The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry Podcast
Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners.
Episodes to download
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The Impossible Number—Series 21
Tue 14 Feb 2023
What is the 'imaginary' number - and why is it so incredibly useful?
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The Case of the Blind Mind's Eye—Series 21
Tue 10 Jan 2023
'Why can't I see images in my mind?' asks Jude from Australia.
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Silly Studies: The Pre-Series Teaser
Thu 5 Jan 2023
We’re almost back! As a cheeky aperitif, our sleuths review some surprising science.
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The Puzzle of the Plasma Doughnut—Series 20
Tue 20 Sep 2022
“How does fusion work, and how can we do it safely on earth?” asks Les Walker
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The Riddle of Red-Eyes and Runny-Noses—Series 20
Tue 13 Sep 2022
“Are allergies really on the increase?” wonders Ally
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The Problem of Infinite Pi(e)—Series 20
Tue 6 Sep 2022
'How did we discover pi? How do we know that it’s infinite and never repeats?' asks Alex.
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The Suspicious Smell—Series 20
Tue 30 Aug 2022
Why do our bodies smell? And does our smell influence how much we like each other?
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The Wild and Windy Tale—Series 20
Tue 23 Aug 2022
“How do winds start and why do they stop?” asks Georgina from the Isle of Wight
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The Case of The Missing Gorilla—Series 20
Tue 16 Aug 2022
'How can I be immersed in a book, and still notice my name?' asks Charlotte.
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Silly Studies: The Pre-Series Tease
Tue 9 Aug 2022
We’re back! Rutherford and Fry review the silliest studies sent in by Curios
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The Colour Conundrum—Series 19
Thu 24 Mar 2022
'How do we see colour - and why are some people colour blind?’ asks Maya Crocombe.
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The Turn of the Tide—Series 19
Thu 17 Mar 2022
Why are tide times and ranges so different around the UK, asks Lynn?
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The Shocking White Hair—Series 19
Thu 10 Mar 2022
Can human hair turn white overnight from shock? Hannah and Adam investigate greying hair.
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Surprising Symmetries—Series 19
Thu 3 Mar 2022
We’ve got two eyes, two arms, two legs - but only one heart. Why!? asks Joanne.
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The Mystery of the Teenage Brain—Series 19
Thu 17 Feb 2022
Why do my teens struggle to get out of bed in the morning? asks Michelle.
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We’re (almost) back!
Fri 11 Feb 2022
Rutherford and Fry return for a new series of scientific sleuthing
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Rutherford and Fry on Living with AI: A Future for Humans
Thu 23 Dec 2021
The science sleuths unwrap some of the biggest ideas in this year's BBC Reith Lectures.
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Rutherford and Fry on Living with AI: AI in the Economy
Wed 15 Dec 2021
The science sleuths unwrap some of the biggest ideas in this year's BBC Reith Lectures.
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Rutherford and Fry on Living with AI: AI in Warfare
Wed 8 Dec 2021
The science sleuths unwrap some of the biggest ideas in this year's BBC Reith Lectures.
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Rutherford and Fry on Living with AI: The Biggest Event in Human History
Wed 1 Dec 2021
The science sleuths unwrap some of the biggest ideas in this year's BBC Reith Lectures.
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The Venomous Vendetta—Series 18
Thu 11 Nov 2021
Will a venomous snake die if it bites itself? asks Janni in Amsterdam
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The Slippery Situation—Series 18
Thu 4 Nov 2021
'What is the most slippy thing in the world?' asks 8 year old Evelyn from London
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The Painless Heart—Series 18
Thu 28 Oct 2021
Why does my heart not ache after exercise? Drs Rutherford and Fry investigate
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The Weirdness of Water Part 2/2—Series 18
Thu 21 Oct 2021
Adam Rutherford and Hannah Fry attempt to answer more questions on why water is weird
Why do you see faces in unexpected places?
We are “hardwired” for recognising faces and it starts at birth.
