BBC Inside Science
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Radio 4,·11 Jun 2026,·28 mins
Available for 20 days
After 144 years the tallest tower on the Sagrada Familia is finally complete, but when Gaudi first designed it, the technology to build the tower didn’t exist. We’re joined by Tristram Carfrae, structural engineer and designer at Arup who was tasked with this impossible feat over a decade ago. With the reappearance of screwworm in North America, we ask – is it ever acceptable to intentionally drive a species to extinction? Tom is joined by Dr Gregory Kaebnick from the Hastings Center for Bioethics to dive into the science that could make it happen and the ethics stopping us. Four in five of us will check the weather daily, but do we really know what our apps are telling us? Meteorologist Simon King guides us through the complex models behind these forecasts that govern our daily decisions. Plus, science journalist Caroline Steel is in the studio bringing us the scientific discoveries the headlines missed, but that you need to know. Presenter: Tom Whipple Producer: Kate White Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
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BBC Inside Science explores four scientific and engineering topics in its June 2026 episode. The Sagrada Familia's tallest tower reaches completion after 144 years—a structural achievement made possible by modern engineering despite Gaudí's original 19th-century design predating the necessary technology. The episode examines whether intentionally driving screwworm extinct is scientifically feasible and ethically justified. A meteorologist explains how weather forecasting models work and influence daily decisions. The programme also covers recent scientific discoveries that received limited media coverage.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.
Find out how to listen to other BBC stations
Radio 4,·11 Jun 2026,·28 mins
Available for 20 days
After 144 years the tallest tower on the Sagrada Familia is finally complete, but when Gaudi first designed it, the technology to build the tower didn’t exist. We’re joined by Tristram Carfrae, structural engineer and designer at Arup who was tasked with this impossible feat over a decade ago. With the reappearance of screwworm in North America, we ask – is it ever acceptable to intentionally drive a species to extinction? Tom is joined by Dr Gregory Kaebnick from the Hastings Center for Bioethics to dive into the science that could make it happen and the ethics stopping us. Four in five of us will check the weather daily, but do we really know what our apps are telling us? Meteorologist Simon King guides us through the complex models behind these forecasts that govern our daily decisions. Plus, science journalist Caroline Steel is in the studio bringing us the scientific discoveries the headlines missed, but that you need to know. Presenter: Tom Whipple Producer: Kate White Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
Read the full story at BBC ↗
BBC Inside Science aired on Radio 4 on June 11, 2026, lasting 28 minutes The Sagrada Familia's tallest tower was completed after 144 years of construction Gaudí designed the tower, but the technology to build it did not exist when he first conceived it Structural engineer Tristram Carfrae at Arup worked on the tower completion over a decade prior to its finish Screwworm has reappeared in North America The episode presents intentional species extinction as raising ethical questions worth examining Dr Gregory Kaebnick from the Hastings Center for Bioethics discussed both the science and ethics of potential screwworm extinction Four in five people check the weather daily Weather forecasting relies on complex models that govern daily decisions
Read the full story at BBC ↗
- BBC Inside Science podcast episode (Radio 4, June 11, 2026) covers the completion of Sagrada Familia's tallest tower after 144 years, with structural engineer Tristram Carfrae discussing how modern technology enabled Gaudí's original design
- Episode examines the ethical dimensions of intentionally driving screwworm to extinction in North America, featuring bioethicist Dr Gregory Kaebnick discussing both feasibility and moral considerations
- Meteorologist Simon King explains weather forecasting models that inform daily decision-making, while science journalist Caroline Steel highlights overlooked scientific discoveries