5 Live Science Podcast

How deep under the sea can you dive, and what shape should your submarine be?

Are the “worm” graphs displayed during live televised political debates biasing voters? Is there a chemical cure for a fear of heights and why is the Pioneer Probe going slower than it should?

How serious to health are the leaks from the Fukishima nuclear plant? Dotun and Dr Karl are joined by Professor Dr Dale Bailey who's an expert in medical radiation science at the University of Sydney.

This week we hear about a breakthrough in the skin cancer melanoma, how scientists have managed for the first time to produce sperm in a culture dish and a possible future treatment for macular degeneration.

How do birds hear if they have a hole through their heads? Where does matter come from? Just some of the questions put to Dr Karl this week for the Up All Night science phone in.

Dr Karl discusses a breakthrough in how sperm get turned on: scientists have discovered how the female hormone progesterone activates sperm so they can fertilise an egg. The findings could also lead to new treatments for infertility and help to develop the next generation of contraceptives.

Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility seems to be on everyone's mind tonight. Dr Karl endeavours to answer those atomic questions.

The Naked Scientist this week analyses how big the earthquake and tsunami in Japan have been, asks how diamonds can help treat cancer and slices through to the truth about the humble potato peeler.

Dr Karl joins Rhod to answer all the latest science questions.

On the latest edition of The Naked Scientist - a new technique that could hold the key to the next generation of computer chips based on a brand new material. What is the popular painkiller that's just celebrated its 112th birthday? As well as all the latest news from the world of science.