Question of the Week, from the Naked Scientists

Latest Episodes:

Do emotional and pain-induced tears differ? Aug 18, 2014

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Humans are the only animals that cry tears of emotion as well as pain. But does each type of tear differ in its chemical composition, and can you tell why someone was crying from looking at this? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Music: a concentration aid or complete distraction? Aug 11, 2014

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Music: a concentration aid or a complete distraction? Why do some people find it helpful and others disruptive? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Can humans spontaneously combust? Aug 03, 2014

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This week, we tackle the burning issue of spontaneous human combustion. Reported cases of people bursting into flames nowhere near a fire. Is there any scientific explanation for this? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

How much of my body can I live without? Jul 28, 2014

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Which organs are vital and which are luxuries of life? We asked Elena Teh, Medical student at Cambridge University, for the gory details... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Is warp speed possible? Jul 16, 2014

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Star Trek fantasy or scientifically feasible? We find out with NASA! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

What does your sneeze say about your personality? Jun 23, 2014

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We sniff out the science asking does sneeze volume and sound indicate personality type? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Can eating sweets stop brain fatigue? Jun 16, 2014

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Can you combat brain fogginess and help with french homework by munching sweets? We find out if there is any scientific rationale for this sweet toothed strategy to deal with brain fatigue. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Are cremated ashes good for plant growth? Jun 09, 2014

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Would a scattering of your beloved's ashes be good for plant growth? Or could it be toxic? We take this question to Cambridge University's Botanic's Head Gardener. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Is there an antimatter planet out there? May 27, 2014

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Are there antimatter planets out there? What would they look like? And how would we tell they exist? We find out! Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Which painkiller should I use? May 19, 2014

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What's the difference between aspirin, paracetamol and ibuprofen? We turn to a Professor of Pain for the answer. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists