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Science

The Infinite Monkey Cage

BBC Radio 4

Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Joined by a panel of scientists, experts and celebrity science enthusiasts they investigate life, the universe and everything in between on The Infinite Monkey Cage from the BBC.

From the smallest building blocks of life to the furthest stars, the curious monkeys pull apart the latest science to reveal fascinating and often bizarre insights into the world around us and what lies beyond. Can trees talk to each other? Can science help you commit the perfect murder? What might aliens look like and the burning question of our time, are strawberries alive or dead? Join them as each episode they put a different scientific topic under the microscope, from aliens, black holes and hedgehogs, to bacteria, poison and the Big Bang. With past guests including actors Dame Judi Dench and Sir Patrick Stewart, comedians Steve Martin and Conan O’Brien, astronaut Tim Peake, primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Hannah Fry, The Infinite Monkey Cage promises to make you laugh, enrich your knowledge and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the universe that we call home. Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or someone who nodded off in physics class, listen in to learn all about funny, fascinating and sometimes ridiculous topics – with the occasional monkey business.

  • 239 episodes
  • Updated Dec 24, 2025

Episodes239

  • Feb 2, 2015 · 54 min

    Solar System

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and guests talk about the latest explorations of our solar system.

  • Jan 26, 2015 · 42 min

    Fierce Creatures

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince tackle (verbally!) the most dangerous creatures on the planet.

  • Jan 19, 2015 · 43 min

    Deception

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince tackle the science of deception.

  • Dec 25, 2014 · 50 min

    Christmas Special 2014

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince bring their blend of science and comedy to the festive season.

  • Aug 11, 2014 · 44 min

    Irrationality

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and their guests ask, 'Is irrationality genetic?'.

  • Aug 4, 2014 · 41 min

    Before the Big Bang

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince ask what happened before the big bang.

  • Jul 28, 2014 · 53 min

    Can Science Save Us?

    Stephen Fry and Eric Idle join Brian Cox and Robin Ince to ask, 'Can science save us?'.

  • Jul 21, 2014 · 39 min

    Does Science Need War?

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and guests ask whether science needs war to drive it.

  • Jul 14, 2014 · 46 min

    Are Humans Uniquely Unique?

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Ross Noble to ask whether humans are truly unique.

  • Jul 7, 2014 · 45 min

    Numbers Numbers Everywhere

    New series of the irreverent science/comedy show presented by Brian Cox and Robin Ince.

  • Dec 23, 2013 · 38 min

    Science and Spin

    A witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world of science communication.

  • Dec 16, 2013 · 35 min

    Should We Pander to Pandas?

    A witty and unashamedly rational look at the science of biodiversity and conservation.

  • Dec 9, 2013 · 34 min

    To Infinity and Beyond

    Brian and Robin explore mathematics, infinity and the role of numbers in everyday life.

  • Dec 2, 2013 · 42 min

    Science Rocks!

    A witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world of fossils and geology.

  • Nov 18, 2013 · 37 min

    Risk

    Brian and Robin rational look at the science of risk with Graeme Garden.

  • Jul 29, 2013 · 44 min

    Science Museum

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince discuss the wonder of science at London's Science Museum.

  • Jul 22, 2013 · 28 min

    Alfred Russel Wallace

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Alfred Russel Wallace.