Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team present the latest science news, analysis and breakthroughs,  In this week's episode...did the black death really kill so many in Europe that if left an indelible mark in the population’s DNA? New research suggests that might be a myth. Also could smaller wine measures in pubs help to tackle our unhealthy relationship with alcohol and later on, the Cambridge engineers who are using science to plug the gaps in the UK pot-holed roads. Plus we continue our Titans of Science series, this week featuring the cosmologist, astrophysicist and member of the House of Lords, Martin Rees.  Get the podcast from the BBC Sounds app.

The Black Death, wine measures and pot holes

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

Science

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.

Artificial platelets, Bonobos and a tribute to Peter Higgs

Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team present the latest science news, analysis and breakthroughs,  In this week's episode we discuss why our belly fat could be key to helping people with spinal injuries, a breakthrough in understanding why the BRCA genes lead to breast cancer in some people and we look at the new breed of synthetic opioids making their way on to the streets of Britain, and find out why they’re so deadly.  Get the podcast from the BBC Sounds app.

Belly fat, BRCA gene and synthetic opioids

Dr Chris Smith and the Naked Scientist team find out how climate change is making the earth turn more slowly, whether vaccines can combat bovine tuberculosis, and take an in depth look at our understanding of Alzheimer’s.

The Black Death, wine measures and pot holes

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