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Ask the Naked Scientists

Ask the Naked Scientists

Dr Chris Smith 790 Episodes Sep 18, 2026

A science Q&A podcast where listeners submit questions about the natural world, from anatomy and astronomy to biology and physics. Host Dr Chris Smith and experts provide clear, engaging answers to curious queries.

Episodes

Where did water come from, and why doesn't it go off?
Where did water come from, and why doesn't it go off? Sep 18, 2026 00:16:58 Can sensors help keep our roads in good shape? If the Earth is round, why aren't the people at the bottom standing upside down? How efficient is the human body? Why can't periods be controlled like going to the bathroom? Do animals have periods too? Where did water come from in the first place, and why doesn't it go off? Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja have the answers. Like this podcast? Pl
Is AI at risk of going rogue?
Is AI at risk of going rogue? Sep 11, 2026 00:21:20 Should we take AI warnings seriously? Do fingernails and hair grow more quickly after they are cut? How does caffeine trick the brain into making us feel less tired? Are high levels of low-density lipoprotein a concern? What is mirror life, and should we be worried? What's the attraction of an electric vehicle? Why is it so excruciating when someone scratches their nails down a chalkboard? Dr Chr
Can technology influence the weather?
Can technology influence the weather? Sep 4, 2026 00:21:14 How might technology influence or manipulate the weather? Can aircraft affect the weather? Are we getting better at detecting cancer before it becomes problematic? How does perfect pitch work? And why does our hearing change with age? Does weight have any impact on tides? If medication can reduce HIV to an undetectable level, why is there still no cure? Dr Chris Smith and Saskia Falken have the an
How does the Moon affect the tides?
How does the Moon affect the tides? Aug 28, 2026 00:22:07 Why might the shingles vaccine help prevent heart attacks? Does an eclipse affect how we sleep? Why do farts seem to stick around longer in the shower? How does toothpaste fight acidity? Can you train your brain to notice different frequencies? How does the Moon affect the tides? And why is it so much harder to stand on one foot with your eyes closed? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answ
Why do eyebrows grow so slowly?
Why do eyebrows grow so slowly? Aug 21, 2026 00:18:51 Have you ever wondered why eyebrows grow so slowly, or when you should brush your teeth in the morning? Can you tell the difference in sound between hot and cold water being poured? What causes those cold shivers down your spine? Is a spirit presence real? What controls how fast we move? Why do people mix oil with butter when cooking? And what's the best way to get vitamin D? Dr Chris Smith and Cl
What is love?
What is love? Aug 14, 2026 00:17:34 What is the science behind love? What scares a honey badger? Are there mammals that feel no fear? How do car pistons move so smoothly even at high speeds? Should humans eat meat? Why do people with bone marrow cancer often show no symptoms? Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja answer the questions. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
What is the life of an electric vehicle battery?
What is the life of an electric vehicle battery? Aug 7, 2026 00:21:37 How good are electric vehicle batteries? Why are EV fires so dangerous? What is acute flaccid myelitis? Why do people feel anxiety in different parts of their bodies? Why does our sight help with our balance? Are sons ever taller than their mums? Do flashing lights cause headaches? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scienti
What's the science behind itching and scratching?
What's the science behind itching and scratching? Jul 31, 2026 00:22:30 Are there technologies to remove smoke taint in wine affected by recent wildfires? What's the science behind itching? Can a tortoise survive 10 years locked up in a building? Why might an elderly dog or cat's behaviour change? Does microwaving damage food or reduce vitamin content? Can my blood pressure be affected by a jellyfish sting? Can we harvest energy from space? And is there a cure for neu
Why a helium balloon flies backwards when you hit the brakes
Why a helium balloon flies backwards when you hit the brakes Jul 24, 2026 00:25:29 How can algae microbots deliver drugs for bladder cancer? Why does a helium balloon fly backwards when you hit the brakes in a car? Does the Sun make ash? Will removing your gallbladder affect your cholesterol? Is there a symbiotic relationship between spiders and antelopes? Can cloud seeding affect rainfall? What causes restless legs? Why are global sperm counts dropping? And what holds the univ
Why do wombats have cube-shaped poo?
Why do wombats have cube-shaped poo? Jul 17, 2026 00:22:29 Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford return to answer your questions. Why do wombats produce cube-shaped droppings? Does sleeping position affect dreams? Can we predict penalty shootout winners? What do penalty statistics show about power vs placement? What are the pros and cons of statins? Is a cloned tree's DNA young or old? Why do golf balls have dimples? Could you outdrive Rory McIlroy on Mars? Li
What happens before we have a thought?
What happens before we have a thought? Jul 10, 2026 00:13:51 What is the impact of being a child in a home where a sibling has a chronic medical condition? What happens before we have a thought? How bad are processed foods for us? And how can a woman give birth to twins that have different fathers? Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists
Is it safe to eat dropped food?
Is it safe to eat dropped food? Jul 3, 2026 00:14:23 Do our digital lives leave us cognitively exhausted? Should we see a doctor when we are overly tired? How bad are processed foods for us? Is it safe to eat food you have dropped on the floor? Why do certain foods make us feel nauseous? And does laser hair removal work? Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

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