Episodes

Predicting the future at the ballot box
21 May 2015
Stu looks at why measles vaccines are possibly protective against other illness, Chris delves into the world of psephology, the scientific study of elections, and Beth talks to Dr. Hannah Brown about the recently announced research from China into human DNA editing in embryos.
Hosts: Chris Lassig, Stu Burns, Beth Askham Guests: Dr. Hannah Brown
Photo of Mercury taken by the MESSENGER spacecraft, enhanced to show chemical composition (NASA)
14 May 2015
We learn about the smallest and closest planet to the Sun, Mercury, as well as caffeine, the world's most widely used psychoactive drug, and antimicrobial zombie bacteria stuffed with silver.
Tropical reef fish
7 May 2015
What are LEDs and why are blue ones so cool? Geologists weigh in and say that mysterious shapes in ancient rock were not once alive and reducing fishing helps to keep the reef healthy.
April Boaden
The humble Quince
30 Apr 2015
Chris talks about why quinces and autumn leaves have colours in common, Beth looks into the potentially ancient origins of antibiotic resistance, and Stu talks in brief about new research into human DNA modification experiments
Hosts: Chris Lassig, Beth Askham, Stu Burns
Artists impression of Pluto
23 Apr 2015
What are the barriers for women in having a long career in science? One study finds that discrimination doesn't occur at the hiring stage. Why was the World War l known as the chemists war? Stu talks about the use of poison gas during the war and we chat to Dr Alice Gorman about space archeology and the democratic process of crowdsourcing names for our solar system.
Beth Askham, Chris Lassig and Stu Burns
Mouse riding Brontosaurus while parrots watch
16 Apr 2015
What do ultrasonic mouse songs really mean, why is the Brontosaurus back, and how you can help save the Swift Parrot from extinction
Hosts: Stu Burns, Beth Askham, Chris Lassig Guests: several species of small furry animals; Dejan Stojanovic (ANU)
9 Apr 2015
Lost in Science tells all about nitrogen, wonders if the universe really has been here forever and learns the language of bats and cats.
Presenters: Chris Lassig, Beth Askham and Stu Burns
Diving beetle larva, known as a water tiger
2 Apr 2015
We attend the launch of The Waterbug App, talk some more about helpful microbes and explain internet comments.
John Gooderham and Linda Blackall
Dr. Pam Rana & Tom Lang
26 Mar 2015
We meet some funny scientists with a show in the Melbourne comedy festival, come to a consensus over new research about... consensus, and talk to a Microbiologist about microbes.
Presenters: Beth Askham, Stu Burns & Chris Lassig Guests: Dr. Linda Blackall, Dr. Pam rana, Tom Lang
5 Mar 2015
Limpet Teeth - the hardest substance know to science
Presenters - Stu Burns, Beth Askham & Chris Lassig