Are Magnets The Most Familiar Mystery On Earth?

The Rest Is Science

Goalhanger

Physics, Science, Mathematics

4.5 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 6 January 2026

⏱️ 44 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Deep beneath our feet, churning molten metals create an invisible shield that holds our atmosphere in place and protects all life from the Sun. Some animals can sense it directly. Take the quantum effects in a robin’s eye, whales who cross oceans using no landmarks at all, or the bacteria that line themselves up to this unseen force. Join Professor Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens as they explore magnetism and ponder how a compass knows where to point? Where did the original source our magnetic field come from? What that field might feel like? And why magnets just be the most familiar mystery on Earth. ------------------- For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://cancerresearchuk.org/restisscience ⁠⁠ Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. ------------------- Find The Rest Is Science all over the internet by ⁠⁠clicking here.⁠⁠ ------------------- Video Producer: Adam Thornton Video & Social: Bex Tyrrell Assistant Producer: Imee Marriott Producer: Becki Hills Senior Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Head Of Digital: Samuel Oakley Exec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Cancer Research UK.
0:02.9	Dinosaurs walked the earth 180 million years ago.
0:07.0	But you know, cancer was part of their story too.
0:10.2	Scientists have found tumors in ancient fossils.
0:13.2	Well, that is part of the reason why cancer is a big part of our story, right?
0:18.2	It's the other side of evolution.
0:19.9	It's the most complex disease
0:21.6	that we face. There are more than 200 types of cancer in total, each with distinct
0:25.9	characteristics, challenges and mysteries. And that complexity demands scale. Cancer Research,
0:32.0	UK, is the world's largest charitable funder of cancer research, with more than 4,000 scientists,
0:38.8	doctors, and nurses working across more than 20 countries in the search for answers. And then sharing their
0:44.1	discoveries beyond borders. And the impact of this collaboration is clear, because over the last
0:48.2	50 years, the charity's pioneering work has helped to double cancer survival in the UK. That is more people who are living longer, better lives.
0:57.9	Fossils can show us the past, but research is shaping the future.
1:02.2	And for more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs, and how you can support them,
1:09.1	visit cancerresearchuk.org forward slash rest is science.
1:15.7	This episode is brought to you by AG1. Winter can take its toll, whether it's that stubborn cold
1:22.4	you can't shift or the lack of energy during those dark winter mornings. It's important to take care of your foundational health during this period.
1:31.8	A great way to stay ahead.
1:33.7	AG1, a clinically backed daily health drink with the minerals, vitamins and probiotics
1:39.2	your body needs for better energy, focus and digestion.
1:43.7	Back by 15 years of research and four clinical trials,
	...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Previous episode | Next episode

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Goalhanger, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Goalhanger and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.