logo
episode-header-image
Jul 4
33m 32s

The "Nanny Plate" debate, and the Neande...

THE NAKED SCIENTISTS
About this episode
In the news, counting the calories: The UK government want shops to help us put 100 fewer calories in our baskets to beat obesity. So will it work? Also, archaeologists uncover the world's oldest fat factory - it turns out that Neanderthals were processing bones for their grease 125,000 years ago, but why? And on Mars the Curiosity rover captures close-up images of spiderweb-like patterns on the planet surface, but what made them? Listeners are also wondering whether green initiatives really do help to save the planet... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Up next
Jul 1
Why proteins matter
This episode was produced and presented by Dr Marushka Soobben, a scientist from South Africa who's been taking part in an internship here at the Naked Scientists. And this week, a journey into the world of proteins. What are they? why do they matter? And why did predicting their ... Show More
29m 30s
Jun 27
Weight loss jab concerns, and crafty bribing caterpillars
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, weight loss jabs being prescribed by GPs in England, but do we know enough about the side effects? Also, a new simple test to replace endoscopies for patients with Barrett's oesophagus. And we hear from one of the engineers at the Vera Rub ... Show More
35m 31s
Jun 24
On thin ice: The race to save Antarctica
In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we speak to the Cambridge scientists who have made it their mission to understand climate change in one of the world's most inhospitable regions... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists 
32m 31s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
What is the Immune System Secret Weapon to Fight Disease?
Have you ever wondered how our body fights off infection and disease? It's a pretty cool process. Our guest, Dr. Namita Gandi, is an immunologist and she is going to explain the secret weapon that your immune system posseses to keep you healthy.   #sciencepodcast #sciencepodcastf ... Show More
29m 12s
Jun 9
Effective Strategies to Be More Persuasive &The Surprising Power of Being Nice
The next time you or your kids get a shot at the doctor’s office or face anything that you know is going to be painful, there is a little trick you can use that should reduce the pain substantially. Listen as I explain what it is. https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn27514-hold ... Show More
52m 51s
Mar 2025
Why Would You Build an Exoskeleton?
You may know that some animals have exoskeletons, but why would a human want to build an exoskeleton? Perhaps if robots are involved. Take a listen to Bill Billotte, executive director of the Exo Technology Center of Excellence as he talks to us about the usefulness of exosuits a ... Show More
32m 12s
Jun 18
Why Your Gut Loves a Good Workout
Host Rachel Feltman explores the surprising connection between exercise and the gut microbiome with Scientific American contributing editor Lydia Denworth. Drawing from her latest reporting, Denworth explains how aerobic activity can influence the microbial ecosystems in our dige ... Show More
9m 51s
Feb 2025
Recap: Why we avoid exercise and how to overcome it | Daniel Lieberman
Today we’re exploring what evolution can teach us about exercise. When it comes to doing exercise, there’s often a tug-of-war between our body and brain. Our body craves movement - it wants to be leaner, fitter, stronger. But our brain? Well, that’s a different story. It often dr ... Show More
11m 24s
Jun 2024
How Your Refrigerator Changed Your Life & Why Are There Volcanoes?
In an argument there are usually two things going on that make it so difficult. Listen as I begin this episode by explaining what those two important things are and how to fix them so you can then move forward and resolve the argument. Source: Jim Ferrell author of The Anatomy of ... Show More
47m 40s
Apr 24
Your Brain on Screens: Myths and Facts & How Your Body Keeps You Alive
You are familiar with the advice that you shouldn’t go grocery shopping when you are hungry because you will spend more money and buy more junk. However, that’s just a piece of story. Hunger and shopping are related in other ways. This episode begins by explaining how. https://ph ... Show More
50m 9s
Jan 2025
Recap: What is inflammation and how can I control it | Prof. Philip Calder
Today we’re discussing inflammation. We hear this word a lot from guests on the ZOE podcast. It’s always coming up when we ask questions about health conditions like Alzheimer's, cancer or heart disease. It’s clearly very important, however many of us still don’t fully understand ... Show More
15m 14s
Dec 2024
Debunking 'junk' DNA
In this episode of Naked Genetics: What new DNA techniques are revealing about human sacrifices in Mayan culture; we debunk the 'junk', in junk DNA; and, the upside down sea snail that makes rafts of its own snot... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scient ... Show More
32m 47s
Apr 14
When to Take a Risk or Play it Safe & Why You Need More Muscle
Why do airplanes have ashtrays if smoking is prohibited? Could someone open the airplane door in mid-flight? What are the green and red flashing lights on the plane for? These are some of the common questions about air travel that I answer to start this episode. https://www.smart ... Show More
54m 10s