Ask the Naked Scientists
- Episodes
- 813
- Released
- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 6, 2026
About the podcast
How many organs could you donate and remain alive? How many planet Earths could fit inside the Sun? How high is a giraffe's blood pressure? Why is the sea blue? To find out, Ask The Naked Scientists!
Episodes 813
What does a percentage chance of rain really mean?
What's the evidence that vaccines don't cause autism? Can brain oxygen deprivation lead to memory loss? Do babies bond with their dads as much as with their mums? Do parrots socialise like other animals? What …
Show notes
What's the evidence that vaccines don't cause autism? Can brain oxygen deprivation lead to memory loss? Do babies bond with their dads as much as with their mums? Do parrots socialise like other animals? What does a percentage chance of rain in a weather forecast actually mean? How can we lip-read if we all sound different? Could the floating door in Titanic have supported both Rose and Jack, according to science? Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhy the nose knows: how important is smell?
Introducing "Smellyvision": this week, we talk about new tech that transmits smells alongside sounds and pictures, and ask whether smell is our most underrated sense. Also, are Bill Gates' fears that AI will …
Show notes
Introducing "Smellyvision": this week, we talk about new tech that transmits smells alongside sounds and pictures, and ask whether smell is our most underrated sense. Also, are Bill Gates' fears that AI will erode our intellect well-founded, and why do some worry it might lead to better biological weapons? Meanwhile, how has Jonathan the giant tortoise lived to almost 200, and how long could a human theoretically survive? And why do scientists seem to say one thing one minute, and then change their minds a week later? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsIs static electricity down to positive or negative charges?
Why has everyone got a cold at the moment? How does an elemental diet treat inflammatory bowel disease? How does chlorine clean up drinking water? What is cholera? Can silver sterilise surfaces and water? Is …
Show notes
Why has everyone got a cold at the moment? How does an elemental diet treat inflammatory bowel disease? How does chlorine clean up drinking water? What is cholera? Can silver sterilise surfaces and water? Is static electricity down to positive or negative charge? What is reverse osmosis water filtering, and why is it controversial? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsIs AI damaging our ability to think for ourselves?
How do dogs decode human speech? Can they actually understand one another, and do they bark with an accent? Also, do all animals pair for life? Why are biometric fingerprint scanners tricky for older people? …
Show notes
How do dogs decode human speech? Can they actually understand one another, and do they bark with an accent? Also, do all animals pair for life? Why are biometric fingerprint scanners tricky for older people? And is AI damaging our ability to think for ourselves? Plus, what's the problem with asking AI to solve complex maths puzzles, and can it also help decode what animals are saying? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhy do we get floaters in our eyes?
Who scooped Nobel Prizes at this year's ceremony in Stockholm? How concerned should we be about AI's impact on society? Why do men have larger Adam's apples? How can we make sure we eat a balanced diet? What …
Show notes
Who scooped Nobel Prizes at this year's ceremony in Stockholm? How concerned should we be about AI's impact on society? Why do men have larger Adam's apples? How can we make sure we eat a balanced diet? What causes floaters in your eyes? Is the expanding Universe contracting elsewhere? And is there a new fluoride-free toothpaste gel that rebuilds teeth? Dr Chris Smith and Saskia Falken have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsDo giraffes have the same number of neck bones as humans?
Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja explore why it's hard to reach a human in customer service. How did humans migrate from Africa, and can we trace our ancient paths? Why do people and animals have different …
Show notes
Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja explore why it's hard to reach a human in customer service. How did humans migrate from Africa, and can we trace our ancient paths? Why do people and animals have different neck sizes? Can you really hear your heartbeat when your head's on the pillow? Why is swimming in cold water easier than taking a cold shower? Why do your ears block when you yawn or blow your nose? Why don't you notice yourself growing? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsCan curly hair straighten with age?
Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford discuss the world's hottest creature, why antimatter matters, whether weight-loss pills can cause blindness, and why some birds die when they fly into power cables while others …
Show notes
Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford discuss the world's hottest creature, why antimatter matters, whether weight-loss pills can cause blindness, and why some birds die when they fly into power cables while others can perch on them with impunity. Then, what are the risks of AI, can curly hair straighten out as we age, and how does hair colour change as we grow up? Plus, whether insects are a good source of protein. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhere did water come from, and why doesn't it go off?
Can sensors help keep our roads in good shape? If the Earth is round, why aren't the people at the bottom standing upside down? How efficient is the human body? Why can't periods be controlled like going to the …
Show notes
Can sensors help keep our roads in good shape? If the Earth is round, why aren't the people at the bottom standing upside down? How efficient is the human body? Why can't periods be controlled like going to the bathroom? Do animals have periods too? Where did water come from in the first place, and why doesn't it go off? Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsIs AI at risk of going rogue?
Should we take AI warnings seriously? Do fingernails and hair grow more quickly after they are cut? How does caffeine trick the brain into making us feel less tired? Are high levels of low-density lipoprotein a …
Show notes
Should we take AI warnings seriously? Do fingernails and hair grow more quickly after they are cut? How does caffeine trick the brain into making us feel less tired? Are high levels of low-density lipoprotein a concern? What is mirror life, and should we be worried? What's the attraction of an electric vehicle? Why is it so excruciating when someone scratches their nails down a chalkboard? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsCan technology influence the weather?
How might technology influence or manipulate the weather? Can aircraft affect the weather? Are we getting better at detecting cancer before it becomes problematic? How does perfect pitch work? And why does our …
Show notes
How might technology influence or manipulate the weather? Can aircraft affect the weather? Are we getting better at detecting cancer before it becomes problematic? How does perfect pitch work? And why does our hearing change with age? Does weight have any impact on tides? If medication can reduce HIV to an undetectable level, why is there still no cure? Dr Chris Smith and Saskia Falken have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsHow does the Moon affect the tides?
Why might the shingles vaccine help prevent heart attacks? Does an eclipse affect how we sleep? Why do farts seem to stick around longer in the shower? How does toothpaste fight acidity? Can you train your …
Show notes
Why might the shingles vaccine help prevent heart attacks? Does an eclipse affect how we sleep? Why do farts seem to stick around longer in the shower? How does toothpaste fight acidity? Can you train your brain to notice different frequencies? How does the Moon affect the tides? And why is it so much harder to stand on one foot with your eyes closed? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhy do eyebrows grow so slowly?
Have you ever wondered why eyebrows grow so slowly, or when you should brush your teeth in the morning? Can you tell the difference in sound between hot and cold water being poured? What causes those cold …
Show notes
Have you ever wondered why eyebrows grow so slowly, or when you should brush your teeth in the morning? Can you tell the difference in sound between hot and cold water being poured? What causes those cold shivers down your spine? Is a spirit presence real? What controls how fast we move? Why do people mix oil with butter when cooking? And what's the best way to get vitamin D? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhat is love?
What is the science behind love? What scares a honey badger? Are there mammals that feel no fear? How do car pistons move so smoothly even at high speeds? Should humans eat meat? Why do people with bone marrow …
Show notes
What is the science behind love? What scares a honey badger? Are there mammals that feel no fear? How do car pistons move so smoothly even at high speeds? Should humans eat meat? Why do people with bone marrow cancer often show no symptoms? Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja answer the questions. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhat is the life of an electric vehicle battery?
How good are electric vehicle batteries? Why are EV fires so dangerous? What is acute flaccid myelitis? Why do people feel anxiety in different parts of their bodies? Why does our sight help with our balance? …
Show notes
How good are electric vehicle batteries? Why are EV fires so dangerous? What is acute flaccid myelitis? Why do people feel anxiety in different parts of their bodies? Why does our sight help with our balance? Are sons ever taller than their mums? Do flashing lights cause headaches? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhat's the science behind itching and scratching?
Are there technologies to remove smoke taint in wine affected by recent wildfires? What's the science behind itching? Can a tortoise survive 10 years locked up in a building? Why might an elderly dog or cat's …
Show notes
Are there technologies to remove smoke taint in wine affected by recent wildfires? What's the science behind itching? Can a tortoise survive 10 years locked up in a building? Why might an elderly dog or cat's behaviour change? Does microwaving damage food or reduce vitamin content? Can my blood pressure be affected by a jellyfish sting? Can we harvest energy from space? And is there a cure for neuropathy? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhy a helium balloon flies backwards when you hit the brakes
How can algae microbots deliver drugs for bladder cancer? Why does a helium balloon fly backwards when you hit the brakes in a car? Does the Sun make ash? Will removing your gallbladder affect your cholesterol? …
Show notes
How can algae microbots deliver drugs for bladder cancer? Why does a helium balloon fly backwards when you hit the brakes in a car? Does the Sun make ash? Will removing your gallbladder affect your cholesterol? Is there a symbiotic relationship between spiders and antelopes? Can cloud seeding affect rainfall? What causes restless legs? Why are global sperm counts dropping? And what holds the universe together? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhy do wombats have cube-shaped poo?
Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford return to answer your questions. Why do wombats produce cube-shaped droppings? Does sleeping position affect dreams? Can we predict penalty shootout winners? What do penalty …
Show notes
Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford return to answer your questions. Why do wombats produce cube-shaped droppings? Does sleeping position affect dreams? Can we predict penalty shootout winners? What do penalty statistics show about power vs placement? What are the pros and cons of statins? Is a cloned tree's DNA young or old? Why do golf balls have dimples? Could you outdrive Rory McIlroy on Mars? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhat happens before we have a thought?
What is the impact of being a child in a home where a sibling has a chronic medical condition? What happens before we have a thought? How bad are processed foods for us? And how can a woman give birth to twins …
Show notes
What is the impact of being a child in a home where a sibling has a chronic medical condition? What happens before we have a thought? How bad are processed foods for us? And how can a woman give birth to twins that have different fathers? Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsIs it safe to eat dropped food?
Do our digital lives leave us cognitively exhausted? Should we see a doctor when we are overly tired? How bad are processed foods for us? Is it safe to eat food you have dropped on the floor? Why do certain …
Show notes
Do our digital lives leave us cognitively exhausted? Should we see a doctor when we are overly tired? How bad are processed foods for us? Is it safe to eat food you have dropped on the floor? Why do certain foods make us feel nauseous? And does laser hair removal work? Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhy did the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turn green?
Why is Europe experiencing a heatwave? What happens if a being from a different dimension enters our dimension? Why are wombats able to produce square-shaped faeces? Can we live without sodium? Is there a …
Show notes
Why is Europe experiencing a heatwave? What happens if a being from a different dimension enters our dimension? Why are wombats able to produce square-shaped faeces? Can we live without sodium? Is there a scientific explanation for xenophobia? Why did the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turn into a green swamp? What causes early morning phlegm, even without a cold? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsHow do cats sustain a purr-fect purr?
Why does our hair stand up when we are scared? Does the animal kingdom experience colour differently? How do cats purr without running out of breath? Can certain types of medication cause tinnitus? What …
Show notes
Why does our hair stand up when we are scared? Does the animal kingdom experience colour differently? How do cats purr without running out of breath? Can certain types of medication cause tinnitus? What benefits does vaccination afford us? And why do some people struggle to recognise faces? Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsAre there sounds around us that we can't hear?
What's the impact of sodium on our heart health? Are there sounds around us that we can't hear? Why do teeth have nerves and a blood supply? What controls our emotions? Can other primates and mammals have …
Show notes
What's the impact of sodium on our heart health? Are there sounds around us that we can't hear? Why do teeth have nerves and a blood supply? What controls our emotions? Can other primates and mammals have colourblindness? Why can't certain organs regenerate themselves, whilst others can? Dr Chris Smith and Saskia Falken have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhy does a slice of toast land butter side down?
Do dolphins and whales yawn? Is yawning contagious in animals? What progress has been made on brain chip implants? What is the difference between kidney thrombosis and renal vein thrombosis? Why does a falling …
Show notes
Do dolphins and whales yawn? Is yawning contagious in animals? What progress has been made on brain chip implants? What is the difference between kidney thrombosis and renal vein thrombosis? Why does a falling slice of toast land butter side down, and does fall height matter? Is it unsafe to receive the wrong blood type? Why are birds adapted to have birdsong? What keeps all the water up in a cloud? Why can I feel my phone buzz in my pocket when it's actually on the table? And how to improve blood iron levels? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsHow does a headache tablet know where it hurts?
Does water boiled in a microwave oven taste different from kettle-heated water? How long does it take the body to absorb a drink of water? Does too much water cause a kidney problem? What are essential fatty …
Show notes
Does water boiled in a microwave oven taste different from kettle-heated water? How long does it take the body to absorb a drink of water? Does too much water cause a kidney problem? What are essential fatty acids? Why do farts linger longer in the shower? What's better for your body, hot water, cold water, or warm water? How does the body know to swallow a drink and breathe air? How does an aspirin know where it hurts? And how does the anus tell a fart from a shart? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhy does running water make us want to use the toilet?
Why does running water make us want to go to the bathroom? What is IQ, and can you improve it? What is a Pica craving? Why isn't sperm damaged when it's frozen? Is there any evidence that links COVID vaccines …
Show notes
Why does running water make us want to go to the bathroom? What is IQ, and can you improve it? What is a Pica craving? Why isn't sperm damaged when it's frozen? Is there any evidence that links COVID vaccines to cancer rates? Is there a test to check whether honey is authentic or adulterated? What are hempcrete building materials? Why does it take so long to enrich uranium? What causes shingles? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsShould we pay attention to the UFO files?
Do the newly released UFO files matter? Why do people tend to live longer in the 21st century? Why do women live longer than men on average? What impact does excess rainfall have? Why might you lose phone …
Show notes
Do the newly released UFO files matter? Why do people tend to live longer in the 21st century? Why do women live longer than men on average? What impact does excess rainfall have? Why might you lose phone signal when you turn on a microwave? Should we open our windows in high winds? Is climate change causing more CO2 to be released from the sea? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsCan we travel forward and backwards in time?
Is time a physical thing? How do trees know what season it is? What causes different-sized tides? Can cannibalism cause brain disease? Do all watches stop working at the same time? How do we identify different …
Show notes
Is time a physical thing? How do trees know what season it is? What causes different-sized tides? Can cannibalism cause brain disease? Do all watches stop working at the same time? How do we identify different virus cases? How is hantavirus contracted? Can animals contract viruses by sniffing around contaminated material? And do meerkats carry hantavirus? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsHow do vultures find their prey?
Why are humans so sensitive to the smell of rain? Do statins cause dementia? What is the storage capacity of the human brain? How can I remember all the information I study? Do scientists believe in God? How do …
Show notes
Why are humans so sensitive to the smell of rain? Do statins cause dementia? What is the storage capacity of the human brain? How can I remember all the information I study? Do scientists believe in God? How do vultures find their prey? How can I stop or reverse grey hair? What does a cataract operation involve? What is diastolic blood pressure? Are MRI scans harmful to toddlers? And is Dr Chris worried that AI will replace him?! Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsWhy don't melting ice cubes make my drink overflow?
How does polio cause disease? Why does ice added to a drink not make the glass overflow when the ice melts? What's the point of the appendix? Is old poison, past its expiry date, still toxic? What techniques …
Show notes
How does polio cause disease? Why does ice added to a drink not make the glass overflow when the ice melts? What's the point of the appendix? Is old poison, past its expiry date, still toxic? What techniques built the pyramids? How do we treat hypotension? Why do our brains use a disproportionate amount of energy for their weight? Could a fan push a boat along if the wind dropped? And is a dry eye after a cataract operation normal? Dr Chris and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsDo dogs dream?
Do dogs dream? Can someone who was born blind dream? Do animals have souls? Do certain eye colours have more advantages than others in terms of sight? What is blind sight? What are growing pains? Is it …
Show notes
Do dogs dream? Can someone who was born blind dream? Do animals have souls? Do certain eye colours have more advantages than others in terms of sight? What is blind sight? What are growing pains? Is it unhealthy to sleep with closed windows? And what is some advice for sleepwalkers? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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