Curious Cases

We can all picture a crab, but did you know that nature has reinvented those claw clicking, sideways scuttling crustaceans at least five separate times? In recent years the internet has run wild with the idea that crabs are the ultimate life-form, and that even humans might one day end up with pincers too. But is there any truth behind the memes? Hannah and Dara scale the tangled tree of life and tackle taxonomy to figure out if ‘crab’ really is evolution’s favourite shape. Exploring coconut to spanner, ghost to hermit, soldier to spider they learn how to tell the ‘true’ crabs from the impostors.You can send your everyday mysteries for the team to investigate to: curiouscases@bbc.co.uk Contributors Dr Joanna Wolfe – Evolutionary Biologist, Harvard University and UC Santa Barbara Professor Matthew Wills - Professor of Evolutionary Paleobiology, University of Bath Ned Suesat-Williams – Director of the Crab Museum, MargateProducer: Emily Bird Executive Producer: Sasha Feachem A BBC Studios Production

Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain return to Curious Cases HQ for a brand-new series. And curios, there’s a lot to unpack! Coming soon to BBC Sounds.

Nicola Clayton, a Professor of Comparative Cognition at the University of Cambridge, joins to debunk the notion that crows are 'bird brains.' She shares fascinating insights into the emotional complexity and problem-solving skills of these avian intellects, which rival that of an 8-year-old child. Listeners hear about the playful interactions of a raven named Bran, and the surprising similarities between crow and human intelligence despite their brain differences. The episode also highlights the dynamics of crow society, revealing their remarkable capacity for empathy and communication.

In this intriguing discussion, Professor Amy Milton, a behavioural neuroscience expert from the University of Cambridge, and Professor Chris French, an anomalistic psychology specialist from Goldsmiths University, explore the bizarre world of memory. They examine the potential of memory manipulation, revealing how easily memories can be blurred or implanted. Topics include the psychology behind paranormal experiences, the malleability of memory, and innovative techniques for transforming fear. Get ready to rethink recollections and question the very fabric of your memories!

Katie Clough, a Research Fellow at Queen Mary University, and Sean Carroll, a Natural Philosophy professor at Johns Hopkins, dive into the mind-bending world of relativity. They discuss how high-speed travel can alter aging and the quirks of time dilation. You'll learn why GPS satellites have to factor in time differences and hear hilarious theories about clowns on trains that simplify complex scientific ideas. Their engaging banter blends humor with cutting-edge physics, making the universe feel a bit more accessible and fun.

Join Ben Garrod, a Professor of Evolutionary Biology, and Tori Herridge, a Senior Lecturer in the field, as they tackle the sizing conundrums faced by colossal creatures. They reveal why scaling up a mouse could lead to disaster and how giant bones require air pockets to support their weight. The duo humorously discusses the digestive strategies of massive herbivores and the peculiar timing of animal bladders. Delve into their imaginative musings on how a rerun of evolution might reshape our understanding of the animal kingdom's giants.

In this episode, Professor Manish Tiwari, a nanoengineering expert from University College London, and Dr. Jess Wade, a functional materials lecturer at Imperial College London, dive into the fascinating world of shark skin. They explore how the unique texture of dermal denticles could revolutionize vehicle and aircraft designs, enhancing speed and efficiency. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of nature-inspired nanoengineering, discussing superhydrophobic materials and the potential for innovative, eco-friendly technologies.

This week, Sophie Scott, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL, shares insights into the fascinating world of laughter. Why do we laugh, and is it just a quirky human trait? Sophie explains how laughter fosters social bonds and alleviates stress, revealing its power in relationships and even dating. The discussion dives into genuine laughs versus polite chuckles and explores the evolutionary significance of laughter in both humans and animals. Get ready to chuckle as they unveil the science behind that belly laugh!

Professor Leslie Vosshall from Rockefeller University and Professor Sarah Reece from Edinburgh University join for a hilarious dive into the world of mosquitoes. They debate why some humans attract these pests more than others, revealing the crucial role of unique scents. With funny sock experiments, they determine who has the stinkiest feet. The episode also uncovers the fascinating biology of female mosquitoes and their insatiable blood-feeding quests, as well as the cunning adaptation of malaria parasites within these insects.

Will Dixon, a Professor of Digital Epidemiology at the University of Manchester and author of "Cloudy with a Chance of Pain", discusses the intriguing relationship between weather and pain. He explains how changes in air pressure can affect joint aches and highlights that our genes might react to temperature shifts, potentially worsening certain conditions in the winter. The conversation also reveals that 21 degrees is considered the ideal temperature for optimal health—just in time for a perfect summer day!