Imagine This

Unravel the enchanting science behind rainbows, from their formation to the unique order of colors. Explore the captivating journey of light entering raindrops, reflecting, and splitting into a spectrum of colors. Discover the magical nature of rainbows and how they are perceived by humans and animals.

Exploring the roots of human existence, the podcast delves into early human evolution from common ancestors, the impact of Australopithecus in human development, the influence of fire on early humans, and the interconnectedness of all life through evolution.

Explore the fascinating process of how snails acquire their famous spiral shells, from fanciful theories to scientific insights by experts. Discover the importance of calcium-rich diets and the role of the mantle in shell formation. Dive into the world of snails as they defend against the sun, glide with slime, and rely on antennas for direction. Uncover the mystery of snail shells and their slow growth process.

Textiles expert Emma Peters discusses the journey of cotton from field to fabric, explaining the intricate process of cotton production, transforming fibers into yarn, weaving fabric, and the use of natural and chemical dyes. The podcast highlights environmental care and the significance of fabric beyond clothing.

Learn about the importance of brushing our teeth, the layers of teeth, microscopic bugs in our mouth, tooth decay prevention, and maintaining oral health with Dr. Mihiri Silva.

Professor Brian Schmidt, a Nobel Prize-winning astrophysicist, joins the conversation to explore the origins of the universe. He delves into the awe-inspiring journey from the Big Bang to the formation of stars and galaxies. The discussion touches on whimsical theories, like the universe being the result of a giant seed or a cosmic flatulence, before grounding itself in scientific explanation. Schmidt emphasizes our profound connection to the cosmos, revealing that the elements in our bodies were forged in stars, highlighting the interconnectedness of all existence.

Purring pussycats and panting pups... Pretty parrots and even fluffy farm animals... Our furry friends make our lives better in so many ways but how did this friendship start? Nij and the kids meet anthrozoologist Professor Pauleen Bennett to journey back in time to meet humankind's first pet...

As the sun sets and the sky gets dark, something else starts to happen... The lights come on! There are lots of different kinds of lights but what's happening inside an LED light bulb? Nij and the kids meet physicist Professor Chennupati Jagadish to shine a light on this tricky question...

If plants come from seeds but seeds come from plants then how do you get a seed to start off with? Nij and the kids meet ecologist Professor Angela Moles for a bushwalk to find some answers... 

At the end of each day, your arms and legs feel heavy and your eyes begin to close, your mouth stretches open to do a big yawn and you drift off to sleep.... But why? Nij and the kids meet Dr Jasneek Chawla to figure out what makes us sleep and why we have to!