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Unexpected Elements

Leaping in Sync

Unexpected Elements

BBC

Science

4.4567 Ratings

🗓️ 29 February 2024

⏱️ 51 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

As the leap year helps to keep us in sync with the sun, we turn our attention to the natural world. There is no simple solution to stop forces like climate change that are sending nature out of sync. We’re seeing flowers such as Japan’s famous cherry blossom blooming early because of warmer weather. Some pollinators are emerging only to find the plants they rely on have been and gone. But, within the natural world, there also incredible stories of animal synchrony that offer hope and that we could learn from. We meet the Cape Ground Squirrels who appear to be adapting to sweltering summers, fireflies who offer a model for understanding the relationships between objects and hear about a ‘perfect’ solar system in which all planets are in sync.

Plus, the underwater mountain range discovered in Chile, a listener asks a question about keeping time and we hear what you’ve been getting in touch about over the past week.

Transcript

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0:00.0

In 2019, we began investigating the disappearance of Dr. Ruzha Ignatva.

0:08.0

I believe we are a very special network.

0:10.0

A scammer who stole billions from investors around the world.

0:15.0

She's on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list.

0:18.0

And now, we have some unmissable updates. She has money and when you have

0:23.0

money, you have power. Join me, Jamie Bartlett, as the hunt for the missing crypto queen continues.

0:29.5

Listen first on BBC Sounds. Hi, I'm Una Chaplin and I'm the host of a new podcast called Hollywood

0:36.5

Exiles. It tells the story of a new podcast called Hollywood Exiles.

0:46.7

It tells the story of how my grandfather Charlie Chaplin and many others were caught up in a campaign to root out communism in Hollywood.

0:54.2

Hollywood Exiles from CBC Podcasts and the BBC World Service. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.

1:06.0

So this week, I discovered how time can both stretch and shrink. My work decided to have an away day. So everyone in my office, they all get to sit together, they're talking about various aspects of what we do and how we can do it better.

1:14.4

It's kind of a treat, the chance to take time out and make creative connections, plus free sandwiches, what's not to love.

1:22.3

In addition, February this year has an extra day, which means if I use the monthly calendar, that spare day can be spent on this bonus work event.

1:32.4

And yet, using the weekly calendar, the to-do list is still as busy as ever and time is still as finite.

1:40.0

So I simultaneously have more time and less.

1:47.8

I'm Marnie Chasterton, so I'm calling this Chasterton's paradox.

1:52.1

From the BBC World Service, this is unexpected elements. Joining me, as always, is a global panel of broadcasting talent in Johannesburg, South Africa, broadcaster Candice Bailey.

2:10.4

Welcome, Candice.

2:11.7

Morning, Mani de Bilang. How are you?

2:13.9

Very well. And in Singapore, we have the BBC's Katie Silver. Welcome, Katie. How are you?

2:19.2

I'm well. Thanks, Marnie. How are you? I'm good. So Katie, Candice, does the extra day that once in every four-year bonus, 29th of February, does that mean anything to you? Because, I mean, I know in some cultures, like the women are allowed to ask men out

2:35.8

or propose to men. Candice? No, I'm not proposing to anybody, Moni. But the Lipia does have a little bit

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