Virtual Life

We're looking at the world of vaccine hesitancy: why are some folks unsure about getting a COVID vaccine, and how we can help? Plus, in the news, home, or away - should we be able to get away for a holiday abroad this year? Also, 'sea snot' paralyses the Turkish coastline; and how just seeing another ill bird at a distance boosts a canary's immune system. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

15 Jun 202158min

Fetch your sunglasses because we're looking into the science of sunlight: from the past to the future, what has the sun meant to humanity? Plus, in the news: a global update on COVID, toxic mercury in glaciers, and a new glue that sets underwater. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

8 Jun 202159min

We're diving into the science behind the latest headlines - including the oxygen shortages occurring in the wake of COVID outbreaks; the nuclear waste deep inside the wrecked Chernobyl reactor threatening to reignite; and we're meeting the man who found the Titanic, to talk about his new mission. Plus, a dive into science fiction with author Max Brooks, author of World War Z and the new novel Devolution... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

1 Jun 202156min

This week we're tuning in to the science of birdsong, including parents who talk to their eggs to warn them of high temperatures, and how traffic noise means young birds are taking longer to learn their songs. Plus, in the news, scientists grow beating hearts in a laboratory culture dish; why the plastic you recycle isn't going where you think it is; and why a long working week might be the death of you. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

25 Mai 202155min

This week, we're discussing ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It can lead to difficulty concentrating and focusing on tasks, and many adults don't actually realise they have it. So what is it, and what can we do to help people who have it? Plus, news of the Indian variant of Covid-19, new discoveries from the 40 year old Voyager 1 probe, and bats made from bamboo - but is that cricket? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

18 Mai 202159min

This week we get our teeth into the science of fermented foods: are they a tasty health myth, or are the claimed medical benefits rooted in reality? From DIY sauerkraut and artisan cheeses, to the impact of fermented foods on the microbiome and how meat substitutes like Quorn are made in fermenters, it's a scientific feast. Plus, the latest Covid-19 news including government plans to vaccinate children over 12, why quantum physics just got "weirder", and an artificial intelligence that can predict when mums will go into labour... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

11 Mai 202157min

It's a look at the science behind the headlines! Including the latest on COVID-19; a successful vaccine for malaria; the abuses of forensic science to send down the wrong people, and is 'net zero' fact - or climate change fantasy? Also, talking about the new book he's got coming out, best-selling author of 'The Martian' Andy Weir... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

4 Mai 202154min

As the UK announces the world's most ambitious target for cutting carbon and enshrines it in law, we're looking at how to improve the green credentials of one of the country's largest carbon contributors: the homes we live in. Plus, as India sees covid cases hit more than 300,000 a day, is the emergence of a variant there - and its detection here - cause for concern? And, the coffee species lost for 70 years and now rediscovered... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

27 Apr 202153min