Episodes

  • Why do dogs make a beeline for underwear and smelly socks?

    Why do dogs make a beeline for underwear and smelly socks?
    Nov 28 2025
    Why do dogs make a beeline for underwear and smelly socks? Also, do we really get taller at night, why do some colours reflect and others absorb light, does our skin get thinner as we age, and what's the basis of lisps and accents? Dr Chris Smith and Amy Maciver have the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    17 mins
  • Are zebras black with white stripes?

    Are zebras black with white stripes?
    Nov 21 2025
    Are any people particularly susceptible to alopecia-linked hair loss? Also, what causes eczema and why does it keep recurring, why are the progeny of different species infertile, why does hair go grey but not always symmetrically, and Is asthma a risk factor for bronchitis? Plus, are zebras actually black with white stripes, or white with black stripes?! Join Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford to Ask the Naked Scientist... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    17 mins
  • Will we find a cure for diabetes?

    Will we find a cure for diabetes?
    Nov 14 2025
    In Ask! the Naked Scientists, Dr Chris Smith answers listeners' medical questions. This time, what causes a black eye? How can we alleviate the pain from a trapped nerve? How can you best stop severe bleeding? Why is sickle cell anaemia more common in Africa? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    21 mins
  • Is an elephant really related to a hyrax?

    Is an elephant really related to a hyrax?
    Nov 7 2025
    Is an elephant really a close relative of a hyrax? What are blood groups? Is there really such a thing as a selfish gene? How did males and females evolve? What makes us feel sleepy? And how can chickenpox be lethal? Join Dr Chris and Clarence Ford as we ask the Naked Scientist! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    22 mins
  • Are some people missing an arm muscle?

    Are some people missing an arm muscle?
    Oct 31 2025
    Are some people missing arm muscles? Are there other muscles that we're losing? Can bats and moles actually see? Can the side effects of prostate surgery be reversed? Is there a cure for Dupuytren's contracture? Do we know what long COVID is? What are bluebottle jellies? Can we protect our food from microplastics? Should you get a rabies check after every dog bite? Dr Chris Smith and Saskia Falken have all the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    25 mins
  • Are satellites safe from terrorist attacks?

    Are satellites safe from terrorist attacks?
    Oct 24 2025
    What happens to helium balloons that float away? Are satellites safe from terrorist attacks? Why does the truth hurt? Why does some poo float after flushing? Are there any treatments for tinnitus? Do headphones contribute to tinnitus? What are restless legs? What is the best way to regulate cortisol levels? Why does the body wake us up to wee? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have all the answers... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    22 mins
  • For a short time, I forgot who I was. What happened?

    For a short time, I forgot who I was. What happened?
    Oct 17 2025
    Why does La Nina cause more rainfall in South Africa? How can we keep our skin moist without buying products? Is it possible to be averse to iron in your diet? What causes hot flushes during the menopause? What could cause a potential iron taste in my mouth? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    23 mins
  • Are women really more nurturing?

    Are women really more nurturing?
    Oct 10 2025
    It's another jam-packed episode of Ask the Naked Scientist, illuminating listener questions - in all their usual, rich variety - with fascinating scientific explanations. What do we know about the latest interstellar objects to pass through our Solar System? Is having a great memory all upside? Why does eating pineapple hurt the inside of your mouth? Do waves really come in sets of seven? Does silver have antibiotic properties? Is there a limit to the number of pop songs that can be written? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
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    21 mins