EPISODE · Jun 5, 2026 · 51 MIN
Science bears fruit
from Unexpected Elements · host BBC World Service
Long live the king – of mangoes! In India the famed ‘king of mangoes’, the Alphonso mango, is in drastically short supply after a particularly bad bout of adverse weather. Inspired by the mango’s plight, the Unexpected Elements team takes a look at what fruit science can bear.First, from the ‘king of mangoes’ to the ‘king of fruits’, we hear how the infamously stinky durian could be used to charge your phone. Then, an evil lemon planet. We discuss the planet so bizarre it sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.Plus, have you ever wondered what the key to immortality is? Well, if you guessed sea cucumbers you might be right. We’re joined by Dr Annie Mercier who tells us all about these eternal weirdos of the sea and their surprisingly vital role in the ocean’s ecosystem.Also, a crayfish invasion, plant cause of death, and what exactly is El Niño? All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Sandy Ong and Michael Kaloki Producers: Sophie Ormiston, with Lucy Davies, Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Robbie
What this episode covers
Long live the king – of mangoes! In India the famed ‘king of mangoes’, the Alphonso mango, is in drastically short supply after a particularly bad bout of adverse weather. Inspired by the mango’s plight, the Unexpected Elements team takes a look at what fruit science can bear.First, from the ‘king of mangoes’ to the ‘king of fruits’, we hear how the infamously stinky durian could be used to charge your phone. Then, an evil lemon planet. We discuss the planet so bizarre it sounds like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.Plus, have you ever wondered what the key to immortality is? Well, if you guessed sea cucumbers you might be right. We’re joined by Dr Annie Mercier who tells us all about these eternal weirdos of the sea and their surprisingly vital role in the ocean’s ecosystem.Also, a crayfish invasion, plant cause of death, and what exactly is El Niño? All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Sandy Ong and Michael Kaloki Producers: Sophie Ormiston, with Lucy Davies, Alice Lipscombe-Southwell and Robbie
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Science bears fruit
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