Mysteries of Science
Science & Ideas
About
The team behind The Week Junior's Science+Nature magazine investigate unexplained phenomenon with the help of expert guests.
Episodes
- The Truth About Dragons
This episode of Mysteries of Science investigates the prevalence of dragon myths across various cultures and seeks scientific explanations for their origins. The discussion covers topics from Viking myths to Chinese legends and explores co…
- What came first, the chicken or the egg?
In this special episode of Mysteries of Science, experts answer listener questions, including the debate over whether the chicken or the egg came first. The episode also covers topics such as wormholes, the purpose of fingerprints, and the…
- Where's Bigfoot?
Dan and Ciaran explore the legend of Bigfoot, examining its history from ancient Indigenous cave art to modern reports of footprints and strange woodland noises. They discuss whether the creature is a real animal or folklore.
- Deepfakes
Dan and Michael explore the technology behind deepfakes, how they are created, and why they are becoming more difficult to identify. The episode features insights from tech experts and researchers on the impact of AI and how to develop dig…
- Undercover in Area 51
Dan and Michael investigate the mysteries of Nevada's Area 51, exploring theories ranging from top-secret military aircraft testing to claims of extraterrestrial activity.
- Curious lives of octopuses
Hosts Dan and Michael explore the biological traits and intelligence of octopuses. They discuss the creature's three hearts, color-changing skin, and arm dexterity to understand why they are considered masters of disguise.
- Flashy dinos
The Science+Nature team and expert guests explore how scientific understanding of dinosaur appearance has evolved from scaly reptiles to creatures with varied colors and feathers.
- Smart machines and artificial intelligence
This episode explores the concept of artificial intelligence, examining how smart machines work and discussing the potential future implications of advanced computer intelligence.
- Black holes
Hosts Dan and Michael explore the science of black holes, discussing star collapse, the event horizon, radio waves, spaghettification, and potential risks to Earth.
- Bermuda Triangle: Do planes really go missing?
The team investigates the history and mysteries surrounding the Bermuda Triangle, a well-known area in the Caribbean associated with disappearing aircraft.
- Shark Secrets
Hosts Michael and Jenny explore the world of sharks to determine if they are dangerous predators or misunderstood creatures.
- Communicating with aliens
Dan and Ciaran explore the potential for human communication with extraterrestrial life in this episode of Mysteries of Science.
- Everything you need to know about weather
In this episode of Mysteries of Science, hosts Michael and Stevie explore the science behind weather systems and how they function.
- Is shapeshifting possible?
This episode of Mysteries of Science explores the concept of shapeshifting and questions whether such transformations could ever be possible.
- Unearthing Sutton Hoo
Dan and Stevie explore the archaeological history of the Sutton Hoo burial site, investigating questions about who was buried in the ship and the reported sightings of ghostly figures. Experts join the hosts to discuss the site's significa…
- In search of Planet X
In this episode of Mysteries of Science, hosts Ciaran and Dan discuss the definition of a planet and investigate the possibility of a mysterious Planet X located beyond Neptune.
- Loch Ness Monster
This episode explores the history and legends surrounding the Loch Ness Monster. It discusses sightings, scientific investigations, and potential explanations for the creature.
- Mariana Trench
This episode of Mysteries of Science explores the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, examining its unique environment and the challenges associated with exploring it.
- What killed Venus?
Hosts Michael and Stevie explore why Venus, despite being considered Earth's twin, is so hostile to life. They investigate the conditions on the planet to understand its deadly climate.
- How to sail like Moana
Dan and Stevie explore how Polynesian wayfinding techniques allowed for the historical settlement of islands across the Pacific Ocean. This episode examines the methods used by ancient navigators ahead of the release of Moana 2.
- Animal consciousness
Stevie and Michael discuss animal consciousness with experts, exploring how various animals, including dolphins, octopuses, and pets, experience the world. The episode investigates the intelligence of animals in comparison to humans.
- Oumuamua
Hosts Dan and Michael discuss the 2017 passage of the mysterious object Oumuamua through our solar system, examining its unusual characteristics and the various theories regarding its origins.
- Your Mysteries: Moonbows, werewolves, and dinosaur extinction
In this episode of Mysteries of Science, Michael and Stevie answer listener questions, exploring the science behind moonbows and the causes of dinosaur extinction.
- Magic potions
Hosts Stevie and Michael discuss the real-life inspirations behind magic potions in the Harry Potter series, including historical figure Henry Lloyd Snape. The episode also features illustrator Johnny Duddle and asks listeners to contribut…
- Future of food: Would you eat insects?
This episode of Mysteries of Science explores whether insects could become a sustainable food source. The discussion features segments from the Cheltenham Science Festival and an interview with dairy farmer Rich.
- Your Mysteries
Dan and Stevie, joined by Professor Brian Cox and other guests, answer listener questions about various scientific topics, including the temperature of space and jellyfish stings.
- Altruism
Dan and Michael examine the concept of altruism, discussing examples ranging from food-sharing vampire bats to human charitable giving. They explore the motivations behind kindness in both animals and people.
- Thylacines
Dan and Michael explore the possibility that the thylacine, also known as the Tasmanian tiger or Tasmanian wolf, is not extinct and may still live in Australian forests.
- Return to Area 51
Michael and Dan return from a mid-season break to explore the mysteries surrounding Area 51. They discuss the potential secrets held within the remote US military base in the desert.
- Area 51
Episode of Mysteries of Science exploring the reality behind Area 51, a top-secret Nevada military base. Michael, Dan, and a group of experts investigate the legends surrounding alien spacecraft and the base's history.
- Dinosaurs
This episode of Mysteries of Science investigates whether dinosaurs could still exist today, following their extinction 66 million years ago. The show features expert guests to discuss the end of the dinosaurs and explore the mystery of th…
- How to read minds
Stevie and Michael explore telepathy with emeritus professor Chris French and author Kathryn Hulick. The discussion covers brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink and the story of a clever horse.
- The Big Bang theory
Hosts Dan and Michael discuss the Big Bang theory, including its origins, historical context, and supporting evidence. Guest experts Dr. Maggie Lieu and Ethan Siegel explore the theory and consider potential future developments.
- Your Mysteries
In the season finale of Mysteries of Science, hosts Michael and Dan address listener questions regarding intelligent species and the origins of life. The episode features an contribution from Professor Brian Cox.
- Octopuses
In this episode, hosts Dan and Michael investigate the unique characteristics of octopuses. They are joined by Chris Packham and other experts to explore what makes these eight-legged creatures so remarkable.
- Dark Matter
Jenny and Michael explore the mystery of dark matter, examining why astronomers believe it exists and how it influences the movement of stars and galaxies. They discuss the nature of this unseen force and its prevalence in the universe.
- Time Machines
This episode of Mysteries of Science explores the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient artifact with surprisingly advanced construction. The show also provides information on how listeners can contribute to the Fun Kids Time Capsule.
- BONUS: Mysteries of Science Christmas Cracker
In this Christmas special, the Mysteries of Science team recaps highlights from 2023 and shares previously unheard segments from past interviews.
- Ötzi the Iceman
This episode explores the discovery of a 5,000-year-old mummy found by hikers in the ice. Experts investigate the identity of the individual and what can be learned from the remains.
- Immortality
Author Ross Welford and biologist María Pascual Torner discuss the possibilities of immortality and anti-aging research. The episode explores the biological potential of jellyfish and the potential societal implications of a world without…
- Teleportation
Dr. Jorge Cham and Kathryn Hulick explore the scientific possibilities of teleportation, ranging from 3D printing to the instantaneous transfer of information. Hosts Dan and Michael examine what technologies might eventually make travel or…
- Slime
Michael, Jenny, and a panel of experts explore the science and nature of slime, investigating how snails, fish, and other organisms produce it.
- Your Space Mysteries
In this episode of Mysteries of Science, Michael and Jenny consult with scientists to answer listener questions about space, including the shape of the universe and the possibility of alien life on Jupiter's moons.
- Deepfakes
Michael and Dan explore the technology behind deepfakes, examining how they are created and how users can distinguish between real and manipulated media. The episode discusses the implications of deepfakes on our perception of reality.
- Beast of Exmoor
Michael and Jenny investigate reports of a mysterious, loping creature in the British countryside known as the Beast of Exmoor to determine if there is any truth behind the stories.
- Is magic real?
Recorded live at the Cheltenham Science Festival, the team behind Mysteries of Science explores the concept of magic and whether it is real.
- BONUS: The Space Programme
This bonus episode introduces The Space Programme, a new radio drama from Fun Kids about a UK spaceport and a child astronaut. The series is available weekly on the radio, as a podcast, or ad-free for Fun Kids Podcasts+ subscribers.
- Why do we laugh?
Michael and Dan explore the origins and health benefits of laughter alongside comedian Olaf Falafel in this episode of Mysteries of Science.
- Secrets of Sharks
Hosts Michael and Jenny explore the secrets of sharks and discuss misconceptions regarding their behavior.
- UFOs
Michael and Dan discuss the mystery of Unidentified Flying Objects in time for World UFO Day. They also announce a listener survey for parents and guardians with the opportunity to enter a prize draw.