BBC Inside Science
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Radio 4,·16 Jul 2026,·28 mins
Available for 14 days
A few years ago a satellite speeding through the Van Allen belt in earth orbit raised concerns that it may include a nuclear weapon. An explosion in that orbit would take out much of our global space infrastructure. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 specifically prohibits such a thing, but it has proven technologically impossible to verify and monitor over the decades. Tom Whipple is joined by Prof Areg Danagoulian, Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT to explore a clever concept to spot such a thermonuclear device in orbit that he has published in this month’s Nature journal. Also on the show, Professor of Science Communications Gareth Mitchell discusses how the way toddlers waddle can teach robots how to play football, and how to win. He also examines a new global database on food consumption which aims to help answer some of the world’s most pressing questions on our diets and the environment. Presenter: Tom Whipple Producer: Alex Mansfield & Tabitha Taylor Buck Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
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BBC Inside Science, a 28-minute Radio 4 podcast, examined recent developments in synthetic biology, historical science methodology, and sports science. The episode centered on Kate Adamal's team at the University of Minnesota publishing research into 'SpudCell', a laboratory-created organism. Science journalist Kai Kupferschmidt provided context on the research's significance and associated debates. The program also featured analysis of scientific approaches to determining Hannibal's historical route across the Alps, and discussed research monitoring seismic activity from spectator celebrations at a Tokyo football venue.
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,·16 Jul 2026,·28 mins
Available for 14 days
A few years ago a satellite speeding through the Van Allen belt in earth orbit raised concerns that it may include a nuclear weapon. An explosion in that orbit would take out much of our global space infrastructure. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 specifically prohibits such a thing, but it has proven technologically impossible to verify and monitor over the decades. Tom Whipple is joined by Prof Areg Danagoulian, Associate Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT to explore a clever concept to spot such a thermonuclear device in orbit that he has published in this month’s Nature journal. Also on the show, Professor of Science Communications Gareth Mitchell discusses how the way toddlers waddle can teach robots how to play football, and how to win. He also examines a new global database on food consumption which aims to help answer some of the world’s most pressing questions on our diets and the environment. Presenter: Tom Whipple Producer: Alex Mansfield & Tabitha Taylor Buck Editor: Martin Smith Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Kate Adamal and her team at the University of Minnesota published research into the lab-created 'SpudCell' This represents a significant step towards building life from scratch Science journalist Kai Kupferschmidt discussed the research's implications and controversies Science has helped understand Hannibal's route across the Alps Research was carried out at a Tokyo football match monitoring seismic waves from fan celebrations
Read the full story at BBC ↗
- BBC Inside Science podcast episode from July 9, 2026 features synthetic biologist Kate Adamal's research on lab-created 'SpudCell', representing progress toward artificial life creation
- Science journalist Kai Kupferschmidt discusses implications and controversies surrounding the synthetic biology research
- Episode also covers research on Hannibal's Alpine crossing and seismic analysis of fan celebrations at a Tokyo football match