Curious Cases

Join experts Katie Field, a Professor of Plant-Soil Processes, and Phil Ayres, a Professor of Bio-Hybrid Architecture, as they explore the fascinating, often misunderstood world of fungi. They discuss mycelium's potential in sustainable materials and how it's revolutionizing interior design with sound-absorbing wall panels and eco-friendly insulation. Learn about innovative products like mushroom leather and NASA’s exciting plans to use fungi for habitats in space. This fungal journey is set to reshape our homes and beyond!

What happens in your brain when Cupid’s arrow strikes? As a teenager, Alison developed an intense crush on George Harrison from the Beatles. But, she wants to know, why do we develop these feelings for pop stars we’ve never actually met? And what potent swirl of neurochemistry drives those fierce emotions?With neuroscientist Dr. Dean Burnett and evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Anna Machin as their guides, Hannah and Dara investigate everything from the brain’s chemical fireworks during a crush to the evolutionary perks of love and bonding. Along the way, they dissect teenage infatuations, lifelong love affairs with football teams, and why love can feel as addictive as heroin.There’s even a guest appearance from two cute rodents: the monogamous prairie voles and their more, shall we say, commitment-phobic cousins, the montane voles, who gave us early clues about the role of the ‘cuddle’ hormone oxytocin. Whether you're a hopeless romantic or a hard-nosed skeptic, prepare to fall head over heels for the science of love.Contributors:Dr Anna Machin - evolutionary anthropologist and author of Why We Love Dr Dean Burnett - honorary research fellow at Cardiff Psychology School, author of The Idiot Brain and The Happy Brain. Carmine Pariante - Professor of Biological Psychiatry at King’s College LondonProducer: Ilan Goodman Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Audio Production

In this intriguing discussion, Matthew Bothwell, a Public Astronomer at the University of Cambridge and author of The Invisible Universe, teams up with Andrew Pontzen, a Professor of Physics at Durham University. They explore the fascinating question of invisibility, revealing how even our own faces emit infrared light! The conversation takes a cosmic turn as they uncover stunning invisible structures in our galaxy and the dazzling nature of black holes. They also tackle the challenges behind creating invisibility cloaks with metamaterials and dive into the mysteries of dark matter and energy.

For any of you who have ever told a porkie pie, don't worry, this week we hear why we all do it... and discover that deception is actually good for social bonding. From the red squirrels who cry wolf to scare off the competition, to kids who look you in the eye as they tell bare faced lies, this is a behaviour that occurs across all species. And one man who's particularly good at it is Traitors contestant Paul Gorton who reveals he felt absolutely no guilt about his tv trickery. But it seems that while we're masters at telling tall stories, we're terrible at detecting them, because we've all been focusing on completely the wrong cues. Contributors: Paul Gorton Professor Richard Wiseman Professor Sophie van der Zee Producer: Marijke Peters Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Audio Production

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!