Science

Oxford Sparks Big Questions

by Oxford Sparks

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Latest episodes

What is a digital brain twin?

July 8, 2026 · 13 min

Each of us is different. Our genetics and life experiences shape us into unique individuals – with unique brains. When it comes to medicine, therefore, a 'one size fits all' approach is often not adequate, and trial and error is required…
How can we use AI to make drugs?

June 17, 2026 · 12 min

Put simply, most drugs work by binding to a protein and altering how they function. But how can we model how well a particular molecule will bind to a particular protein, and use that knowledge to help discover new treatments? In this…
How do you build the aeroplane of the future?

June 3, 2026 · 11 min

In 2022, 7% of the UK's total carbon emissions came from the aviation sector - a figure that's on the rise. This means that - while a flight is often the start of a well-deserved holiday - a lot of us feel at least a sprinkling of guilt…
Should I be freaked out by the hantavirus?

May 20, 2026 · 13 min

Until recently, most of us had probably never even heard of the hantavirus. Now - with memories of the global COVID-19 pandemic still fresh in our minds - it's only natural to feel slightly concerned about the new virus hitting our…
Should we kill animals for conservation?

May 6, 2026 · 13 min

'Killing animals' and 'conservation' sound mutually exclusive, but when it comes to managing populations that are having a negative environmental impact, is culling the answer? If so, how do people feel about it? We chat to Jessica Frater…

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Can you predict the lottery?

April 22, 2026 · 13 min

"It's as likely as winning the lottery." A phrase used in situations where something is, well, pretty near impossible. But is there anything you can do to increase your chances of claiming that life-changing pot of money? What about one of…
How does reading work?

April 8, 2026 · 13 min

Aside from the odd unfamiliar or complicated word, a lot of us won't think twice when it comes to reading. It's a skill we take for granted. But, relatively speaking, it's actually a fairly new skill - beginning about 5500 years ago. This…
What's it like for women working in F1?

March 25, 2026 · 17 min

Historically, only two women have ever started a Grand Prix race, and as of the 2026 season, no women are competing in Formula One. This male dominancy is by no means restricted to the track, with social scientist Dr Kate Bancroft…
How do you convert CO2 to rock?

March 11, 2026 · 13 min

We're living in an age of rapid technological development which - alongside many benefits - comes at an environmental cost. We speak to Dr Shurui Miao, an experimental chemist who aims to decouple technological advancement from the impacts…
From the Milk on the Move podcast: Purity and Danger

February 25, 2026 · 38 min

This week we are featuring a special bonus episode from our friends at the Milk on the Move podcast. Milk on the Move explores milk's deep cultural roots, evolving scientific narratives and the systems that shape its production today…
What was Einstein doing in Oxford?

February 25, 2026 · 12 min

If you've had the chance to visit Oxford's History of Science Museum, you may have found yourself gazing upon a rather special blackboard. Featuring equations that connect the age, size and density of the Universe, the penmanship is that…
Where do baby penguins come from?

February 11, 2026 · 16 min

For this year's Valentine's Day episode, we are getting up close and personal with those most beloved of birds - penguins. Giving us an insight into the love lives of our feathered friends are penguinologists (yes, that's a real word) Dr…

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About the show

'Will my bacon sandwich kill me?', 'Is vaping better than smoking?', 'How do you become an astronaut?' - just some of the Big Questions we ask some of the brightest minds behind Oxford science. Join us in each podcast as we explore a different area of science.