The inauguration of Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam has us looking at how we decide when, where, and even whether to build dams.But humans aren’t the only ones building dams – Loren Taylor of the Beaver Institute joins us to talk all about nature’s hydroengineers and the wide-spread benefits beavers (and their dams!) have on ecosystems. Also on the program, how close are we to clean energy from space, the science behind holding your breath for a really, really, really, REALLY long time, and how natural sounds can be turned into musical instruments. All that, plus more unexpected elements.Presenter: Alex Lathbridge with Andrada Fiscutean and Katie Silver
Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Robbie Wojciechowski.
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Punk rock science
A dinosaur with metre-long spikes has been discovered. The species, Spicomellus afer, is from the Jurassic Period and is the oldest example of a group of animals called ankylosaurs. The scientists behind the research have dubbed the new dinosaur the ‘punk rock dinosaur’, which led the Unexpected Elements team to go out searching for the science on all things punk, rock, and heavy metal.First up, we find out what other punks might be lurking in the fossil record. And meet a pair of unconventional molluscs. Next up on the set list, we investigate the physics underpinning mosh pits and the implications this could have for crowd control. We speak with Anirudh Patel, an astrophysicist from Columbia University, who is scouring deep space to find out more about the origins of heavy metals. And we dig into the unexpected link between water pipes and IQ. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Camilla Mota and Meral Jamal
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Lucy Davies and Robbie Wojciechowski
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Where do beaches come from?
It’s August, and in the northern hemisphere, many people are hitting the beach to escape the summer heat. And that inspired us to investigate bucketloads of beach-based science. First up, we find out about the forces that build and shape the seaside. Next, we discover that the waves from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai eruption reached the atmosphere. Speaking of waves, we’re joined by Dr Edward Hurme from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour, who tells us about his research into surfing bats. And why are beaches disappearing?All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Tristan Ahtone and Phillys Mwatee
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Imaan Moin, Robbie Wojciechowski and Lucy Davies
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Mountains of overtourism
As Nepal makes 97 peaks free to climb, we look at the science of overtourism – especially on mountains. How do so many visitors affect these environments, and what can be done? Plus, are mountains carbon sources, or carbon sinks? And why do we feel the drive to summit these peaks anyway? A psychologist specialising in thrill-seeking explains. Also on the show, we take your questions, read out your comments, and look at what it takes to physically measure the height of a peak like Everest.All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Caroline Steel, with Chhavi Sachdev and Leonie Joubert
Producers: Margaret Sessa Hawkins, with Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, Imaan Moin and Lucy Davies
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Why do we follow trends?
What's got rabbit-like ears, huge eyes, nine teeth and a demonic grin? It’s Labubu! These ugly-cute toys have gone viral online, largely thanks to social media’s trending machine. Their fame was previously limited to China and parts of Asia, but since 2024 their popularity has grown and the dolls can now be purchased in more than 30 countries round the world. This week, the global demand for Labubu inspired us to play around with trend-based science. First up, we hear how the special sauce behind TikTok’s algorithm helps drive viral trends. Next, we find out that humans are not the only ones that love a fad – chimpanzees are susceptible to them too!We then discover what connects the hugely popular Beanie Baby toys of the 1990s with modern CubeSat exploration, thanks to aerospace engineer Professor James Cutler, from the University of Michigan. Plus, we discuss a weird object thousands of light-years away that could lead to new physics.And why do we find songs annoying after multiple listens?All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Godfred Boafo and Edd Gent
Producers: Alice Lipscombe-Southwell, with Imaan Moin, Lucy Davies and Margaret Sessa Hawkins
The news you know, the science you don’t. Unexpected Elements looks beyond everyday narratives to discover a goldmine of scientific stories and connections from around the globe. From Afronauts, to why we argue, to a deep dive on animal lifespans: see the world in a new way.
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