Dr Chris Smith and a panel of experts answer your science questions for the New Year, including: how starts burn for millions of years?  How do you create a nation of mathematicians?  And how can misinformation change the shapes of our brains?

New Year's Q&A

5 Live's science podcast, featuring Dr Chris and Naked Scientists with the hottest science news stories and analysis.

Science

The hottest science news, stories and analysis from Dr Chris and the Naked Scientists.
In this episode a new vaccine to build immunity and scientists have found their first rocky planet with an atmosphere, around a nearby star.

Scientists find their first rocky planet with an atmosphere

Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team present the latest science news, analysis and breakthroughs. This week, as AstraZeneca acknowledged that their COVID vaccine is linked to a rare blood clotting side effect, we find out more about it. Plus how scientists are getting closer to cracking nuclear fusion, and how adding bacteria could be key to breaking down plastic. We also discover how zero gravity affects the body, and how science is looking at the future impact of long journeys away from Earth ahead of further exploration into space. Get the podcast from the BBC Sounds app.

Zero Gravity

Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team present the latest science news, analysis and breakthroughs. In this week's programme: scientists give mice a rat's sense of smell; we find out why some of China's biggest cities are sinking; and 14 years after disaster struck in the Gulf of Mexico, how laser-treated cork may be able to help us to clean up oil spills in future. Plus, a special look at ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as we find out what it is, who's got it and how science can help us to better manage it.

ADHD, sinking cities, and cleaning up oil spills

Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team discover:  Why we need stricter smoking and vaping controls and will they work?  The remains of what’s believed to be the largest reptile to have roamed our Severn Seas.  A tribute to the BA pilot who saved his air passengers from a volcanic ash cloud – so why are volcanoes so disastrous for jet engines?   Finally, a look at how food production will cope with climate change in the future.

Smoking and vaping controls, the remains of the largest sea reptile, volcanic ash and jet engines and food production

Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team present the latest science news, analysis and breakthroughs.  In this week's episode….Scientists invent artificial platelets to help us clot blood better, why it might be time to reappraise the peace loving nature of Bonobos, why the moon apparently turned itself inside out in the past.  Plus as a special tribute to the revered British Scientist Peter Higgs who died this week aged 94, his friend Lyn Evans tells us about the 40 year search for the Higgs boson particle that provides some answers to life, the universe and everything… Get the podcast from the BBC Sounds app.

New Year's Q&A

Download our free app to listen on your phone