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...
The Biology Of Burns - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 09.03.09
In this Question of the Week, we discover the biological basis of burns - just what does happen to your cells when you touch something hot? Plus, we ask if humans undergo seasonal moulting - do we lose more hair when it's warmer?
Google Power - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 09.03.02
This week, we search our own databanks to find out how much energy it takes to search for something on Google. Plus, we ask what happens at a molecular level when we touch a hot object…
The Many Shapes of Leaves - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 09.02.23
In this special Question of the Week, we explore the reasons why trees, even when closely related an in the same environment, can have such diverse leaf shapes. Plus, we ask how much energy it takes to search the internet for answers!
Musical Milk - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 09.02.16
Why should milk 'change it's tune' when it's being steamed? In this Question of the Week, we find out why the sound of steaming milk changes abruptly at around 60C (140F), and invite you to consider Sir David Attenborough's question for next week…
Wearable Robots - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 09.02.09
Could a robotic suit make a ballerina out of a buffoon? Could technology allow ordinary people to perform extraordinary tasks? We find out in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask why milk seems to be so musical - why does the sound of milk being steamed seem to…
Spit and Polish - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 09.02.02
How does spit make your shoes so shiny? A good polish needs more than just elbow grease, it needs your saliva too! We find out in this Question of the Week, and ask if it's possible to build a suit that lets you dance like a ballerina?
Counting Without Counting - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 09.01.26
You can instantly tell if there are three objects on a table, but if there are twenty, you would need to count them to be sure. Why can we spot the small groups without having to count, and how big does the group have to be for us to get…
Fossilised Fence Posts - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 09.01.19
Petrified wood is a type of fossil, but some claim to have seen wooden fence posts that have already become petrified. Is it scientifically possible for wood to fossilise in such a short period? We ask how petrified wood is formed, and what exactly does it consist of? Plus, you…
Meteoric Life Forms - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 09.01.12
Meteorites, dust and other space rubbish is falling to Earth all the time, but does any of it ever contain life? We find out if aliens hitch a lift on space rubble in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask how does wood become petrified? Can it happen quickly…
Having your Cake and Eating it All - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.12.22
If you're given an excess of chocolate or sweets as a present, is it better for you to wolf them all down in a huge binge, or just eat a few each day to make them last? We find out what to do with your chocolate haul in this Question…
Tryptophan and Turkey - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.12.15
What is tryptophan, and does Turkey really make you sleepy? We find out in this seasonal Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if you should scoff down all of your Christmas chocolates in one go, or make them last all winter?
What Makes Us Laugh? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.12.08
What is it that makes us laugh? We find out what makes us giggle and keeps stand up comedians in work! Plus, we ask if eating Turkey really makes you sleepy…
Psychopaths and Lie Detectors - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.12.01
Could a psychopath pass a lie detector test, if they felt no remorse for their crimes? We find out if the technology is up to finding the truth in this Question of the Week. Plus, what is it that makes us laugh? Find out how to excersise your giggle muscle…
Helium Balloons on the Moon - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.11.24
In this Question of the Week, we learn the correct etiquette for attending a birthday party on the Moon - Should you bring a helium balloon, or will it just be a let down? Plus, we ask if people who do not feel remorse can trick a lie detector test…
The Beasts Who Barbeque - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.11.17
Are we the only animals who cook our food? Why do we need to cook, and if it's so good, why haven't other animals joined us at the barbeque? We find out in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if a helium balloon would float on the moon…
Wiping Away the Human Race - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.11.10
If the human race were to become spontaneously extinct, how long would it take for all evidence of us to be wiped from the planet Earth? Will there be evidence of human activity forever, or will we disappear without a trace. Find out in this Question of the Week, where…
The Speed of Time - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.11.03
Why does time seem to go quicker as we age? It seems that the longer we live, the shorter the days seem to be. Paradoxically, sometimes the hours drag by while the weeks fly past! We find out why in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask how long…
A Better Balanced Bicycle - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.10.27
Where should you put your bags to best balance your bike? Will groceries on the handlebars waste your pedal power, or will paniers on the back pull you backwards? We find out in this Question of the Week and also ask why time seems to go faster as you get…
Better Battery Life - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.10.20
How do you get the best out of your batteries? Should you discharge them completely, or keep them permanently topped up? We find out in this Question of the Week! Plus, we ask where is the best place to balance bags on your bike - will one position make better…
Repeat Listening - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 08.10.13
Why do songs, even those you hate, sound better the more you hear them? We find out why familiarity can defeat contempt in this Question of the Week, and ask if you should let your batteries run down completely to get the best performance…