Talking of Science

Urgh!! The dreaded task of brushing a set of teeth sitting inside an uncooperative little mouth. Not once, but twice. Every day. And for two whole minutes! In this episode, Dr C asks a question most children, and probably plenty of adults, have wondered about: “Why do I have to brush my teeth?” To help us answer it, we are joined by dental hygienist and author Carina Løvstad. Together, we explore what cavities actually are, how bacteria and sugar team up to damage enamel, why some parts of ou...

Paintings crack; we can't visit the famous Lascaux cave paintings; and people put WHAT into artwork? In this episode Dr C asks a characteristically profound question: "Why does everything get destroyed?" To help us answer it, we're joined by Associate Professor Michela Gambino, conservation scientist and microbiologist. Together we explore the hidden battle being fought to preserve everything from cave paintings and ancient papyri to gravestones, galleries and family keepsakes. Along the way ...

They say no one is busier than a kid at bedtime - and how better to stall at bedtime than the age-old technique of asking a big question? In this episode, Dr C and Helen are exploring Slumberland with sleep and health complexity expert Professor Naja Hulvej Rod. They unpack what happens in our bodies and brains during sleep, why good sleep is essential for learning, mood and long-term health, and how routines shape our sleep patterns. The conversation also dives into the impact of smartphones...

If germs are everywhere, why aren't we sick all the time? And where do the really nasty bugs come from in the first place? In this episode, Dr C asks a question that feels simple but turns out to have a surprisingly complicated answer. Together with evolutionary scientist David Duchene, we explore the hidden world of microbes, germs, viruses and other microscopic hitchhikers that live all around us, on us, and inside us. Along the way we discover why some germs are actually essential for good...

This month we'll experience a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse, the peak of the Perseid meteor shower and learn more about what happened to the rocket which seems to have crashed into the moon. In honour of these big sky events, Dr C was joined by Little Brother to introduce this very special throwback episode! Hear how excited they are about all things lunar, and listen back to the fascinating world of the moon from our discussion with Tina Ibsen. Don't miss all the events happening in the sky...