Episodes

  • Europe swelters in 'heat dome', and Martin Rees on aliens

    Europe swelters in 'heat dome', and Martin Rees on aliens
    Jun 26 2026
    Coming up, most of Europe smashes June temperature records. But what is the 'heat dome' that's driving this extreme weather? Plus, why HPV vaccine rates are declining despite a huge reduction in cervical cancer deaths; Sonia Shah on her book The Fever: How Malaria Has Ruled Humankind for 500,000 Years; and former Astronomer Royal, Lord Martin Rees, on aliens. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Lessons from our ancient ancestors

    Lessons from our ancient ancestors
    Jun 23 2026
    Coming up, we explore the life and times of our ancient ancestors, and what they can teach us. In this episode, Lee Berger tells us about the Homo Naledi species that ritualistically buried their dead; George Nash on remarkable cave paintings in South Wales; Andrea Manica explains how our ancient ancestors evolved sickle cell to sidestep malaria; and Rod Flower on our forebears making medicine and mind-altering drugs. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • UK's under-16 social media ban, and the first trillionaire

    UK's under-16 social media ban, and the first trillionaire
    Jun 19 2026
    Coming up, the UK follows Australia's lead in introducing age-related restrictions on social media. But do they work? Plus, how biologists are fighting infection from inside cells; researchers trace the origins of cotton to Mexico; and Elon Musk becomes the world's first trillionaire. How might he spend his fortune? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Stonehenge and the summer solstice

    Stonehenge and the summer solstice
    Jun 16 2026
    Coming up, we explore the summer solstice and its enduring connection with Stonehenge. Larissa Palethorpe at the University of Bristol explains the astronomical significance of the summer solstice; Jennifer Wexler at English Heritage on the origins of Stonehenge; Richard Bevins at the University of Aberystwyth on the geology of the famous stones; and Vincent Gaffney at the University of Bradford on whether Stonehenge is part of a much broader landscape. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Christian Eriksen's heart device, and air leaks on the ISS

    Christian Eriksen's heart device, and air leaks on the ISS
    Jun 12 2026
    Coming up, Danish footballer Christian Eriksen is reportedly "doing well" after collapsing for a second time during an international match. Did a tiny device called an implantable cardioverter defibrillator save his life? Plus, whether magnetic immune cells in the liver can drive a pigeon's homing instincts; how astronauts repaired air leaks on the International Space Station; and we ask whether maths can help us decide what to have for dinner. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Fever pitch: the science of the Football World Cup

    Fever pitch: the science of the Football World Cup
    Jun 9 2026
    The FIFA World Cup is taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It's often called the beautiful game, but is it really more science than art? This episode features Rachael Ralph, Hugh Hunt, and Alex Grantham on the physics of football; Tom Brownlee on elite player performance; Gill Cook on the psychology of fans; and Jan Wendt on whether AI can assemble a top squad. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Ovarian cancer wonder drug, and the birth of black holes

    Ovarian cancer wonder drug, and the birth of black holes
    Jun 5 2026
    In this episode, we hear about a breakthrough drug called mirvetuximab, which has been dubbed a "biological missile" in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Plus, astronomers suggest some black holes may have formed before the stars in their host galaxies; a 'killer fungus' that could help habitats damaged by invasive moss; and Blue Origin officials assess the damage caused by the New Glenn rocket's dramatic explosion in Florida. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Should we be concerned about Ebola?

    Should we be concerned about Ebola?
    Jun 2 2026
    In this episode, we explore the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighbouring Uganda - including the origins of Ebola and how it is transmitted; how an outbreak is modelled; how we treat and manage Ebola with drugs and vaccines; and what happens if international medical teams become infected. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins