We talk about the maths formulas that are increasingly part of our lives.
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Algorithms
Do trees have memories?
We discuss whether plants can 'remember' stressful situations, such as droughts or pests.
Welcome to the 'metaverse'
We discuss how things like the metaverse and AI might influence how we live.
Inventing languages
Learn about how languages get invented
Are personalised diets the best way to be healthy?
We discuss how microbes matter when it comes to food, and teach some related vocabulary.
Preparing for the Beijing Winter Olympics
Artificial snow, coronavirus and controversy surround the Beijing Games starting soon.
Sleepy in South Korea
Life in a place where people work longer hours and get less sleep than anywhere else.
The benefits of boredom
We talk about the positive side of boredom and teach you related vocabulary.
Eating bugs
Neil and Sam discuss eating insects and teach you related vocabulary.
Is being kind good for you?
Neil and Sam discuss the benefits of kindness and teach you related vocabulary.
Why laughter is the best medicine
Shouldn't we take laughter more seriously? We discuss and teach related vocabulary.
Mars: Mysteries of the Red Planet
Neil and Sam discuss our fascination with the 'Red Planet' and teach you related vocab.
The world of Agatha Christie
We discuss one of her most famous characters and teach you related vocabulary.
Optimists vs Pessimists
Which one you are may be linked more to your birthplace and age than attitude.
Britain's love affair with coffee
It's not all about tea - Britons like coffee too. Learn vocabulary to talk about it.
Rhetoric: How persuasive are you?
We talk about an art that started with ancient Greek philosophers
Discoveries of the Deep Sea
We talk about an extreme environment, and teach you vocabulary along the way.
Remembering Desmond Tutu
Deep convictions and a sense of humour - we talk about a man who helped end apartheid.
Life in the modern office
Great or awful? How do people rate office working? We talk about it and teach vocabulary.
Can VR treat fears and phobias?
VR is helping people overcome phobias and even tackling more serious problems.
Finding your way in space
What’s up and what’s down for astronauts who are floating in zero gravity?
People who can taste words
Can you imagine being able to ‘taste’ every word that you hear?
What is the Platinum Jubilee?
We talk about a very British tradition involving Queen Elizabeth II
The technology of translation
What is the relationship between translation, technology and the human brain?
Island life: Is it paradise?
Rob and Sam discuss some of the problems Pacific islanders face and teach vocabulary.
The Manhattan Project
Learn about the invention of the atomic bomb
Restoring trust in science
Modern scientists are under pressure from critics motivated by political views.
Preserving traditional recipes
We discuss the tastes of our childhood and teach new vocabulary.
Climate change and evolution
We discuss the impact of climate change on today's wildlife.
Which are more dangerous: Sharks or humans?
From monster killers of the sea to endangered species - we talk sharks and vocabulary.