Kleptotherms

In this episode, we consider a creature we often don’t think much about—the snail. And not just snails, but their sex lives. Which, as it turns out, is epic. There is persuasion and subterfuge, spaghetti penises and co-copulation. And this very surprising habit—erm kink—of making ...  Show more

In this episode, first aired in 2014, we examine three very different kinds of black boxes—spaces where we know what’s going in, we know what’s coming out, but can’t see what happens in-between. From the darkest parts of metamorphosis to a sixty-year-old secret among magicians, a ...  Show more

#154

When you're young in science class, you probably learned the phrase "freezing point," but is that even a thing? Is there a specific temperature at which things go from liquid to solid? Spoiler alert: Melissa thinks that's actually a huge ...

Joe and Fergus chat about all things mercury and find that there's much more to it than just thermometers! It's been used since ancient times - some thought it was the key to eternal life, despite its poisonous nature. Find out more in this week's episode. 

#178

Thermometers tell us what temperature something is. But how do the thermometers know what the temperature is? Who tells the thermometers? Or rather, how do thermometers accurately gauge what the temperature is, consistently, in high heat and ...

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the history of scientific ideas about heat. As anyone who’s ever burnt their hand will testify – heat is a pretty commonplace concept. Cups of coffee cool down, microwaves reheat them, water boils at 100 degrees and freezes on cold winter nights.Be ...  Show more