A Spark of Science

Did you know that humans are part of a group of animals called tetrapods? Join us for this special episode with Finlay Cunniffe from the University of Glasgow, as we explore animal evolution.

Have you ever noticed that the inside of your toaster glows? Or that the wire in a lightbulb is still bright when you turn it off? In this week's episode, find out why.

What would happen if the Gulf stream disappeared?

Our sense of smell and taste can sometimes be down to very small difference in chemistry. In this week's episode we are going to explore how the shape of chemicals can lead to big differences.

A freshly brewed pot of coffee can transport us back to a happy memory. In this week's episode we are going to explore why there is a strong link between our sense of smell and our memory.

Elephants are often thought to have excellent memories, but how good are they are remembering? And what can kind of information do they remeber? In this week's episode, we are going to find out!

You might feel a bit sweaty after a workout, or if you have to face your fears! In this week's episode, we are going to find if we can tell from their sweat if someone is scared!

Thunder and lightning storms can be exciting and a bit scary! But why does lightning happen? In this weeks episode, we are going to find out!

A hot chily pepper can be a tasty treat or a painful snack! But why are some foods spicy? In this episode we find out.

Why do we get goosebumps when we get a fright? In this weeks episode, we look to our hairy ancestors to find out!

Have you ever wondered why your fingers get wrinkly in the bath? In this week's episode, we will find out.

Twinkling stars can come in different colours but what does this tell us about them? In this week's episode, we find out.

Rocks can explode out of volcanoes or form over millions of years. In this week's episode, we explore the amazing world of rock formation.

Plants provide oxygen for life on Earth, but there are other sources that have only recently been studied. In this week's episode we discover dark oxygen.

In this week's episode we find out how the pufferfish, pompom crab and pangolin protect themselves from predators.

Scotland is an exciting location for new spaceports, but what makes it a good place to launch rockets? Find out in this week's episode.

Listen in to this week's episode to find out how ears help us hear.

How rare is your eye colour and how does it develop? In this week's episode, we will find out!

There are thousands of metal satellites orbiting Earth. In this week's episode, we will explore a new type of satellite made of wood!

Discover the fuels of the future that could make air travel more environmentally friendly.

They are often found stuck to fridges holding shopping lists in place, but how do magnets work? In this week's episode we find out.

Explore the fascinating science behind ancient methods of preserving food that we still use today!

Explore the innovative technology that scientists are creating to provide medicines to astronauts of the future.

Discover why worms are the superheroes of our soil in this week's episode.

Explore the different ways that animals survive the winter in this week's episode.

Have you ever wondered why silence seems to fall when it snows? In this week's episode we find out why.

In this week's episode, we find out why we get a red nose it's chilly in winter.

There's a lot of salty water in Earth's oceans and seas, but why is it salty? Find out in this week's episode.

Pineapple might be a tasty treat, but it can feel like your tongue is tingling when you eat it. In this week's episode we find out why!

Have you ever wondered whether you would be able to burp in space? In this week's episode, we find out why we can't, and what happens instead.

On rare occasions, all the planets in our solar system line up in what is called a planetary procession. In this week's episode, we find out how you can spot the planets in the night sky during this time.

It may see like science fiction, but in this episode of a Spark of Science, we discover how self-driving cars may be the future of road travel.

Discover the fascinating journey of plastic from your recycling bin to brand new products.

Explore how vitamins keep us healthy.

In this weeks episode, we find out why we can see our breath in winter and what conditions are needed for this to happen.

This week we're looking at optical communication. Join us to find out how the power of light can provide superfast internet access.

Discover how salt can help to keep the streets ice free in winter by changing when ice freezes.

Ho do clocks measure time? In this week episode, we will find out the different ways we measure time and just how accurate they are!

Join us as we explore the science of the Winter Solstice! What is it? When is it? And how does it happen? Find out in this weeks seasonal episode!

How do polar bears manage to stay warm in such cold climates? Join us as we explore the wonders of their insulating fur and blubber!

An exciting new discovery on Mars has revealed that there may be water miles below the surface. But how did we find out? Discover more in this week's episode.

Discover how nitrgoen can be used to keep your food fresh and your crisps crispy in this week's episode.

What happens to satellites when they are no longer needed? Join us this week to find out.

Explore why the decisions about reducing emissions in towns and cities can be more difficult than you might think. Join us for this special edition with Jack Williamson from Strathclyde University.

Discover how building design can impact on the quality of the air we breathe indoors. Join us for this special edition with Dr. Alejandro Moreno-Rangel from the University of Strathclyde.

You may have seen the beautiful coloured lights of the Aurora Borealis dancing across the night sky in Scotland, but what causes it? Find out this week!

Join us this week as we explore the parts of the world where there are months of sunlight and months of darkness.

How much sugar can you add to your up of tea? And is there a limit? Join us this week to find out.

Have you ever wondered why onions cause so many tears when we chop them up? Join us this week to find out!

Do you know any twins? Maybe you are a twin! This week, we're exploring how identical and non-identical twins are born - what are the differences?