Ask The Naked Scientists

Are we at risk when we use public toilets? What can we catch from kissing strangers? Why is it safer to eat cooked...

Why do pigeons nod their heads? How does food become body fat? What can you do with a ramjet? We take on these...

On Ask the Naked Scientists this week, we find out how cacti can survive with very little water, and why they are so...

How did we measure geographic distances before GPS? And how do GPS satellites do it now? Would floating bridges help in...

How small is a proton? What is a photon? And how do colour-changing toys work? We'll find out the answers to all...

How do lasers work? And why is a hydrogen atom bigger than a helium one? Why is there no oxygen on other planets?

Why does time seem to go by faster as we get older? What do IQ tests really measure? How do probiotic yoghurts work? We...

Why does sugar look so different when you heat it up? How much CO2 is there in all the world's bottles of Cola?...

Do we really need 8 glasses of water a day? How does a jet engine work? Where does earwax come from? Why are some apes...

Why are moths attracted to light? How do red-leaved plants photosynthesise? Why don't hayfever sufferers become...

How does vinegar 'cook' an egg? How does Google work? Are the colours we see really real? We'll get the...

How are crisp flavours created? What makes flies so resilient? Why do some women get facial hair with age? We take on...

Is microwaved water safe? Why does a mirage form? What causes that shimmer on a hot road? We tackle all of these...

How did HIV originate? Why does anaemia occur more often in Africa? Do growing pains exist? We take on these infectious...

How do Tornadoes form? What's a daisy cutter bomb? why do we get electric shocks when leaving our cars? We take on...

Does our sense of taste change with age? How are horrid and pleasant smells decided by our brains? Is it harder to...

Why can't we tickle ourselves? Is deafness down to our genes? Can diabetes cause Eczema? How does deodorant...

Ask the Naked Scientists, South Africa! This week we're adding a new member to the Ask! family with a new show on...

What effects can underground nuclear explosions have on our land? How do antibacterial cleaners work? Could bacteria be...

Do earthquakes shift the earths axis? If the population of China jumped at once would it cause an earthquake? How much...

Could a comet shield the earth from the sun? How do planets form around stars? Why are planets spherical? What's...

Why are some Volcanic Eruptions stronger than others? Why can't aeroplanes fly around the ash in the sky? Is our...

Why does it feel hotter when the sun is out? Why can we see clouds at night? Is the sky always grey when it rains? We...

Do cats have a sixth sense? How do dogs moult? Why are some hairs longer than others? Why do women get hot flushes? We...