CrowdScience

BBC World Service

We take your questions about life, Earth and the universe to researchers hunting for answers at the frontiers of knowledge.

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504 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes504

Newest first

Mar 5, 2021 · 33 min
Why does it feel so good to swear?
How swearing relieves pain and helps us bond with others
Feb 26, 2021 · 37 min
Why do men rule the world?
Listener Paula from Kenya wants to know why men rule the world
Feb 19, 2021 · 32 min
Can we build houses from living trees?
Treehouses are magical but are they viable dwellings for modern living?
Feb 12, 2021 · 39 min
Can I improve my sense of direction?
Why do some people navigate with ease whilst others struggle to find their way?
Feb 5, 2021 · 39 min
Can being happy help me fight infection?
Can happiness boost immunity?
Jan 29, 2021 · 35 min
Will giving up alcohol improve my sperm count?
Investigating how lifestyle can affect male fertility
Jan 22, 2021 · 33 min
Are there downsides to deep cleaning?
Could overzealous hygiene routines damage our immune system or promote superbugs?
Jan 15, 2021 · 33 min
What are the limits of human endurance?
Meet the athletes pushing against the limits of human endurance
Jan 8, 2021 · 33 min
Do green spaces make us healthier?
Is there more to living alongside greenery?
Jan 1, 2021 · 29 min
Is a fungus intelligent?
Fungal networks are entangled with life on Earth and even show signs of intelligence.
Dec 25, 2020 · 37 min
Do animals exercise?
Some of the CrowdScience team answer listeners' questions from all over the world
Dec 18, 2020 · 36 min
Was I born clumsy?
Simon is sick of knocking stuff over, so CrowdScience looks at the science of clumsiness
Dec 11, 2020 · 28 min
Will our spacecraft ever reach the stars?
How spaceship engineering could power us through interstellar space
Dec 4, 2020 · 31 min
Are humans naturally clean and tidy?
What hygiene instincts do we have, and are they fit for purpose?
Nov 27, 2020 · 32 min
Can we prevent wildfires?
How can we reduce the spread of forest fires?
Nov 20, 2020 · 27 min
How does a breeze become a gale?
Why are some winds friendly and others fierce?
Nov 13, 2020 · 39 min
How can I beat pain?
Listener Bebeto wants to know how to get rid of a pain in his wrist
Nov 6, 2020 · 31 min
Why are elephants so big?
An episode dedicated to the curious minds of our younger listeners
Oct 30, 2020 · 32 min
Can I learn to sing in tune?
Why are some of us tone deaf, and can you improve your singing with practice?
Oct 23, 2020 · 28 min
Am I related to a virus?
Although they’re not technically ‘alive’ might viruses hold a place in our family tree?