Curious Cases

Julie Macpherson, a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Warwick, reveals the surprising science behind diamonds. She explains how these gems conduct heat better than anything else and can clean up pollutants from water with boron-doping technology. The discussion also touches on diamonds' role in high-performance electronics and even their geological secrets. With captivating demonstrations and quirky comparisons, the conversation shifts perspectives on diamonds from mere jewelry to powerful tools in science and tech.

Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain return to tackle listener's questions with the power of science!

Dr. Erica McAlister, the esteemed 'fly lady' and entomologist, teams up with Professor Graham Taylor from Oxford, a specialist in animal flight dynamics. They dive into the astonishing speeds of horseflies—could they really hit 90 mph? The duo defends these often-maligned insects, discussing the bizarre fact that some don't even have wings. They also explore how horseflies could inspire advances in drone technology. Packed with humor and science, this conversation sheds light on the remarkable world of flies.

Dr. Wijnand van Tilburg, a social psychologist specializing in boredom, discusses how seemingly dull hobbies can offer surprising mental health benefits. He humorously links chronic boredom to serious health issues, especially for middle-aged individuals. Meanwhile, Dr. Mike Esterman from Boston University dives into the science of attention, revealing why mind-wandering is often counterproductive when more engaging tasks are available. They challenge the hosts to a computer game designed to distract them with adorable images, showcasing the playful side of focus and attention.

In this engaging discussion, Hayley Campbell, a journalist and author who explores the intriguing world of cryonics, dives into the chilling science behind preserving bodies for potential future revival. Listeners are captivated by tales of real-life 'frogsicles' and the urban legend surrounding Walt Disney's supposed freeze. They explore the challenges of reanimating full-sized humans and the ethical dilemmas entangled with life extension. Campbell's insights blend humor and hope as they ponder the possibilities of advanced technology in the future.

Join consultant neurologist Professor Guy Leschziner and Professor Russell Foster from the University of Oxford as they delve into the bizarre world of sleepwalking. They share outrageous stories, like a sleepwalker on a motorbike and an artist creating masterpieces in his sleep. The duo explains the intriguing neuroscience behind sleepwalking, exploring sleep phases and triggers like booze and bed squeaks. Plus, they reveal surprising animal sleep behaviors, shedding light on consciousness across species. Prepare for a night of wonder!

Professor Saiful Islam, a Guinness World Record holder and battery technology expert, reveals the shocking truth about fruit-powered batteries. Despite using 3,000 lemons, they barely produced 2 Watts—far from what’s needed for space travel! Randall Munroe pitches zany ideas for extracting energy from these fruits while discussing the potential of a lemon-based diet. Professor Paul Shearing weighs in on the future of energy sources for planes, hinting at solar power and innovative battery materials as the way forward in aviation.

Dr. Mitch Lomax, an exercise physiology specialist from the University of Portsmouth, joins the hosts to dissect the science behind athletic performance. They tackle the nuances of training for endurance versus explosive sports. The conversation dives into genetics, muscle fibers, and even Michael Phelps's unique body proportions. With a touch of humor, they analyze the quirks of various swimming strokes and reveal surprising truths about what it truly means to be a good athlete, including Dara's unexpected ideal sport: netball.

Join Dr. Nadja Møbjerg, a Tardigrade researcher from the University of Copenhagen, as she unveils the incredible survival abilities of moss piglets. Discover how these tiny creatures can withstand extreme conditions, from droughts to radiation, hinting at their potential role in space travel and even apocalyptic scenarios. Learn the quirky ways to find them and the irony of their natural enemies. With a history of surviving five mass extinctions, these fascinating micro-animals prove to be masters of resilience and adaptability in a complex world.

Dr. Daniel Mitchard, a particle physicist from Cardiff University’s Lightning Lab, dives into the electrifying world of lightning. He discusses the surprising fact that no lightning occurs at the poles and reveals why a car is the safest shelter during storms. Lightning survivor Kerry Evans shares her harrowing experiences, while Professor Karen Aplin explains the discovery of lightning on other planets, like Mars. They uncover whimsical atmospheric phenomena like sprites and pixies, merging science with captivating stories.