BBC Inside Science

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BBC Inside Science

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A weekly programme that illuminates the mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.

  1. 2D AGO

    The World’s Biggest Iceberg

    It’s the biggest story of recent weeks. Literally. Trillion-tonne iceberg A23a is on the move. But where is it headed and why – and what might it mean for the scientists and penguins in its path? And from a giant ‘megaberg’ to a giant pile of highly radioactive material, we find out what locking away a load of radioactive waste has in common with baking a cake. And we’re joined by science journalist Caroline Steel to guide us through this week’s science news. We’ll hear about the first study into whether banning phones in schools works, why scratching an itch might have benefits beyond just satisfaction, and the perfect formula to boil an egg... Presenter: Victoria Gill Producers: Sophie Ormiston, Ilan Goodman & Gerry Holt Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinators: Jana Bennett-Holesworth & Josie Hardy Science-backed boiled egg recipe: - You need two pans… and exactly 32 minutes - Keep one pan at 100 degrees Celsius (boiling) and the other pan at 30 degrees Celsius - Move the egg between the two every two minutes for 32 minutes Enjoy! To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University.

    28 min

  2. FEB 27

    Is 1.5 still alive?

    1.5C. It’s THE number we talk about when we talk about climate change. But what does 1.5C actually mean now – and as the world saw record-breaking heat last year, does it even matter anymore? Climate scientist Mark Maslin and environmental psychologist Lorraine Whitmarsh discuss. Also this week, new clues about how life may have begun from a dusty space rock called Bennu, and New Scientist’s Graham Lawton brings us the science of the week, including AI’s ‘Sputnik moment’, the mice born with two fathers, and how often do unexpected discoveries happen? Presenter: Victoria Gill Producers: Sophie Ormiston, Ella Hubber & Gerry Holt Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth  If you want to test your climate change knowledge, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University to take the quiz.

    28 min

  3. FEB 20

    Next-gen batteries and 'dark oxygen'

    Following a devastating fire at the world’s largest lithium-ion battery plant, Inside Science probes the present and future of a technology we rely on every day. Lithium-ion batteries were a technological breakthrough, powering everything from mobile phones to electric vehicles, but as funding is poured into researching alternatives, are we on the verge of something safer, faster, and more efficient? Also this week, we learn about the “dark oxygen” potentially being produced in the deep ocean and friend of Inside Science, Anjana Ahuja, brings us her favourite science stories of the week, including a new material described as ‘chainmail on steroids’ and contagious urination. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producers: Ella Hubber, Sophie Ormiston & Gerry Holt Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University.

    28 min

  4. FEB 13

    UK AI & science-optimised pasta

    Artificial intelligence is the big talking point of the week, with UK PM Sir Keir Starmer announcing a drive to unleash its full potential. It’s already being used in healthcare, but recent studies have exposed both strengths and weaknesses. We’re joined by Dr James Kinross, a surgeon and researcher at Imperial College London, to discuss the positives and the pitfalls. Also this week, we talk all about what a Trump presidency might mean for science; why powerful winds are driving the deadly fires in LA – and anyone for science-optimised pasta? Marnie is helped by a physicist to make the perfect Cacio e Pepe. Spoiler alert: Recipe below! Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producers: Sophie Ormiston & Gerry Holt Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth  To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University. Science-backed Cacio e Pepe: For two servings: - 240 g pasta - Black pepper - 160 g pecorino cheese - 4g corn starch in 40ml water Dissolve the corn starch in water and heat until it forms a gel. Let this cool before combining it with the cheese and black pepper. Cook the pasta, then drain, keeping some of the water. Let it cool then mix the pasta with the sauce. Enjoy!

    28 min

  5. FEB 6

    Science in 2025

    How will science shape up in 2025? Marnie Chesterton is joined by a panel of science watchers to discuss what we can expect from the year ahead. We'll talk big science, small science - and the plain cool. What will science do for us in the coming year? On the Inside Science panel, we have: - Tom Whipple, science editor of The Times - Shaoni Bhattacharya, former acting science editor of The Observer & freelance editor at Research Professional News - Penny Sarchet, commissioning editor at New Scientist Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producer: Gerry Holt Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth  To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University.

    28 min

  6. JAN 30

    The Science of Laughter

    Why do we laugh more when we’re with others? Are humans the only animals that laugh? Does ‘laughter yoga’ actually do anything? We're delving into the neurobiology, evolutionary history, and health effects of a good old chuckle. Live from the Hay Festival Winter Weekend, Marnie Chesterton is joined by laughter expert and neuroscientist, Professor Sophie Scott, and an expert in making people laugh, comedian Miles Jupp, in this side-splitting panel show. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producer: Ella Hubber Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth  To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University.

    28 min

  7. JAN 23

    Board Game Science

    It’s that time of the year when many of us are at home with friends and family, losing track of time, eating leftovers, and, of course, playing games. This festive season, we look at the science of games and, of course, play some ourselves. It’s presenter Marnie Chesterton versus producer Florian Bohr at Marnie's kitchen table.... Who will win the Inside Science games special? Irving Finkel from the British Museum tells Marnie about the Royal Game of Ur, one of the most ancient board games which is strikingly similar to more modern examples of race games. Also, why we play games with author and neuroscientist Kelly Clancy, and why we struggle to comprehend the randomness of dice with author Tim Clare. To finish it off, mathematician Marcus du Sautory explains the geometry behind the game Dobble and leaves listeners with a Christmas puzzle: Can you figure out the symbols on the two missing Dobble cards? If you think you’ve found the solution, please email insidescience@bbc.co.uk Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producers: Florian Bohr Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth    To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University.

    28 min

  8. JAN 16

    The Year in Science

    We look back on 2024 in science, from billionaires in space, to record-breaking heat here on Earth, and the meteoric rise of new weight-loss drugs. From the biggest stories to the unsung and the plain fun, Inside Science presenter Victoria Gill hosts a special panel, featuring: - Libby Jackson, head of space exploration at the UK Space Agency - Penny Sarchet, managing editor of New Scientist - Mark Miodownik, a materials scientist from University College London Presenter: Victoria Gill Producers: Gerry Holt Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth  To discover more fascinating science content, head to bbc.co.uk search for BBC Inside Science and follow the links to The Open University.

    28 min
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    Hosts & Guests

    4.7
    out of 5
    110 Ratings

    About

    A weekly programme that illuminates the mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.

    Information

    • Channel
      BBC
    • Creator
      BBC Radio 4
    • Years Active
      2013 - 2025
    • Episodes
      592
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © (C) BBC 2025
    • Show Website
      BBC Inside Science
    • Provider
      BBC Studios Distribution Limited

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