Great Moments In Science

We know that the drug called cannabis, or marijuana, increases the appetitecommonly called the 'Marijuana Munchies', and we are finally getting closer to knowing what makes it happen. Half-a-billion years ago a biological system evolved to make sure that hungry animals would eat.

The ancient Romans thought that insects were attracted to bright light, and then there's the well-known phrase, "drawn like a moth to a flame", so it seems like people over many years have spotted insects coming into the lights, at night. But what's the real reason?

Host: Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

Some sleepers who act out their dreams are later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. As Dr Karl explains, it's one of a few slightly odd new diagnostic tools. 

The power of smell can't be understated — our noses don't just sniff out tasty treats, they can also alert us to danger. 

In this episode of Great Moments in Science, Dr Karl tells the story of a super-sniffer who might've unlocked a powerful diagnostic tool.

Atomic clocks are the most precise time-keepers we have.

But that doesn't mean they can escape the timey wimey effects of gravity. 

In this episode of Great Moments in Science, Dr Karl explains how this enables super-accurate clocks to not just measure time, but height as well.  

Humans have been dunking biscuits for as long as biscuits have existed. 

But why do we do it? Why are soggy biscuits so darn good?

In this archive episode of Great Moments in Science, Dr Karl submerges himself into the mechanics of this age-old activity.

Thousands of people will descend on the tiny WA town of Exmouth later this month to witness the Moon block out the Sun for a whopping one minute. 

But if you're a homebody not all that keen on a road trip, how long might it take to see a total solar eclipse from where you are right now?

Dr Karl investigates in this archive episode of Great Moments in Science.

Green potatoes — would you like them here or there? Would you like them anywhere?

Well as Dr Karl taught us last week, potatoes contain a potentially deadly chemical, and a green tinge is its greatest tell. 

In this archive episode, we explore why green potatoes are best avoided. 

Given the right (or wrong) circumstances, the humble potato packs a punch. 

It contains a chemical that could kill if ingested in large amounts. The catch-22? That chemical is exactly why potatoes taste so good. 

In this archive episode of Great Moments, Dr Karl digs into the science. 

What you eat or drink just after you finish pumping iron is crucial to laying down muscle. 

Dr Karl weighs up the best way to bulk up, in this archive episode of Great Moments in Science from 2011.