Curious Cases

In a lively chat, guests Anna Wilkinson, a cognitive animal expert, Unnar Karl Aevarsson, a herpetologist from ZSL London Zoo, and Gordon Burghardt, a distinguished professor, dive into the surprising intellect of tortoises. They discuss tortoise personalities, memory, and even their capacity for play, challenging the notion that these creatures are dull. Anecdotes about tortoise behaviors and the importance of enrichment reveal how tortoises exhibit moods and recognize humans, reshaping our understanding of their cognitive abilities.

Professor Rebecca Kilner, an evolutionary biologist at Cambridge, discusses how the absence of seasons would dramatically alter animal life, emphasizing the impact on breeding and cooperation among species. Aidan McGivern, a senior weather presenter at the Met Office, provides a simulated forecast for a world without tilt, envisioning expansive deserts and tundras. They explore how these changes could affect evolutionary trajectories and whether dinosaurs would thrive differently in a seasonless Earth. The conversation is a fascinating blend of climate science and evolutionary theory.

Miranda Lowe, a Principal Curator at the Natural History Museum, and Alex Cagan, a genetics expert from Cambridge, explore the astonishing abilities of the 'immortal jellyfish.' This jellyfish can reverse its aging process under stress, raising intriguing questions about human longevity. They discuss the challenges of studying this delicate creature and compare it to other regenerative animals like axolotls. Alex also reveals insights into the genetics of long-lived species, including the remarkable adaptations of the naked mole-rat, suggesting potential pathways for human health.

Join space experts Maggie Aderin-Pocock, George Dransfield, and Chris Lintott as they unravel cosmic mysteries. Maggie shares the chilling sounds captured by the Huygens probe on Titan, while George reveals the eerie oscillations of stars and their implications for stellar seismology. The team dives into the edge of space, discusses the nature of the Big Bang, and explores the tantalizing potential for life in the clouds of Venus and Jupiter, all while suggesting strategies for spotting extraterrestrial beings.

Join Professor Ivette Fuentes, a Quantum Physicist, as she unravels the mysteries of entanglement and superposition. Professor Winfried Hensinger discusses the practicalities of quantum teleportation and its implications for quantum computing. Meanwhile, Professor Helen Beebee delves into the philosophical dilemmas of identity raised by teleportation. The trio explores whether a teleported person remains the same individual, and the potential ethical quandaries of risking one's original self for a sci-fi dream.

Jonathan Ball, a Professor of Molecular Virology, lays out the basics of viruses, tackling the age-old question of whether they are alive. Martha Clokie, a Professor of Microbiology, highlights therapeutic uses of bacteriophages in combating antibiotic resistance. Marylin Roosinck, Professor Emeritus, discusses beneficial plant viruses and their role in evolution. Together, they explore the surprising roles viruses play in ecosystems and human health, advocating for a shift in our perception of these often-misunderstood microbes.

Join Professor Andrea Sella, an inorganic chemistry expert from University College London, and fire investigation officer Matt Oakley as they ignite a spirited conversation about spontaneous combustion. Sella reveals how oily rags can spontaneously ignite, while Oakley shares alarming statistics on lithium battery fires and the potential dangers they pose. Discover the fascinating science behind self-heating materials and why certain everyday items can catch fire without a spark, plus the chilling debate on whether spontaneous human combustion is real.

David Spiegelhalter, an Emeritus Professor of Statistics, and Richard Wiseman, a Psychology Professor known for his research on luck, dive into the fascinating world of probability and perception. They define luck, explaining how it involves both chance and personal meaning. Wiseman reveals traits common among 'lucky' individuals, like resilience and social engagement, while discussing his 'Luck School' that encourages mindset changes. Their insights suggest that while some luck is circumstantial, anyone can enhance their perceived luck through attitude and awareness.

Helen Czerski, a physicist and oceanographer at University College London, delves into the fascinating world of resonance, explaining how everything around us has a natural frequency. She shares stunning examples, such as how spiders use resonance to catch prey and the tragic collapse of Mexico City buildings during an earthquake due to frequency matching. The discussion also touches on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the impact of resonance on human health, including effects from vibrations in jobs like tractor driving and the potential benefits of sound therapy.

In this intriguing discussion, Dr. Joanna Wolfe, an evolutionary biologist, Professor Matthew Wills, a paleobiologist, and crab aficionado Ned Suesat-Williams dive into the quirky world of crabs. They unravel the concept of carcinization, revealing how crab-like forms evolved independently multiple times. Discover the traits that make crabs so successful, from their unique sideways walking to their remarkable ecological roles. Plus, hear about the fascination crabs hold in culture and science, making them the ultimate evolution favorites.