Extreme Engineering

Do algorithms run the world? Nowadays we measure the amount of data we generate in zettabytes - that's 1 followed by 21 zeroes. This data, in turn, powers algorithms that are getting more and more sophisticated at predicting our behaviour, and are making ever more decisions for us. What does this mean for our society, privacy, and even our inner selves? Plus, in the news, the science - or lack of it - behind the latest COVID "rule of six" guidelines; the Arctic ice shelf that's lost a Manchester-sized chunk of itself; and the whales that ended up tens of kilometres up an inland river... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

22 Sep 202059min

This week - a show with a difference! Space journalist Richard Hollingham and space scientist Katie Mack join Chris to probe the science behind the headlines, talk to other guests along the way, and answer questions that you've been sending in. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

15 Sep 202057min

This week, the story of how humankind has gazed into space, from the first basic telescopes to what gravitational waves are now revealing about the workings of black holes. Plus, in the news, evidence that people are catching COVID again, what's the risk of coronavirus infection on an aeroplane, and bee venom to treat breast cancer... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

8 Sep 202055min

Where did the coronavirus come from? The story we've been told is that it started off in bats, and then jumped into humans some time late last year at a seafood market in the city of Wuhan. It's a neat tale - but the problem is, nobody actually knows whether it's completely accurate. In this programme, we're exploring the possibilities, the evidence, and the gaps in the evidence... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

1 Sep 202058min

This week, with our climate changing, will the traditional "English country garden" become a thing of the past? Will pests and diseases surge? And how will flowers and food crops, and the pollinators that make them productive, be affected? Plus, news of how dust and dandruff can spread flu and other viruses. The chemical fingerprint that COVID-19 leaves on the body; and self-driving cars look set to take to the road... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

25 Aug 202059min

This week, How do we understand each other, from infants to adults how do we go about relating to one another. Plus, in the news, A Russian COVID vaccine, the perks of prosecco, and stopping swarming locusts. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

18 Aug 202053min

Meet the COVID-19 patients who are still suffering the after-effects of the disease, months after catching the virus. They weren't ill enough to be hospitalised, and thought they'd recover after a fortnight. Now, though, they're on a rollercoaster of bizarre symptoms. They're calling it 'long COVID' - but what is it? Plus, in the news: children seem to harbour more coronavirus than adults; a new space mission to Mars gets under way, and the science of cows licking each other... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

11 Aug 202057min

This week, we're getting stuck into some sizzling science! It's BBQ time, and we're going to explain the chemistry of cookery, the science of tastes and flavours and we're also going to try to cook something you wouldn't think was possible on the barbie. Plus news of the UK government's plan to battle the nation's bulge, but will it work? Why leaves on the line really is a reasonable excuse for late trains. And what happens when cats and dogs catch coronavirus? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

4 Aug 202054min