Best Turning Tides Project Podcasts (2025)

Today on the Naked Scientists: a pig lung is transplanted into a man in China, but what was the outcome? Also, scientists have a theory for the origins of Dark Energy - and it makes sense that a black hole might be the source! And, why the dawn chorus is starting earlier and finishing later these days: what's getting into wildlife? Like this podcas…

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What can we do about hair loss? 36:32

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2d ago36:32

36:32

In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we look at the science of hair, why we suffer hair loss, treatments that can slow hair loss, whether wigs are any good, and what happens during a hair transplant? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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Apple wins privacy row, and microbes dictate chocolate taste 34:40

6d ago34:40

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists, Apple locked horns with the UK government who were demanding a security back door through the company's encryption. What was the outcome? Also, scientists discover the secret to the tastiest chocolate - it's all down to microbes. And, archaeologists uncover the earliest evidence yet of our ancestors using st…

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What Niger's AMR outbreak means for the world 31:03

9d ago31:03

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists, why we need to pay closer attention to antimicrobial resistance in some of the world's poorest nations... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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Decoding our inner voice, and hunting for life on Mars 36:35

13d ago36:35

36:35

In this edition of The Naked Scientists: the scientists who think they can decode the thoughts we hear in our heads. Also ahead: do ultra-processed foods make it much harder to lose weight? Plus, we hear from the PhD student who is aiding the search for life on Mars... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists…

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#33: Kira Smiley – Seeing the Unseen: Ocean Tech, AI, and the Data-Driven Future of Aquaculture 1:13:34

16d ago1:13:34

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Send us a text Kira Smiley is the Global Director of Sales and Marketing at TidalX AI, a startup born from Google[x] (now X, the moonshot factory), focused on developing radical technologies to support the ocean economy while sustainably managing and protecting it. Since joining Tidal in 2020, Kira has worn several hats across business development,…

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'Three-parent babies' prevent inherited genetic condition 26:56

16d ago26:56

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James Tytko explores the science behind 'three-parent' embryos: the incredible medical procedure that prevents children from inheriting incurable mitochondrial diseases. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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Augustine Herrman’s Map 34:28

20d ago34:28

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I got the idea for this episode talking to a bartender in Prague. The place was empty, and the fellow was garrulous and quickly said he loved American history, which naturally prompted me to suggest a podcast where he could find some. The barkeep called my bluff – “did I know who Augustine Herrman was?” Uh, noooo. It turns out he was a Bohemian – n…

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Medicinal microbes for kidney stones, and musky mice 31:24

20d ago31:24

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In the news, why a dose of bacteria might be the solution to combating kidney stones. What tooth enamel tells us about the lives and diets of dinosaurs. And what the world's most abundant insects can teach robots... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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A 21st century guide to hunting dinosaur fossils 33:05

23d ago33:05

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we are on the hunt for dinosaurs as we explore how cutting edge tech, chisels, and canoes go hand in hand when changing the way we view our prehistoric past... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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Old drug new tricks, and a sensational bionic leg 31:53

27d ago31:53

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In the news, an old drug heralds a new treatment for the gut parasite Cryptosporidium; the bionic-knee that anticipates where amputees want to go to make movements much more natural; and why we're spotting more Near-Earth Objects, and whether one may hit us. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists…

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The science of modern warfare 30:08

1M ago30:08

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists, how is science helping to shape the future of warfare? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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Sidebar Conversation: Phil Magness on The 1619 Project 1:32:39

1M ago1:32:39

1:32:39

Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Dr. Phillip W. Magness is an economic historian and the David J. Theroux Chair in Political Economy at the Independent Institute. Magness’ research has appeared in multiple scholarly venues, including the Economic Journal, the Journal of Political Economy, the Journal of Business Ethics, the Southern Econo…

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Malaria bites back, and the lunar base race 38:27

1M ago38:27

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In the news podcast, what's causing the uptick in malaria cases in Africa? Also, scientists show statistically that the sex of a baby at birth is not random, and South Korea joins the throng in the race for settling on the Moon. Then, we hear how computer scientists are programming ethical AI to explain its decision making, and, sticking with AI, w…

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King Philip’s War 9: Aftermath 35:18

1M ago35:18

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This is the last episode of our telling of King Philip’s War. We cover the fate of the last Algonquian sachems, including the daring capture of Annawon, and the consequences of the war for the Indians who fought it and the colonies of New England. We consider the wisdom of the war, and especially the morality, or lack thereof, in the fighting of it…

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Vivaldi: The data revolution coming to care homes 30:11

1M ago30:11

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There are more than sixteen thousand care homes across the UK, housing around half a million people. Staggering numbers. They are meant to be places of safety, support, and quiet, relaxed companionship for the people who live and work in them. But when COVID-19 arrived, they became one of the pandemic's deadliest frontlines. In a bid to see what mi…

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Ancient Antarctic ice cores & is a sense of humour genetic? 40:23

1M ago40:23

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Scientists get their hands on the oldest ice on Earth, and we've been to see it, but what's it going to reveal? Also, measles is on the up, again; we find out why. And, is humour genetic? We talk to the scientist who has studied hundreds of pairs of twins to find out! Like this podcast? Please help us by sup…

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25 years of the Human Genome Project 31:18

1M ago31:18

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we look at 25 years of the Human Genome Project. What is it? And what has it achieved? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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King Philip’s War 8: The Defeat of the Algonquians 43:11

2M ago43:11

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Maps of New England during King Philip’s War In May 1676 the tide of King Philip’s War had turned against the Algonquians of southern New England, but the New English settlers didn’t know it yet. They would soon. Suddenly, in a matter of a few weeks, the Algonquian resistance collapsed. This episode looks at that collapse through the eyes of Benjam…

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Fitter fat cells, and Earth spins slightly faster 41:40

2M ago41:40

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This week, the cells that vanish when we slim down: are these the link between obesity and health problems like diabetes? Also, the bacteria that might be able to shield us from the "forever chemicals" we're all eating. Plus, why will 3 days over the next month be a millisecond shorter than they should be? Like this podcast? Please help us by suppo…

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#32: Linzi Hawkin – Impact Strategy Expert On Building Purpose-Driven Ocean Businesses That Make Real Impact And Real Money 1:24:33

2M ago1:24:33

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Send us a text Linzi Hawkin is a creative strategist passionate about protecting the ocean through the power of strategy, storytelling, and education. She is the co-founder of Protect Blue - an ocean-focused organisation built around two core pathways: a creative agency that partners with NGOs, governments, and brands to drive tangible impact, and …

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Can genetics grow a better garden? 29:14

2M ago29:14

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we pay a visit to Cambridge University Botanic Garden to ask 'can genetics help grow a better garden?' Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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The "Nanny Plate" debate, and the Neanderthal fat factory 33:32

2M ago33:32

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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 c…

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Why proteins matter 29:30

2M ago29:30

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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 shapes win a recent Nobel prize? Like this podcast? Please help us by…

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King Philip’s War 7: The Turn of the Tide 35:56

2M ago35:56

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Maps of New England during King Philip’s War March 1676 had been catastrophic for the settlers of New England. Algonquians allied with Metacom (King Philip) attacked all across the frontier, forcing the evacuation of far-flung towns in both Massachusetts and Plymouth, and destroying Providence, Rhode Island. The tide, however, was about to turn. Th…

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Weight loss jab concerns, and crafty bribing caterpillars 35:31

2M ago35:31

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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 Rubin Observatory, which is shedding new light on the cosmos... Like this…

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On thin ice: The race to save Antarctica 32:31

2M ago32:31

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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 ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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HPV vaccine uptake wanes, and boozeless beer health concerns 33:25

2M ago33:25

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists: HPV vaccination rates are waning. We examine the importance of the jab. Also ahead: why Africa is key to understanding the evolution of early humans. Plus, the reasons alcohol-free booze might actually not be all that good for us... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists…

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Titans of Science: Sharon Peacock 30:56

2M ago30:56

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In the final installment of this season of Titans of Science, Chris Smith speaks with Sharon Peacock, one of the UK's leading voices in infectious disease research. She is best known for her work on whole genome sequencing of pathogens such as MRSA and SARS CoV-2, and studies of antimicrobial resistance... Like this podcast? Please help us by suppo…

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King Philip’s War 6: The Awful Winter of 1676 34:59

2M ago34:59

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Maps of New England during King Philip’s War After the Great Swamp Fight, Josiah Winslow turned away overtures from the Narragansetts for a ceasefire, incorrectly believing he had the upper hand. Instead, he pursued the Narrangansetts, stumbling into the “hungry march,” in which Winslow and his starving militia were lured to the north by the Narrag…

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Naked Scientists SOS 3:30

3M ago3:30

3:30

Cambridge University have informed us that, for cost cutting reasons, they intend to make Dr Chris Smith redundant. Naturally, this jeopardises the Naked Scientists programme, which is produced under his role. He will also lose his medical job. We regard this as a terrible decision and we intend to protest. Please listen to this short podcast to he…

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UK commits to new nuclear plant, and robot surgery 31:24

3M ago31:24

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists: the UK commits to building a new nuclear power station. But is it worth the hefty price tag? Also, how robots are revolutionising surgery. We'll ask what they can and can't do. And, how NASA's top scientists track rogue near-Earth objects with remarkable precision... Like this podcast? Please help us by supp…

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#31: Olly Hicks – World Record Ocean Explorer Turned Aquaculture Entrepreneur, the Expedition Mindset Every Ocean Entrepreneur Needs to Succeed, Nutrient Credits and Securing Funding for Ocean Projects ... 1:11:02

3M ago1:11:02

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Send us a text Olly Hicks is a world record-breaking British ocean explorer, motivational speaker, and ocean entrepreneur. Known for his minimalistic, human-powered expeditions, Hicks is the first and currently only person to have rowed solo from America to England, completing this feat in 2005 at the age of 23, making him the youngest person to ro…

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How can we improve young people's mental health? 27:35

3M ago27:35

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The mental health of the young is reaching breaking point, globally. A recent analysis by a panel of leading researchers, young people, and policy experts, has warned that, without targeted action, by 2030, 42 million years of healthy life could be lost to mental illness or suicide; that's two million more than ten years ago. So today we're asking,…

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King Philip’s War 5: Enter the Narragansetts 43:26

3M ago43:26

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Maps of New England during King Philip’s War It is the fall of 1675, and “King Philip’s War” rages on. The English colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, and Connecticut have been at war with the Wampanoag nation and its powerful allies, the Nipmucs, since late June. The Indians are beating the English everywhere, in part because the English cann…

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Africa's cholera surge, and colliding galaxies 35:30

3M ago35:30

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists: African leaders hold emergency talks about deadly outbreaks of cholera on the continent. But why is this happening, and what can be done to curb the threat? The James Webb Space Telescope breaks another cosmic record spotting the oldest galaxy ever seen, dating from just 280 million years after the Big Bang.…

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Prostate cancer: When should we intervene? 37:15

3M ago37:15

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Today's programme is all about prostate cancer; exploring what the disease is, who gets it, and how it can be treated. We'll explore the game-changing test from a Cambridge based firm, and question whether sometimes the best approach is to leave the cancer alone... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists…

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UK invests in 'cyber army', and turning lead into gold 32:24

3M ago32:24

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists: The UK announces a 1 billion pound budget for a cyber army: but what will these keyboard warriors be doing? Also, a vaccine for norovirus that is just one pill. And, physicists at CERN turn lead into gold, albeit briefly! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists…

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Titans of Science: Simon Baron-Cohen 32:59

3M ago32:59

32:59

In this edition of The Naked Scientists, Titans of Science continues with Autism research pioneer, Simon Baron-Cohen... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked ScientistsBy The Naked Scientists

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Sidebar: “The Soldier’s Faith,” a Memorial Day Speech (Encore Presentation)

3M ago

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This is an encore presentation of a Sidebar episode we originally posted on Memorial Day 2023. It seems even more relevant today, strange as that may seem, consumed as we are now about questions of war and peace, and the role of elite universities, such as Harvard, in our own national project. On May 30 – Memorial Day — 1895, Oliver Wendell Holmes,…

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Curing mosquitoes' malaria, and the history of our units 33:36

3M ago33:36

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists: The new drug that cures mosquitoes of malaria. Intrigued? You'll see why scientists have done this, in just a minute. Also, the Microsoft AI system set to revolutionise weather forecasting, so you can plan that barbecue with impunity in future! And, 150 years of the metre, kilo and second: how science finall…

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The rising tide of fungal diseases 35:16

3M ago35:16

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This episode of The Naked Scientists was brought to you in partnership with the health foundation Wellcome.In this edition of The Naked Scientists, we return to the world of fungi and why this is one of the most serious health threats you haven't heard of... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists…

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DNA frees man after 38 years, and breast cancer breakthrough 36:46

4M ago36:46

36:46

In this edition of The Naked Scientists: New DNA evidence helps free a British man after 38 years in prison. Also, Cambridge scientists push up breast cancer survival rates and cut side effects with a new treatment regimen. And, why the near and the far side of the Moon are world's apart in appearance: it's all down to temperature differences insid…

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Titans of Science: Sarah Parcak 30:32

4M ago30:32

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Sarah Parcak was born in Bangor, Maine on the 23rd of November 1978. She attended Bangor High School before reading Egyptology and Archaeology at Yale University. She then studied here in Cambridge under the supervision of the world-renowned Egyptologist Barry Kemp. After that, she was a teacher at Swansea University and then also at the University…

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Interview with Matthew J. Tuininga 1:06:35

4M ago1:06:35

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Matthew J. Tuininga is Professor of Christian Ethics and the History of Christianity at Calvin Theological Seminary in Michigan. He is author or editor of several books, including most recently The Wars of the Lord: The Puritan Conquest of America’s First People, which has been an important source for this podcast’s series on King Philip’s War. Thi…

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Tough climate future ahead, and self-inflicted snake bites 37:52

4M ago37:52

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists: A landmark report that outlines the generational impact of climate change; also, the man bitten by snakes and even injected with venom hundreds of times has provided the key to a powerful new antivenom; and a breakthrough in oven technology that's helping to cook up a revolution in industrial baking... Like …

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How fungi shape our world 33:50

4M ago33:50

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This episode of The Naked Scientists was brought to you in partnership with the health foundation Wellcome. This week, the first in a two-part series on the hidden world of fungi. What we do - and don't - know about them, and how the fungal landscape is set to shift as our climate changes. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked S…

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Indus River in Kashmir crossfire, and gene-stealing cancers 35:13

4M ago35:13

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In this edition of The Naked Scientists: Will - and could - India switch off the water supply to Pakistan amid mounting tensions over Kashmir? Also, how a transmissible canine cancer from 8000 years ago is shedding fresh light on tumour biology - and how cancers can steal foreign genes, today. And, testing out a virtual reality tool designed to hel…

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Titans of Science: Andrew Pollard 32:04

4M ago32:04

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Today's Titan is former chair of the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, and a key figure in the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine which rolled out during the Covid pandemic. Andrew Pollard tells Chris Smith how vaccines work, how public health bodies decide what to protect us against, and how current technology will shape the future of …