Unexpected Elements

BBC World Service

4,8 (16)
VETENSKAP
VARANNAN VECKA

The news you know, the science you don’t. Unexpected Elements looks beyond everyday narratives to discover a goldmine of scientific stories and connections from around the globe. From Afronauts, to why we argue, to a deep dive on animal lifespans: see the world in a new way.

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Banging the science drum

After the leaders of Japan and South Korea ended their summit with the two participating in a drumming duet, we’re marching to the beat of our own drum and exploring some rhythmic science. First, we look at nature’s drummer, the woodpecker, and why their pecking doesn’t give them a concussion. We also discuss how the rhythm of your brain waves impacts your sense of ownership over your own body. Then, we’re joined by Daniel Levitin, author of Music as Medicine, who tells us all about using rhythm in the treatment of neurological conditions. Next, we hear about a new claim to the title of the world’s oldest computer, and how flying affects your body’s natural rhythms. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Anand Jagatia, with Sandy Ong and Edd Gent Producers: Sophie Ormiston, with Ella Hubber, Lucy Davies and Imy Harper

50 min
16 JAN.

Science down under

This week the Unexpected Elements team has travelled Down Under to sunny Sydney where we discover some wonderfully Australian science with the help of some wonderfully Australian panellists. First, we discuss the surprising American origins of Australia’s iconic marsupials and Marnie gets up close and personal with Pez the Tasmanian Devil. We also talk to Andy Flies from the University of Tasmania who is working on a vaccine to combat a deadly contagious cancer spreading through Australia’s Devil population. Next, we’re joined by Susan Sawyer from the University of Melbourne as we delve into the debate surrounding Australia’s social media ban for under 16-year-olds. Are the kids alright? Plus, we find out about the tree that seems to be adding fuel to the country’s recent wildfires. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Katie Silver and Jonathan Webb Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, with Ella Hubber, Sophie Ormiston and Lucy Davies

50 min
9 JAN.

Science of the future

We take a look at some exciting science of the near future. First, the latest developments in animal-to-human organ transplants and the ambitious goals of eliminating cervical cancer around the world. We are then joined by plasma physicist Dr Fatima Ebrahimi from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, who breaks down the mysteries behind nuclear fusion energy and how ambitious scientists are trying to channel the power of the Sun on Earth, in the hope of creating a massive source of clean energy. Next, we investigate what blue-light-blocking glasses can do and consider what future scientists will think of the fossils of our civilisation! Presenter: Caroline Steel, with Phillys Mwatee and Edd Gent Producer: Imaan Moin

49 min
2 JAN.

An episode inspired by our listeners

We revisit our listeners’ favourite topics and dig deeper in this special programme. First, we hear from some of our insomniac listeners and explore how we fall asleep with neuroscientist Dr Ada Eban-Rothschild from the University of Michigan. Next, we return to our favourite food facts with a small surprise for one of the presenters. Then, we put our knowledge to the test with extra quizzes and examine the randomness of multiple-choice questions. Finally, we’re joined by Dr Alyn Euritt to discuss the importance of connection, especially between Marnie, Caroline and all the loyal listeners of the show. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenters: Caroline Steel and Marnie Chesterton Producers: Imaan Moin, with Margaret Sessa-Hawkins and Lucy Davies

50 min
2025-12-26

The gift of science

This Boxing Day and holiday season, our present to you is the science of gifts. First, we investigate the health benefits of donating blood, and find out about the predator sharing a feast of food in the Arctic. We’re then joined in the studio by physicist Dr Krishma Singal from Rice University, who unravels the soft-matter physics and brilliant engineering potential of knitting. Next, we discuss the reputation of piranhas, enquire about the uniqueness of our sneezes, and break down how salting roads makes them safer in the winter. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Alex Lathbridge, with Camilla Mota and Meral Jamal Producer: Imaan Moin

50 min
2025-12-19

Why are we sad when television series end?

The end of Australian soap opera Neighbours has us wondering why a television series ending makes us sad. Also, what does science say about how to engage with screens while still protecting your vision? Also on the show, visual ecologist Daniel Hanley has created a camera to help us visualize the world animals see, and why are there green birds, green insects, but no green mammals? All that plus more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, and Ella Hubber

49 min
2025-12-12

Chicken, with a side order of science

Over the Christmas season, it is estimated that some 3.6 million families in Japan will tuck into KFC over Christmas (other fried chicken is available), which inspired the Unexpected Elements team to chew over all things chicken! First, we discover that chicken may never have become domesticated if it wasn’t for rice farming. We also ponder whether the chicken or the egg came first. Next, we find out that humans are surprisingly smart at translating chicken chatter. We are by Dr Jingmai O’Connor, associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum of Natural History, who reveals more about the links between dinosaurs and birds. Plus, how Brazil became a poultry superpower, and what happens to chickens in tornadoes. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Camilla Mota and Godfred Boafo Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Sophie Ormiston, Ella Hubber and Robbie Wojciechowski

49 min
2025-12-05

Some bear-y interesting space science

A teddy bear launched into the upper atmosphere as part of a school science project has gone missing! Inspired by this story, the Unexpected Elements team look into how bears could help improve astronauts’ health on long-term space flights. Next, how has a US Air Force site delivered an unexpected conservation win for an endangered species? We’re then joined by Justin Gregg, a professor of animal behaviour and cognition. He reveals why we anthropomorphise cuddly toys – such as teddy bears – and why this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We meet Alan Turing’s teddy bear, before finding out why it’s good to get lost. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Andrada Fiscutean and Chhavi Sachdev Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, with Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Alice McKee and Robbie Wojciechowski

49 min

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2022-11-22

Maryville9876

Science for the public. Always interesting, intriguing and exciting.

The news you know, the science you don’t. Unexpected Elements looks beyond everyday narratives to discover a goldmine of scientific stories and connections from around the globe. From Afronauts, to why we argue, to a deep dive on animal lifespans: see the world in a new way.