Artwork for The Infinite Monkey Cage
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

  • Jan 11, 2021 · 38 min

    In Praise of Flies

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince discover why flies should be celebrated, not swatted.

  • Aug 26, 2020 · 43 min

    Does Time Exist?

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince ask whether time is simply an illusion.

  • Jul 20, 2020 · 28 min

    What is Life?

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince ask what is life?

  • Jun 22, 2020 · 40 min

    The Sun

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince take a dazzling look at the science of the sun.

  • Jun 8, 2020 · 56 min

    Space Archaeology

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince look at what science can reveal about human history, from space.

  • Jun 1, 2020 · 34 min

    Black Holes

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince push Matt Lucas into a black hole, all in the name of science.

  • May 25, 2020 · 28 min

    The End of the Universe

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are back, for now, with a look at how the Universe might end.

  • Feb 12, 2020 · 42 min

    UFO special

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince investigate alien and UFO sightings.

  • Feb 10, 2020 · 43 min

    Quantum Worlds

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince enter the bizarre world of Quantum Physics

  • Feb 3, 2020 · 37 min

    Fire

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Ed Byrne to look at the science of fire.

  • Jan 27, 2020 · 45 min

    Coral Reefs

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Marcus Brigstocke to talk about the magic of coral.

  • Jan 20, 2020 · 33 min

    Conspiracy Theories

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Shazia Mirza as they discuss conspiracy theories.

  • Jan 13, 2020 · 43 min

    Science of Laughter

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Frank Skinner to discuss the science of laughter.

  • Oct 14, 2019 · 59 min

    Brits in Space

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by British astronauts Tim Peake and Helen Sharman.

  • Sep 30, 2019 · 44 min

    Science of Dreaming

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince have a sleepy look at the science of dreaming.

  • Sep 23, 2019 · 41 min

    Clever Creatures

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince discuss intelligent creatures from clever crows to cunning squid.