Episodes

  • The "Nanny Plate" debate, and the Neanderthal fat factory

    The "Nanny Plate" debate, and the Neanderthal fat factory
    Jul 4 2025
    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? Also, archaeologists uncover the world's oldest fat factory - it turns out that Neanderthals were processing bones for their grease 125,000 years ago, but why? And on Mars the Curiosity rover captures close-up images of spiderweb-like patterns on the planet surface, but what made them? Listeners are also wondering whether green initiatives really do help to save the planet... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    34 mins
  • Weight loss jab concerns, and crafty bribing caterpillars

    Weight loss jab concerns, and crafty bribing caterpillars
    Jun 27 2025
    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 new simple test to replace endoscopies for patients with Barrett's oesophagus. And we hear from one of the engineers at the Vera Rubin Observatory, which is shedding new light on the cosmos... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    36 mins
  • On thin ice: The race to save Antarctica

    On thin ice: The race to save Antarctica
    Jun 24 2025
    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 the world's most inhospitable regions... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    33 mins
  • HPV vaccine uptake wanes, and boozeless beer health concerns

    HPV vaccine uptake wanes, and boozeless beer health concerns
    Jun 20 2025
    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 understanding the evolution of early humans. Plus, the reasons alcohol-free booze might actually not be all that good for us... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    33 mins
  • Titans of Science: Sharon Peacock

    Titans of Science: Sharon Peacock
    Jun 17 2025
    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 disease research. She is best known for her work on whole genome sequencing of pathogens such as MRSA and SARS CoV-2, and studies of antimicrobial resistance... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    31 mins
  • Naked Scientists SOS

    Naked Scientists SOS
    Jun 16 2025
    Cambridge University have informed us that, for cost cutting reasons, they intend to make Dr Chris Smith redundant. Naturally, this jeopardises the Naked Scientists programme, which is produced under his role. He will also lose his medical job. We regard this as a terrible decision and we intend to protest. Please listen to this short podcast to hear how you can help. Together we hope we can turn around this terrible decision... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    4 mins
  • UK commits to new nuclear plant, and robot surgery

    UK commits to new nuclear plant, and robot surgery
    Jun 13 2025
    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 are revolutionising surgery. We'll ask what they can and can't do. And, how NASA's top scientists track rogue near-Earth objects with remarkable precision... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    31 mins