Curious Cases

Join Professor Christoph Salzmann, a chemistry expert, Dr. Thomas Whale, a climate scientist, and Professor Sarah Hart, a mathematics whiz, as they unravel the enchanting world of frost. Discover why ice forms in stunningly diverse patterns and how snowflakes get their unique shapes. Thomas shares insights on supercooling and dendritic growth, while Sarah explains the fascinating connection between fractals found in nature and the intricate designs of ice. Brace yourself for a chill as science reveals the magic behind winter's frozen art!

Join Graham Hutchings, a chemistry professor, as he reveals the beauty and unique properties of gold. Frances Wall, a mineralogy expert, explains how gold forms and the modern techniques used in mining. British astronaut Tim Peake shares fascinating insights on gold's critical roles in space technology. The trio dives into gold's surprising applications, from electronics to medicine, and even its whimsical use in food. What’s more, they discuss whether all mined gold could fit in an Olympic swimming pool!

In this engaging discussion, Lynn Williams, an upper-limb amputee and qualified therapist, shares her personal journey with chronic phantom limb pain. She vividly describes the relentless sensations that disrupt her daily life and the array of treatments she's explored, including Botox and ketamine. The conversation dives into the neuroscience behind phantom pain, revealing the complexities of how the brain processes these unique sensations. Lynn emphasizes the importance of awareness and understanding for all who suffer from this perplexing condition.

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.