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

Oct 16, 2020 · 32 min
Why do I blush?
Does blushing have some sort of evolutionary purpose? And why do we yawn?
Oct 9, 2020 · 33 min
Why do planets spin?
Crowdscience answers listeners’ celestial questions
Sep 25, 2020 · 32 min
Why am I embarrassed to be naked?
We all have naked bodies – so why are we so embarrassed to show them?
Sep 18, 2020 · 35 min
Why do we like spicy food?
Join the CrowdScience dinner party as we tackle listeners’ food questions
Sep 4, 2020 · 30 min
Why does running water make me need the toilet?
What does science say about controlling urination, and other bodily functions?
Aug 21, 2020 · 33 min
What’s the yeast doing inside my bread?
Yeast: the tiny organism with massive potential
Aug 14, 2020 · 33 min
What is the point of slime?
Squelching into the science of slime.
Aug 7, 2020 · 33 min
Does air traffic affect our weather?
Has reduced air travel due to pandemic lockdown affected our weather and climate?
Jul 31, 2020 · 39 min
Why do conspiracy theories exist?
Why do conspiracy theories exist and why are we seeing so many in this pandemic?
Jul 24, 2020 · 34 min
Are some soaps better than others?
How was soap discovered, and what else is used for washing around the world?
Jul 17, 2020 · 37 min
How is human sound affecting sealife?
Are peaceful seas an illusion? We find out how human sound affects life under the waves.
Jul 10, 2020 · 37 min
Could earthworms help transform the future of farming?
As they work the soil worms can hugely increase its fertility but there’s a downside.
Jul 3, 2020 · 31 min
Is barefoot running better?
How does a bare foot change our running pain and performance
Jun 26, 2020 · 35 min
What’s the point of blood types?
We, like most animals, have a variety of different blood types. But what are they for?
Jun 19, 2020 · 36 min
Do animals have consciousness?
What does it feel like to be a cat or a cuttlefish?
Jun 12, 2020 · 36 min
Were my atoms once your atoms?
What is the likelihood that an atom in your body has been used in someone else’s body?
Jun 10, 2020 · 32 min
Would you risk your life to save another?
Why do some people put themselves in danger to help others?
May 29, 2020 · 45 min
Why can’t you tickle yourself?
In this kids special, we explore a raft of questions from our younger listeners
May 22, 2020 · 30 min
How does a language begin?
How does one language become two, or even 7000?
May 15, 2020 · 39 min
Does my toilet make sense?
Is it time to reinvent the flush toilet?