meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
The Naked Scientists Podcast

Better to blow up an Earth-bound Asteroid?

The Naked Scientists Podcast

Dr Chris Smith

Natural Sciences, Science, Science Radio, Naked Scientists, Health & Fitness, Engineering, Medicine, Technology, Life Sciences

4.6958 Ratings

🗓️ 14 July 2012

⏱️ 60 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Should we blow up objects on a collision course with Earth? Or will they do less damage left intact? More importantly, is there a gene for hating marmite? And what makes copper such a good conductor? How would a caveman cope in modern society? What's the secret to how balls spin in sport, and why does wrapping vaccines and antibiotics in silk make them last longer. Plus, why physics says Batman's cape won't work... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

So, so, so skin.

0:02.0

Keep your good going and breeze through busy days with mullah lights.

0:08.0

Now with a new thicker recipe with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D. Or go on then? Mull a light,, the naked scientists. Now is it better to blow up an earthbound asteroid or to leave it intact.

0:50.2

This week we're answering that and more of your science questions. My name is Chris Smith,

0:54.1

and also with us is Dominic Ford and Diana O' Carol, Hello, Diana.

0:57.6

Hi, also on the way, is it true that people look in a certain direction when they're lying.

1:02.8

Plus we've got a challenge for you with our kitchen science this week.

1:06.2

Dominic.

1:06.8

Yes, Hugh Hunt from the University of Cambridge will be joining us to test your ball skills.

1:10.9

Got a bouncy ball and you're on one side of the table you're on the other now you got to catch

1:15.5

this ball right I'm ready I'm ready oh well that's hardly fair it is if you want to have a go at that experiment and you will be impressed,

1:25.0

I don't mean that in a dictatorial way, you will be impressed by what you see.

1:28.0

Because you'll understand why Frank Lampard felt a score at the World Cup in 2010, you just need a bouncy ball and a table

1:35.8

to have a go.

1:38.7

The Naked Scientists Podcast is powered by UK Fast, the UK's best hosting provider on the web at UKfast.co.

1:47.0

UK.

1:51.0

Paul Winter got in touch with us and we phoned him back and he has an interesting question

1:57.2

I think for you down hello Paul.

1:59.2

Hi Chris fire away. I know that alcohol is a diuretic but if one was in a situation maybe stranded at sea

2:06.0

and all you have to drink was maybe something like beer would it be worth drinking the beer

2:09.8

or would it just hasten dehydration? What brand of beer did you have in mind, more importantly?

2:14.1

Any beer.

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

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

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

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.