The Naked Scientists Podcast
Episodes
Can genetics grow a better garden?
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we pay a visit to Cambridge University Botanic Garden to ask 'can genetics help grow a better garden?' Like t...
The "Nanny Plate" debate, and the Neanderthal fat factory
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the news, counting the calories: The UK government want shops to help us put 100 fewer calories in our baskets to beat obesity. So will it work? Al...
Why proteins matter
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode was produced and presented by Dr Marushka Soobben, a scientist from South Africa who's been taking part in an internship here at the Nake...
Weight loss jab concerns, and crafty bribing caterpillars
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, weight loss jabs being prescribed by GPs in England, but do we know enough about the side effects? Also, a ne...
On thin ice: The race to save Antarctica
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we speak to the Cambridge scientists who have made it their mission to understand climate change in one of th...
HPV vaccine uptake wanes, and boozeless beer health concerns
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: HPV vaccination rates are waning. We examine the importance of the jab. Also ahead: why Africa is key to unde...
Titans of Science: Sharon Peacock
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the final installment of this season of Titans of Science, Chris Smith speaks with Sharon Peacock, one of the UK's leading voices in infectious dis...
Naked Scientists SOS
16 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Cambridge University have informed us that, for cost cutting reasons, they intend to make Dr Chris Smith redundant. Naturally, this jeopardises the Na...
UK commits to new nuclear plant, and robot surgery
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: the UK commits to building a new nuclear power station. But is it worth the hefty price tag? Also, how robots...
How can we improve young people's mental health?
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The mental health of the young is reaching breaking point, globally. A recent analysis by a panel of leading researchers, young people, and policy exp...
Africa's cholera surge, and colliding galaxies
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: African leaders hold emergency talks about deadly outbreaks of cholera on the continent. But why is this happ...
Prostate cancer: When should we intervene?
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's programme is all about prostate cancer; exploring what the disease is, who gets it, and how it can be treated. We'll explore the game-changing...
UK invests in 'cyber army', and turning lead into gold
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: The UK announces a 1 billion pound budget for a cyber army: but what will these keyboard warriors be doing? A...
Titans of Science: Simon Baron-Cohen
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, Titans of Science continues with Autism research pioneer, Simon Baron-Cohen... Like this podcast? Please help...
Curing mosquitoes' malaria, and the history of our units
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: The new drug that cures mosquitoes of malaria. Intrigued? You'll see why scientists have done this, in just a...
The rising tide of fungal diseases
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of The Naked Scientists was brought to you in partnership with the health foundation Wellcome.In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we...
DNA frees man after 38 years, and breast cancer breakthrough
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: New DNA evidence helps free a British man after 38 years in prison. Also, Cambridge scientists push up breast...
Titans of Science: Sarah Parcak
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Parcak was born in Bangor, Maine on the 23rd of November 1978. She attended Bangor High School before reading Egyptology and Archaeology at Yale...
Tough climate future ahead, and self-inflicted snake bites
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: A landmark report that outlines the generational impact of climate change; also, the man bitten by snakes and...
How fungi shape our world
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of The Naked Scientists was brought to you in partnership with the health foundation Wellcome. This week, the first in a two-part series ...
Indus River in Kashmir crossfire, and gene-stealing cancers
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Will - and could - India switch off the water supply to Pakistan amid mounting tensions over Kashmir? Also, ...
Titans of Science: Andrew Pollard
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today's Titan is former chair of the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, and a key figure in the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine which ro...
Malaria fight in jeopardy, and bone collecting caterpillars
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: World Malaria Day, and why overseas aid cuts in the US are threatening to cause a crisis; the carnivorous cat...
Titans of Science: Sara Russell
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, Titans of Science continues with planetary scientist charged with analysing rock samples brought in from oute...
Martian carbon cycles, and magnetic flip fried Neanderthals
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Evidence of a carbon cycle on Mars has been unearthed by the Curiosity rover. What does it mean for the red p...
Titans of Science: Richard Thompson
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Titans of Science series is back for another run. And to kick us off, marine biologist Richard Thompson, who first brought to the world's attention 20...
Womb transplant baby, and ancient seafarers
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the News podcast: the first baby is born in the UK to a woman with a transplanted uterus, and we speak to the surgeons responsible. Also, the best ...
Why are measles cases surging?
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, what's behind a sharp rise in measles cases? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scient...
Antibiotics affect babies' vaccinations, and space miso
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's news podcast, a study shows a reduced effectiveness of vaccinations in babies who have antibiotics treatments early in life. Also, the worl...
How bad is the air we breathe?
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Take a deep breath. Yes, literally. And ask yourself: what's in the air I just inhaled? It's almost certain, with our modern lives and built, busy env...
Pig liver transplant breakthrough, and weird early galaxies
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: the first transplant of a gene-modified pig liver into a human; also, the James Webb Space Telescope sees one...
AMR unleashed: the silent pandemic
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, Antimicrobial Resistance, or AMR, is going under our microscope. What is it, how does it happen, what's the s...
Stranded astronauts return, and the whale pee funnel
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Stranded Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams come down to Earth with a splash and some awesome dr...
The mounting misgivings over microplastics
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, what threat do microplastics pose to our health, and the health of the planet? Like this podcast? Please help...
North Sea ship crash, and super spuds
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this edition of the Naked Scientists Podcast, what are the potential environmental impacts of the ship crash in the North Sea? Also, we find out wh...
CRISPR, and the ethics of gene editing
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we take a closer look at CRISPR gene editing. What is it? And what are the ethics involved in rewriting the h...
New part of the immune system, and greedier labradors
07 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the news pod, scientists in Israel discover a new part of the immune system. We'll find out why it matters. Also, the Blue Ghost mission that just ...
Incoming: what happens when the next asteroid hits Earth?
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we're examining NEOs - near-Earth objects - asking whether any of them might be on a collision course with our biggest cities... Like this ...
Glucose monitor misinformation, and AI dairy farms
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Continuous Glucose Monitors are increasingly popular. But are they feeding us dietary misinformation? Also ah...
What is mirror life?
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're taking you through the looking glass to explore 'mirror life': could we be about to flip biology on its head? Like this podcast? Please help us ...
Game-changing prostate cancer test, and magnetic turtles
21 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: A new screening test for prostate cancer that can, the inventors claim, accurately catch 96% of cases, and ea...
Halting the progress of multiple sclerosis
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we're looking into multiple sclerosis, following the progression of the condition from relapses to neurodegen...
Record-breaking neutrinos, and quantum train travel
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: A particle with a record-breaking energy is discovered: but where did it come from? Also, damaged hearts heal...
From Russia with Love: The Science of Hybrid Warfare
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we'll find out how Putin and his cadre in the Kremlin play a neverending game of technological cat and mouse....
Mantis shrimp's punch, and low-methane rice
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Naked Scientists Podcast: Uncovering the secret behind the mantis shrimp's giant punch. Also, developing a new strain of rice that prod...
Can you grow a building?
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Naked Scientists, we've teamed up with Cambridge University Press and specifically the team behind Research Directions, their suite o...
Asteroid Bennu's brine, and DeepSeek shocks Silicon Valley
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Samples back from space reveal tantalising insights into where the life-linked chemicals that kick-started bi...
Titans of Science: Charlie Swanton
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's our final Titans of Science offering of this series, with world-leading cancer expert Charlie Swanton. We'll hear how the latest developments in ...
Malaria infection trial, and weeing chimpanzees
24 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the Naked Scientists News show: a new UK trial seeks to infect healthy people with malaria in a bid to get to grips with the dormant stage of the i...
Science of Scotch: How whisky is made
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of The Naked Scientists, join Chris Smith on a journey from farm to whisky tumbler, as he witnesses the intricate processes be...
5 years of COVID, and the hunt for Planet X
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: It's 5 years since COVID began and the WHO hosted their first press conference. But how much have we learned ...
Titans of Science: Antje Boetius
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Titans of Science continues with the microbiologist who discovered how an extraordinary relationship between two methane-eating seafloor species has s...
Bird flu threat, and what the Romans really did for us
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the news podcast this week, the first human death from bird flu in the US has made virologists vigilant about its potential threat. Also, we learn ...
Titans of Science: Trevor Robbins
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Titans of Science continues, where we talk to some of the major movers and shakers leading the way in their respective fields. This time we're hearing...
What science will thrive in 2025?
03 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, a look ahead to 2025. We ask experts in the field of health, AI, astronomy, marine science, and archaeology w...
Titans of Science: Marc Abrahams
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of Titans of Science, Chris Smith chats with co-founder of Annals of Improbable Research, and the master of ceremonies for the Ig Nobe...
The science that defined 2024
27 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we ask leading experts in the fields of health, AI, space, marine biology, and archaeology about the moments ...
The best of 2024!
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we look back at another brilliant year of science and select some of our favourite stories to come out of it....
Titans of Science: David Baker
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our Titans of Science season continues with the man who used AI to create an unprecedented number of custom proteins: Nobel Prize winning biochemist D...
Food science, ancient human genes, and dark comets
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the news pod, Chris van Tulleken tells us what he's got planned for this years Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. Then we hear about the innovat...
Titans of Science: Jocelyn Bell Burnell
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Titans of Science returns with Jocelyn Bell Burnell who discovered radio pulsars as a postgraduate student at Cambridge. Her work not only revolutioni...
AI takes weather forecasting by storm, and crabs use aspirin
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the News pod, Google DeepMind's weather forecasting AI model outperforms traditional tools. Also, new data from volcanoes on Venus dampen theories ...
OCD and balance in the brain
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Obsessive compulsive disorder - OCD - is a mental health condition where intrusive, unwanted thoughts can become all consuming. Some people report anx...
Jab to alleviate asthma attacks, and amber in Antarctica
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the news, a potentially game-changing new injection to ease the suffering caused by asthma attacks shows success. Also, who should fix the gas leak...
Can nuclear innovation help meet our energy needs?
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, how much of a part do innovations in nuclear energy production, like SMRs and microreactors, have to play in ...
Amazing animals: bats on treadmills, and showering elephants
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this animal-themed edition of the news: What prompted scientists to put vampire bats on a treadmill? Also ahead: why medicinal leeches are returnin...
Are we on track to end new infections of HIV?
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today's programme, we are going to examine attempts to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by the end of the decade.The AIDS pandemic is unargua...
The stakes at COP29, and the rogue Skynet satellite
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of The Naked Scientists: what's at stake at this year's UN climate summit in Azerbaijan? Also, the 80 million-year-old fossil revealing h...
Can weight loss jabs tackle the obesity pandemic?
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, could weight loss jabs help shrink the size of the global obesity crisis... Like this podcast? Please help us...
Pompeii DNA, and a black hole feeding faster than it should
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New NICE guidance urges HRT as a first-line treatment for menopause symptoms, the enormous black hole that doesn't obey our existing laws of physics, ...
How do we reduce harms to children from smartphones?
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Initially, the upside to children having access to a supercomputer in their pockets seemed obvious: immediate access to the reams of educational infor...
Monkeypox in the UK, and the lost Mayan city
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: The UK detects its first case of the new Mpox variant, but some are saying what took us so long; also the dis...
Could technology swing the race for the White House?
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The US election between Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and Republican nominee Donald Trump is going down to the wire. Indeed, this has been describe...
Chris Hoy's cancer diagnosis, and AI finds us common ground
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Sir Chris Hoy goes public with his terminal prostate cancer diagnosis; the World Health Organization has decl...
Searching for signs of life on Europa
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, as NASA's Europa Clipper mission successfully blasts off towards Jupiter's moon, we look at how it leads the ...
Modifying insulin, and the melting Sphinx
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: The new form of insulin that switches itself off before blood sugar falls too low; also, scientists suss out ...
Is a vegan diet a healthy one?
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, what science has to say about whether a vegan diet is a healthy diet... Like this podcast? Please help us by ...
Electrical stitches show potential, and Nobel prizes
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the news pod, how electrically conductive stitches can speed up wound healing. Scientists find the DNA of human victims embedded in the teeth of tw...
Rules of engagement: Nullifying neurotrauma
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're going in depth on traumatic brain injuries. James Tytko speaks with Dawn Astle, daughter of former England striker Jeff Astle, about the ...
Diabetes cured with stem cells, and US bans Chinese tech
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Diabetes fixed with stem cells: scientists reprogramme a patient's fat cells to produce insulin; also why som...
Lockdown legacies: how Covid continues to shape the world
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Four and a half years ago many countries told their inhabitants they had to stay at home for weeks at a time to control the coronavirus pandemic. Many...
Fruity vapes paralyse lungs, and world's oldest cheese
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Signs that fruity vapes paralyse the immune system in your lungs; the world's oldest cheese: but why was the ...
Cancer vaccines: Empowering the immune system
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recently, doctors announced some extremely encouraging news about a jab for people with advanced forms of several types of malignancy, including melan...
Pager attacks in Lebanon, and resurrecting ancient seeds
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: what do we know about the pagers and walkie-talkies used to attack Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon? Also the la...
Engineers vs climate change
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, how engineers are using novel concepts and ideas to attempt to tackle the climate crisis... Like this podcast...
Lockdown aged young brains, and dealing with nuclear waste
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: How COVID-19 lockdowns affected the brain development of teenagers; how best to dispose of dangerous nuclear ...
What's the point of the appendix?
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we take a fresh look at the appendix. Despite its historical reputation of being a useless part of the body, ...
Reinforced skin for amputees, and could E.T. be an AI?
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Scientists uncover a way to help amputees toughen up their skin to make prostheses more comfortable; Covid mR...
You can teach an old mine new tricks
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, teaching an old mine new tricks: how old mines are being repurposed in the name of science... Like this podca...
The UK's smoking and vaping plans, and stranded astronauts
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: How the UK looks set to take the world's toughest line on smoking; the new study showing that last year's Can...
What is Monkeypox?
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of The Naked Scientists, we are looking at the outbreak of monkeypox - mPox - in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and fears that i...
Alzheimer's treatment shelved, and UK's new spy satellite
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: the regulator says the Alzheimer's drug lecanemab is safe, but NICE say we can't afford it; also, the UK MOD ...
Cosmetics linked to cancer
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Human pursuit of body perfection and ideal aesthetics means that we're increasingly resorting to cosmetic interventions to achieve the look we're afte...
Mpox crisis deepens, and liquid water on Mars
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the news, we speak to the WHO about the rise in cases of the new variant of Mpox. Also, the final piece of Stonehenge is traced back to its origin,...
Titans of Science: Russell Foster
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Titans of Science features body clock guru Russell Foster, who talks all about our body's circadian rhythm, and how paying attention t...
Ketamine's antidepressant effect, and bee brains find a way
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the news podcast, could Chinese scientists have found the mechanism that gives ketamine its antidepressant effect? Also, how a Cambridge researcher...
Titans of Science: Brian Schmidt
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of Titans of Science, the man who co-discovered the accelerating expansion of the Universe and gave us dark energy; the Nobel laureate...
Synchronised brains, and bird flu spreading in cow's milk
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of The Naked Scientists: A meeting of minds: scientists show that when two people talk, their brains really do sync up. Also, bird flu...
Titans of Science: Gerry Gilmore
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the first half of the last Century, scientists realised that there must be more to space than meets the eye: without some invisible force hanging o...
Muscles in microgravity, and probing the placebo effect
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On the Naked Scientists news podcast, 'muscles on chips' provide microgravity researchers new opportunities to study ageing. Also in the show, the mac...