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

Jun 13, 2025 · 26 min
Was there an idyllic time before carnivores?
Was there ever a time when life on earth was peaceful? No predators, no prey, just vibes?
Jun 6, 2025 · 28 min
What’s that background hum I hear?
We explore the science behind hums – phenomena of persistent, low noise
May 30, 2025 · 30 min
What on earth is quantum?
A CrowdScience guide to quantum physics
May 23, 2025 · 26 min
Can eating honey help save bees?
Bee populations are declining - could eating honey help support them?
May 16, 2025 · 26 min
Is my yoghurt really alive?
Local culture and local cultures at the Sofia Science Festival in Bulgaria
May 9, 2025 · 27 min
Is red sky at night really sailor’s delight?
Just how reliable is this common weather proverb?
May 2, 2025 · 28 min
Why can't I fall asleep?
Why is getting to sleep much harder for some people than others?
Apr 25, 2025 · 31 min
Can we feed everyone?
We ask leading agricultural experts about global food security
Apr 18, 2025 · 26 min
Why am I always late?
Why do some people find it easier to be punctual than others?
Apr 11, 2025 · 29 min
Why do animals swallow rocks?
Answering your questions about life, Earth and the universe
Apr 4, 2025 · 26 min
How do you measure a mountain?
As sea levels rise, will mountains shrink? How do we measure height above sea level?
Mar 28, 2025 · 26 min
Where in the world will I weigh least?
We tackle gravity - a fundamental force of the universe, yet also an everyday mystery
Mar 21, 2025 · 29 min
Are there global food allergy hotspots?
Do food allergies vary around the world – and if so, why?
Mar 14, 2025 · 27 min
Are humans naturally monogamous?
Why is one partner usually the norm for humans around the world?
Mar 7, 2025 · 26 min
Is water wet?
The wetness of water seems obvious - but dive into the science and it's not so clear cut
Feb 28, 2025 · 28 min
Whatever happened to tangerines?
Can we track down a tangerine variety lodged in one listener's memory?
Feb 21, 2025 · 27 min
Why isn't the sky green?
Why do we see so many colours in the sky, but never green?
Feb 14, 2025 · 26 min
Is anything truly random?
A question about bathroom tiles has us wondering whether everything is pre-determined
Feb 7, 2025 · 27 min
Why can't I remember my early childhood?
Some huge milestones happen in our first years of life - but why do we forget them?
Jan 31, 2025 · 27 min
Is my smartwatch good for my health?
Do smartwatches reliably monitor fitness? And can they make us healthier?