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

  • Sep 16, 2019 · 46 min

    Dinosaurs

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince return to chat dinosaurs with, amongst others, Rufus Hound.

  • Jul 20, 2019 · 58 min

    The Infinite Moonkey Cage

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo moon landings.

  • Jan 21, 2019 · 35 min

    Origin of Numbers

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Hannah Fry to look at the origin of numbers

  • Jan 14, 2019 · 35 min

    The Future of Humanity

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Chris Addison to discuss the future of humanity.

  • Aug 13, 2018 · 38 min

    GCHQ

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince transport The Infinite Monkey Cage to GCHQ.

  • Aug 9, 2018 · 17 min

    Special Bonus Edition

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince reminisce about their favourite Monkey Cage moments.

  • Aug 6, 2018 · 38 min

    The Human Voice

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince get vocal on the science of the human voice.

  • Jul 30, 2018 · 40 min

    Immune System

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince look at our amazingly complex and clever immune system.

  • Jul 23, 2018 · 41 min

    Invasion

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince talk alien invasion, although not of the little green men kind.

  • Jul 16, 2018 · 44 min

    Big Data

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince ask: what is big data, and how big is big?

  • Feb 12, 2018 · 42 min

    Volcanoes

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and special guest Jo Brand look at the science of volcanoes.

  • Feb 5, 2018 · 43 min

    How Animals Behave

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Rufus Hound to look at animal behaviour.

  • Jan 29, 2018 · 43 min

    Teenage Brain

    Brian Cox, Robin Ince and guests uncover the science of why teenagers are so teenagery.

  • Jan 22, 2018 · 38 min

    Antibiotics

    Brian Cox and Robin Ince look at the history and future of antibiotics.