Topsy turvy
Unexpected Elements
BBC
4.4 • 566 Ratings
🗓️ 28 February 2025
⏱️ 50 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Unexpected Elements has a shake up looking into the topsy turvy world of science, all thanks to an upturned campervan in Western France.
Explore why scientists are suspending rhinos from cranes, brace yourself for a quirky elementary particle that is hard to get your head around and if you love getting yourself in a tizz then fasten your seatbelts to meet one of the scientists responsible for curating the perfect theme park thrills. Professor Brendan Walker is sure to inject a scientific rush that will make you question who you take on your next roller coaster ride.
Crack open the World Service archives to delve into the curious world of cryonics, exploring the science behind preserving bodies in suspended animation.
And, have you wondered what your favourite music genre says about you? We uncover the surprising psychology behind your musical tastes.
Presenters: Caroline Steele, with Andrada Fiscutean and Phillys Mwatee. Producers: Harrison Lewis, with William Hornbrook, Debbie Kilbride and Noa Dowling
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. |
| 0:36.7 | So this week, I managed to catch a glimpse of six of our planets. |
| 0:42.5 | Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune all lined up in an arc across an inky black sky. |
| 0:51.2 | Nothing gives me a better sense of perspective than stargazing. Suddenly, that looming work |
| 0:57.2 | deadline feels tiny in comparison to the vastness of space. And now, the view has got even better, |
| 1:05.4 | because Mercury's joined the planetary party. So for a few days, you have the chance to see every planet in our solar system at once. |
| 1:15.3 | I'm Caroline Steele from the BBC World Service. |
| 1:18.4 | This is Unexpected Elements. Speaking of brilliant lineups, I'm joined by a team of international journalists. Diling in from Bucharest in Romania is Andradaisguetian. Hi, Andrada, Caroline. |
| 1:45.0 | Always a pleasure to talk to you. And joining us from Nairobi, Kenya is Phyllis Mwati. Welcome, Phyllis. |
| 1:52.4 | Hello, Caroline. Hu Jambu. This is the show that looks for the science behind the news. So we pick a headline or an event and we use that to launch ourselves |
| 2:02.5 | into a world of science. Let's hear a clue to the headline that starts us off this week. |
| 2:09.1 | I've never seen anything like it in my 22 year career. Police in Western France are |
| 2:15.4 | investigating how a camper van ended up in an unusual position. |
| 2:20.1 | Officers were shocked to find the abandoned vehicle with its bonnet in a ditch |
| 2:23.8 | and the back against overhead power lines near the city of St. Mallow in Brittany. |
| 2:28.7 | Later, the driver reported to the police and was unhurt. |
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