2022-02-17 The benefits of boredom
Introduction Having nothing to do, or doing the same task again and again, can be demotivating. But it doesn’t have…
2022-02-10 Do our pets care about us?
Introduction We love and care for our pets. But do they care about us in return? Do they know when…
2022-02-03 Sleepy in South Korea
Introduction How many hours do you sleep? Not many, if you live in South Korea, which might be one of…
2022-01-27 Preparing for the Beijing Winter Olympics
Introduction Beijing is preparing to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, but the games will look different this time. Neil and…
2022-01-20 Are personalised diets the best way to be healthy?
Introduction Many diets claim to improve health or help you lose weight, recent research shows that what counts is not…
2022-01-13 Inventing languages
Introduction New bits of English are invented as people use the language in new ways, but what happens when a…
2022-01-06 Welcome to the ‘metaverse’
Introduction How will technology help us in the future? We discuss how things like the metaverse, energy tech, and AI…
2021-12-30 Do trees have memories?
Introduction Can plants ‘remember’ stressful situations, such as droughts or pests? And if so, does it make them stronger and…
2021-12-23 Algorithms
Introduction Algorithms are often hidden, but they are very much present in our daily lives. If you order a pizza…
2021-12-16 Changing the Earth’s climate
Introduction In this programme, Neil and Sam discuss geoengineering – the name for a collection of new scientific plans to…
2021-12-09 Body language online
Introduction The coronavirus pandemic has forced millions of people worldwide to get used to meeting others only through a computer…
2021-12-02 The Human Library: Life as an open book
Introduction We learn a lot from books and from talking to people. That’s the idea behind an initiative to create…
2021-11-25 How green is nuclear energy?
Introduction Climate change is reaching emergency levels. Some people think the best option is renewable energy. Others prefer a return…
2021-11-18 Why we forget the things we learn
Introduction Many people find it hard to remember things they’ve read or learned while other, sometimes useless, information sticks with…
2021-11-11 Why is Super Mario so popular?
Introduction Rob and Georgina talk about the famous video game character Super Mario, created in the 1980s and considered iconic.…
2021-11-04 Should fast food sponsor sport?
Introduction Is it right for companies selling unhealthy products to sponsor sporting events? Why do some companies that make unhealthy…
2021-10-28 Grime: Music from architecture
Introduction In this programme, we talk about grime – a style of music which originated in the derelict tower blocks…
2021-10-21 Where do your tips go?
Introduction In this programme, Sam and Neil talk about tipping – the act of giving extra money to the waiter…
2021-10-14 Angela Merkel
Introduction Angela Merkel, who is stepping down after 16 years leading Germany, has often been referred to as ‘mutti’ –…
2021-10-07 Smart tech and climate change
Introduction Smart technology is becoming more and more commonplace in people’s homes, but coulld it help with the fight against…