific accuracy into films like Interstellar and Oppenheimer. Thorne also highlights the interplay of creativity and science, demonstrating how storytelling can spark public interest in complex scientific concepts.