CrowdScience

We take your questions about life, Earth and the universe to researchers hunting for answers at the frontiers of knowledge.

World Service,480 episodes

Episodes

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Are near-death experiences real?
Are near-death experiences visions of an afterlife?
07 Nov 2025,26 mins
Why do people love horror films?
The scary science and terrifying truths behind people's love of horror films
30 Oct 2025,31 mins
Should we help maggots and caterpillars?
How do we learn to love the unsung insects that do so much good in gardens and farms
24 Oct 2025,27 mins
Can we record our senses?
Can we record what it's like to taste, smell, or touch something?
17 Oct 2025,26 mins
Are atoms immortal?
Do atoms exist forever, or can they be destroyed?
10 Oct 2025,26 mins
Why are some animals black and white?
Why are zebras so stripy? Why do penguins wear tuxedos?
03 Oct 2025,27 mins
Answers to even more questions
Questions inspired by previous episodes of CrowdScience
26 Sep 2025,26 mins
Do birds understand us?
Listener David can mimic bird calls, but he wants to know if his chirps have any meaning
19 Sep 2025,26 mins
Why am I so sentimental?
Why do we get so attached to our possessions?
12 Sep 2025,26 mins
Will drinking milk help me live longer?
Is drinking milk good for us, or an unnecessary habit?
05 Sep 2025,26 mins
How long will traces of our civilisation last?
If intelligent life visits Earth millions of years from now, will they find traces of us?
29 Aug 2025,34 mins
How does camouflage work?
Where does military camouflage come from? And can you hide your body’s heat signature?
22 Aug 2025,36 mins
How long does light last?
Trying to catch a glimpse of the oldest stuff in the universe
15 Aug 2025,26 mins
Can we stop the rain?
Can we use science to stop the rain from falling?
08 Aug 2025,32 mins
How are teeth made?
What are teeth made of and why can’t we have unlimited replacements, like sharks?
01 Aug 2025,30 mins
Trailer: 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle
The epic space story of a sci-fi dream that changed spaceflight forever
28 Jul 2025,3 mins
Could technology improve our brains?
Can technology restore memories or cure the symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions?
25 Jul 2025,26 mins
What if the Earth spun backwards?
If planet Earth spun backwards, would life still be the same?
18 Jul 2025,26 mins
Where did Earth’s water come from?
Seventy percent of our planet is covered in water, but where did it all come from?
11 Jul 2025,31 mins
Can we harness solar energy from other stars?
Can we harness the energy of the stars?
04 Jul 2025,26 mins
Why are twins special?
Why are we fascinated by twins?
27 Jun 2025,26 mins
How can we persuade more people to cycle?
Can behavioural science help listener Hans with his aim to get more people on bikes?
20 Jun 2025,26 mins
Was there an idyllic time before carnivores?
Was there ever a time when life on earth was peaceful? No predators, no prey, just vibes?
13 Jun 2025,26 mins
What’s that background hum I hear?
We explore the science behind hums – phenomena of persistent, low noise
06 Jun 2025,28 mins
What on earth is quantum?
A CrowdScience guide to quantum physics
30 May 2025,30 mins
Can eating honey help save bees?
Bee populations are declining - could eating honey help support them?
23 May 2025,26 mins
Is my yoghurt really alive?
Local culture and local cultures at the Sofia Science Festival in Bulgaria
16 May 2025,26 mins
Is red sky at night really sailor’s delight?
Just how reliable is this common weather proverb?
09 May 2025,27 mins
Why can't I fall asleep?
Why is getting to sleep much harder for some people than others?
02 May 2025,28 mins
Can we feed everyone?
We ask leading agricultural experts about global food security
25 Apr 2025,31 mins