Unexpected Elements

Science of the future

We take a look at some exciting science of the near future. First, the latest developments in animal-to-human organ transplants and the ambitious goals of eliminating cervical cancer around the world. We are then joined by plasma physicist Dr Fatima Ebrahimi from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, who breaks down the mysteries behind nuclear fusion energy and how ambitious scientists are trying to channel the power of the Sun on Earth, in the hope of creating a massive source of clean energy. Next, we investigate what blue-light-blocking glasses can do and consider what future scientists will think of the fossils of our civilisation! Presenter: Caroline Steel, with Phillys Mwatee and Edd Gent Producer: Imaan Moin

An episode inspired by our listeners

We revisit our listeners’ favourite topics and dig deeper in this special programme. First, we hear from some of our insomniac listeners and explore how we fall asleep with neuroscientist Dr Ada Eban-Rothschild from the University of Michigan. Next, we return to our favourite food facts with a small surprise for one of the presenters. Then, we put our knowledge to the test with extra quizzes and examine the randomness of multiple-choice questions. Finally, we’re joined by Dr Alyn Euritt to discuss the importance of connection, especially between Marnie, Caroline and all the loyal listeners of the show. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenters: Caroline Steel and Marnie Chesterton Producers: Imaan Moin, with Margaret Sessa-Hawkins and Lucy Davies

The gift of science

This Boxing Day and holiday season, our present to you is the science of gifts. First, we investigate the health benefits of donating blood, and find out about the predator sharing a feast of food in the Arctic. We’re then joined in the studio by physicist Dr Krishma Singal from Rice University, who unravels the soft-matter physics and brilliant engineering potential of knitting. Next, we discuss the reputation of piranhas, enquire about the uniqueness of our sneezes, and break down how salting roads makes them safer in the winter. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Alex Lathbridge, with Camilla Mota and Meral Jamal Producer: Imaan Moin

Why are we sad when television series end?

The end of Australian soap opera Neighbours has us wondering why a television series ending makes us sad. Also, what does science say about how to engage with screens while still protecting your vision? Also on the show, visual ecologist Daniel Hanley has created a camera to help us visualize the world animals see, and why are there green birds, green insects, but no green mammals? All that plus more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, and Ella Hubber

Chicken, with a side order of science

Over the Christmas season, it is estimated that some 3.6 million families in Japan will tuck into KFC over Christmas (other fried chicken is available), which inspired the Unexpected Elements team to chew over all things chicken! First, we discover that chicken may never have become domesticated if it wasn’t for rice farming. We also ponder whether the chicken or the egg came first. Next, we find out that humans are surprisingly smart at translating chicken chatter. We are by Dr Jingmai O’Connor, associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum of Natural History, who reveals more about the links between dinosaurs and birds. Plus, how Brazil became a poultry superpower, and what happens to chickens in tornadoes. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Camilla Mota and Godfred Boafo Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Sophie Ormiston, Ella Hubber and Robbie Wojciechowski