Question of the Week, from the Naked Scientists
Each week we set out to solve one of the world's weirdest, wackiest, funniest and funkiest scientific puzzles. And along with the answer there's a brand new question to think about for next time...
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 4 minutes
- Episodes
- 629
- Years Active
- 2008 - 2025
Wearable Robots
Could a robotic suit make a ballerina out of a buffoon? Could technology allow ordinary people to perform extraordinary tasks? We find out in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask why milk seems to…
00:03:39 |
Mon 09 Feb 2009
Spit and Polish
How does spit make your shoes so shiny? A good polish needs more than just elbow grease, it needs your saliva too! We find out in this Question of the Week, and ask if it's possible to build a suit t…
00:04:04 |
Mon 02 Feb 2009
Counting Without Counting
You can instantly tell if there are three objects on a table, but if there are twenty, you would need to count them to be sure. Why can we spot the small groups without having to count, and how big d…
00:03:46 |
Mon 26 Jan 2009
Fossilised Fence Posts
Petrified wood is a type of fossil, but some claim to have seen wooden fence posts that have already become petrified. Is it scientifically possible for wood to fossilise in such a short period? We…
00:03:53 |
Mon 19 Jan 2009
Meteoric Life Forms
Meteorites, dust and other space rubbish is falling to Earth all the time, but does any of it ever contain life? We find out if aliens hitch a lift on space rubble in this Question of the Week. Plu…
00:02:58 |
Mon 12 Jan 2009
Having your Cake and Eating it All
If you're given an excess of chocolate or sweets as a present, is it better for you to wolf them all down in a huge binge, or just eat a few each day to make them last? We find out what to do with y…
00:02:48 |
Mon 22 Dec 2008
Tryptophan and Turkey
What is tryptophan, and does Turkey really make you sleepy? We find out in this seasonal Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if you should scoff down all of your Christmas chocolates in one go, or mak…
00:03:26 |
Mon 15 Dec 2008
What Makes Us Laugh?
What is it that makes us laugh? We find out what makes us giggle and keeps stand up comedians in work! Plus, we ask if eating Turkey really makes you sleepy... Like this podcast? Please help us by su…
00:03:06 |
Mon 08 Dec 2008
Psychopaths and Lie Detectors
Could a psychopath pass a lie detector test, if they felt no remorse for their crimes? We find out if the technology is up to finding the truth in this Question of the Week. Plus, what is it that ma…
00:03:20 |
Mon 01 Dec 2008
Helium Balloons on the Moon
In this Question of the Week, we learn the correct etiquette for attending a birthday party on the Moon - Should you bring a helium balloon, or will it just be a let down? Plus, we ask if people who …
00:03:08 |
Mon 24 Nov 2008
The Beasts Who Barbeque
Are we the only animals who cook our food? Why do we need to cook, and if it's so good, why haven't other animals joined us at the barbeque? We find out in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if …
00:04:04 |
Mon 17 Nov 2008
Wiping Away the Human Race
If the human race were to become spontaneously extinct, how long would it take for all evidence of us to be wiped from the planet Earth? Will there be evidence of human activity forever, or will we d…
00:03:57 |
Mon 10 Nov 2008
The Speed of Time
Why does time seem to go quicker as we age? It seems that the longer we live, the shorter the days seem to be. Paradoxically, sometimes the hours drag by while the weeks fly past! We find out why i…
00:03:26 |
Mon 03 Nov 2008
A Better Balanced Bicycle
Where should you put your bags to best balance your bike? Will groceries on the handlebars waste your pedal power, or will paniers on the back pull you backwards? We find out in this Question of the …
00:03:30 |
Mon 27 Oct 2008
Better Battery Life
How do you get the best out of your batteries? Should you discharge them completely, or keep them permanently topped up? We find out in this Question of the Week! Plus, we ask where is the best place…
00:03:31 |
Sun 19 Oct 2008
Repeat Listening
Why do songs, even those you hate, sound better the more you hear them? We find out why familiarity can defeat contempt in this Question of the Week, and ask if you should let your batteries run dow…
00:03:07 |
Mon 13 Oct 2008
Do Animals have Blood Groups?
Why do we have different blood groups, such as A, B, O and rhesus positive or negative? Do animals have blood groups? If so, are they the same as humans, or do they have their own? We find out in thi…
00:02:48 |
Sun 05 Oct 2008
Elderly Eyebrows
Why do eyebrows and other bodily hair grow out of control as we get older? We find out why we develop a post-retirement facial forest in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask why humans have blood …
00:03:01 |
Sun 28 Sep 2008
How do Smells Travel Underwater?
Sharks seem to smell blood underwater from miles away in mere seconds - but how fast do smells really travel underwater? We find out in this Question of the Week, and ask why eyebrow hair gets out of…
00:02:52 |
Sun 21 Sep 2008
Glow in the Dark Danger
Are Glow-in-the-Dark watches a radiation hazard? Should you store your best timepiece in a lead lined box? Find the answer in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask how smells travel underwater, …
00:03:24 |
Sun 14 Sep 2008
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