Ask the Naked Scientists

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About the show

Latest episodes

• Do giraffes have the same number of neck bones as humans?

  October 2, 2026 · 17 min

  Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja explore why it's hard to reach a human in customer service. How did humans migrate from Africa, and can we trace our ancient paths? Why do people and animals have different neck sizes? Can you really…

• Can curly hair straighten with age?

  September 25, 2026 · 21 min

  Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford discuss the world's hottest creature, why antimatter matters, whether weight-loss pills can cause blindness, and why some birds die when they fly into power cables while others can perch on them with…

• Where did water come from, and why doesn't it go off?

  September 18, 2026 · 17 min

  Can sensors help keep our roads in good shape? If the Earth is round, why aren't the people at the bottom standing upside down? How efficient is the human body? Why can't periods be controlled like going to the bathroom? Do animals have…

• Is AI at risk of going rogue?

  September 11, 2026 · 21 min

  Should we take AI warnings seriously? Do fingernails and hair grow more quickly after they are cut? How does caffeine trick the brain into making us feel less tired? Are high levels of low-density lipoprotein a concern? What is mirror…

• Can technology influence the weather?

  September 4, 2026 · 21 min

  How might technology influence or manipulate the weather? Can aircraft affect the weather? Are we getting better at detecting cancer before it becomes problematic? How does perfect pitch work? And why does our hearing change with age? Does…

• How does the Moon affect the tides?

  August 28, 2026 · 22 min

  Why might the shingles vaccine help prevent heart attacks? Does an eclipse affect how we sleep? Why do farts seem to stick around longer in the shower? How does toothpaste fight acidity? Can you train your brain to notice different…

• Why do eyebrows grow so slowly?

  August 21, 2026 · 19 min

  Have you ever wondered why eyebrows grow so slowly, or when you should brush your teeth in the morning? Can you tell the difference in sound between hot and cold water being poured? What causes those cold shivers down your spine? Is a…

• What is love?

  August 14, 2026 · 18 min

  What is the science behind love? What scares a honey badger? Are there mammals that feel no fear? How do car pistons move so smoothly even at high speeds? Should humans eat meat? Why do people with bone marrow cancer often show no…