A Spark of Science
by Glasgow Science Centre
Join us for this two-minute podcast where we explore a different scientific concept each week. Did you know that a Scottish mountain helped measure the weight of the Earth, or that octopuses are amazing escape artists? Discover what it was like for cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to be the first to launch into space and listen to some inspiring stories from people working in science today. What else will you discover with a Spark of Science? Get in touch on twitter @gsc1 or visit https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/the-spark-magazine
Episodes
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269: Terrific Tetrapods
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.
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268: Why do hot things glow?
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.
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257: What would happen if the Gulf stream disappeared?
What would happen if the Gulf stream disappeared?
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266: Smell with a Twist
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.
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265: Smelly Science
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.
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264: Do elephants ever forget?
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!
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262: Can you smell fear?
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!
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262: Thunder & Lightning
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!
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261: The Science of Spice
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.
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260: Goosebumps
Why do we get goosebumps when we get a fright? In this weeks episode, we look to our hairy ancestors to find out!
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259: Why do your fingers go wrinkly in the bath?
Have you ever wondered why your fingers get wrinkly in the bath? In this week's episode, we will find out.
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258: Star Colours
Twinkling stars can come in different colours but what does this tell us about them? In this week's episode, we find out.
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257: Identifying Rocks!
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.
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256: Dark Oxygen
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.
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255: Animal Defences
In this week's episode we find out how the pufferfish, pompom crab and pangolin protect themselves from predators.
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254: Why is Scotland getting spaceports?
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.
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253: How are you listening to this?
Listen in to this week's episode to find out how ears help us hear.
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252: Eye colour
How rare is your eye colour and how does it develop? In this week's episode, we will find out!
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251: Wooden Satellites
There are thousands of metal satellites orbiting Earth. In this week's episode, we will explore a new type of satellite made of wood!
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250: Flight & Fuel
Discover the fuels of the future that could make air travel more environmentally friendly.
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249: Magnets
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.
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248: Preserving Food
Explore the fascinating science behind ancient methods of preserving food that we still use today!
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247: Medicines in Space
Explore the innovative technology that scientists are creating to provide medicines to astronauts of the future.
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246: Wiggly Worms
Discover why worms are the superheroes of our soil in this week's episode.
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245: Animal antifreeze
Explore the different ways that animals survive the winter in this week's episode.
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244: Silent snow
Have you ever wondered why silence seems to fall when it snows? In this week's episode we find out why.
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243: Red noses and chilly fingers
In this week's episode, we find out why we get a red nose it's chilly in winter.
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242: Why is water salty?
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.
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241: Why does pineapple make your tongue tingle?
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!
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240: Why can't you burp in space?
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.
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239: Planetary Procession
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.
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238: Self-driving cars
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.
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237: Where does plastic go when it's recycled?
Discover the fascinating journey of plastic from your recycling bin to brand new products.
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236: Vitamins
Explore how vitamins keep us healthy.
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235: Why can we see our breath in winter?
In this weeks episode, we find out why we can see our breath in winter and what conditions are needed for this to happen.
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234: Lighting up the Future
This week we're looking at optical communication. Join us to find out how the power of light can provide superfast internet access.
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233: Ice & Salt
Discover how salt can help to keep the streets ice free in winter by changing when ice freezes.
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232: How do clocks work?
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!
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231: From the Archive - Winter Solstice
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!
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230: from the archive - How do polar bears stay warm?
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!
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229: Is there water in Mars?
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.
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228: Nitrogen
Discover how nitrgoen can be used to keep your food fresh and your crisps crispy in this week's episode.
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227: Where do satellites go to die
What happens to satellites when they are no longer needed? Join us this week to find out.
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226: Air Economists
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.
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225: Indoor Air Quality
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.
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224: Auroras
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!
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223: Polar Nights & Midnight Sun
Join us this week as we explore the parts of the world where there are months of sunlight and months of darkness.
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222: Solubility
How much sugar can you add to your up of tea? And is there a limit? Join us this week to find out.
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221: Why Do Onions Make Us Cry?
Have you ever wondered why onions cause so many tears when we chop them up? Join us this week to find out!
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220: Twins
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?
About this show
Join us for this two-minute podcast where we explore a different scientific concept each week. Did you know that a Scottish mountain helped measure the weight of the Earth, or that octopuses are amazing escape artists? Discover what it was like for cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to be the first to launch into space and listen to some inspiring stories from people working in science today. What else will you discover with a Spark of Science? Get in touch on twitter @gsc1 or visit https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/the-spark-magazine
Hosted by
Glasgow Science Centre