Question of the Week
Each week we set out to solve one of the world's weirdest, wackiest, funniest and funkiest scientific puzzles. And along with the answer there's a brand new question to think about for next time...
How best to date ancient artefacts?
Naked Archeologist Diana O Carroll takes us on a trip of dating ancient artefacts. Plus we ask, is city living an immune booster?
Can gene therapy treat depression?
We find out if gene therapy could help beat depression, plus we ask are early risers more likely to be cheerful?
Can we acheive artificial photosynthesis?
We find out if we can mimic the power of plants to meet our energy demands. Plus we ask, could we use gene therapy for depression?
How long does it take for comets to melt?
We find out how long it takes for a comet to melt and we ask could we ever get a cometless sky? Plus we wonder the power of plants.
Could civilisation cope without computers?
We rely increasingly on computer networks. If a solar storm or malicious virus hit the network, could our current civilisation dependency on computer networks be damaged irreversibly? Plus we ask, will all the comets in the sky ever melt away?
Do other animals practice dental hygiene?
Are humans the only species that practice dental hygiene to retain their pearly nashers? Plus we ask, could we cope if computers conked?
Will a body wrap help me lose weight?
We find out if a body wrap will help you lose weight. Plus we ask are humans the only animals that practice dental hygiene?
Will our increasing human population cause a water shortage on Earth?
We find out if Earth's expanding human population will affect water supplies. Plus we ask, does the new anti-fat fad Shrinking Violet work?
Can you make a mini Mars at home?
We find out if you can emulate a Martian environment in the kitchen, and if so, can you grow plants there? Plus we ask, are humans meant for monogamy? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Can you get a Tabby Human?
Cats can have patterned fur, but can you get a tabby human? Plus we ask can we make a miniature Mars at home?
Why aren't blood donations rejected?
We find out why blood donations aren't rejected more readily. Plus we ask, is sleepiness related to cheerfulness?
ON MARS NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM. Is that really true? And if so, why?
ON MARS NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM. Is that really true? And if so, why? Plus we ask, can we mix spider and human DNA to make Spiderman?
Willl we ever be able to have a conversation with animals?
This week we find out if we there will ever be a real life Dr Doolittle.......Sticking with expressing ourselves, we pose our next question, was prehistoric art restricted to caves?
Would self bone marrow transplants reverse aging?
We find out if banking our bone marrow early in life, and transplanting down the line, may help halt the aging process. Plus we ask, why are we so good at forgetting names?…
Can mirrors make an infinitely powerful laser?
By simply bouncing a laser beam between two mirrors, could you produce an infinitely powerful laser? And if not, why not?
How does one telephone wire transfer all of that data?
We find out how it is possible for a single telephone wire to carry information for a telephone conversation, file downloads to a computer, WiFi access, and allow us to watch a film and listen to the news. Plus we ask can we make an infinitely powerful laser simply by…
Will your choice in cutlery alter how your food tastes??
Can the type of cutlery used to prepare and serve food really alter its flavour? And does it really change, or is it just our perception?
Does ice really reduce swelling and speed up healing?
We find out if applying ice to an injury actually helps to speed up healing. Plus we ask, would dining with a silver spoon make your food taste better?
Can a magnet be so powerful it crushes what it attracts?
We apply some Naked Science force to this week's question and find out if we make a magnet so strong that is squashes, rather thanks sticks to, your white goods. Plus we ask do motorways create a microclimate?
Do motorways create a microclimate?
This week we find out how a species has so successfully infiltrated the verges of the UK road systems. Plus we ask can we create life by heating up basic chemicals…