30 Animals That Made Us Smarter

Latest Episodes:

Season 2 is coming soon! Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

Get ready to meet 30 more amazing animals. From cats to camels, ants to elephants, discover the unexpected things they can do that have inspired new technologies that make us smarter. Season 2 begins on 28 June.

#30Animals

30 Animals LIVE Oct 21, 2019

Show notes

The "nerd-fest" live show! A scorpion and tarantula on stage, biomimicry bingo and animal music, recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre in London. Welcome to the season finale, with your suggestions of animals which are inspiring us. Watch all the animations here: www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals With Patrick Aryee. #30Animals

Spider and remote sensing Oct 14, 2019

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When a fly hits a spider’s web the web sends vibrations to the spider crouched at its edge. This is known as remote sensing. The webs may help us design sensors to detect vibrations in the earth and the built environment. These vibrations could be turned into electricity. This could lead to small scale energy harvesting. With Patrick Aryee. #30Animals www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals

Butterfly and paints Oct 07, 2019

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The wings of one of the most beautiful butterflies could transform paints and textiles. Scientists are fascinated by how the blue morpho produces its shimmering blue effect. With Patrick Aryee. #30Animals www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals

Peacock and computer screen Sep 30, 2019

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Unlocking the secrets of the dazzling colours in the tail of the peacock. It is designed to attract females but has caught the eye of scientists, as they mimic it to develop high-resolution reflective colour-screen displays. With Patrick Aryee. #30Animals www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals

Ant and networks Sep 23, 2019

Show notes

How road, subway and computer systems could be helped by trails created by turtle ants. For extra information about all episodes, visit: www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals #30Animals

Mussel and foetal surgery Sep 16, 2019

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Babies in the womb could be saved with the help of a glue based on proteins found in mussels. Performing surgery on foetuses in the womb is an astonishing medical feat but closing the delicate amniotic sac after surgery is difficult. A synthetic adhesive could do the job and help save lives of the youngest patients. For extra information about all episodes, visit our #30Animals website: www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals

Butterfly and butterfly house Sep 09, 2019

Show notes

Imagine a building based on the shape of an egg – all thanks to the butterfly. Nature has long been a source of inspiration for the design of buildings, like the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona. This is the story of a butterfly house inspired by the shape of the eggs of the White Royal butterfly and the patterns on their shells. www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals With Patrick Aryee. #30Animals

Dolphin and tsunami detector Sep 02, 2019

Show notes

The way dolphins communicate is being studied to create tsunami early warning systems. They produce click sounds to help navigate and hunt for prey. They listen back to the echoes to help create a 3D image and visualise their surroundings. www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals With Patrick Aryee. #30Animals

Bat and robot Aug 26, 2019

Show notes

Picture the scene after a serious earthquake or a tornado. A flying robot inspired by bats could help survey the damage. There may be burst gas pipes, live electrical wires and many other dangers. Scientists have been studying bats to design an “eye in the sky” for use in exactly these situations. www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals With Patrick Aryee. #30Animals