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...
Unexpected Elements has a shake up looking into the topsy turvy world of science, all thanks to an upturned campervan in Western France.Explore why scientists are suspending rhinos from cranes, brace yourself for a quirky elementary particle that is hard to get your head around and if you love getting yourself in a tizz then fasten your seatbelts to meet one of the scientists responsible for curating the perfect theme park thrills. Professor Brendan Walker is sure to inject a scientific rush that will make you question who you take on your next roller coaster ride.Crack open the World Service archives to delve into the curious world of cryonics, exploring the science behind preserving bodies in suspended animation.And, have you wondered what your favourite music genre says about you? We uncover the surprising psychology behind your musical tastes.Presenters: Caroline Steele, with Andrada Fiscutean and Phillys Mwatee.
Producers: Harrison Lewis, with William Hornbrook, Debbie Kilbride and Noa Dowling
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49:30
Standing on the shoulders of giants
Monty the giant schnauzer won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. And rather than thinking of all things canine, this week the Unexpected Elements team turn their attention to all things giant. First, we find out how a giant virus could help keep our planet cool. Next up, we discover the origins of enormous Greek characters, such as the Titans and the Cyclops.
We then find out how giant clams put solar panels to shame. Plus, we’re joined by Professor Shinobu Ishigaki, director of the Museum of Dinosaur Research at the Okayama University of Science. He tells us about the ginormous footprints he found in the Gobi Desert, and what they could teach us about herbivorous dinosaurs. That, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenters: Caroline Steel, with Chhavi Sachdev and Camilla Mota.
Producers: William Hornbrook, with Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Debbie Kilbride, Imaan Moin and Noa Dowling.
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49:29
Let’s talk about love
Valentine’s Day is here - the one day of the year where you can be unashamedly romantic and splash out on posh dinners, flowers and chocolates for your beloved. So we dig into the science of love. First, we find out about a monogamous rodent that has a special way of forming lifelong bonds with its partner. Next, we discover how to apply maths to your love life, before delving into the technology behind AI chatbots, and find out if a new dating app can help shine a light on the science of compatibility. Plus, we are joined by Bianca Acevedo, a research scientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who studies the neuroscience of love. She reveals what’s going on in our brains when we are infatuated with someone and what purpose love serves. Presenters: Marnie Chesterton, with Tristan Ahtone and Edd Gent
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, William Hornbrook, Debbie Kilbride, Imaan Moin and Noa Dowling
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49:29
All by myself
French president Emmanuel Macron recently announced that Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa painting will be moved to her very own room at the Louvre, as part of a plan to renovate the iconic museum.And that got us thinking. Once the crowds have gone home every night, the Mona Lisa will be all by herself, with no other paintings to smile at enigmatically across the room.So this week, we are talking all things isolation. We start things off by finding out about a key cognitive skill that may have been impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns.Next, we discover more about the history of loneliness and the impact it can have on your health, before discussing what evolutionary roads isolated island species will go down.Plus, we’re joined by Professor Jonathan Harrington from the University of Munich. He reveals how our accents can be affected by isolation.
That, plus many more Unexpected Elements.Presenters: Marnie Chesterton, with Christine Yohannes and Affelia Wibisono.
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Dan Welsh, William Hornbrook and Imaan Moin.
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49:29
Snake science
Celebrations for the Lunar New Year kicked off on 29th January, and this year is the Year of the Snake. We start things off by discussing the purpose of some mysterious serpent markings on the banks of the Orinoco River. Next, we find out about the origins of snake oil, before digging into the psychology of why we trust snake-like people. Plus, herpetologist Dr Mark O’Shea tells us all about his work identifying snakes, and what happened when he got bitten. That, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenters: Marnie Chesterton, with Chhavi Sachdev and Christine Yohannes.
Producers: Dan Welsh, with Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, William Hornbrook and Imaan Moin.
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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