logo
episode-header-image
Yesterday
12m 22s

Where’s the worst place you’ve ever gott...

Bbc World Service
About this episode

Where’s the worst place you’ve ever gotten sick? Bet you cant beat space!

For the first time since it launched in 1998, astronauts have been evacuated from the International Space Station because of a health problem. They are now back on Earth, but the rare incident has put the spotlight on just how much preparation goes into space flight - and what happens when things don’t go to plan. So - what can you do if you get sick in space?

BBC science correspondent Georgina Rannard explains how astronauts treat illnesses in space and what it’s like being on the ISS (spoiler: it’s actually VERY hard to keep clean).

Dr Na’im Merchant, an infectious diseases doctor interested in astro-microbiology, explains what kind of illnesses astronauts get in space. And we hear from a former astronaut about staying healthy before and after take-off.

Instagram: @bbcwhatintheworld Email: whatintheworld@bbc.co.uk WhatsApp: +44 330 12 33 22 6 Presenter: Iqra Farooq Producers: Emily Horler, William Lee Adams and Chelsea Coates Editor: Verity Wilde

Up next
Today
Should women be included in conscription?
In most countries around the world where there is mandatory military service, it largely applies to just men. Denmark, Sweden and Norway have all brought in conscription laws for women in recent years. Experts say more countries are hoping to strengthen their armies and respond t ... Show More
8m 58s
Jan 16
Are BTS still the K-pop kings?
K-pop megastars BTS have announced their long-awaited comeback, after their military service for the South Korean army took them out of the game for four years. There’s gonna be a new album, a world tour AND an extravagant 360 degree stage, meaning tickets sales can be maxed out, ... Show More
12m 8s
Jan 15
How ultra-processed foods impact the body
Ultra-processed food - things like biscuits and crisps - are making up more and more of our diets globally. In the US and the UK, ultra-processed food actually make up half the calories we eat. New research is calling for more action to reduce this intake because of its potential ... Show More
12m 2s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Albanese Announces the Australian Election
In today’s episode, we cover why Canada is marking a ‘new-era’ for US-Canadian relations, China’s push to enthral global business leaders, the 7.7 magnitude Myanmar earthquake, and Australia's upcoming election. Watch TLDR’s latest videos here:Why the DRC is Offering Trump a Mine ... Show More
6m 15s
Jul 2024
Screaming and freezing: the kids put in Queensland isolation cells
The Queensland state government has been proudly promoting what it says is the success of its tough approach to youth crime. But as the number of arrests rise, there are concerns for the welfare of some of the state’s most vulnerable children. Guardian Australia’s Queensland corr ... Show More
24m 34s
May 2024
David Littleproud wants a nuclear reactor in your suburb
<p>Australians will be heading to the polls to vote in a federal election in 2025, and nuclear power is shaping up to be a key battleground.<br>Labor is pushing ahead with renewables as the key source of green energy for Australia, but the Coalition thinks building reactors is th ... Show More
24m 9s
Nov 2024
‘We will not give up on you’: The Bali Nine might be coming home
Headlines: The Greens back Labor’s housing bill, Israel to vote on Hezbollah ceasefire, Google, Meta and X react to social media ban, and Wicked enjoys a bumper weekend at the Aussie box office. Deep Dive: The Bali Nine were a group of nine Australians convicted for attempting to ... Show More
22m 18s
Dec 2023
Luxon to meet Australian PM Albanese in Sydney
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is being warned if he wants to strengthen New Zealand's security relationship with Australia, he'll need to boost defence spending. Luxon will fly to Sydney on Wednesday, in what will be his first overseas engagement since taking office. He expect ... Show More
3m 14s
Apr 2025
The most fiery debate yet + Sex offender register won't stop predators
Wednesday Headlines: Peter Dutton wins third leaders' debate, the coalition to announce increased defence spending, details of Pope Francis' funeral revealed, NZ bill to define men and women by their biology, 25 Australian swimmers may have been robbed of Olympic medals and the Q ... Show More
24m 12s
Aug 2025
Floods, mangroves and rampaging tractors
This week, floods have hit the global headlines. First up, we delve into the various reasons why floods form. After learning about the causes of floods, we discover a nature-based solution in the form of mangrove forests. Laura Michie from the Mangrove Action Project tells us why ... Show More
49m 30s
Oct 2020
The Aussies fighting for a Bali memorial site
<p>Eighteen years ago today 202 people including 88 Australians were killed in a terror attack in the tourist district of Bali.&nbsp;A powerful car bomb, hidden inside a white Mitsubishi van, was detonated by a suicide bomber right outside the Sari Club, a renowned open-air thatc ... Show More
20m 10s
May 2024
How can genetically engineered mosquitoes stop malaria?
The first batch of genetically modified mosquitoes is being released in Djibouti in a bid to stop the spread of malaria carrying vectors that bite during the day and thrive in urban areas. How does this work?Also, an overview of South Africa's 'historic' elections.   Who are the ... Show More
30m 11s