The Infinite Monkey Cage

Episodes

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Artificial Intelligence20160112Artificial Intelligence

Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series of their award winning science/comedy show. Tonight the infinite monkey's are joined on stage by comedian Jo Brand, neuroscientist Anil Seth, and robotics expert Alan Winfield to discuss Artificial Intelligence. How close are we to creating a truly intelligent machine, how do we define intelligence anyway, and what are the moral and ethical issues that the development of intelligent machines might bring?

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

Astronaut Special (repeat)20190725In this episode from 2017, Brian Cox and Robin Ince transport the cage to the Starmus Festival in Trondheim, Norway, for an extraordinary gathering of astronauts. They are joined on stage by NASA astronauts Sandra Magnus and Terry Virts, ESA astronaut Claude Nicollier, and Apollo 16's Charlie Duke, one of the last people to have walked on the moon. They talk about their personal journeys to fulfill their long-held dreams, and literally reach for the stars. They hear from Charlie Duke about the extraordinary Apollo missions he was part of, including his role as Capsule Communicator for the very first moon landing, before taking his own first steps on the lunar surface as part of Apollo 16. They explore the different experience of astronauts from Charlie's era, and those who now become residents of space, spending months and months aboard the International Space Station, and the challenges each mission brings. And Claude Nicollier describes his epic spacewalk to repair the Hubble Telescope.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

Brian And Robin's Infinite Inbox20140310Infinite Monkeys Brian Cox and Robin Ince delve into the postbag and open up the inbox for a programme specially recorded for BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Following their recent series of The Infinite Monkey Cage on Radio 4, Robin and Brian thought it was high time they answered some questions from you, the audience, which have poured in from around the UK and abroad. Penned by listeners as young as 10 and as old as 77, subjects include the nature of black holes, the mathematical abilities of chimpanzees, the suicidal tendencies of robots and complaints about infinity that will run and run.

But will they be able to answer perhaps the greatest question of all - is a strawberry dead?

Producer: Rami Tzabar.

Brian And Robin's Infinite Inbox20160225Brian Cox and Robin Ince answer The Infinite Monkey Cage listeners' questions.
Episode 120151208It's 100 years since the publication of Einstein's great theory, and arguably one of the greatest scientific theories of all time. To mark the occasion, Brian Cox takes Robin Ince on a guided tour of General Relativity. With the help of some of the world's leading cosmologists, and a comedian or two, they explore the notions of space time, falling elevators, trampolines and bowling balls, and what was wrong with Newton's apple. It's a whistle stop tour of all you'll ever need to know about gravity and how a mathematical equation written 100 years ago predicted everything from black holes to the Big Bang, to our expanding universe, long before there was any proof that these extraordinary phenomena existed.
Episode 220151215Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore the legacy of Einstein's great theory, and how a mathematical equation written 100 years ago seems to have predicted so accurately exactly how our universe works. From black holes to the expanding universe, every observation of the universe, so far, has been held up by the maths in Einstein's extraordinary work. So how was he able to predict the events and behaviour of our universe, long before the technology existed to prove he was right, and will there ever be another theory that will supersede it? Brian and Robin head up the iconic Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank to explore Einstein's theory in action, and talk to scientists who are still probing the mysteries hidden within General Relativity.
How To Beat The House And Win At Games20170116How to beat the house and win at games.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by mathematicians Hannah Fry and Alex Bellos, psychologist Richard Wiseman and games enthusiast Helen Zaltzman, to get their top tips for winning games and solving puzzles. Do mathematicians make better Poker players, or is psychology the key to the ultimate poker face? Will a knowledge of probability give you the ultimate winning strategy for your next game of Monopoly? (the answer is yes!). How old are the oldest puzzles and why do they involve wolves and cabbages? And how have puzzles involving wolves, cabbages and bridges resulted in the development of whole new branches of mathematics.

PRODUCER: Alexandra Feachem.

Lucy Beaumont's Close Encounters20200212Brian Cox and Robin Ince send comedian Lucy Beaumont to investigate UFO sightings in the extra-terrestrial hotspot of... Hull! Lucy is joined by her mum GIll Adams who claims to have experienced a number of close encounters of the third kind and they return to Longhill Estate where a UFO was reported in the 1960s. Local historian Mike Covell takes Lucy through the documented accounts of prolific UFO sightings in and around the East Yorkshire area.
The Recipe To Build A Universe20160704The Recipe to Build A Universe

Brian Cox and Robin Ince ask what ingredients you need to build a universe? They are joined on stage by comedian and former Science Museum explainer, Rufus Hound, chemist Andrea Sella and solar scientist Lucie Green, as they discuss the basis of all school chemistry lessons, the periodic table. They discover how the elements we learnt about at school are the building blocks that make up everything from humans to planet earth to the universe itself. They were formed in stars and during the big bang. The history of the discovery of the periodic table and the elements is a wonderful tale of genuine scientific exploration that has changed our understanding of where we come from and how life and the universe that we know came to be. The panel also ponder which element they might choose if they were building a universe from scratch and the audience suggest which elements they would remove from the periodic table if given the chance?

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

The Science Of Everyday Life20170110The Science of Everyday Life

Robin Ince and Brian Cox return for a new series. They are joined on stage, at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, by comedian Russell Kane, physicist Helen Czerski and engineer Danielle George as they discuss the science to be discovered in everyday life. They discover how the humble cup of tea displays fundamental laws of nature that also govern our climate. How dropping raisins in a bottle of lemonade reveal how the Titanic sunk, and a robot orchestra, created from household objects, plays some familiar tunes.

PRODUCER: Alexandra Feachem.

The Science Of Symmetry20120708Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy, science journalist Adam Rutherford and comic book legend Alan Moore to discuss why symmetry seems such a pervasive phenomenon throughout our universe, and possibly beyond. The world turns on symmetry -- from the spin of subatomic particles to the structure of the natural world, through to the molecules that make up life itself. They'll be asking why symmetry seems so ubiquitous and whether the key to Brian's large female fanbase is down to his more than usually symmetrical face.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

The Sound Of Music20160627The Sound of Music

Brian Cox and Robin Ince take to the stage at Glastonbury Music Festival. They are joined by comedian Matt Kirshen, musicians KT Tunstall and Nitin Sawhney and scientists Lucy Cooke and Trevor Cox. No Julie Andrews for this special edition of the long running science/comedy show, although music does take centre stage as the panel discuss the evolution and science of why and how humans are programmed to love everything from the Rolling Stones to Rap to Rachmaninoff. They'll also be looking at whether there are any examples of music in the animal kingdom and whether gorillas really hum.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

Ufo Special20200212UFO SPECIAL

Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a close encounter of the 1st kind with comedian Lucy Beaumont, astronomer Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Director of Jodrell Bank Professor Tim O'Brien, and science presenter Dallas Campbell to ask if UFOs and aliens have visited Earth? They explore why Lucy's home city of Hull appears to have had more than its fair share of alien visitations, as well as learning about the genuine scientific effort to look for intelligent life elsewhere in our universe.

This episode is also available to watch, so you can see our truly out of this world panel in full technicolour glory. Just look for The Infinite Monkey Cage UFO TV Special on BBC iplayer.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem

0101Science And Comedians2009113020091202 (R4)An irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

Physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science.Former cosmologist DARA O'BRIAIN and Dr ALICE ROBERTS join physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE for a witty, irreverant and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science.

They'll be asking why so many comedians seem to start life as scientists, and begin their quest to put science at the heart of popular culture.

Robin visits the archives of one of his all-time science heroes and Brian tackles his personal mission to put science back at the heart of the political agenda.

Former cosmologist Dara O'Briain joins physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE for a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science.

Former cosmologist Dara O'Briain and Dr ALICE ROBERTS join physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE for a witty, irreverant and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. They'll be asking why so many comedians seem to start life as scientists, and begin their quest to put science at the heart of popular culture.

0102Extraterrestrial Life2009120720091209 (R4)ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined by JON RONSON and SETH SHOSTACK from SETI Institute.

Robin and Brian are joined by alien abduction expert JON RONSON and SETH SHOSTACK from the SETI Institute in California to discuss science conspiracies, UFOs and the search for ET.

Series in which physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science.

0103Quantum Physics2009121420091216 (R4)BEN MILLER joins BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE to talk physics and comedy.

Physicist turned comedian BEN MILLER joins Brian and Robin to discuss quantum physics, and if astrology really shares its roots with more scientific pursuits.

They also discuss the largest scientific experiment ever undertaken, currently storming ahead in a large underground tunnel just outside Geneva.

Physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science.

Physicist turned comedian BEN MILLER joins Brian and Robin to discuss quantum physics, and if astrology really shares its roots with more scientific pursuits. They also discuss the largest scientific experiment ever undertaken, currently storming ahead in a large underground tunnel just outside Geneva.

Ben Miller joins Brian Cox and Robin Ince to talk physics, comedy and astrology.

0104 LASTScience And Religion2009122120091223 (R4)ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined by the Very Rev VICTOR STOCK and ADAM RUTHERFORD.

Robin and Brian are joined by VICTOR STOCK, Dean of Guildford Cathedral, and science journalist ADAM RUTHERFORD for a special Christmas edition of the programme.

Adam explains why religion really could be good for your health, and can Victor convert Robin and Brian in time for the festive season?

Physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world accoring to science.

Robin and Brian are joined by VICTOR STOCK, Dean of Guildford Cathedral, and science journalist ADAM RUTHERFORD for a special Christmas edition of the programme. Adam explains why religion really could be good for your health, and can Victor convert Robin and Brian in time for the festive season?

Physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science.

0201Popular Science2010061420140216/17 (BBC7)
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With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE, recorded at the Cheltenham Science Festival.

Physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE return for a new series of Radio 4's witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. In a special programme recorded as part of this year's Cheltenham Science Festival, Brian and Robin are joined by special guests BEN MILLER and ROBERT WINSTON to explore the choppy waters of science and fame. Are we are entering a golden age of science popularity? Is there a genuine interest in the wonder of science and is science the real star or is it simply being dumbed down as a result of our celebrity obsessed culture? They'll be asking whether science needs to be popular and whether this new wave of enthusiasm has any real impact on science policy, or the quality of science being done in this country. Has science finally found the S Factor?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

0202Trust Me, I'm A Scientist2010062120140223/24 (BBC7)
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Ben Goldacre and DAVE GORMAN discuss the notion of trust in science.

Physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE continue their witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science.

Brian and Robin are joined by special guests Ben Goldacre and comedian DAVE GORMAN to discuss the notion of trust in science. Why are people prepared to believe in magic and pseudoscience rather than empirical evidence, and does it matter? Science often appears open ended and evolving, a reason to mistrust it, especially when it can feel like we are bombarded with so much contradictory information. So is the scientific method the only way to truly test if something works, and why should we trust the scientists over alternative practitioners who many people would argue have helped them more than anything that comes out of a laboratory.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Trust me I'm a Scientist:

Physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE continue their witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. Brian and Robin are joined by special guests Ben Goldacre and comedian DAVE GORMAN to discuss the notion of trust in science. Why are people prepared to believe in magic and pseudoscience rather than empirical evidence, and does it matter? Science often appears open ended and evolving, a reason to mistrust it, especially when it can feel like we are bombarded with so much contradictory information. So is the scientific method the only way to truly test if something works, and why should we trust the scientists over alternative practitioners who many people would argue have helped them more than anything that comes out of a laboratory.

0203Science Fiction, Science Fact2010062820140302/03 (BBC7)
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Special guests JONATHAN ROSS, graphic novelist ALAN MOORE and string theorist Brian Greene, join BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE on stage for a special edition of the science show that boldly goes where no other science show has been before.

In a special science fiction themed programme, recorded in front of an audience at London's Southbank Centre, Brian, Robin and guests discuss multiple dimensions, alternate universes and look at whether science fact is far more outrageous than anything Hollywood or science fiction authors could ever come up with.

JONATHAN ROSS, graphic novelist ALAN MOORE and string theorist Brian Greene on sci-fi.

Special guests JONATHAN ROSS, graphic novelist ALAN MOORE and string theorist Brian Greene, join BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE on stage for a special edition of the science show that boldly goes where no other science show has been before. In a special science fiction themed programme, recorded in front of an audience at London's Southbank Centre, Brian, Robin and guests discuss multiple dimensions, alternate universes and look at whether science fact is far more outrageous than anything Hollywood or science fiction authors could ever come up with.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

AKA Science Fact And Science Fiction

0204 LASTThings Can Only Get Better?2010070520140309/10 (BBC7)
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In the last of the current series, physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE look at the notion of perfection and whether the latest advances in the biomedical sciences could ever lead us to the perfect body. What are the limitations of science, and can we visualise a future where we transcend the human form that evolution has led us to, and would we want to?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Will the latest advances in biomedical sciences ever lead us to the perfect body?

0301Apocalypse!20101115Physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince return for the third series of the witty, irreverent science show.

In the first episode of the series, Brian and Robin are joined by comedian Andy Hamilton to discuss some of the wackier apocalyptic theories, as well as those more grounded in science fact. Did the Mayans know something that we didn't with their prediction of global annihilation in 2012, or should we be focusing our energies and scientific know-how on some of the more likely scenarios, from near earth asteroids, through to climate change and deadly pandemics, or even the more long term possibilities of our sun burning out....although we have got roughly another 5 billion years to ponder the challenge of that problem.

Recorded in front of an audience at the Drill Hall in London.

Did the Mayans know something that we didn't with their prediction of global annihilation in 2012, or should we be focusing our energies and scientific know-how on some of the more likely scenarios, from near earth asteroids, through to climate change and deadly pandemics, or even the more long term possibilities of our sun burning out - although we have got roughly another 5 billion years to ponder the challenge of that problem.

Physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE return for the third series of the witty, irreverent science show. In the first episode of the series, Brian and Robin are joined by comedian ANDY HAMILTON to discuss some of the wackier apocalyptic theories, as well as those more grounded in science fact. Did the Mayans know something that we didn't with their prediction of global annihilation in 2012, or should we be focusing our energies and scientific know-how on some of the more likely scenarios, from near earth asteroids, through to climate change and deadly pandemics, or even the more long term possibilities of our sun burning out....although we have got roughly another 5 billion years to ponder the challenge of that problem. Recorded in front of an audience at the Drill Hall in London.

ANDY HAMILTON, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discus the science behind any future apocalypse.

Andy Hamilton, Brian Cox and Robin Ince discuss the science behind any future apocalypse.

0302Modern World20101122This week they are joined by comedian and former mathematician PAUL FOOT to discuss whether the modern world is a force for good or evil, and whether a simpler, more natural existence might be a better way forward.

Physicist BRIAN COX, comedian ROBIN INCE and guests return for more witty irreverent science chat. This week they are joined by comedian and former mathematician PAUL FOOT to discuss whether the modern world is a force for good or evil, and whether a simpler, more natural existence might be a better way forward.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and PAUL FOOT ask if the modern world is a force for good or evil.

0303Randomness20101129Physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE are joined by the Australian comedian and musician TIM MINCHIN and mathematician ALEX BELLOS to discuss randomness, probabablity and chance. They look at whether consequences are far more common than one might think and how a mathematical approach can make even the most unpredictable situations... well, predictable.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian TIM MINCHIN to talk randomness and chance.

They look at whether consequences are far more common than one might think and how a mathematical approach can make even the most unpredictable situations - well, predictable.

Physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince are joined by the Australian comedian and musician Tim Minchin and mathematician Alex Bellos to discuss randomness, probability and chance. They look at whether coincidences are far more common than one might think and how a mathematical approach can make even the most unpredictable situations... well, predictable.

0304 LASTPhilosophy20101206Physicist BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE are joined by special guests ALEXEI SAYLE and philosopher JULIAN BAGGINI to discuss STEPHEN HAWKING's recent comment that philosophy is dead. Does the progress of science mean the need for disciplines such as philosophy and even religion are negated as we understand more and more about how the world works. Or are there some things, such as human consciousness, that science will never be able to fully explain.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by ALEXEI SAYLE when they ask Is Philosophy Dead?.

Physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince are joined by special guests Alexei Sayle and philosopher Julian Baggini to discuss Stephen Hawking's recent comment that 'philosophy is dead'. Does the progress of science mean the need for disciplines such as philosophy and even religion are negated as we understand more and more about how the world works. Or are there some things, such as human consciousness, that science will never be able to fully explain.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Alexei Sayle when they ask 'Is Philosophy Dead?'.

0401What Don't We Know?2011053020110531 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a new series of witty, irreverent science chat.

This week the Infinite Monkeys will be asking what don't we know, do we know what we don't know, does science know what it doesn't know, and are there some things that science will never be able to know? Joining them on stage for this brain twister and to discuss whether any of us actually know anything at all, are the comedian PAUL FOOT, biologist Professor STEVE JONES and cosmologist and science writer MARCUS CHOWN

What Don't We Know?

Professor BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE return for a new series of the witty, irreverent science/comedy show. This week the Infinite Monkeys will be asking what don't we know, do we know what we don't know, does science know what it doesn't know, and are there some things that science will never be able to know? Joining them on stage for this brain twister and to discuss whether any of us actually know anything at all, are the comedian PAUL FOOT, biologist Professor STEVE JONES and cosmologist and science writer MARCUS CHOWN.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

0402Six Degrees2011060620110607 (R4)The Infinite Monkeys, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE, are joined on stage by special guest STEPHEN FRY and science writer SIMON SINGH to find out whether we really are only 6 degrees of separation from anyone else? What started as an interesting psychology experiment in connectedness, back in the 1960's, has not only taken on a life of its own in popular culture, but in the last 10 years has begun to influence everything from mathematics, to engineering and even biology.

Brian and Robin look at how the concept of 6 degrees has influenced a whole new field of science and whether, in this age of social network sites such as Twitter and Facebook, we are in fact, far more connected than ever before.

We also find out what Robin's Bacon number is.

Whether Brian has an Erdos number, and whether, like RUSSELL CROWE, any of the panel have successfully managed to combine the two.

The Infinite Monkeys, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE, are joined on stage by special guest STEPHEN FRY and science writer SIMON SINGH to find out whether we really are only 6 degrees of separation from anyone else? What started as an interesting psychology experiment in connectedness, back in the 1960's, has not only taken on a life of its own in popular culture, but in the last 10 years has begun to influence everything from mathematics, to engineering and even biology. Brian and Robin look at how the concept of 6 degrees has influenced a whole new field of science and whether, in this age of social network sites such as Twitter and Facebook, we are in fact, far more connected than ever before. We also find out what Robin's Bacon number is. Whether Brian has an Erdos number, and whether, like RUSSELL CROWE, any of the panel have successfully managed to combine the two.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

STEPHEN FRY joins BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE to talk about six degrees of separation.

The Infinite Monkeys, Brian Cox and Robin Ince, are joined on stage by special guest Stephen Fry and science writer Simon Singh to find out whether we really are only 6 degrees of separation from anyone else? What started as an interesting psychology experiment in connectedness, back in the 1960's, has not only taken on a life of its own in popular culture, but in the last 10 years has begun to influence everything from mathematics, to engineering and even biology. Brian and Robin look at how the concept of 6 degrees has influenced a whole new field of science and whether, in this age of social network sites such as Twitter and Facebook, we are in fact, far more connected than ever before. We also find out what Robin's 'Bacon' number is. Whether Brian has an 'Erdos' number, and whether, like Russell Crowe, any of the panel have successfully managed to combine the two.

0403So You Want To Be An Astronaut?2011061320110614 (R4)So you want to be an Astronaut?

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined by comedian HELEN KEEN (It is Rocket Science) and space medicine expert Dr KEVIN FONG, to discuss the future of human space travel. As NASA's space shuttle program comes to a close, what does the future hold in terms of humans bid to leave the confines of earth, and what has human space travel provided in terms of scientific understanding back at home? BRIAN COX acknowledges the importance of the Apollo moon landings in inspiring him, and many like him, to take up careers in science - so what will the next big scientific inspiration be?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discuss the future of human space travel.

Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined by comedian Helen Keen ('It is Rocket Science') and space medicine expert Dr Kevin Fong, to discuss the future of human space travel. As NASA's space shuttle program comes to a close, what does the future hold in terms of humans bid to leave the confines of earth, and what has human space travel provided in terms of scientific understanding back at home? Brian Cox acknowledges the importance of the Apollo moon landings in inspiring him, and many like him, to take up careers in science - so what will the next big scientific inspiration be?

0404Is Cosmology Really A Science?2011062020110621 (R4)Science show, presented by Professor BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined on stage by V for Vendetta author and legendary comic book writer ALAN MOORE, cosmologist Ed Copeland, and science broadcaster Dallas Campbell to ask whether Cosmology is really a science? Do scientific theories need to be testable to make them, well - scientific? And if so, where does that leave some of the more mind-bending theories that Cosmology has postulated over the last few years? From String Theory to the idea of multiple universes, the maths might work, but if there is no way of observing whether it is correct, is it science or science fiction? Does Cosmology have more in common with the fantastical stories dreamt up by fiction writers such as ALAN MOORE, and will science ever progress enough to really get to the bottom of some of the more weird and wonderful theories about the way our universe works? This programme was recorded as part of the Cheltenham Science Festival.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

Robin Ince, Brian Cox and guests debate whether Cosmology is really a science?

0405Glastonbury Special, Is There Room For Mysticism In A Rational World?2011062720110628 (R4)Glastonbury Special

Radio 4's award winning science/comedy show hits Glastonbury to prove that science really is the new rock n roll. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by musicians Billy Bragg and Graham Coxon, comedian Shappi Khorsandi, and scientist Professor Tony Ryan to bring their own brand of rationality and reason to Glastonbury's most hardened new-age followers.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX take the Infinite Monkey Cage to Glastonbury.

0406 LASTScience V The Supernatural: Does Science Kill The Magic?2011070420110705 (R4)Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined on stage by actor and magician Andy Nyman, psychologist Richard Wiseman and neuroscientist Bruce Hood as they take on the paranormal. They'll be looking at some of the more popular claims of supernatural goings on, and asking whether a belief in ghosts, psychic abilities and other other-worldly phenomena, is just a bit of harmless fun, or whether there are more worrying implications in a belief in the paranormal.

ROBIN INCE, BRIAN COX and guests put science up against the supernatural.

0501What's The North Ever Done For Us?2011112120111122 (R4)New series of irreverent science chatter with ROBIN INCE, BRIAN COX and special guests.

What's The North Ever Done For Us?

The Infinite Monkeys, ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX, return for a new series of irreverent science chatter with a host of special guests. In the first of the new series, they're on BRIAN COX's home territory for a recording at the University of Manchester. They're joined by impressionist JON CULSHAW, physicist Jeff Forshaw and biologist MATTHEW COBB to look at just a few of the amazing scientific achievements that Manchester has given the world, from Rutherford splitting the atom through to last year's Nobel Prize for Physics. And if you listen closely, a few other well known voices may also appear to have snuck onto the panel...who knew that even ALAN CARR has an opinion on the Higgs Boson.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Back for a new series, Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined by impressionist Jon Culshaw.

0502A Balanced Programme On Balance2011112820111129 (R4)ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined by guests Sir Paul Nurse and comedian KATY BRAND.

The Infinite Monkeys, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE, are joined on stage by Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, and comedian and theology graduate KATY BRAND to look at how science is portrayed in the press and whether opinion is ever as valid as evidence. Occasionally accused of lack of balance by lovers of astrology and the supernatural, the unashamedly rational and evidence loving duo tackle the issue of balance head on. Does the media skew scientific debate by giving too much weight to public opinion over the scientific evidence? Do important science messages get lost because scientists don't engage enough with seemingly irrational concerns and beliefs? A witty irreverent look at some of the issues surrounding the public's perception of science and how it's reported in the media.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX

Guests: KATY BRAND and Sir Paul Nurse.

0503The Origins Of Life2011120520111206 (R4)ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined by rationalist comedian and musician TIM MINCHIN.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined inside the Infinite Monkey Cage by rationalist comedian and musician TIM MINCHIN, science broadcaster and biologist ADAM RUTHERFORD and biochemist Professor NICK LANE to discuss the science of creation and the latest theories about the origins of life.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX.

0504The Science Of Sound2011121220111213 (R4)ROBIN INCE, BRIAN COX and guests discuss the science of sound.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX head north for the second time this series, and take residence for one episode in the BBC Philharmonic's headquarters to talk about the science of sound.

They are joined by the University of Salford's acoustic expert Professor TREVOR COX, neuroscientist Professor CHRIS PLACK and comedian and former acoustics student TOM WRIGGLESWORTH to talk about all things noise related.

With some musical accompaniment, they'll be discussing why some sounds sound nice and some sound horrible.

Why certain sounds are noise and others are literally music to our ears, and whether specific sounds can trigger specific emotions.

But perhaps the biggest question of all is, are there any clues in the chord sequences to D:Ream's hit Things can only get better that made it the perfect soundscape for to a political leadership campaign?maybe that's something that even science can't answer!

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX head north for the second time this series, and take residence for one episode in the BBC Philharmonic's headquarters to talk about the science of sound. They are joined by the University of Salford's acoustic expert Professor TREVOR COX, neuroscientist Professor CHRIS PLACK and comedian and former acoustics student TOM WRIGGLESWORTH to talk about all things noise related. With some musical accompaniment, they'll be discussing why some sounds sound nice and some sound horrible. Why certain sounds are noise and others are literally music to our ears, and whether specific sounds can trigger specific emotions. But perhaps the biggest question of all is, are there any clues in the chord sequences to D:Ream's hit Things can only get better that made it the perfect soundscape for to a political leadership campaign?maybe that's something that even science can't answer!

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX head north for the second time this series, and take residence for one episode in the BBC Philharmonic's headquarters to talk about the science of sound. They are joined by the University of Salford's acoustic expert Professor TREVOR COX, neuroscientist Professor CHRIS PLACK and comedian and former acoustics student TOM WRIGGLESWORTH to talk about all things noise related. With some musical accompaniment, they'll be discussing why some sounds sound nice and some sound horrible. Why certain sounds are noise and others are literally music to our ears, and whether specific sounds can trigger specific emotions. But perhaps the biggest question of all is, are there any clues in the chord sequences to D:Ream's hit Things can only get better that made it the perfect soundscape for to a political leadership campaign?..maybe that's something that even science can't answer!

Robin Ince and Brian Cox head north for the second time this series, and take residence for one episode in the BBC Philharmonic's headquarters to talk about the science of sound. They are joined by the University of Salford's acoustic expert Professor Trevor Cox, neuroscientist Professor Chris Plack and comedian and former acoustics student Tom Wrigglesworth to talk about all things noise related. With some musical accompaniment, they'll be discussing why some sounds sound nice and some sound horrible. Why certain sounds are noise and others are literally music to our ears, and whether specific sounds can trigger specific emotions. But perhaps the biggest question of all is, are there any clues in the chord sequences to D:Ream's hit 'Things can only get better' that made it the perfect soundscape for to a political leadership campaign?..maybe that's something that even science can't answer!

Robin Ince and Brian Cox discuss the science of sound with Tom Wrigglesworth.

0505I'm A Chemist Get Me Out Of Here2011121920111220 (R4)DARA O BRIAIN joins the Infinite Monkeys ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX for science/comedy chat.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX give the chemists a chance to fight back as they stage the ultimate battle of the sciences to find out, once and for all, whether all science is really just physics..and whether chemistry is, as Brian puts it the social science of molecules.

Joining Brian in the physics corner will be comedian and ex-physicist Dara O'Briain, and trading punches for the chemists will be Professor ANDREA SELLA and monkey cage regular Professor TONY RYAN.

Referee ROBIN INCE will be ringside to make sure its a clean fight and there's no hitting below the belt.

Ding ding

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX give the chemists a chance to fight back as they stage the ultimate battle of the sciences to find out, once and for all, whether all science is really just physics..and whether chemistry is, as Brian puts it the social science of molecules. Joining Brian in the physics corner will be comedian and ex-physicist Dara O'Briain, and trading punches for the chemists will be Professor ANDREA SELLA and monkey cage regular Professor TONY RYAN. Referee ROBIN INCE will be ringside to make sure its a clean fight and there's no hitting below the belt. Ding ding

Robin Ince and Brian Cox give the chemists a chance to fight back as they stage the ultimate battle of the sciences to find out, once and for all, whether all science is really just physics...and whether chemistry is, as Brian puts it 'the social science of molecules'. Joining Brian in the physics corner will be comedian and ex-physicist Dara O'Briain, and trading punches for the chemists will be Professor Andrea Sella and monkey cage regular Professor Tony Ryan. Referee Robin Ince will be ringside to make sure its a clean fight and there's no hitting below the belt. Ding ding.

Dara O'Briain joins the Infinite Monkeys Robin Ince and Brian Cox for science/comedy chat.

0506 LASTThe Science Of Christmas2011122620111227 (R4)ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX get festive and tackle the science of Christmas.

The Infinite Monkeys ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are in a festive mood as they discuss the science of Christmas with special guests biologist RICHARD DAWKINS, actor and writer MARK GATISS and science journalist Roger Highfield.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Robin Ince and Brian Cox discuss Christmas with Richard Dawkins and Mark Gatiss.

0601Oceans: The Last Great Unexplored Frontier?2012061820120619 (R4)ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX consider the mysteries that remain uncovered in the watery depths

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a new series of the award-winning science/comedy show, as they take a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. In today's programme they'll be looking down rather than up as they consider the great mysteries that still remain uncovered in the watery depths of our oceans and asking whether they are truly the last unexplored frontiers for science. It has often be said that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about much of what lies beneath the ocean waves, so how come we know so little about the vast majority of our own planet? They'll be joined on stage by comedian DAVE GORMAN, British Antarctic Survey scientist Lloyd Peck and Bramley Murton from the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton.

Future guests in upcoming programmes include MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, AL MURRAY, ANDY HAMILTON and comic book legend ALAN MOORE.

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

0602Science Mavericks2012062520120626 (R4)MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE joins Brian and Robin to discuss science mavericks.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage at this year's Cheltenham Science Festival to discuss science mavericks. They are joined by comedian MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE, medic and broadcaster Dr KEVIN FONG, evolutionary biologist Aoife McLysaght and Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall. Marshall, an Australian physician, famously experimented on himself to prove his theory that a bacterium was responsible for most peptic ulcers. He drank the bacterium he suspected was the cause, and as a result reversed decades of medical doctrine. He and the rest of the panel discuss the role of mavericks in science, how new theories get accepted and whether you have to go to such extreme lengths to truly push the frontiers of our scientific understanding.

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Marcus Brigstocke joins Brian Cox and Robin Ince to discuss the role of science mavericks.

0603Does Size Matter?2012070220120703 (R4)ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined on stage by comedian ANDY HAMILTON to discuss whether size matters? Material scientist MARK MIODOWNIK and bioengineer Eleanor Stride also join the panel to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of being really huge, or extremely small, and why if you wanted to be a truly effective super hero, then being really really tiny is probably the greatest superpower you could have.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Debating the advantages and disadvantages of being really huge, or extremely small.

0604The Science Of Symmetry2012070920120710 (R4)The Monkeys and guests discuss why symmetry seems such a pervasive phenomenon.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by mathematician MARCUS DU SAUTOY, science journalist ADAM RUTHERFORD and comic book legend ALAN MOORE to discuss why symmetry seems such a pervasive phenomenon throughout our universe, and possibly beyond. The world turns on symmetry -- from the spin of subatomic particles to the structure of the natural world, through to the molecules that make up life itself. They'll be asking why symmetry seems so ubiquitous and whether the key to Brian's large female fanbase is down to his more than usually symmetrical face.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

The Monkeys discuss symmetry with Marcus Du Sautoy, Alan Moore and Adam Rutherford.

0605Parallel Universes2012071620120717 (R4)BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests talk about one of the most tantalising ideas of cosmology

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE stretch the cage of infinite proportions this week to encompass not just our own universe, but any others that might be lurking out there as well. They'll be joined by QI creator JOHN LLOYD, the Astronomer Royal, Professor Sir Martin Rees, and solar scientist Dr Lucie Green to talk about one of the most tantalising ideas of cosmology, that of parallel universes. Are we inhabiting a universe that is just one of a possibly infinite number of others and how would we ever know? Is this an idea that is destined to remain one of the great scientific thought experiments, and a staple of science fiction, or will science ever progress enough to truly put the idea of multiverses to the test.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Brian Cox, Robin Ince and guests look at one of the most tantalising ideas of cosmology.

0606 LASTScience V Art2012072320120724 (R4)AL MURRAY joins Brian and Robin at the Latitude Festival for a science/art showdown.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE transport the cage of infinite proportions, to the slightly more confined space of the Latitude Comedy Arena. They will be joined on stage by a panel of guests, including AL MURRAY, for a witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world according to science. Given Latitude's artistic, musical and literary credentials, they'll be taking a huge risk by staging the ultimate show down, as they pitch Art against Science and ask which has more to offer and whether the two cultures might ever make a happy union. To help them battle it out, and alongside comedian AL MURRAY, they'll be joined by cosmologist Andrew Pontzen, comedian and actor SARA PASCOE and CERN scientist Jonathan Butterworth. Let battle commence!

07Space Exploration2012111920121120 (R4)The Infinite Monkeys are back and in the first of the new series Brian Cox and Robin Ince boldly go where no science programme has been before, as they discuss space exploration with Captain Jean Luc Picard himself, actor Sir Patrick Stewart; former quantum physicist Ben Miller; and Professor of Planetary Sciences, Monica Grady. They'll be discussing whether space really is the final frontier and whether, with the development of ever more sophisticated robotic space missions, do humans need to go to space at all? Are un-manned missions more cost effective and ultimately more efficient in terms of the scientific knowledge they generate, or is the need to explore unknown worlds, on this planet, or any other, the key to driving the progress of science?

Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Presenters: Robin Ince and Brian Cox.

Brian and Robin are joined by Patrick Stewart, Ben Miller and Monica Grady.

0701Space: The Final Frontier20121119The Infinite Monkeys are back and in the first of the new series BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE boldly go where no science programme has been before, as they discuss space exploration with Captain Jean Luc Picard himself, actor Sir PATRICK STEWART; former quantum physicist BEN MILLER; and Professor of Planetary Sciences, MONICA GRADY. They'll be discussing whether space really is the final frontier and whether, with the development of ever more sophisticated robotic space missions, do humans need to go to space at all? Are un-manned missions more cost effective and ultimately more efficient in terms of the scientific knowledge they generate, or is the need to explore unknown worlds, on this planet, or any other, the key to driving the progress of science?

Brian and Robin are joined by PATRICK STEWART, BEN MILLER and MONICA GRADY.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX.

0702Improbable Science2012112620121127 (R4)KATY BRAND joins Brian and Robin to discuss some unusual avenues of scientific research.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discuss some of the more unlikely and odd avenues of research travelled down in the name of science. For example, the British physicist who calculated the optimal way to dunk a biscuit into a cup of tea without it disintegrating too quickly. Or the brain researchers who demonstrated that they could detect meaningful brain activity... in a dead salmon. All these academics share something in common, not just a slightly quirky application of the scientific method. They have also been a recipient of the now infamous Ig Nobel prizes, awarded each year as a parody of the Nobel Prize, to research that seems at first glance, entirely improbable, and possibly pointless. Robin and Brian are joined on stage by the organiser of the Ig Nobels, Marc Abrahams, comedian KATY BRAND and biologist Professor MATTHEW COBB, from the University of Manchester, to ask whether all scientific exploration is valid, no matter how ridiculous it may seem at first glance, or whether there is genuinely something to be learned from observations that to many, may seem pointless.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX.

0703Secret Science2012120320150916/17/4) (BBC7)SIMON SINGH and DAVE GORMAN join Brian and Robin to discuss Bletchley Park.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined on stage by comedian DAVE GORMAN, author and Enigma Machine owner SIMON SINGH and Bletchley Park expert Dr SUE BLACK as they discuss secret science, code-breaking and the extraordinary achievements of the team working at Bletchley during WW II.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined on stage by comedian DAVE GORMAN, author and Enigma Machine owner SIMON SINGH and Bletchley Park enthusiast Dr SUE BLACK as they discuss secret science, code-breaking and the extraordinary achievements of the team working at Bletchley during WWII.

0704Brain Science2012121020121211 (R4)JO BRAND joins BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE for witty, irreverent science chat.

Will science ever understand the human mind?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian and former psychiatric nurse, JO BRAND, and neuroscientists Sophie Scott and Brian Butterworth. With ever more sensitive brain scanning techniques and advances in brain science, how close are we to understanding the inner workings of the human mind - or is this a quest that still remains in the hands of the philosophers?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX

Presenters: ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX.

Will science ever understand the human mind? Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian and former psychiatric nurse, Jo Brand, and neuroscientists Sophie Scott and Brian Butterworth. With ever more sensitive brain scanning techniques and advances in brain science, how close are we to understanding the inner workings of the human mind - or is this a quest that still remains in the hands of the philosophers?

0705Creating Life2012121720121218 (R4)Comedian ED BYRNE joins Robin and Brian to talk about science's quest to create life.

Unnatural.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by guests ED BYRNE, ADAM RUTHERFORD and PHILIP BALL to talk about science's quest to create life. From the medieval alchemists' recipe for creating an homunculus through to IVF, cloning and the current cutting edge science working on creating artificial DNA, the quest to create life is an age-old one, but with modern scientific techniques now a reality. Viewed by many as deeply suspicious, even heretical, creation of life is one of the key ideas that generates distrust in science, but is this fair and are we really entering a brave new world where life is no longer in nature's hands.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Presenters: BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

Presenters: BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

0706 LASTChristmas Special: The Science Of Christmas Behaviour2012122420121225 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE celebrate Christmas as only the monkey cage can.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE get into the Christmas spirit as they look at the science of christmas behaviour with Actor/writer MARK GATISS, geneticist STEVE JONES, psychologist RICHARD WISEMAN and emeritus Dean of Guildford Cathedral VICTOR STOCK.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince get into the Christmas spirit as they look at the science of Christmas behaviour with actor and writer Mark Gatiss, geneticist Steve Jones, psychologist Richard Wiseman and emeritus Dean of Guildford Cathedral Victor Stock.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince celebrate Christmas with Mark Gatiss and Steve Jones.

0801What Is Death?2013062420130625 (R4)Brian and Robin discuss the scientific nature of death with comedian KATY BRAND.

In the first of a new series of the award winning science/comedy series, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian KATY BRAND, biochemist NICK LANE and forensic anthropologist SUE BLACK to discuss why death is such an inevitable feature of a living planet. As well as revisiting such weighty scientific issues, such as when can a strawberry, be truly declared to be dead, they'll also explore the scientific process of death, its evolutionary purpose and whether it is scientifically possibly to avoid it all together.

'What Is Death?'

0802Glastonbury2013070120130702 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE transport their own take on quantum physics to Glastonbury.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE transport their cage of infinite proportions to the Glastonbury Festival as they take to the stage with their special brand of science and comedy. They are joined by singer KT Tunstall and physicists Fay Dowker and Jeff Forshaw to discuss all things Quantum, in the most unlikely of places!

0803Space Tourism2013070820130709 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE talk space exploration and space tourism with actor BRIAN BLESSED

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by actor and space enthusiast BRIAN BLESSED, Director of Virgin Galactic Stephen Attenborough and space medicine expert Dr KEVIN FONG to talk about the possibilities of space exploration for mere mortals. Is travel beyond our own planet the reserve of highly trained astronauts and cosmonauts, or are we about to see a new era of space travel, where a round trip to the moon is not beyond the grasp of many ordinary members of the public, and is it a good idea?

0804What Makes Science A Science?2013071520130716 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined Ben Goldacre, Sophie Scott and EVAN DAVIS.

What Makes a Science a Science?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by Bad Science' author Ben Goldacre, neuroscientist Sophie Scott and broadcaster EVAN DAVIS to ask what makes a science, a science. They'll be asking whether the scientific method can be applied to topics such as history and politics, and whether subjects like economics and social sciences qualify as science at all.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by 'Bad Science' author Ben Goldacre, neuroscientist Sophie Scott and broadcaster EVAN DAVIS to ask what makes a science, a science. They'll be asking whether the scientific method can be applied to topics such as history and politics, and whether subjects like economics and social sciences qualify as science at all.

0805Alfred Russel Wallace2013072220130723 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE mark the 100th anniversary of the death of ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discuss the life and works of ALFRED RUSSEL WALLACE, the lesser known co-founder of the theory of evolution by natural selection. They are joined on stage by biologists STEVE JONES and Aoife McLysaght and comedian TONY LAW to ask whether Wallace is the great unsung hero of biology and why it was Darwin who seems to have walked away with all the glory.

0806 LASTScience Museum2013072920130730 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discuss the wonder of science at London's Science Museum.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE transport their infinite cage to the more finite proportions of London's Science Museum to discuss wonder in science, and why children seem to have it, but too many of us lose it as adults. Joining them on stage are comedian JOSIE LONG, US astrophysicist and science communicator Neil deGrasse Tyson, Director of the Science Museum Ian Blatchford and author and historian RICHARD HOLMES. There's also a special performance by comedian and rap artist DOC BROWN, in tribute to his childhood hero.

0901Risk2013111820131119 (R4)Brian and Robin rational look at the science of risk with GRAEME GARDEN.

Professor BRIAN COX and comedian ROBIN INCE bring their witty and irreverent take on the world to a programme all about the science of risk. Together with Guests DAVID SPIEGELHALTER, SUE ION and former Goodie, GRAEME GARDEN, the team explores such questions as: why is seven the safest age to be? Should badgers wear bicycle helmets? How safe is nuclear power and how worried should we be by the threat of asteroid impact?

The Infinite Monkey Cage returns in the first of a new series and turns its gaze on the science of risk.

Professor Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince bring their witty and irreverent take on the world to a programme all about the science of risk. Together with guests David Spiegelhalter, Sue Ion and former Goodie, Graeme Garden, the team explores such questions as: why is seven the safest age to be? Should badgers wear bicycle helmets? How safe is nuclear power and how worried should we be by the threat of asteroid impact? Producer: Rami Tzabar.

0902Through The Doors Of Perception2013112520131126 (R4)This week, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE attempt to walk through the doors of perception. On the way, they'll encounter the nature of consciousness, the secret messages hidden in pop songs, the problem of objectivity (it's subjective) and how time appears to warp. This week's guests are psychologist and presenter of Radio 4's All in the Mind, CLAUDIA HAMMOND, Neuroscientist BEAU LOTTO and the writer ALAN MOORE

A witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the science of perception.

This week, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE attempt to walk through the doors of perception. On the way, they'll encounter the nature of consciousness, the secret messages hidden in pop songs, the problem of objectivity (it's subjective) and how time appears to warp. This week's guests are psychologist and presenter of Radio 4's All in the Mind, CLAUDIA HAMMOND, Neuroscientist BEAU LOTTO and the writer ALAN MOORE. Producer: RAMI TZABAR.

0903Science Rocks!2013120220131203 (R4)This week, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are travelling back in time, to discuss when and how geology became a science, what the dinosaurs ever did for us and why cryptids, creatures of popular mythology, hold such fascination for those on the fringes of science. Joining the panel are paleobiologist Dave Martill, geologist and BBC broadcaster HERMIONE COCKBURN, the comedian ROSS NOBLE and legendary actor, writer and performer, ERIC IDLE. Producer: RAMI TZABAR.

Science Rocks! This week, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are travelling back in time, to discuss when and how geology became a science, what the dinosaurs ever did for us and why cryptids, creatures of popular mythology, hold such fascination for those on the fringes of science. Joining the panel are paleobiologist Dave Martill, geologist and BBC broadcaster HERMIONE COCKBURN and the comedian ROSS NOBLE. Producer: RAMI TZABAR.

A witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world of fossils and geology.

Science Rocks! This week, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are travelling back in time, to discuss when and how geology became a science, what the dinosaurs ever did for us and why cryptids, creatures of popular mythology, hold such fascination for those on the fringes of science. Joining the panel are paleobiologist Dave Martill, geologist and BBC broadcaster HERMIONE COCKBURN, the comedian ROSS NOBLE and legendary actor, writer and performer, ERIC IDLE. Producer: RAMI TZABAR.

0904Are You Pi Curious?20131209This week on the Infinite Monkey Cage, BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests explore the nature of numbers, the power of logic and the mathematics of everyday life.

This week on the Infinite Monkey Cage, BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests explore the nature of numbers, the power of logic and the mathematics of everyday life. Producer: RAMI TZABAR.

AKA To Infinity And Beyond

This week on the Infinite Monkey Cage, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedy producer John Lloyd, mathematician Colva Roney Dougal and writer Simon Singh, to explore the universality of mathematics, the nature of infinity and the role of numbers in everyday life. Producer: Rami Tzabar.

0904To Infinity And Beyond2013120920131210 (R4)This week on the Infinite Monkey Cage, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedy producer John Lloyd, mathematician Colva Roney Dougal and writer Simon Singh, to explore the universality of mathematics, the nature of infinity and the role of numbers in everyday life. Producer: Rami Tzabar.

Brian and Robin explore mathematics, infinity and the role of numbers in everyday life.

0905Should We Pander To Pandas?2013121620131217 (R4)A witty and unashamedly rational look at the science of biodiversity and conservation.

This week, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE wonder if the world would be better off without spending an undue amount of time and energy trying to get giant pandas to mate and instead concentrated on saving species which let's face it, are a lot less cute but probably more important for the planet. Should we make a distinction between the organisms we want to save as opposed to those we need to save? The science and politics of biodiversity and conservation, explored and explained (sort of) with the help of SANDY KNAPP, SIMON WATT and comedian SARA PASCOE

This week, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE wonder if the world would be better off without spending an undue amount of time and energy trying to get giant pandas to mate and instead concentrated on saving species which let's face it, are a lot less cute but probably more important for the planet. Should we make a distinction between the organisms we want to save as opposed to those we need to save? The science and politics of biodiversity and conservation, explored and explained (sort of) with the help of SANDY KNAPP, SIMON WATT and comedian SARA PASCOE. Producer: RAMI TZABAR.

0906 LASTScience And Spin2013122320131224 (R4)This week on the Infinite Monkey Cage, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage at Manchester University, to discuss the state of science communication. Is the public engaged enough with the complexities of science? Are scientists engaging enough with the hoi polloi or still stuck in their ivory towers? And when was the 'golden age' of TV science, if it ever existed? Joining our presenters are scientists MATTHEW COBB and SHEENA CRUIKSHANK, comedian HELEN KEEN and legendary science TV presenter and writer, JAMES BURKE, whose classic series 'Connections' captivated audiences around the world. Producer: RAMI TZABAR.

A witty, irreverent and unashamedly rational look at the world of science communication.

10Are Humans Uniquely Unique?2014071520140714 (R4)Robin Ince and Brian Cox are joined on stage by human and non-human ape experts Keith Jensen, Katie Slocombe and Ross Noble to ask whether humans are truly unique amongst animal species. They'll be looking at why studying our nearest relative, the chimpanzee, could reveal clues as to how humans evolved some of the traits that make us stand out, such as language, culture and truly altruistic cooperation, or whether these are traits that are now being uncovered in our primate cousins. They'll also be revealing why a chimpanzee could be classified as far more rational than its human counterpart.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Ross Noble to ask whether humans are truly unique.

10Can Science Save Us?2014072920140728 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by Stephen Fry, Eric Idle, chemist and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield University, Professor Tony Ryan, and University of London solar scientist, Dr Lucie Green, as they ask: 'can science save us?' They'll be looking at some of the fantastic ideas at the very forefront of science and technology that are being looked at to help in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our planet, from climate change, to feeding our ever expanding global population.

Stephen Fry and Eric Idle join Brian Cox and Robin Ince to ask, 'Can science save us?'.

10Does Science Need War?2014072220140721 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Katy Brand, science writer Philip Ball and medic, author and broadcaster Kevin Fong. They'll be asking whether scientific progress needs the pressures and casualties of war to drive it, or whether some of our biggest scientific breakthroughs, that have resulted from periods of conflict, would have happened anyway? It's a serious topic, but never fear, on the way the intergalactic battles faced in Star Wars, and why only the French could come up with onions as a cure for burns, are all equally seriously investigated.

Brian Cox, Robin Ince and guests ask whether science needs war to drive it.

10Irrationality2014081220140811 (R4)Brian Cox, Robin Ince and their guests ask, 'Is irrationality genetic?'.
10Numbers Numbers Everywhere2014070820140707 (R4)Numbers, Numbers everywhere...

The Infinite Monkey Cage is back for a new series of witty, irreverent science chat. Over the coming six weeks, presenters Brian Cox and Robin Ince will be joined on stage by scientists and some well known science enthusiasts including Stephen Fry, Ross Noble, Katy Brand and Ben Miller to discuss a range of topics, from what makes us uniquely human, to whether irrationality is, in fact, genetic.

In the first episode of the new series, Brian and Robin are joined by comedian and former maths undergraduate Dave Gorman, maths enthusiast and author Alex Bellos and number theorist Dr Vicky Neale to look at the joy to be found in numbers. Although many people fear maths and will admit to dreading any task that requires even basic skills of numeracy, the truth is that numbers really are everywhere and our relationship with them can, at times, be oddly emotional. Why do so many people have a favourite number, for example, and why is it most often the number 7? 7 is of course a prime number - a favourite amongst mathematicians and non-mathematicians alike, although seemingly for different reasons. Could it be however, as the panel discuss, that the reasons are not so very different, and that we are all closet mathematicians at heart?

New series of the irreverent science/comedy show presented by Brian Cox and Robin Ince.

1001Numbers Numbers Everywhere20140707New series of the irreverent science/comedy show presented by BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

Numbers, Numbers everywhere...

The Infinite Monkey Cage is back for a new series of witty, irreverent science chat. Over the coming six weeks, presenters BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE will be joined on stage by scientists and some well known science enthusiasts including STEPHEN FRY, ROSS NOBLE, KATY BRAND and BEN MILLER to discuss a range of topics, from what makes us uniquely human, to whether irrationality is, in fact, genetic.

In the first episode of the new series, Brian and Robin are joined by comedian and former maths undergraduate DAVE GORMAN, maths enthusiast and author ALEX BELLOS and number theorist Dr Vicky Neale to look at the joy to be found in numbers. Although many people fear maths and will admit to dreading any task that requires even basic skills of numeracy, the truth is that numbers really are everywhere and our relationship with them can, at times, be oddly emotional. Why do so many people have a favourite number, for example, and why is it most often the number 7? 7 is of course a prime number - a favourite amongst mathematicians and non-mathematicians alike, although seemingly for different reasons. Could it be however, as the panel discuss, that the reasons are not so very different, and that we are all closet mathematicians at heart?

1002Are Humans Uniquely Unique?20140714BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by ROSS NOBLE to ask whether humans are truly unique.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX are joined on stage by human and non-human ape experts Keith Jensen, Katie Slocombe and ROSS NOBLE to ask whether humans are truly unique amongst animal species. They'll be looking at why studying our nearest relative, the chimpanzee, could reveal clues as to how humans evolved some of the traits that make us stand out, such as language, culture and truly altruistic cooperation, or whether these are traits that are now being uncovered in our primate cousins. They'll also be revealing why a chimpanzee could be classified as far more rational than its human counterpart.

1003Does Science Need War?20140721BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests ask whether science needs war to drive it.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian KATY BRAND, science writer PHILIP BALL and medic, author and broadcaster KEVIN FONG. They'll be asking whether scientific progress needs the pressures and casualties of war to drive it, or whether some of our biggest scientific breakthroughs, that have resulted from periods of conflict, would have happened anyway? It's a serious topic, but never fear, on the way the intergalactic battles faced in Star Wars, and why only the French could come up with onions as a cure for burns, are all equally seriously investigated.

1004Can Science Save Us?20140728STEPHEN FRY and ERIC IDLE join BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE to ask, 'Can science save us?'.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by STEPHEN FRY, ERIC IDLE, chemist and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield University, Professor TONY RYAN, and University of London solar scientist, Dr Lucie Green, as they ask: can science save us?' They'll be looking at some of the fantastic ideas at the very forefront of science and technology that are being looked at to help in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our planet, from climate change, to feeding our ever expanding global population.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by STEPHEN FRY, ERIC IDLE, chemist and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield University, Professor TONY RYAN, and University of London solar scientist, Dr Lucie Green, as they ask: 'can science save us?' They'll be looking at some of the fantastic ideas at the very forefront of science and technology that are being looked at to help in tackling some of the biggest challenges facing our planet, from climate change, to feeding our ever expanding global population.

1005Before The Big Bang20140804Brian Cox and Robin Ince ask what happened before the big bang.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE transport the cage of infinite proportions, for the first of 2 programmes from the Edinburgh Festival. They are joined on stage by cosmologists Carlos Frenk and Faye Dowker and actor and comedian BEN MILLER and comedian and fellow physics PhD alumnus RICHARD VRANCH.

1006 LASTIrrationality20140811BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and their guests ask, 'Is irrationality genetic?'.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedians JOSIE LONG and PAUL FOOT, psychologist RICHARD WISEMAN and neuroscientist Stuart Ritchie to ask is irrationality genetic?'. The second of two programmes recorded at the Edinburgh Festival.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedians JOSIE LONG and PAUL FOOT, psychologist RICHARD WISEMAN and neuroscientist Stuart Ritchie to ask 'is irrationality genetic?'. The second of two programmes recorded at the Edinburgh Festival.

1101Deception2015011920150124 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by author and journalist DAVID AARONOVITCH, psychologist Professor RICHARD WISEMAN and neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott as they tackle the science of deception. They'll be asking why we seem to be so good at telling lies, but not very good at spotting them, and why being good liars could be the secret to our success as a social animal. They will also be carrying out their own act of deception on the monkey cage audience. They reveal the results of an experiment to test the idea of subliminal advertising, carried out by DAVID AARONOVITCH for the Radio 4 documentary, Can You Spot the Hidden Message'. Will they manage to secretly persuade a section of the theatre audience to pick one type of soft drink over another by secretly flashing the name of a certain brand on a screen? All will be revealed.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by author and journalist DAVID AARONOVITCH, psychologist Professor RICHARD WISEMAN and neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott as they tackle the science of deception. They'll be asking why we seem to be so good at telling lies, but not very good at spotting them, and why being good liars could be the secret to our success as a social animal. They will also be carrying out their own act of deception on the monkey cage audience. They reveal the results of an experiment to test the idea of subliminal advertising, carried out by DAVID AARONOVITCH for the Radio 4 documentary, Can You Spot the Hidden Message' . Will they manage to secretly persuade a section of the theatre audience to pick one type of soft drink over another by secretly flashing the name of a certain brand on a screen? All will be revealed.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by author and journalist DAVID AARONOVITCH, psychologist Professor RICHARD WISEMAN and neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott as they tackle the science of deception. They'll be asking why we seem to be so good at telling lies, but not very good at spotting them, and why being good liars could be the secret to our success as a social animal. They will also be carrying out their own act of deception on the monkey cage audience. They reveal the results of an experiment to test the idea of subliminal advertising, carried out by DAVID AARONOVITCH for the Radio 4 documentary, 'Can You Spot the Hidden Message'. Will they manage to secretly persuade a section of the theatre audience to pick one type of soft drink over another by secretly flashing the name of a certain brand on a screen? All will be revealed.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by author and journalist David Aaronovitch, psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman and neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott as they tackle the science of deception. They'll be asking why we seem to be so good at telling lies, but not very good at spotting them, and why being good liars could be the secret to our success as a social animal. They will also be carrying out their own act of deception on the monkey cage audience. They reveal the results of an experiment to test the idea of subliminal advertising, carried out by David Aaronovitch for the Radio 4 documentary, 'Can You Spot the Hidden Message' . Will they manage to secretly persuade a section of the theatre audience to pick one type of soft drink over another by secretly flashing the name of a certain brand on a screen? All will be revealed.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince tackle the science of deception.

1102Fierce Creatures2015012620150127 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE tackle (verbally!) the most dangerous creatures on the planet.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by naturalist Steve Backshall, zoologist Lucy Cooke and comedian ANDY HAMILTON as they battle it out to decide which creature wins the title of earth's most deadly. The panel reveal their own brave encounters with a host of venomous, toxic and just downright aggressive beasts, including the bullet ant, rated the most painful stinging insect on the planet, deadly tree frogs and snakes, sharks, scorpions and hippos. They ask whether our seemingly innate fear of snakes and spiders is justified, and whether the deadliest creature on the planet is in fact a human being.

1103Solar System2015020220150203 (R4)BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests talk about the latest explorations of our solar system.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian JO BRAND, planetary scientist Professor MONICA GRADY and NASA scientist Dr Carolyn Porco as they discuss some of the most exciting and technically ambitious explorations of our solar system. They'll be looking at the Rosetta mission that has, for the first time, landed a probe on a comet, and the Cassini-Huygens mission which is bringing us extraordinary information about Saturn and its moons, and what these explorations of the far reaches of our solar system might tell us about our own planet.

1104When Quantum Goes Woo2015020920150210 (R4)Why is quantum physics often so popular with purveyors of pseudoscience and quackery?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by Bad Science author, Ben Goldacre, Professor of Particle Physics at Manchester University, Jeff Forshaw, and comedian SARA PASCOE. They'll be looking at why quantum physics, in particular, seems to attract some of the more fringe elements of pseudoscience and alternative medicine, and whether there is anything about the frankly weird quantum behaviour of particles, like the ability to seemingly be in two places at once, that really can be applied to the human condition. When spiritual healers and gurus talk about our own quantum energy and the power of quantum healing, is it simply a metaphor, or is there more to this esoteric branch of science that we could all learn from?

1105What Is The Point Of Plants?2015021620150217 (R4)What's the Point of Plants?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by botanist Professor Jane Langdale, physicist Professor Jim Al-Khalili and comedian and former horticulture student ED BYRNE to ask, what's the point of plants?'. How would the evolution of life on our planet have differed without plants, and what would our planet look like today? Most crucially that seemingly dull but necessary process of photosynthesis that we all learned about in school, is in fact one of the most important processes in our universe, and as usual it seems, the physicists are trying to take credit for it. Could there be a quantum explanation for how this amazing reaction works, and if so, are plants in fact the perfect quantum computers?

BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests ask, 'What's the point of plants?'.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by botanist Professor Jane Langdale, physicist Professor Jim Al-Khalili and comedian and former horticulture student ED BYRNE to ask, 'what's the point of plants?'. How would the evolution of life on our planet have differed without plants, and what would our planet look like today? Most crucially that seemingly dull but necessary process of photosynthesis that we all learned about in school, is in fact one of the most important processes in our universe, and as usual it seems, the physicists are trying to take credit for it. Could there be a quantum explanation for how this amazing reaction works, and if so, are plants in fact the perfect quantum computers?

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by plant biologist Professor Jane Langdale, physicist Professor Jim Al-Khalili and comedian and former horticulture student Ed Byrne to ask, 'what's the point of plants?'. How would the evolution of life on our planet have differed without plants, and what would our planet look like today? Most crucially that seemingly dull but necessary process of photosynthesis that we all learned about in school, is in fact one of the most important processes in our universe, and as usual it seems, the physicists are trying to take credit for it. Could there be a quantum explanation for how this amazing reaction works, and if so, are plants in fact the perfect quantum computers?

1106Serendipity2015022320150224 (R4)Serendipity in Science

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Lee Mack, science author and journalist Simon Singh and chemist Professor Andrea Sella to look at how many of our biggest science discoveries seem to have come about by accident. From Viagra to Pyrex to the discovery of the Cosmic Background Microwave Radiation, the earliest remnant of the big bang, they all owe their discovery to a healthy dose of luck and accident as scientists stumbled across them in the course of looking for something else. So are these discoveries just luck, are they still deserving of Nobel prizes and scientific glory, or is serendipity and an open scientific mind key to exploring and understanding our universe?

Brian Cox and Robin Ince look at some of the most serendipitous discoveries in science.

1106 LASTSerendipity In Science2015022320150224 (R4)AKA Serendipity

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by comedian Lee Mack, science author and journalist Simon Singh and chemist Professor Andrea Sella to look at how many of our biggest science discoveries seem to have come about by accident. From Viagra to Pyrex to the discovery of the Cosmic Background Microwave Radiation, the earliest remnant of the big bang, they all owe their discovery to a healthy dose of luck and accident as scientists stumbled across them in the course of looking for something else. So are these discoveries just luck, are they still deserving of Nobel prizes and scientific glory, or is serendipity and an open scientific mind key to exploring and understanding our universe?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look at some of the most serendipitous discoveries in science.

1201The Infinite Monkey Cage Usa Tour: New York2015070620150707 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE head to New York in the first of four shows from the USA.

The Infinite Monkeys return for a new series, the first of which will see them head to the USA for their first live tour. This week BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE can be found on stage in New York asking the question, Is Science a Force for Good Or Evil? They are joined on stage by Bill Nye the Science Guy, cosmologist Janna Levin, actor Tim Daly and comedian Lisa Lampanelli.

1202The Infinite Monkey Cage Usa Tour: Los Angeles2015071320150714 (R4)Science Goes to Hollywood: Science Fact V Science Fiction

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE continue their tour of the USA, as they take to the stage in LA. They are joined by cosmologist and science advisor on movies such as Thor and Tron Legacy, Sean Carroll, comedian Joe Rogan, The Simpsons' writer and Executive Producer of Futurama, David X Cohen, and ERIC IDLE. They ask why so many movies now seem to employ a science advisor, whether scientific accuracy is really important when you are watching a film about a mythical norse god and whether science fact can actually be far more interesting than science fiction.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage in LA, as they continue their tour of the USA.

1203The Infinite Monkey Cage Usa Tour: Chicago2015072020150721 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage in Chicago to discuss fossils and evolution.

Fossil Records and other Archaeological Hits.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage in Chicago, Illinois, to discuss fossil records and evolution. They are joined on stage by host of NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me' Peter Sagal, comedian and Saturday Night Live alumnus Julia Sweeney, palaeontologist Paul Sereno and evolutionary biologist Jerry Coyne.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage in Chicago, Illinois, to discuss fossil records and evolution. They are joined on stage by host of NPR's 'Wait Wait Don't Tell Me' Peter Sagal, comedian and Saturday Night Live alumnus Julia Sweeney, palaeontologist Paul Sereno and evolutionary biologist Jerry Coyne.

1204The Infinite Monkey Cage Usa Tour: San Francisco2015072720150728 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE head to San Francisco to talk aliens and UFOs.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage in San Francisco for the last of their USA specials. They talk alien visitations, UFOs and other close encounters with astronomer Dr SETH SHOSTACK, NASA scientist Dr Carolyn Porco, and comedians GREG PROOPS and Paul Provenza.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

1205Speed2015080320150804 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE host witty and irreverent science chat.

The Need for Speed

The Monkey Cage returns from its tour of the USA, as BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage of the BBC Radio Theatre to look at the science of speed. They are joined by comedian and former motoring correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, ALEXEI SAYLE, Land Speed Record Holder Andy Green and Professor Danielle George from the University of Manchester. They'll be looking at the engineering challenges of creating the fastest vehicle on the planet, and whether the limits to human speed are engineering or the laws of physics themselves.

BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests look at the science of speed.

1206 LASTForensic Science2015081020150811 (R4)A Forensic look at Forensics

No dead strawberries this week, but plenty of dead bodies, as BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take a gruesome look at the science of death and some of the more unusual ways that forensic scientists are able to look for and gather clues and evidence. From insects that can be used to give a precise time of death, to the unusual field of forensic botany, It's not just DNA evidence that can be used to pinpoint someone to the scene of a crime. They are joined on stage by Professor SUE BLACK from the University of Dundee, Dr Mark Spencer, a forensic botanist at the Natural History Museum and comedian RUFUS HOUND

BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests take a forensic look at forensic science.

No dead strawberries this week, but plenty of dead bodies, as BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take a gruesome look at the science of death and some of the more unusual ways that forensic scientists are able to look for and gather clues and evidence. From insects that can be used to give a precise time of death, to the unusual field of forensic botany, It's not just DNA evidence that can be used to pinpoint someone to the scene of a crime. They are joined on stage by Professor SUE BLACK from the University of Dundee, Dr Mark Spencer, a forensic botanist at the Natural History Museum and comedian RUFUS HOUND.

1301Artificial Intelligence2016011820160119 (R4)Brian and Robin talk artificial intelligence with JO BRAND, Anil Seth and Alan Winfield.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a new series of their award winning science/comedy show. Tonight the infinite monkey's are joined on stage by comedian JO BRAND, neuroscientist Anil Seth, and robotics expert Alan Winfield to discuss Artificial Intelligence. How close are we to creating a truly intelligent machine, how do we define intelligence anyway, and what are the moral and ethical issues that the development of intelligent machines might bring?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1302Invisible Universe20160125Brian Cox and Robin Ince transport the cage of infinite proportions to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. They are joined on stage by impressionist Jon Culshaw and astrophysicists Sarah Bridle and Tim O'Brien as they look up at the sky to discover that everything we see only accounts for 5% of the entire universe. So what is the rest of the universe made of? What are these mysterious elements known as Dark Matter and Dark Energy and would their discovery mean a complete re-writing of the laws of physics as we know them?

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

1302What Is Race?2016012520160126 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian SHAPPI KHORSANDI, science broadcaster ADAM RUTHERFORD and evolutionary geneticist MARK THOMAS. They look at the thorny issue of race, and whether there is a scientific definition for the concept of race. Do our genes reveal racial differences, and if so do they tell us anything about our evolutionary history? They also look at the results of their own personal DNA tests...so which panellist is a little bit neanderthal and which one has a genetic history firmly rooted in the North!

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by SHAPPI KHORSANDI and ask 'What is race?'.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1303Invisible Universe2016020120160202 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE transport the cage of infinite proportions to the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry. They are joined on stage by impressionist JON CULSHAW and astrophysicists Sarah Bridle and Tim O'Brien as they look up at the sky to discover that everything we see only accounts for 5% of the entire universe. So what is the rest of the universe made of? What are these mysterious elements known as Dark Matter and Dark Energy and would their discovery mean a complete re-writing of the laws of physics as we know them?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE head to Mosi in Manchester and look at the invisible universe.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1303What Is Reality?20160201What is Reality?

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by US superstar neuroscientist David Eagleman, Professor Sophie Scott and comedian Bridget Christie to ask what is reality? Is our sense of the world around us a completely personal experience and a construct of our brains? How can we ever know whether what one person perceives is exactly the same as what another person perceives. Is your sense of the world around you an illusion constructed by this extraordinary organ, the brain, that has no direct access to the outside world that it is helping you to understand.

1304Maths Of Love And Sex20160208Robin Ince and Brian Cox get romantic (although unfortunately not with each other) as they discuss the mathematics of love and the statistics of sex. They are joined on stage by comedian and former maths student Paul Foot, mathematician Hannah Fry and statistician Professor Sir David Speigelhalter, as they discover whether a knowledge of numbers can help you in the affairs of the heart? Can a maths algorithm help you find your perfect mate at a party and what do the statistics tell us about what happens after the party, if you do! They find out whether mathematicians are more successful at dating than comedians, and whether a rational, scientific approach to love and life long happiness is really the answer.
1304What Is Reality?2016020820160209 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by US superstar neuroscientist DAVID EAGLEMAN, Professor Sophie Scott and comedian BRIDGET CHRISTIE to ask what is reality? Is our sense of the world around us a completely personal experience and a construct of our brains? How can we ever know whether what one person perceives is exactly the same as what another person perceives. Is your sense of the world around you an illusion constructed by this extraordinary organ, the brain, that has no direct access to the outside world that it is helping you to understand.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE ask, 'What is reality?'.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1305Climate Change20160215Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by guests Dara O Briain, Professor Tony Ryan and Dr Gabrielle Walker to discuss the ever-hot topic of climate change. They take a forensic look at the evidence that the climate is indeed changing, how we know that we are responsible, and what can be done to stop it. The scientific willing may be there, but is the political will finally catching up?
1305Maths Of Love And Sex2016021520160216 (R4)ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX get romantic (although unfortunately not with each other) as they discuss the mathematics of love and the statistics of sex. They are joined on stage by comedian and former maths student PAUL FOOT, mathematician HANNAH FRY and statistician Professor Sir David Speigelhalter, as they discover whether a knowledge of numbers can help you in the affairs of the heart? Can a maths algorithm help you find your perfect mate at a party and what do the statistics tell us about what happens after the party, if you do! They find out whether mathematicians are more successful at dating than comedians, and whether a rational, scientific approach to love and life long happiness is really the answer.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE get romantic as they discuss the mathematics of love.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1306 LASTClimate Change2016022220160223 (R4)BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and special guest DARA O BRIAIN discuss climate change.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by guests DARA O BRIAIN, Professor TONY RYAN and Dr GABRIELLE WALKER to discuss the ever-hot topic of climate change. They take a forensic look at the evidence that the climate is indeed changing, how we know that we are responsible, and what can be done to stop it. The scientific willing may be there, but is the political will finally catching up?

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1401The Sound Of Music2016070420160705 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE kick off the new series at the Glastonbury Music Festival.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage at Glastonbury Music Festival. They are joined by comedian MATT KIRSHEN, musicians KT Tunstall and NITIN SAWHNEY and scientists Lucy Cooke and TREVOR COX. No Julie Andrews for this special edition of the long running science/comedy show, although music does take centre stage as the panel discuss the evolution and science of why and how humans are programmed to love everything from the Rolling Stones to Rap to Rachmaninoff. They'll also be looking at whether there are any examples of music in the animal kingdom and whether gorillas really hum.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1402Science Of Sleep20160711BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by Professor RUSSELL FOSTER, Professor RICHARD WISEMAN and comedian KATY BRAND as they attempt to get to grips with the science behind Robin's insomnia. They'll be asking why we sleep, is 8 hours really enough, and why has every creature on the planet evolved with some period of inactivity? They'll also be investigating the purpose of dreams and whether analysing them has any useful purpose? Was Freud right with his symbolic interpretation of dreams, or if we dream about aggressive courgettes, does this reveal our inner most anxieties about.... aggressive courgettes?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

1402The Recipe To Build A Universe2016071120160712 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE ask what ingredients it takes to build a universe.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE ask what ingredients you need to build a universe? They are joined on stage by comedian and former Science Museum explainer, RUFUS HOUND, chemist ANDREA SELLA and solar scientist Lucie Green, as they discuss the basis of all school chemistry lessons, the periodic table. They discover how the elements we learnt about at school are the building blocks that make up everything from humans to planet earth to the universe itself. They were formed in stars and during the big bang. The history of the discovery of the periodic table and the elements is a wonderful tale of genuine scientific exploration that has changed our understanding of where we come from and how life and the universe that we know came to be. The panel also ponder which element they might choose if they were building a universe from scratch and the audience suggest which elements they would remove from the periodic table if given the chance?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1403Battle Of The Sexes20160718BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by Professor Sophie Scott, Professor STEVE JONES and comedian SARA PASCOE. They will be tackling the age old battle of the sexes, and asking whether men really are from Mars, and women really are from Venus? Probably not, according to Brian as Venus is too hot! Moving on from the pedantry of physics, they'll be asking whether the divide between men and women is based on a fundamental difference in our genetics, in our brain function, or is it all down to our upbringing. Let the battle commence.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

1403Science Of Sleep2016071820160719 (R4)BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests discuss the science of sleep.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by Professor RUSSELL FOSTER, Professor RICHARD WISEMAN and comedian KATY BRAND as they attempt to get to grips with the science behind Robin's insomnia. They'll be asking why we sleep, is 8 hours really enough, and why has every creature on the planet evolved with some period of inactivity? They'll also be investigating the purpose of dreams and whether analysing them has any useful purpose? Was Freud right with his symbolic interpretation of dreams, or if we dream about aggressive courgettes, does this reveal our inner most anxieties about.... aggressive courgettes?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1404200 Years Of Frankenstein20160725BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE mark the 200th anniversary of MARY SHELLEY's Frankenstein. They are joined on stage by NOEL FIELDING, evolutionary biologist NICK LANE and writer and expert in popular culture, Sir CHRISTOPHER FRAYLING. They'll be looking at the cultural impact of this epic novel, and the long lasting impact it has had on the perception of science and scientists. They'll also be looking at the real science behind some of the ideas about life and the creation of life that MARY SHELLEY explored.
1404Battle Of The Sexes2016072520160726 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE and guests discuss the biological battle of the sexes.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by Professor Sophie Scott, Professor STEVE JONES and comedian SARA PASCOE. They will be tackling the age old battle of the sexes, and asking whether men really are from Mars, and women really are from Venus? Probably not, according to Brian as Venus is too hot! Moving on from the pedantry of physics, they'll be asking whether the divide between men and women is based on a fundamental difference in our genetics, in our brain function, or is it all down to our upbringing. Let the battle commence.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1405200 Years Of Frankenstein2016080120160802 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE celebrate the 200th anniversary of MARY SHELLEY's Frankenstein.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE mark the 200th anniversary of MARY SHELLEY's Frankenstein. They are joined on stage by NOEL FIELDING, evolutionary biologist NICK LANE and writer and expert in popular culture, Sir CHRISTOPHER FRAYLING. They'll be looking at the cultural impact of this epic novel, and the long lasting impact it has had on the perception of science and scientists. They'll also be looking at the real science behind some of the ideas about life and the creation of life that MARY SHELLEY explored.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1405The Universe: What Remains To Be Discovered?20160801BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage at the Blue Dot Festival, at the home of Radio Astronomy, Jodrell Bank. They are joined on stage by BEN MILLER, CHARLOTTE CHURCH, Dr Paul Abel and Professor Tim O'Brien to explore the big questions that are still to be answered about our Universe.
1406 LASTThe Universe: What Remains To Be Discovered?2016080820160809 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage at the home of radio astronomy, Jodrell Bank.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take to the stage at the Blue Dot Festival, at the home of Radio Astronomy, Jodrell Bank. They are joined on stage by BEN MILLER, CHARLOTTE CHURCH, Dr Paul Abel and Professor Tim O'Brien to explore the big questions that are still to be answered about our Universe.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1501The Science Of Everyday Life2017011620170117 (R4)ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX look at the laws of nature that govern your everyday life.

ROBIN INCE and BRIAN COX return for a new series. They are joined on stage, at the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry, by comedian RUSSELL KANE, physicist Helen Czerski and engineer Danielle George as they discuss the science to be discovered in everyday life. They discover how the humble cup of tea displays fundamental laws of nature that also govern our climate. How dropping raisins in a bottle of lemonade reveal how the Titanic sunk, and a robot orchestra, created from household objects, plays some familiar tunes.

PRODUCER: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1502How To Beat The House And Win At Games2017012320170124 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE learn how to beat the house and win at games using science.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by mathematicians HANNAH FRY and ALEX BELLOS, psychologist RICHARD WISEMAN and games enthusiast HELEN ZALTZMAN, to get their top tips for winning games and solving puzzles. Do mathematicians make better Poker players, or is psychology the key to the ultimate poker face? Will a knowledge of probability give you the ultimate winning strategy for your next game of Monopoly? (the answer is yes!). How old are the oldest puzzles and why do they involve wolves and cabbages? And how have puzzles involving wolves, cabbages and bridges resulted in the development of whole new branches of mathematics.

PRODUCER: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1502Science's Epic Fails20170123Science's Epic Fails

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by actor and comedian Rufus Hound, Professor Alice Roberts and Dr Adam Rutherford to discuss some of the great scientific failures, and mistakes made by some very well known scientists. They look at how some of the greatest scientific thinkers of all time, from Darwin to Einstein, got key elements of their own theories wrong, or in the case of others, followed a path of understanding that would later be completely disproved. They discuss why failure in science is no bad thing, and ask whether getting it wrong, is a fundamental part of the scientific method, and should in fact be applied to many other areas of life.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

1503Oceans: What Remains To Be Discovered?20170130Oceans: what remains to be discovered?

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Andy Hamilton, Professor Jon Copley and marine biologist Helen Scales, as they look at the riches still remaining to be discovered deep within our oceans. The deep ocean remains the last great unexplored frontier of our planet, and as Brian and Robin discover, what we might find there could provide us with some extraordinary insights and applications. We've only just begun to touch the surface, literally, in terms of identifying and learning about the huge and varied life forms that live in our oceans -from the microbes that could inspire and generate new drugs to fight antibiotic resistant diseases, to the deep sea snails with iron clad shells, that may lead to the development of new super-strong materials. Even the humble limpet is providing inspiration to material scientists and engineers: the limpets' teeth, it turns out, are made from the strongest natural substance on the planet.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

1503Science's Epic Fails2017013020170131 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by actor and comedian RUFUS HOUND, Professor ALICE ROBERTS and Dr ADAM RUTHERFORD to discuss some of the great scientific failures, and mistakes made by some very well known scientists. They look at how some of the greatest scientific thinkers of all time, from Darwin to Einstein, got key elements of their own theories wrong, or in the case of others, followed a path of understanding that would later be completely disproved. They discuss why failure in science is no bad thing, and ask whether getting it wrong, is a fundamental part of the scientific method, and should in fact be applied to many other areas of life.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guest RUFUS HOUND look at some of science's epic fails.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1504Oceans: What Remains To Be Discovered?2017020620170207 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover the wonders still lying hidden deep within our oceans.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by ANDY HAMILTON, Professor Jon Copley and marine biologist Helen Scales, as they look at the riches still remaining to be discovered deep within our oceans. The deep ocean remains the last great unexplored frontier of our planet, and as Brian and Robin discover, what we might find there could provide us with some extraordinary insights and applications. We've only just begun to touch the surface, literally, in terms of identifying and learning about the huge and varied life forms that live in our oceans -from the microbes that could inspire and generate new drugs to fight antibiotic resistant diseases, to the deep sea snails with iron clad shells, that may lead to the development of new super-strong materials. Even the humble limpet is providing inspiration to material scientists and engineers: the limpets' teeth, it turns out, are made from the strongest natural substance on the planet.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1504The Human Story: How We Got Here And Why We Survived.20170206The Human Story: how we got here and why we survived.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Ross Noble, Professor Danielle Schreve and Professor Chris Stringer as they look at the tricky job of piecing together the history of modern humans and how we came to be here. They look back to the earliest known human ancestors and the fossils and tools that have allowed us to paint the picture of our journey out of Africa, to become the last surviving human species on the planet. They ask why we have gone from more than 5 or 6 species of humans some 200,000 years ago, to just 1 today. They also look at how discoveries made in just the last 5 years have completely transformed our understanding of human history and what new DNA technology has revealed about our ancient past. They also reveal what surprising tropical animal remains have been found buried deep under Trafalgar Square.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

1505Making The Invisible Visible20170213Making the Invisible, Visible

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Katy Brand, Cosmologist Prof Carlos Frenk, and biologist Prof Matthew Cobb to discover how to make the seemingly invisible, visible. They look at how the history and development of the telescope and the microscope have allowed us to look at the impossibly big to the seemingly impossibly small, to gain insight into the history of our universe and the inner workings of the human body. They look at how radio and space telescopes have allowed us to look back in time and 'see' the big bang, and understand the age and content of the early universe, and how space telescopes have thrown light on the mysterious substance known as dark matter. They also look at the way microscopes and new biological techniques have allowed us to understand the seemingly invisible processes going on inside our cells. They also ask what, if anything, will always remain invisible to us - are there some processes or concepts that are impossible for us to 'see'.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

1505The Human Story: How We Got Here And Why We Survived.2017021320170214 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by ROSS NOBLE to look at how modern humans evolved.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian ROSS NOBLE, Professor Danielle Schreve and Professor Chris Stringer as they look at the tricky job of piecing together the history of modern humans and how we came to be here. They look back to the earliest known human ancestors and the fossils and tools that have allowed us to paint the picture of our journey out of Africa, to become the last surviving human species on the planet. They ask why we have gone from more than 5 or 6 species of humans some 200,000 years ago, to just 1 today. They also look at how discoveries made in just the last 5 years have completely transformed our understanding of human history and what new DNA technology has revealed about our ancient past. They also reveal what surprising tropical animal remains have been found buried deep under Trafalgar Square.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1506 LASTMaking The Invisible Visible2017022020170221 (R4)Making the Invisible, Visible

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian KATY BRAND, Cosmologist Prof Carlos Frenk, and biologist Prof MATTHEW COBB to discover how to make the seemingly invisible, visible. They look at how the history and development of the telescope and the microscope have allowed us to look at the impossibly big to the seemingly impossibly small, to gain insight into the history of our universe and the inner workings of the human body. They look at how radio and space telescopes have allowed us to look back in time and see' the big bang, and understand the age and content of the early universe, and how space telescopes have thrown light on the mysterious substance known as dark matter. They also look at the way microscopes and new biological techniques have allowed us to understand the seemingly invisible processes going on inside our cells. They also ask what, if anything, will always remain invisible to us - are there some processes or concepts that are impossible for us to 'see'.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover how science can make the invisible visible.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian KATY BRAND, Cosmologist Prof Carlos Frenk, and biologist Prof MATTHEW COBB to discover how to make the seemingly invisible, visible. They look at how the history and development of the telescope and the microscope have allowed us to look at the impossibly big to the seemingly impossibly small, to gain insight into the history of our universe and the inner workings of the human body. They look at how radio and space telescopes have allowed us to look back in time and 'see' the big bang, and understand the age and content of the early universe, and how space telescopes have thrown light on the mysterious substance known as dark matter. They also look at the way microscopes and new biological techniques have allowed us to understand the seemingly invisible processes going on inside our cells. They also ask what, if anything, will always remain invisible to us - are there some processes or concepts that are impossible for us to 'see'.

1601What Particles Remain To Be Discovered?2017070320170704 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return to discuss the next great mystery for particle physics.

What Particles Remain to be Discovered?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a new series of the hugely popular, multi-award winning science/comedy show. Over the series a variety of scientists and comedy science enthusiasts will take to the stage to discuss everything from the glory of insects to whether free will is just an illusion. They'll be joined by the usual eclectic selection of guests over the series, including comedian SARA PASCOE, DANE BAPTISTE, KATY BRAND and ERIC IDLE, as well as astronauts Sandra Magnus and Apollo astronaut and moon walker Charlie Duke, for a space traveller special.

The first show will see Python legend and Monkey Cage theme tune creator ERIC IDLE take to the stage alongside physicists Jonathan Butterworth and Catherine Heymans to ask what particles remain to be discovered?. They'll be looking at life beyond the Higgs Boson and asking whether a new, as yet undetected particle could answer arguably the greatest question in physics and finally uncover the mysterious unknown elements that make up the 95% of our Universe that are known as Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

The first show will see Python legend and Monkey Cage theme tune creator ERIC IDLE take to the stage alongside physicists Jonathan Butterworth and Catherine Heymans to ask what particles remain to be discovered?. They'll be looking at life beyond the Higgs Boson and asking whether a new, as yet undetected particle could answer arguably the greatest question in physics and finally uncover the mysterious unknown elements that make up the 95% of our Universe that are known as Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

'What Particles Remain to be Discovered?'

The first show will see Python legend and Monkey Cage theme tune creator Eric Idle take to the stage alongside physicists Jonathan Butterworth and Catherine Heymans to ask 'what particles remain to be discovered?' . They'll be looking at life beyond the Higgs Boson and asking whether a new, as yet undetected particle could answer arguably the greatest question in physics and finally uncover the mysterious unknown elements that make up the 95% of our Universe that are known as Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

1602Astronaut Special2017071020170711 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by a panel, every member of which has been in space.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE transport the cage to Trondheim Norway, host of this year's Starmus Festival, for an extraordinary gathering of astronauts. They are joined on stage by NASA astronauts Sandra Magnus and Terry Virts, ESA astronaut Claude Nicollier, and Apollo 16's Charlie Duke, one of the last people to have walked on the moon. They talk about their personal journeys to fulfill their long-held dreams, and literally reach for the stars. They hear from Charlie Duke about the extraordinary Apollo missions he was part of, including his role as Capsule Communicator for the very first moon landing, before taking his own first steps on the lunar surface as part of Apollo 16. They explore the different experience of astronauts from Charlie's era, and those who now become residents of space, spending months and months aboard the International Space Station, and the challenges each mission brings. And Claude Nicollier describes his epic spacewalk to repair the Hubble Telescope.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1603Oxygen: A Matter Of Life And Death2017071720170718 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take a look at the life and death properties of oxygen.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by chemist ANDREA SELLA, science broadcaster and writer GABRIELLE WALKER and comedian SARA PASCOE to look at the life and death properties of oxygen. It's the molecule we simply can't live without, but as fate would have it, oxygen is also the molecule that eventually leads to our death. Hailed as an elixir of life, and foundation of the atmosphere, oxygen is the revolutionary element that quickens life and hastens death through its ferocious reactivity. It's the molecule our cells need, but is actually highly toxic to them, and is in the end what causes us to age. Brian and Robin get to grips with the chemistry of this contradictory molecule, and ANDREA SELLA tries not to cause too big an explosion by demonstrating oxygen's reactive nature using a digestive biscuit.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1604Will Insects Inherit The Earth?2017072420170725 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover the wonders of Insects.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian DAVE GORMAN, zoologist Tim Cockerill and forensic entomologist Amoret Whitaker. They'll be discovering the joy of creepy crawlies, why the flea is the ultimate master of Darwinian evolution, and whether those pesky cockroaches will really have the last laugh if we are unlucky enough to be wiped out by a nuclear explosion. They'll be discovering how and why insects have been by far the most successful group of organisms during the history of life on planet earth, and why we simply couldn't do without them.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian DAVE GORMAN, zoologist Tim Cockerill and forensic entomologist Amoret Whitaker. They'll be discovering the joy of creepy crawlies, why the flea is the ultimate master of Darwinian evolution, and whether those pesky cockroaches will really have the last laugh if we are unlucky enough to be wiped out by a nuclear explosion. They'll be discovering how and why insects have been by far the most successful group of organisms during the history of life on planet earth, and why we simply couldn't do without them.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1605Are We Living In A Simulation?2017073120170801 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE wonder if we are living in a computer simulation?

Elon Musk thinks we definitely could be, and it seems he is not alone. The idea that we might simply be products of an advanced post-human civilisation, that are simply running a simulation of our universe and everything it contains, has taken hold over the last few years. BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian PHILL JUPITUS, Philosopher Professor NICK BOSTROM and Neuroscientist Professor Anil Seth to ask what the chances are that are living in some Matrix like, simulated world and more importantly, how would we ever know?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1606 LASTThe Mind V The Brain2017080720170808 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look at our minds and brains, with special guest KATY BRAND.

It's one of the hardest problems in neuroscience. How do the chemical processes and electric signals produced by our brains result in the complex and varied experiences and sense of self that we might describe as our mind? BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian KATY BRAND, and neuroscientists Professor Uta Frith and Professor Sophie Scott to ask whether the mind is simply a product of the biology of our brain, or is there more to it than that? Can you have a brain without a mind, and is the mind simply an unexpected consequence, an emergent property, of our highly evolved and sophisticated brain. They'll also be tackling the question of free will, and whether we really have any, and if you could in theory simulate a fully working brain, with all its signals and complexity, would a mind naturally emerge?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1701When Two Stars Collide2018010820180109 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE and guests including Dara O'Briain look at gravitational waves.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian Dara O'Briain, Professor Sheila Rowan of Glasgow University and Professor Nils Andersson of Southampton University to look at last summer's spectacular discovery of gravitational waves from two colliding neutron stars. The observation of this huge cosmic event not only confirmed one of Einstein's great predictions, some 100 years ago, but also revealed the source of gold in our universe. Brian, Robin and guests look at how this momentous discovery brought together nearly 1/3 of the world's astronomers and astrophysicists as they raced to point their telescopes at the collision, but also confirmed the presence of gravitational waves, first predicted in Einstein's theory of general relativity back in 1915. They also discover why the source of our heavier elements such as gold and platinum has been so difficult to prove, until now.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

The Infinite Monkey Cage book How to Build A Universe (Part 1) is out now and available to buy from all the usual places.

The Infinite Monkey Cage book How to Build A Universe (Part 1) is out now and available to buy from all the usual places.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

The Infinite Monkey Cage book 'How to Build A Universe (Part 1)' is out now and available to buy from all the usual places.

1702The Secret Life Of Birds2018011520180116 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE explore the secret life of birds.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by guests including KATY BRAND, Steve Backshall and Professor Tim Birkhead to uncover the secret life of birds. They'll be looking at some of the extraordinary and cunning behaviour exhibited by many species of birds, both male and female, in an effort to attract a mate. They also get a special visit from Brann the Raven, who takes to the stage to demonstrate just how intelligent some species of birds can be.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1703Antibiotics2018012220180123 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look at the history and future of antibiotics.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Chris Addison, Chief Medical Officer, Dame Sally Davies, and Professor Martha Clokie to look at the history and future for antibiotics.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

1704Teenage Brain2018012920180130 (R4)BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests uncover the science of why teenagers are so teenagery.

The Teenage Brain

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by impressionist RORY BREMNER, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL Sarah-Jayne Blakemore and Professor of Zoology at Manchester University MATTHEW COBB to look at the working of the teenage brain, and why teenagers are so, well, teenagery. Stomping off to your bedroom, being embarrassed by your parents, wanting to fit in with your peers and a love of risky behaviour are all well known traits associated with our teenage years, exasperating parents through the ages. But new research into dynamic changes going on in the brain during these key years has revealed that it's not just hormones that are responsible for these behaviours. Could a better understanding of what is going on during these formative years not only help teenagers themselves, but inform our education system and even help prevent many of the mental health problems that often begin during adolescence?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by impressionist RORY BREMNER, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL Sarah-Jayne Blakemore and Professor of Zoology at Manchester University MATTHEW COBB to look at the working of the teenage brain, and why teenagers are so, well, teenagery. Stomping off to your bedroom, being embarrassed by your parents, wanting to fit in with your peers and a love of risky behaviour are all well known traits associated with our teenage years, exasperating parents through the ages. But new research into dynamic changes going on in the brain during these key years has revealed that it's not just hormones that are responsible for these behaviours. Could a better understanding of what is going on during these formative years not only help teenagers themselves, but inform our education system and even help prevent many of the mental health problems that often begin during adolescence? 

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by impressionist RORY BREMNER, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at UCL Sarah-Jayne Blakemore and Professor of Zoology at Manchester University MATTHEW COBB to look at the working of the teenage brain, and why teenagers are so, well, teenagery. Stomping off to your bedroom, being embarrassed by your parents, wanting to fit in with your peers and a love of risky behaviour are all well known traits associated with our teenage years, exasperating parents through the ages. But new research into dynamic changes going on in the brain during these key years has revealed that it's not just hormones that are responsible for these behaviours. Could a better understanding of what is going on during these formative years not only help teenagers themselves, but inform our education system and even help prevent many of the mental health problems that often begin during adolescence?

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1705How Animals Behave2018020520180206 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by RUFUS HOUND to look at animal behaviour.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian RUFUS HOUND, Zoologist and broadcaster Lucy Cooke and Professor Rory Wilson to discover how we learn about what animals are up to when we are not looking, and some of the hilarious mistakes we've made in the process of discovery. They'll be hearing about why the sex life of eels has remained so enigmatic, how the mystery of the wandering albatross has been solved, and why making underwear for frogs finally solved the riddle of how babies are made.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian RUFUS HOUND, Zoologist and broadcaster Lucy Cooke and Professor Rory Wilson to discover how we learn about what animals are up to when we are not looking, and some of the hilarious mistakes we've made in the process of discovery. They'll be hearing about why the sex life of eels has remained so enigmatic, how the mystery of the wandering albatross has been solved, and why making underwear for frogs finally solved the riddle of how babies are made.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1706 LASTVolcanoes2018021220180213 (R4)BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and special guest JO BRAND look at the science of volcanoes.

Volcano!

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian JO BRAND and Volcano experts Professor Tamsin Mather and Professor Clive Oppenheimer. They look at the very latest technology that is used to predict the next big volcanic eruption, as well as the history and importance of volcanoes and volcanic activity on our planet.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

1801The Infinite Monkey Cage 10020180711BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE celebrate their 100th episode with some very special guests.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

Monkey Cage 100!

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE celebrate the 100th episode of the hit science/comedy show, by inviting some very well known monkey cage alumni to join them. BRIAN BLESSED, ERIC IDLE, KATY BRAND, DAVE GORMAN and ANDY HAMILTON (to name a few) take to the stage to consider what has been learnt since Episode 1, back in November 2009. Joining them on stage, will be science royalty, including ALICE ROBERTS, American Astrophysicist Neil De Grasse Tyson, Professor SUE BLACK and Prof Fay Dowker, to look at the big scientific discoveries that have happened in the time since Brian and Robin first hit the airwaves, from the Higgs Boson, to Gravitational Waves, to our understanding of how human evolved. What epic discoveries might be made over the course of the next 100 episodes?

For the first time, You can watch the 100th episode of The Infinite Monkey Cage, recorded live in the iconic BBC Radio Theatre, on BBC iPlayer for 30 days from Wednesday July 11th, and on the BBC Red Button at various times for 7 days from Monday 16th July.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Producer (Vision): Michael Gray.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE celebrate the 100th episode of the hit science/comedy show, by inviting some very well known monkey cage alumni to join them.BRIAN BLESSED, ERIC IDLE, KATY BRAND, DAVE GORMAN and ANDY HAMILTON (to name a few) take to the stage to consider what has been learnt since Episode 1, back in November 2009. Joining them on stage, will be science royalty, including ALICE ROBERTS, American Astrophysicist Neil De Grasse Tyson, Professor SUE BLACK and Prof Fay Dowker, to look at the big scientific discoveries that have happened in the time since Brian and Robin first hit the airwaves, from the Higgs Boson, to Gravitational Waves, to our understanding of how human evolved. What epic discoveries might be made over the course of the next 100 episodes?

1802Big Data2018071620180717 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE ask: what is big data, and how big is big?

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by DANNY WALLACE, mathematician HANNAH FRY and science writer Timandra Harkness. They'll be going big on Big Data, and asking just how big is it? They'll be looking at where Big Data comes from, should we be worried about it, and what mysteries are hidden within the seemingly endless amounts of information that is collected about us as we go about our daily lives.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by DANNY WALLACE, mathematician HANNAH FRY and science writer Timandra Harkness. They'll be going big on Big Data, and asking just how big is it? They'll be looking at where Big Data comes from, should we be worried about it, and what mysteries are hidden within the seemingly endless amounts of information that is collected about us as we go about our daily lives.

1803Invasion2018072320180724 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE talk alien invasion, although not of the little green men kind.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

Invasion!

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian PHILL JUPITUS, bat expert and ecologist Professor Kate Jones and forensic botanist Dr Mark Spencer to look at the problems caused by alien invasions, although not of the little green men kind. They look at why such innocent and innocuous sounding plants such as floating pennywort strike terror and fear in the heart of environmentalists up and down the country, and how clever microbes and diseases are able to jump from animals such as bats to humans causing devastating consequences.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

1804Immune System2018073020180731 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look at our amazingly complex and clever immune system.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

The Immune System

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian SHAPPI KHORSANDI, Prof Dan Davis and Prof STEVE JONES to look at our amazingly complex and clever immune system. They look at how the human body fights disease, and why it has been so little understood until now. Fear not though, a new revolution in understanding is underway, with some extraordinary insights into the cunning of our little white cells. The panel look at how this new understanding is already leading to some real breakthroughs in treatment for diseases such as cancer, and Shappi reveals the crucial role she played in one such discovery.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

1805The Human Voice2018080620180807 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE get vocal on the science of the human voice.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian and beatboxer Beardyman, acoustic engineer Prof TREVOR COX and neuroscientist Prof Sophie Scott to explore the amazing capabilities of the human voice. They chat about chatting, vocalise about voices and explore the extraordinary and unique way the human voice works from opera singing to laughter, and discovery why our voice has been so key to our success and survival as a species.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

1806 LASTGchq2018081320180814 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE transport The Infinite Monkey Cage to GCHQ.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

The Code Breakers

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian KATY BRAND, as they transport the cage of infinite proportions to the home of modern day cryptography and codebreaking., GCHQ. They'll be discovering how far we've come from the days of the humble code book and the birth of machines like Enigma. and how the new digital era has turned us all into modern day code breakers and cryptographers, without us even realising it.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

19Origin Of Numbers2019012120190122 (R4)The origin of numbers and can fish count?

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by mathematician Dr Hannah Fry, comedian Matt Parker and neuroscientist Prof Brian Butterworth to ask where numbers come from and can fish count? They'll be looking at the origin of numbers and whether counting is a uniquely human trait that actually started before the evolution of language.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Hannah Fry to look at the origin of numbers

1901Microbes: Secret Rulers Of The World?2019010720190108 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a new series of the hugely popular, award-winning science/comedy show. This week they are joined by comedian ED BYRNE, oceanographer Dr Jon Copley and planetary scientist Prof MONICA GRADY to ask whether the real master-race on planet Earth is not human but microbe. They'll be looking at how microbes are found in every extreme environment on the planet, how and when they first arrived on the Earth and why the hunt is on to find evidence of microbes in space.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a new series. This week ED BYRNE joins the panel.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

1902The Future Of Humanity2019011420190115 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take on the entire future of our civilisation, as they are joined by Astronomer Royal and former head of the Royal Society Lord Rees, Baroness Cathy Ashton and comedian, actor and director CHRIS ADDISON. They'll be talking about the biggest challenges facing humanity at the moment, and whether science offers the solution to some of these great problems, from Climate Change to the rise of AI.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by CHRIS ADDISON to discuss the future of humanity.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

1903The Origin Of Numbers2019012120190122 (R4)The origin of numbers and can fish count?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by mathematician Dr HANNAH FRY, comedian Matt Parker and neuroscientist Prof Brian Butterworth to ask where numbers come from and can fish count? They'll be looking at the origin of numbers and whether counting is a uniquely human trait that actually started before the evolution of language.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by HANNAH FRY to look at the origin of numbers

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

1904Are Humans Still Evolving?2019012820190129 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian and author DAVID BADDIEL, Professor of Evolutionary Genetics Aoife McLysaght, and geneticist and broadcaster ADAM RUTHERFORD to ask whether human beings are still evolving? Has the invention of modern medicine, and technology meant that survival of the fittest is a thing of the past or are humans evolving new adaptations that will help us cope and survive better in our ever changing world (better thumbs for texting anyone?). If evolution happens over 1000's of years, could we even tell if we were evolving as a species, or have humans reached peak human?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE ask whether human beings are still evolving?

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

1905How To Build A Bionic Human2019020420190205 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by supervet Noel Fitzpatrick, Dr KEVIN FONG and comedian Lucy Beaumont to learn how to build a bionic human. They'll be looking at the development of artificial limbs and organs that have been pioneered during times of war and at the extreme end of emergency medicine, and find out how Noel Fitzpatrick is developing new techniques and bionic devices at his veterinary practice, that could eventually be used on humans.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE learn how to build a bionic human.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by 'supervet' Noel Fitzpatrick, Dr Kevin Fong and comedian Lucy Beaumont to learn how to build a bionic human. They'll be looking at the development of artificial limbs and organs that have been pioneered during times of war and at the extreme end of emergency medicine, and find out how Noel Fitzpatrick is developing new techniques and bionic devices at his veterinary practice, that could eventually be used on humans.

1906 LASTHow We Measure The Universe2019021120190212 (R4)AKA How to Measure the Universe

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian JO BRAND, and physicists Prof Jo Dunkley and Dr Adam Masters to look at how we go about measuring our universe, from measuring the contents of atmospheres of planets and moons at the outer edges of our solar system to looking far back in time to study the very earliest beginnings of the cosmos. Our ability to learn about phenomena and worlds that seem almost impossibly out of reach, now give us an incredible insight into the universe we occupy, and how we got here. Brian and Robin find out about some of the big new missions providing information into our own solar system and beyond, and find out what big questions in cosmology still remain a tantalising challenge?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE explore how we measure the universe.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian JO BRAND, and physicists Prof Jo Dunkley and Dr Adam Masters to look at how we go about measuring our universe: From measuring the contents of atmospheres of planets and moons at the outer edges of our solar system, to looking far back in time to study the very earliest beginnings of the cosmos. Our ability to learn about phenomena and worlds that seems almost impossibly out of reach, now give us an incredible insight into the universe we occupy, and how we got here. Brian and Robin find out about some of the big new missions providing information into our own solar system and beyond, and find out what big questions in cosmology still remain a tantalising challenge?

2001Dinosaurs2019091620190917 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a new series of their multi-award winning science/comedy show. They kick off with arguably any child's first interest in science - Dinosaurs! They are joined by comedian RUFUS HOUND and palaeontologists Susannah Maidment from the Natural History Museum and Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh to find out what the latest research and exciting fossil finds have revealed about these epic creatures. Are we in a new age of dinosaur discovery? What are the big questions that dinosaur hunters are hoping to uncover, and did they go extinct at all?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return to chat dinosaurs with, amongst others, RUFUS HOUND.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

2002Clever Creatures2019092320190924 (R4)AKA Those Clever Creatures

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian and author DANNY WALLACE, Ornithologist Professor Tim Birkhead and marine biologist Helen Scales to look at animal intelligence. We have all heard about clever chimps that can count, and the comparisons between the great apes and human intelligence - but have we underestimated many of the other animal species? It would seem so, with remarkable examples of cunning, smart behaviour from animals as diverse as birds, octopuses and even fish. So how do you test a guppies IQ and can a crow really outsmart a gorilla, or even a human...prepare to be amazed.

Producer ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discuss intelligent creatures from clever crows to cunning squid.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian and author DANNY WALLACE, ornithologist Professor Tim Birkhead and marine biologist Helen Scales to look at animal intelligence. We have all heard about clever chimps that can count, and about how we can compare the intelligence of humans and the great apes - but have we underestimated many of the other animal species? It would seem so, with remarkable examples of cunning, smart behaviour from animals as diverse as birds, octopuses and even fish. So how do you test a guppies IQ and can a crow really outsmart a gorilla, or even a human...prepare to be amazed.

2003Science Of Dreaming2019093020191001 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian BRIDGET CHRISTIE, neuroscientist Professor Penny Lewis and psychologist RICHARD WISEMAN to explore the science of dreaming. Our dreams have fascinated humans for millennia and then Freud came along and told us they really did mean something, and mostly they were about sex and anger. Was he right? Why do we dream and can we find meaning in the content of our dreams? Can our dreams help us solve problems, give us new ideas, help us write a symphony, even if they can't predict the future? The panel also discuss what is going on in the brain whilst we sleep, and how memories are formed and consolidated while we snooze. It turns out the phrase better to sleep on it has a strong scientific argument.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE have a sleepy look at the science of dreaming.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Bridget Christie, neuroscientist Professor Penny Lewis and psychologist Richard Wiseman to explore the science of dreaming. Our dreams have fascinated humans for millennia and then Freud came along and told us they really did mean something, and mostly they were about sex and anger. Was he right? Why do we dream and can we find meaning in the content of our dreams? Can our dreams help us solve problems, give us new ideas, help us write a symphony, even if they can't predict the future? The panel also discuss what is going on in the brain whilst we sleep, and how memories are formed and consolidated while we snooze. It turns out the phrase 'better to sleep on it' has a strong scientific argument.

2004Anniversary Of The Periodic Table2019100720191008 (R4)The Periodic Table

How well do you know your Fe from your Cu, and what the heck is Np?? BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian KATY BRAND, Prof Polly Arnold and Prof ANDREA SELLA to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Dmitri Mendeleev's great achievement. They find out how scientists first realised that the elements that form the ingredients that make up our planet , are able to be organised in such a logical and ordered way, and whether its still a useful tool today. They also discover why one of the guests has been called the Free Solo equivalent of chemists because of the skill and danger involved in their work.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and guests celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

2005 LASTBrits In Space2019101420191015 (R4)Brits in Space!

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by astronauts Tim Peake and Helen Sharman and comedian MARK STEEL for a Brits in Space Special. Tim and Helen talk about their differing experiences of training to be an astronaut and the challenges of life in space. They also look to the future as the panel talk about the differing challenges being considered for long term space flight with planned future missions to the Moon and ultimately Mars.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by British Astronauts Tim Peake and Helen Sharman

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by astronaut and author of The Astronaut Selection Test Book, Tim Peake, first British astronaut Helen Sharman and comedian MARK STEEL for a Brits in Space Special. Tim and Helen talk about their different experiences of training to be an astronaut and the challenges of life in space. They also look to the future as the panel talk about the various options being considered for long term space flight with planned future missions to the Moon and ultimately Mars.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by British astronauts Tim Peake and Helen Sharman.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by astronaut and author of 'The Astronaut Selection Test Book', Tim Peake, first British astronaut Helen Sharman and comedian Mark Steel for a Brits in Space Special. Tim and Helen talk about their different experiences of training to be an astronaut and the challenges of life in space. They also look to the future as the panel talk about the various options being considered for long term space flight with planned future missions to the Moon and ultimately Mars.

2101Science Of Laughter2020011320200114 (R4)The Science of Laughter

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a new series of science/comedy chat. They are joined on stage, appropriately enough, by comedian FRANK SKINNER, as they look at the science of what makes us laugh, why we laugh at all, and whether humour and laughter are uniquely human traits. Joining the panel are experts in what makes us chuckle, Prof Sophie Scott and Professor RICHARD WISEMAN. They look at why laughter is not only an ancient human trait that goes a long way to making us the social animal we are today, but that rats and apes also enjoy a good chuckle. They discover whether science can come up with the perfect joke and why a joke with the punchline quack is funnier than one with the punchline moo.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by FRANK SKINNER to discuss the science of laughter.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series of science/comedy chat. They are joined on stage, appropriately enough, by comedian Frank Skinner, as they look at the science of what makes us laugh, why we laugh at all, and whether humour and laughter are uniquely human traits. Joining the panel are experts in what makes us chuckle, Prof Sophie Scott and Professor Richard Wiseman. They look at why laughter is not only an ancient human trait that goes a long way to making us the social animal we are today, but that rats and apes also enjoy a good chuckle. They discover whether science can come up with the perfect joke and why a joke with the punchline 'quack' is funnier than one with the punchline 'moo'.

2102Conspiracy Theories2020012020200121 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian SHAZIA MIRZA, science writer and cancer researcher Dr David Robert Grimes and psychologist Prof Karen Douglas to look at the weird world of Conspiracy theories. From Flat Earth believers to people who refuse to accept that humans have ever been to the moon, why is fiction often so much easier to believe than fact - and does it matter? They discuss the psychology and profile of people who are more likely to believe in conspiracies and the devastating effect some, like the anti-vaccine movement, have had on public health. They ask whether being irrational is our default setting and how to convince the most hard-core believers with the power of evidence and critical thinking. Although they would say that wouldnt' they?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by SHAZIA MIRZA as they discuss Conspiracy Theories.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

2103Coral Reefs2020012720200128 (R4)The Magic of Coral

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE and marine biologists Professor Callum Roberts and Dr Heather Koldewey as they look at the amazing creatures that create and colonise coral reefs. Just 2 microscopic organisms are responsible for the creation of these incredible structures, structures so huge that they can be seen from outer-space. Brian, Robin and the panel talk about the vital yet delicate relationship between the coral polyp and and its tiny plant lodger, how they evolved to be so co-dependent, and how this unique partnership has lead to some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They also look at the very real threat to our planets reefs as our oceans warm, and what, if anything can be done.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE to talk about the magic of Coral

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by comedian MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE and marine biologists Professor Callum Roberts and Dr Heather Koldewey as they look at the amazing creatures that create and colonise coral reefs. Just two microscopic organisms are responsible for the creation of these incredible structures, structures so huge that they can be seen from outer-space. Brian, Robin and the panel talk about the vital yet delicate relationship between the coral polyp and and its tiny plant lodger, how they evolved to be so co-dependent, and how this unique partnership has lead to some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. They also look at the very real threat to our planet's reefs as our oceans warm, and what, if anything can be done.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by MARCUS BRIGSTOCKE to talk about the magic of coral.

2104Fire2020020320200204 (R4)Fire!

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian ED BYRNE, forensic chemist Niamh Nic Daeid and biologist ADAM RUTHERFORD, as they explore the science of fire and how it has impacted the evolution of life on earth. They also look at whether controlling fire is a uniquely human trait and how other species have evolved to use fire to their advantage.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by ED BYRNE to look at the science of fire.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

2105Quantum Worlds2020021020200211 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian KATY BRAND, and physicists Sean Carroll and Jim Al-Khalili as they enter the strange and bizarre world of quantum mechanics. Schroedinger's famous thought experiment stuck a cat in a box and asked if it is dead or alive. Quantum physics says the cat is both dead and alive, until we open the box. This mind-bending idea may seem the realm of philosophy, but is actually the science that underpins most of modern life as we know it. Once the panel have dealt with the controversial issues surrounding cats in boxes, they explore whether quantum physics is really an accurate description of reality, and if it is, are there, as the theory suggests, infinite copies of you, me and everything in our universe all existing in every possible combination of ways of existing? If that is the strange but true reality of existence, will we ever be able to prove it?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE enter the bizarre world of Quantum Physics

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

2106 LASTUfo Special2020021720200218 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE host a close encounter of the 1st kind with comedian Lucy Beaumont, astronomer Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Director of Jodrell Bank Professor Tim O'Brien, and science presenter Dallas Campbell to ask if UFOs and aliens have visited Earth? They explore why Lucy's home city of Hull appears to have had more than its fair share of alien visitations, as well as learning about the genuine scientific effort to look for intelligent life elsewhere in our universe.

This episode is also available to watch, so you can see our truly out of this world panel in full technicolour glory. Just look for The Infinite Monkey Cage UFO TV Special on BBC iplayer.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE investigate alien and UFO sightings.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

21SPECIALLucy Beaumont's Close Encounters20200218BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE send comedian Lucy Beaumont to investigate UFO sightings in the extra-terrestrial hotspot of... Hull! Lucy is joined by her mum GIll Adams who claims to have experienced a number of close encounters of the third kind and they return to Longhill Estate where a UFO was reported in the 1960s. Local historian Mike Covell takes Lucy through the documented accounts of prolific UFO sightings in and around the East Yorkshire area.
22The Human Brain2020071420200827 (R4)
20210925 (R4)
Brian Cox and Robin Ince look at the amazing capabilties of the super adaptable, ever changing human brain. They are joined by US talk show host Conan O'Brien, and neuroscientists David Eagleman and Gina Rippon to find out how the 3 lb organ that sits in our skull allows us to live on every corner of the planet, adapt to any habitat, argue with each other, and ourselves, and think about ideas such as free will. They learn whether being a successful comedian is really down to having a brain disorder and how the connections we make in our brain are changing and forming throughout our life, not just when we are young, so you really can teach an old dog, or human, new tricks. And talking of old dogs, a surprise guest makes a genuinely unexpected special appearance!

Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Conan O'Brien to look at the amazing human brain.

22What Is Life?2020072020200903 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedians Jo Brand and Ross Noble, alongside Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse and geneticist Prof Aoife McLysaght to ask the biggest question of all, what is life and how did it start? They look at the amazing feat of nature that has somehow created all of life from just four fundamental units of simple chemistry. From chickens to butterflies to yeast, we are all far more closely related then we think. But how did the spark of life occur and what has any of this got to do with Ewoks?

Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince ask what is life?

2201The End Of The Universe2020052520200706/07 (R4)
20210904 (R4)
BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are back, for now, with a look at how the Universe might end

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are back for new series, for now at least, as they take an upbeat look at all the different ways our Universe might end. They are joined by legendary comedians Steve Martin and ERIC IDLE, alongside astrophysicist Katie Mack and cosmologist Brian Greene, to find out which end the panel might prefer. Will we go with the Big Rip or possibly the Big Crunch, or even death by giant bubble that expands so rapidly it wipes out our universe almost instantly? On that cheery note the panel vote for their favourite apocalyptic ending and wonder what they might be doing and what they hope to have achieved when the final moment comes.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are back, for now, with a look at how the Universe might end.

2202Black Holes2020060120200713/14 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE push MATT LUCAS into a black hole, all in the name of science.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look at the weird and wacky world of black holes as they ask a question that has been troubling scientists for years: What happens if you push MATT LUCAS into a black hole? They are joined by the very game MATT LUCAS, alongside cosmologist Sean Carroll and astrophysicist Janna Levin to discover just how strange things might get for our intrepid volunteer, as he ventures into the interior of a black hole. From holograms to spagettification. it turns out science fact is far more bizarre than anything that science fiction could possibly imagine.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

2203Space Archaeology2020060820200720/21 (R4)
20210911 (R4)
BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian and writer SARA PASCOE, biological anthropologist ALICE ROBERTS and space archaeologist Sarah Parcak. They look at how archaeology today looks far more Star Wars than Indiana Jones, as an archaeologist's list of kit can now include satellites and lasers. They discover how searching for clues from space has led to the discovery of several ancient lost Egyptian cities and how the study of ancient DNA and artefacts reveals our similarities, not differences, with our ancient forebears.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look at what science can reveal about human history, from space.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

2204An Astronaut's Guide To Isolation2020061520200727/28 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by a stellar panel of space travellers as they get tips on surviving isolation from a group with a truly unique insight. They are joined by astronauts Helen Sharman, Chris Hadfield, Nicole Stott and Apollo 9's Rusty Schweickart to talk Space X, the future of space travel and how a trip to Mars will be the ultimate test of our ability to survive isolation.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by 4 amazing space explorers in an astronaut special

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

2205The Sun2020062220200803/04 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by a dazzling panel of sun worshippers from actor, comedian and musician TIM MINCHIN to solar scientist Professor Lucie Green and biologist Professor STEVE JONES. They look at how the evolution of life was only possible because of our position relative to the sun and its possibly unique behaviour, and how rare that situation might be across the rest of the universe. They also look at how the sun makes you feel and its vital importance to all creatures, especially snails.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take a dazzling look at the science of the sun.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

2206When The Monkeys Met The Chimps2020062920200810/11 (R4)
20210918 (R4)
BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by Dr Jane Goodall DBE, comedian BILL BAILEY and primatologist Dr Cat Hobaiter to find out what we've learnt in the 60 years since Jane first discovered the chimpanzees of Gombe. From tool use, to language and even to culture, her revolutionary work has transformed our understanding of our great ape cousins, and ourselves. The panel chat about how far our understanding has come in that time, and talk about their own unique close-up experiences of chimpanzees, macaques and baboons, and Bill gets a masterclass in how to speak Chimp from a true expert!

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look back at 60 years of chimpanzee research with Jane Goodall

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look back at 60 years of chimpanzee research with Jane Goodall.

2207Does Time Exist?20200820BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by actor and writer MARK GATISS, theoretical physicists Carlo Rovelli and Fay Dowker to ask timely questions about time. Is time real, does it exist in the fundamental laws of physics, and if it doesn't, why do we experience the sensation of time passing? They look at the idea of the block universe, where our future is as real as our past, which worryingly leads to Robin's favourite question about free will...is that an illusion too?

A timely look at the question of time and hopefully just in time...

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE ask whether time is simply an illusion?

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE ask whether time is simply an illusion.

2208The Human Brain2020082720210925 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look at the amazing capabilties of the super adaptable, ever changing human brain. They are joined by US talk show host Conan O'Brien, and neuroscientists DAVID EAGLEMAN and Gina Rippon to find out how the 3 lb organ that sits in our skull allows us to live on every corner of the planet, adapt to any habitat, argue with each other, and ourselves, and think about ideas such as free will. They learn whether being a successful comedian is really down to having a brain disorder and how the connections we make in our brain are changing and forming throughout our life, not just when we are young, so you really can teach an old dog, or human, new tricks. And talking of old dogs, a surprise guest makes a genuinely unexpected special appearance!

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by Conan O'Brien to look at the amazing human brain.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

2209 LASTWhat Is Life?20200903BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedians JO BRAND and ROSS NOBLE, alongside Nobel Prize winner Sir Paul Nurse and geneticist Prof Aoife McLysaght to ask the biggest question of all, what is life and how did it start? They look at the amazing feat of nature that has somehow created all of life from just four fundamental units of simple chemistry. From chickens to butterflies to yeast, we are all far more closely related then we think. But how did the spark of life occur and what has any of this got to do with Ewoks?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE ask what is life?

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

2301In Praise Of Flies2021011120210313 (R4)
20211002 (R4)
BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE kick off a new series of Infinite Monkey Cage with a look at probably the least revered or liked group of insects, the flies. They are joined by fly sceptic DAVID BADDIEL , fly enthusiast and champion Dr Erica McAlister and maggot expert MATTHEW COBB to discover why a life without flies would be no life at all. Can Erica and Matthew persuade David to put his fly gun down and learn to love those pesky pests, or is their reputation for being disgusting and annoying justified? What would a planet without flies look like?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover why flies should be celebrated, not swatted.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

2302Under Our Night Sky2021011820210320 (R4)Under The Night Sky

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover the importance of the night sky to human history and how our relationship with the stars has changed over the centuries. They are joined by star-gazer JON CULSHAW, astronaut Tim Peake, astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith and astronomy writer Stuart Clark as they chart the changing nature of our relationship with the sky above us. They discuss ancient cave paintings depicting Orion's belt, the astronomical revolution that came with our understanding of how planets orbit the Sun, and how astronauts like Tim who have touched the sky have seen the stars in a totally unique way. Has our ever expanding knowledge about the stars twinkling above us removed some of the magic, or have modern missions and the incredible images of space we now see brought us closer, quite literally, to the sky above us?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover how our relationship with the night sky has changed.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

Brian Cox and Robin Ince discover the importance of the night sky to human history and how our relationship with the stars has changed over the centuries. They are joined by star-gazer Jon Culshaw, astronaut Tim Peake, astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith and astronomy writer Stuart Clark as they chart the changing nature of our relationship with the sky above us. They discuss ancient cave paintings depicting Orion's belt, the astronomical revolution that came with our understanding of how planets orbit the Sun, and how astronauts like Tim who have 'touched the sky' have seen the stars in a totally unique way. Has our ever expanding knowledge about the stars twinkling above us removed some of the magic, or have modern missions and the incredible images of space we now see brought us closer, quite literally, to the sky above us?

2303Neanderthals2021012520210327 (R4)The Neanderthals

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by hominids ALAN DAVIES, Neanderthal expert and author Rebecca Wragg Sykes, and Paleontologist and Woolly Mammoth expert Tori Herridge and learn just how misunderstood our ancestors have been. The image of the lumbering, ape like, simple, grunting neanderthal has been turned on its head with the discovery that we are far more related to Neanderthals then we ever thought possible. Nearly all Europeans will have around 2% Neanderthal DNA, and the revelation of widespread interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans has turned the idea of our exceptionalism on its head. It seems that what defines us, may have defined the Neanderthals as well, and we are not so different after all.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE explore the extraordinary lives of the Neanderthals.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by hominids ALAN DAVIES, Neanderthal expert and author Rebecca Wragg Sykes, and paleontologist and woolly mammoth expert Tori Herridge and learn just how misunderstood our ancestors have been. The image of the lumbering, ape like, simple, grunting Neanderthal has been turned on its head with the discovery that we are far more related to Neanderthals then we ever thought possible. Nearly all Europeans will have around 2% Neanderthal DNA, and the revelation of widespread interbreeding between Neanderthals and modern humans has turned the idea of our exceptionalism on its head. It seems that what defines us may have defined the Neanderthals as well, and we are not so different after all.

2304The Science Of Cooking2021020120210403 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE get their chef's hats on as they look at the science of cooking. They are joined by comedian KATY BRAND, author and food critic GRACE DENT, material scientist MARK MIODOWNIK and science writer Harold McGee, whose seminal book on the science of the kitchen launched the craze for molecular gastronomy. They look at some of the lores of the kitchen are backed up by the science, and ask whether a truly delicious dinner is really a science or an art. Is cooking just chemistry?

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE don chef's hats and aprons to look at the science of cooking.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

2305The Fundamentals Of Reality2021020820210410 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by Nobel prize winning physicist Frank Wilczek, cosmologist Janna Levin, comedians ERIC IDLE and SARA PASCOE to look at what physics has revealed about the reality of our universe. From Einstein's equations more than a 100 years ago through to the amazing discoveries we've made in the last few years about blackholes and gravitational waves, the universe we think we see is not necessarily the true fundamental reality that physics has uncovered. What is real and what is not? All will be revealed.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE explore the fundamentals of reality.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by Nobel prize winning physicist Frank Wilczek, cosmologist Janna Levin, and comedians ERIC IDLE and SARA PASCOE to look at what physics has revealed about the reality of our universe. From Einstein's equations more than 100 years ago through to the amazing discoveries we've made in the last few years about black holes and gravitational waves, the universe we think we see is not necessarily the true fundamental reality that physics has uncovered. What is real and what is not? All will be revealed.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Nobel prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek, cosmologist Janna Levin, and comedians Eric Idle and Sara Pascoe to look at what physics has revealed about the reality of our universe. From Einstein's equations more than 100 years ago through to the amazing discoveries we've made in the last few years about black holes and gravitational waves, the universe we think we see is not necessarily the true fundamental reality that physics has uncovered. What is real and what is not? All will be revealed.

2306 LASTA History Of Rock2021021520210417 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by rock enthusiasts ROSS NOBLE, paleontologist Susie Maidment and geologist Chris Jackson to look at the history of rock. Unfortunately for Ross, this turns out to mean actual rolling stones, rather than THE Rolling Stones. We hear what secrets the study of rock reveals about the very birth of our planet, to the incredible creatures that walked the Earth many millions of years ago, preserved in our ancient stones.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look at the history of rock. Not Pink Floyd... actual rock.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look at the history of rock. Not Pink Floyd actual rock.

2401Bats V Flies2022062520220630 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince kick off the new series by tackling one of the greatest questions ever posed by science: which are better, bats or flies?

Joining them for this unusual version of animal Top Trumps are a bat expert (Prof Kate Jones), a fly expert (Dr Erica McAlister) and Dave Gorman. Pitching arguably two of the least-lovable groups of creatures against each other, the battle for victory explores why we should favour flies or find bats beautiful. Although both are much maligned thanks to their association with some nasty diseases, Erica and Kate battle furiously to show why their respective species should be loved not loathed and how our planet would simply not be the same without them. Dave Gorman joins the panel in an attempt to help adjudicate.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince return for a new series of the hit science/comedy show.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE kick of the new series by tackling one of the greatest questions ever posed by science: which are better, bats or flies? Joining them for this unusual version of animal top trumps are a bat expert (Prof Kate Jones) , a fly expert (Dr Erica Mcalister) and DAVE GORMAN. Pitching arguably two of the least lovable groups of creatures against each other, the battle for victory explores why we should favour flies or find bats beautiful. Although both are much maligned thanks to their association with some nasty diseases, Erica and Kate battle furiously to show why their respective species should be loved not loathed and how our planet would simply not be the same without them. DAVE GORMAN joins the panel in an attempt to help adjudicate.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

2402Exploring The Deep2022070220220707 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian and musician TIM MINCHIN, and Oceanographers Diva Amon and Jon Copley to uncover what mysteries still lie at the bottom of our oceans. It is often said that we know more about the surface of the moon then we do about our own ocean floor, but is that really true? What have modern day explorers such as Diva and Jon discovered during their many expeditions to the deepest points of our oceans, and can they persuade Tim to join them on their next voyage? From extraordinary lifeforms with incredible survival strategies, to the gruesome sex life of the angler fish, the panel discuss some of the greatest discoveries of the last few years, and what questions they still hope to answer.

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE travel deep below the ocean waves to discover what lies beneath.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian and musician TIM MINCHIN and oceanographers Diva Amon and Jon Copley to uncover what mysteries still lie at the bottom of our oceans. It is often said that we know more about the surface of the Moon then we do about our own ocean floor, but is that really true? What have modern-day explorers such as Diva and Jon discovered during their many expeditions to the deepest points of our oceans, and can they persuade Tim to join them on their next voyage? From extraordinary life forms with incredible survival strategies, to the gruesome sex life of the angler fish, the panel discuss some of the greatest discoveries of the last few years, and what questions they still hope to answer.

2403The Wood Wide Web2022070920220714 (R4)
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BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by Ted Lasso's Brendan Hunt, Professor of forest ecology and author of 'The Mother Tree', Suzanne Simard and botanist Mark Spencer to discover how trees and plants communicate and what they are saying? Suzanne's incredible discovery that trees form a wood wide web of communication, has changed our entire understanding of forests and how they work. With the help of amazing fungi, this incredible network of communication allows the trees and plants in a forest to pass information backwards and forwards to help protect them against predators and optimize resource. Incredibly, this could even be viewed as form of intelligence. Brian and Robin find out how this should change the way we look at all plants, and in particular how we manage our forests and discover some of the secrets of those whispering trees.

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover how trees talk to each other using the Wood Wide Web

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by Ted Lasso's Brendan Hunt, Professor of forest ecology and author of 'The Mother Tree', Suzanne Simard and botanist Mark Spencer to discover how trees and plants communicate and what they are saying. Suzanne's incredible discovery that trees form a wood wide web of communication has changed our entire understanding of forests and how they work. With the help of amazing fungi, this incredible network of communication allows the trees and plants in a forest to pass information backwards and forwards to help protect themselves against predators and optimize resource. Incredibly, this could even be viewed as a form of intelligence. Brian and Robin find out how this should change the way we look at all plants, and in particular how we manage our forests and discover some of the secrets of those whispering trees.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Suzanne Simard, Mark Spencer and Ted Lasso's Brendan Hunt to discover the incredible conversations going on deep in our forests.

2404Black Holes2022071620220721 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by Monty Python's ERIC IDLE, and cosmologists Dr Netta Engelhardt and Dr Janna Levin as they tackle one of the biggest challenges in cosmology. What happens when you throw something (Robin!) into a black hole? Is the information about Robin lost forever, or is there a chance, sometime in the far future, a super intelligent alien civilisation could piece back some key information to discover proof he ever existed? Are Robin and his cardigans lost for all eternity?

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX throws ROBIN INCE into a black hole to see what happens next.

2405Astronauts2022072320220728 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look back at Planet Earth from the unique perspective of space with the help of astronauts Nicole Stott and Chris Hadfield, Space scientist Carolyn Porco and comedian and author KATY BRAND. What can we learn about our own planet by looking back at it from space? The panel talk about the emotional response of looking back on earth, either from the ISS or via amazing photographs like Voyager's Pale Blue Dot, and the importance of realising our own place and significance in the vast cosmos.

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE look back at Earth with some truly out of this world guests.

2405Bats V Flies20220723Brian Cox and Robin Ince kick off the new series by tackling one of the greatest questions ever posed by science: which are better, bats or flies?

Joining them for this unusual version of animal Top Trumps are a bat expert (Prof Kate Jones), a fly expert (Dr Erica McAlister) and Dave Gorman. Pitching arguably two of the least-lovable groups of creatures against each other, the battle for victory explores why we should favour flies or find bats beautiful. Although both are much maligned thanks to their association with some nasty diseases, Erica and Kate battle furiously to show why their respective species should be loved not loathed and how our planet would simply not be the same without them. Dave Gorman joins the panel in an attempt to help adjudicate.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

2406Brains2022073020220804 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian ALAN DAVIES and neuroscientists Prof Uta Frith and Prof Sophie Scott. They discover the secret to why humans are such social creatures and why two brains are definitely better than one. Our brains are wired to learn from and mimic other brains we come into contact with, even though most of the time we don't even realise that is what they/we are doing. The subtle cues we get from other people and the information in their brains, affects our own wiring and experience of the world. With this incredible complexity, might we ever be able to create an artificial brain that mimics our own and the human experience?

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by ALAN DAVIES as they delve inside the human brain.

2406Exploring The Deep20220730Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian and musician Tim Minchin and oceanographers Diva Amon and Jon Copley to uncover what mysteries still lie at the bottom of our oceans. It is often said that we know more about the surface of the Moon then we do about our own ocean floor, but is that really true? What have modern-day explorers such as Diva and Jon discovered during their many expeditions to the deepest points of our oceans, and can they persuade Tim to join them on their next voyage? From extraordinary life forms with incredible survival strategies, to the gruesome sex life of the angler fish, the panel discuss some of the greatest discoveries of the last few years, and what questions they still hope to answer.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

2407How To Teach Maths2022080620220811 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian SARA PASCOE and the very numerate Prof HANNAH FRY, maths comedian Matt Parker and statistician Prof DAVID SPIEGELHALTER for a unique maths class. Are some of us just innately bad at maths or can everyone get to grips with algebra and calculus? What do our panel wish they'd been taught at school, and what is the key to a life-long love of numbers. Get your calculators ready!

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian SARA PASCOE to get a unique maths lesson.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Sara Pascoe and the very numerate Prof Hannah Fry, maths comedian Matt Parker and statistician Prof David Spiegelhalter for a unique maths class. Are some of us just innately bad at maths or can everyone get to grips with algebra and calculus? What do our panel wish they'd been taught at school, and what is the key to a life-long love of numbers? Get your calculators ready!

2407The Wood Wide Web20220806Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Ted Lasso's Brendan Hunt, Professor of forest ecology and author of 'The Mother Tree', Suzanne Simard and botanist Mark Spencer to discover how trees and plants communicate and what they are saying. Suzanne's incredible discovery that trees form a wood wide web of communication has changed our entire understanding of forests and how they work. With the help of amazing fungi, this incredible network of communication allows the trees and plants in a forest to pass information backwards and forwards to help protect themselves against predators and optimize resource. Incredibly, this could even be viewed as a form of intelligence. Brian and Robin find out how this should change the way we look at all plants, and in particular how we manage our forests and discover some of the secrets of those whispering trees.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

2408Black Holes20220813Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Monty Python's Eric Idle, and cosmologists Dr Netta Engelhardt and Dr Janna Levin as they tackle one of the biggest challenges in cosmology. What happens when you throw something (Robin!) into a black hole? Is the information about Robin lost forever, or is there a chance, sometime in the far future, a super intelligent alien civilisation could piece back some key information to discover proof he ever existed? Are Robin and his cardigans lost for all eternity?

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

2409Astronauts20220820Brian Cox and Robin Ince look back at Planet Earth from the unique perspective of space with the help of astronauts Nicole Stott and Chris Hadfield, Space scientist Carolyn Porco and comedian and author Katy Brand. What can we learn about our own planet by looking back at it from space? The panel talk about the emotional response of looking back on earth, either from the ISS or via amazing photographs like Voyager's Pale Blue Dot, and the importance of realising our own place and significance in the vast cosmos.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

2410Brains20220827Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Alan Davies and neuroscientists Prof Uta Frith and Prof Sophie Scott. They discover the secret to why humans are such social creatures and why two brains are definitely better than one. Our brains are wired to learn from and mimic other brains we come into contact with, even though most of the time we don't even realise that is what they/we are doing. The subtle cues we get from other people and the information in their brains, affects our own wiring and experience of the world. With this incredible complexity, might we ever be able to create an artificial brain that mimics our own and the human experience?

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

2411How To Teach Maths20220903Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Sara Pascoe and the very numerate Prof Hannah Fry, maths comedian Matt Parker and statistician Prof David Spiegelhalter for a unique maths class. Are some of us just innately bad at maths or can everyone get to grips with algebra and calculus? What do our panel wish they'd been taught at school, and what is the key to a life-long love of numbers? Get your calculators ready!

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

2501What Have We Learnt From Covid?2022111220221117 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a new series with an illustrious panel of experts to discuss what scientists have learnt from Covid and what we have all learnt about the nature of science by watching it happen so spectacularly over the course of the pandemic. They are joined by Dame Sarah Gilbert, creator of one of the very first Covid vaccines, Immunologist Prof Dan Davis and Dr Chris Van Tulleken, infectious disease clinician and broadcaster. They discuss the incredible speed of vaccine delivery and whether we have learnt lessons for future pandemics, the gaps that Covid has revealed in our knowledge of our immune system, and what the public have witnessed in terms of science happening in real time as we all lived through the pandemic.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE wonder what we have learnt from Covid?

2502Exploring Our Solar System2022111920221124 (R4)The Infinite Monkey Cage teleports to California for this special episode recorded at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. They are joined by comedian and talk-show host Conan O'Brien, alongside JPL's Dr Katie Stack Morgan and Dr Kevin Hand, and discuss the incredible missions that are hunting for signs of life within our own solar system. From the iconic Mars Rovers currently exploring the martian surface, to amazing future missions to Jupiter's icy moon Europa, the panel discuss the tantalising prospect of finding signs of life this close to home, and the incredible engineering and ingenuity that goes into planning these missions.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE visit Nasa's JPL with comedian Conan O'Brien.

2503Hunting For Exoplanets2022112620221201 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE continue their LA science adventure as they visit Caltech in Pasadena to meet the scientists hunting for planets orbiting distant stars in solar systems far far from our own. They are joined in their quest by Python Legend ERIC IDLE and Exo-planet hunters Dr Jessie Christiansen from Caltech and Dr Tiffany Kataria from NASA's JPL who are using the latest telescopes to identify distant planets outside of our own solar system. Despite their distance from us, incredible new techniques allow exoplanet hunters to paint extraordinary pictures of the atmospheres and conditions on some of the 500 or so planets that have now been identified, and allow for the tantalising possibility of one day identifying other earth like planets that could even support life. Brian and Robin chat to Sean about what the discovery of life elsewhere out in the cosmos might mean for life here on planet earth, or whether the fact we haven't found any yet is evidence we are in fact all alone?

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discuss the hunt for elusive planets outside our solar system.

2504Can We Cure Ageing?2022120320221208 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE tackle the thorny issue of their own differing experiences of ageing, as they find out why Robin seems to be doing it so much more quickly than Brian and whether science might have the answer. They are joined by comedian SARAH KENDALL, Professor Dame Linda Partridge, world-renowned expert on the biology of ageing and Dr Andrew Steele author of 'Ageless: The new science of getting older without getting old.' Can the scientists answer the age-old monkey cage question of why Robin looks so much older than Brian despite being several years younger? Is it all the donuts he ate in his 20's or is down to his genes? Why do any of us age at all, and is there a biological limit to human lifespan. Most tantalisingly, they discover how the latest science into the biology of ageing could produce medicine that could slow down some of the ageing processes in the body, and in the process prevent many of the diseases, such as cancer and dementia, that can make old age so challenging. With these new advances comes the exciting prospect of not only living longer, but more importantly living healthier and happier and free of disease well into our 100's.

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover whether ageing could really be cured?

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE tackle the thorny issue of their own differing experiences of ageing, as they find out why Robin seems to be doing it so much more quickly than Brian and whether science might have the answer. They are joined by comedian SARAH KENDALL, Professor Dame Linda Partridge, world-renowned expert on the biology of ageing, and Dr Andrew Steele, author of 'Ageless: The new science of getting older without getting old.' Can the scientists answer the age-old monkey cage question of why Robin looks so much older than Brian despite being several years younger? Is it all the donuts he ate in his 20's or is down to his genes? Why do any of us age at all, and is there a biological limit to human lifespan. Most tantalisingly, they discover how the latest science into the biology of ageing could produce medicine that could slow down some of the ageing processes in the body, and in the process prevent many of the diseases, such as cancer and dementia, that can make old age so challenging. With these new advances comes the exciting prospect of not only living longer, but more importantly living healthier and happier and free of disease well into our 100's.

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover whether ageing could really be cured.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince tackle the thorny issue of their own differing experiences of ageing, as they find out why Robin seems to be doing it so much more quickly than Brian and whether science might have the answer. They are joined by comedian Sarah Kendall, Professor Dame Linda Partridge, world-renowned expert on the biology of ageing, and Dr Andrew Steele, author of 'Ageless: The new science of getting older without getting old.' Can the scientists answer the age-old monkey cage question of why Robin looks so much older than Brian despite being several years younger? Is it all the donuts he ate in his twenties or is down to his genes? Why do any of us age at all, and is there a biological limit to human lifespan. Most tantalisingly, they discover how the latest science into the biology of ageing could produce medicine that could slow down some of the ageing processes in the body, and in the process prevent many of the diseases, such as cancer and dementia, that can make old age so challenging. With these new advances comes the exciting prospect of not only living longer, but more importantly living healthier and happier and free of disease well into our hundreds.

2505The Age Of Conspiracy?2022121020221215 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by comedian and author DAVID BADDIEL, psychologist Prof Karen Douglas, biologist Prof MATTHEW COBB and philosopher Dr Timotheus Vermeulen to discover why conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists seem to be booming. Is there something about society today that encourages beliefs that seem to go against all evidence and reason: From Flat Earthers, to moon hoaxers and holocaust deniers. Or are conspiracies just part of the human condition and each to their own. Why do some of these alarming theories seem to hold more truth for many than overwhelming data and evidence to the contrary, and how far should we go in accommodating views that seem to have no basis in reality?

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover if we are living in a golden-age for conspiracy theories

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian and author David Baddiel, psychologist Prof Karen Douglas, biologist Prof Matthew Cobb and philosopher Dr Timotheus Vermeulen to discover why conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists seem to be booming. From flat earthers to moon hoaxers and holocaust deniers, is there something about society today that encourages beliefs that seem to go against all evidence and reason? Or are conspiracies just part of the human condition, and each to their own? Why do some of these alarming theories seem to hold more truth for many than overwhelming data and evidence to the contrary, and how far should we go in accommodating views that seem to have no basis in reality?

2506The Deep Space Network2022121720221222 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE visit Canberra for the first of 4 special episodes recorded in Australia. This week they visit the amazing Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre where scientists communicate with, and track the 200 or so spacecraft that are currently exploring our vast solar system and even beyond. They are joined by Astrophysicists Mark Cheung and Alan Duffy, Nobel prize winner Brian Schmidt and comedian Alice Fraser as they track legendary space craft like Voyager, still sending back messages from deep in space some 40 plus years after it first launched. They discover how despite these incredible missions we still don't know what 97% of our universe is made of, and how so many of these explorations are vital to our understanding of one very important planet - our own.

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executiver Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE take the monkey cage to Australia to visit the Deep Space Network

2507Why Does Wine Taste Good?2022122420221225 (R4)For this special Christmas episode, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE visit the Australian Wine Research Institute in Adelaide to find out what science can teach us about wine. They are joined by stand-up comedian TIM MINCHIN, Nobel Prize winner and vineyard owner Brian Schmidt, flavour chemist Mango Parker and sensory and consumer scientist Patricia Williamson. The panel are put through their paces as they sample a variety of wines, learning the hard way that the majority of wine's flavour isn't down to molecular chemistry but instead the holistic experience of wine drinking: the perceived price, mood in the room and even the weight of the bottle.

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE find out what science tells us about wine.

26Australia's Scary Spiders2023021820230225 (R4)
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Brian Cox and Robin Ince end their Australian science adventure with an episode all about spiders. They are joined by ecologists Dieter Hochuli and Mariella Herberstein and comedian Claire Hooper. They learn about the strange physiology of spiders, including skin shedding, weaving sperm webs and having hundreds of babies at once. They find out exactly how spiders copulate - a process full of surprises - from males having two penises to females cannibalizing the males once the deed is done. Dieter comes to the defence of spiders: despite their deadly venom, they haven't killed anyone in Australia in over fifty years. Perhaps they aren't deserving of their fierce reputation after all.

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about Australia's scariest creatures: spiders.

26How Far Can The Human Body Go?2023021820230318 (R4)
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Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by biomechanist Polly McGuigan, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod, comedian Russell Kane and Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell to find out how good humans are at endurance. Could anyone win a gold at the Olympics? Could a human outrun a cheetah? And have we reached the absolute limits of human endurance?

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince discover the limits of human endurance.

26How To Commit The Perfect Murder2023021820230311 (R4)
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Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Susan Calman, Prof Sue Black and Dr Julia Shaw as they invent Infinite Monkey Cluedo, and discover whether they can commit the perfect murder, or whether the latest forensic science will always be able to piece the clues together. They reveal whether the perfect crime or perfect criminal really exists and how we might spot them, and how the latest forensic techniques have transformed even decades-old murder cases. The panel also discuss how the courtroom has changed with the development of ever-more advanced forensic techniques, but also where the weakness in the science might lie.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince invent Infinite Monkey Cluedo and try to plot the perfect crime.

26How To Think Like A Mathematician2023021820230304 (R4)
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Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Jo Brand, mathematicians Prof Hannah Fry and Dr Eugenia Cheng, and xkcd webcomic creator Randall Munroe to discover how thinking like a mathematician could solve some tricky everyday conundrums. From the optimal strategy to finding your true love, to how to fix a wonky table in the pub, thinking like a mathematician can help you in some very unlikely situations. They discover how mathematical thinking can help answer some truly out of this world questions as well: how much soup would it take to fill the solar system? What would happen if you shrank Jupiter to the size of a house? Not problems we'd encounter in everyday life maybe, but all questions sent to Randall Munroe for his 'What If?' series of books. At first glance the questions may seem impossible, but, as it turns out, maths and physics can provide an answer to these headscratchers, as the panel discover.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince apply mathematical thinking to everyday problems.

26Magic Materials2023021820230325 (R4)
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You might think materials are a bit boring and inconsequential but without them we would still be living in the stone age. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by material scientists Mark Miodownik and Anna Ploszajski and comedian Ed Byrne to discover the life changing materials that are hidden in plain sight. Which materials have made us human? Which materials do we completely depend on? And how will materials shape our future?

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the materials that we couldn't live without.

2601Southern Skies2023021820230223 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince start a new series from Sydney, Australia. They are joined by astrophysicists Kirsten Banks and Devika Kamath and comedian Ross Noble as they discuss how different the night sky looks from the southern hemisphere. They hear stories of how different cultures have always used constellations in the sky to help navigate life down here, on planet Earth. They find out how just one point of light can tell you exactly what a star is made of and why this can be the key to understanding the future of our galaxy.

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince look up at the stars of the southern hemisphere.

2602Australia's Scary Spiders2023022520230302 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince end their Australian science adventure with an episode all about spiders. They are joined by ecologists Dieter Hochuli and Mariella Herberstein and comedian Claire Hooper. They learn about the strange physiology of spiders, including skin shedding, weaving sperm webs and having hundreds of babies at once. They find out exactly how spiders copulate - a process full of surprises - from males having two penises to females cannibalizing the males once the deed is done. Dieter comes to the defence of spiders, despite their deadly venom, spiders haven't killed anyone in Australia in over fifty years. Perhaps they aren't deserving of their fierce reputation after all.

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about Australia's scariest creatures: spiders.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince end their Australian science adventure with an episode all about spiders. They are joined by ecologists Dieter Hochuli and Mariella Herberstein and comedian Claire Hooper. They learn about the strange physiology of spiders, including skin shedding, weaving sperm webs and having hundreds of babies at once. They find out exactly how spiders copulate - a process full of surprises - from males having two penises to females cannibalizing the males once the deed is done. Dieter comes to the defence of spiders: despite their deadly venom, they haven't killed anyone in Australia in over fifty years. Perhaps they aren't deserving of their fierce reputation after all.

2603How To Think Like A Mathematician2023030420230309 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Jo Brand. mathematicians Prof Hannah Fry and Dr Eugenia Cheng and xkcd webcomic creator Randall Munroe to discover how thinking like a mathematician could solve some tricky everyday conundrums. From the optimal strategy to finding your true love, to how to fix a wonky table in the pub, thinking like a mathematician can help you in some very unlikely situations. They discover how mathematical thinking can help answer some truly out of this world questions as well: how much soup would it take to fill the solar system? What would happen if you shrink Jupiter to the size of a house? Not problems we'd encounter in every day life maybe, but all questions sent to Randall Munroe for his 'What If?' series of books. At first glance the questions may seem impossible, but, as it turns out, maths and physics can provide an answer to these headscratchers, as the panel discover.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince apply mathematical thinking to everyday problems.

2604How To Commit The Perfect Murder2023031120230316 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by comedian Susan Calman, Prof Sue Black and Dr Julia Shaw as they invent Infinite Monkey Cluedo, and discover whether they can commit the perfect murder, or whether the latest forensic science will always be able to piece the clues together. They reveal whether the perfect crime or perfect criminal really exists and how we might spot them, and how the latest forensic techniques have transformed even decades old murder cases. The panel also discuss how the court room has changed with the development of ever-more advanced forensic techniques, but also where the weakness in the science might lie.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince invent Infinite Monkey Cluedo and try to plot the perfect crime.

2605How Far Can The Human Body Go?2023031820230323 (R4)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined on stage by bio-mechanist Polly McGuigan, evolutionary biologist Ben Garrod, comedian RUSSELL KANE and Olympic gold medalist Sally Gunnell to find out how good humans are at endurance. Could anyone win a gold at the Olympics? Could a human out-run a cheetah? And have we reached the absolute limits of human endurance?

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE discover the limits of human endurance.

2606Magic Materials2023032520230330 (R4)You might think materials are a bit boring and inconsequential but without them we would still be living in the stone age. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by material scientists Mark Miodownik and Anna Ploszajski and comedian Ed Byrne to discover the life changing materials that are hidden in plain sight. Which materials have made us human? Which materials do we completely depend on? And how will materials shape our future?

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the materials that we couldn't live without.

You might think materials are a bit boring and inconsequential but without them we would still be living in the stone age. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by material scientists Mark Miadownik and Anna Ploszajski and comedian Ed Byrne to discover the life changing materials that are hidden in plain sight. Which materials have made us human? Which materials do we completely depend on? And how will materials shape our future?

2701Are We What We Eat?2023062420230626 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince examine their own diets and the diet fads of the past to ask what should we actually be eating? They are joined by Dr Chris van Tulleken, Professor Janet Cade and comedian Harry Hill to discuss the nutritional merits, or lack there of, of everything from sausages to strawberries, and discover whether our obsession with low fat, low sugar or low carb diets have any scientific basis. They discuss our increased dependence on ultra-processed foods and what this means for our health, and whether eating 1 calorie of a chocolate bar, is really the same as eating 1 calorie of a stick of celery.

If you're in the UK, listen to the newest episodes of The Infinite Monkey Cage first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Producer: Adrian Washbourne

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Harry Hill to look at diet and nutrition.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince examine their own diets and the diet fads of the past to ask what we should actually be eating. They are joined by Dr Chris van Tulleken, Professor Janet Cade and comedian Harry Hill to discuss the nutritional merits, or lack thereof, of everything from sausages to strawberries, and discover whether our obsession with low fat, low sugar or low carb diets have any scientific basis. They discuss our increased dependence on ultra-processed foods and what this means for our health, and whether eating one calorie of a chocolate bar is really the same as eating one calorie of a stick of celery.

New episodes are released on Saturdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the full series first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

2702Supervolcanoes2023070120230703 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out if supervolcanoes are worth worrying about. They are joined by volcanologist Tamsin Mather, geologist Chris Jackson and comedian Rachel Parris. They learn about the worst eruptions of all time, including the eruption that may have sparked the French revolution. They find out what volcanologists like Tamsin are doing to monitor supervolcanoes and if they do predict an impending eruption and is there anything we can do about it?

If you're in the UK, listen to the newest episodes of The Infinite Monkey Cage first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out if we should be worried about supervolcanoes

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out if supervolcanoes are worth worrying about. They are joined by volcanologist Tamsin Mather, geologist Chris Jackson and comedian Rachel Parris. They learn about the worst eruptions of all time, including the eruption that may have sparked the French Revolution. They find out what volcanologists like Tamsin are doing to monitor supervolcanoes and if volcanologists do predict an impending eruption, is there anything we can do about it?

New episodes are released on Saturdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the full series first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out if we should be worried about supervolcanoes.

2703Bees V Wasps2023070820230710 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince tackle one of the most important questions posed by science: which is better, bees or wasps? To defend bees, ecologist Dave Goulson joins the panel, while entomologist Seirian Sumner comes to the defence of wasps. Although both species are known to deliver a nasty sting, Seirian and Dave battle to show why their species should be loved, not swotted, and how we unknowingly rely on them. Comedian Catherine Bohart takes on the role of judge. Which will she ultimately choose: bees or wasps?

New episodes are released on Saturdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the full series first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Which species is 'better': bees or wasps? Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out.

2704The Magic Of Mushrooms2023071520230717 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the secret world of fungi, hidden beneath our feet. They are joined by biologist Merlin Sheldrake and mycologist Katie Field. They hear about the hidden life of fungi, including their hundreds of mating types, predatory behaviour and crucial role in life beginning on Earth. Katie shares how mycologists like her are using fungi to come up with creative solutions to climate change.

New episodes are released on Saturdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the full series first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince discover the magic of mushrooms.

2705The Secret Life Of Sharks2023072220230724 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the apex predators of the ocean. They are joined by physiological ecologist Lucy Hawkes, shark scientist Isla Hodgson and naturalist Steve Backshall. They learn about the surprising social behaviours of sharks, how they reproduce and exactly how long sharks have been around for - they're even older than dinosaurs! Brian and Robin hear about Steve's experience of diving with over 100 species of shark. Is their reputation as cold blooded killers, accurate?

New episodes are released on Saturdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the full series first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the surprising behaviour of sharks.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about the apex predators of the ocean. They are joined by physiological ecologist Lucy Hawkes, shark scientist Isla Hodgson and naturalist Steve Backshall. They learn about the surprising social behaviours of sharks, how they reproduce and exactly how long they have been around for - they're even older than dinosaurs! Brian and Robin hear about Steve's experience of diving with over 100 species of shark. Is their reputation as cold blooded killers accurate?

2706Ancient Dna Secrets2023072920230731 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Horrible Histories alum Ben Willbond, Ancient DNA experts Prof Turi King and Dr Tom Booth and Nobel prize winner Sir Paul Nurse, as they uncover some of the incredible revelations being revealed through study of ancient DNA. The discovery of the skeleton of Richard III under a Leicester carpark made headlines around the world. Turi King talks about her involvement in identifying the regal remains using DNA extracted from his teeth and how she was able to prove that these ancient bones really did belong to King Richard. The panel also hear about a mysterious box of bones found in Winchester Cathedral purporting to date from the 8th and 9th century that could belong to some of our ancient Anglo Saxon Kings and Queens of England, including those of King Canute and his wife Queen Emma. Could the study of ancient DNA change our understanding of history, and perhaps even upset the line of succession?

New episodes are released on Saturdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the full series first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince look at the amazing story of the discovery of King Richard III.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Horrible Histories alum Ben Willbond, ancient DNA experts Prof Turi King and Dr Tom Booth and Nobel prize winner Sir Paul Nurse, as they uncover some of the incredible revelations being revealed through study of ancient DNA. The discovery of the skeleton of Richard III under a Leicester car park made headlines around the world.Turi King talks about her involvement in identifying the regal remains using DNA extracted from his teeth and how she was able to prove that these ancient bones really did belong to King Richard. The panel also hear about a mysterious box of bones found in Winchester Cathedral purporting to date from the 8th and 9th century that could belong to some of our ancient Anglo Saxon kings and queens of England, including those of King Canute and his wife Queen Emma. Could the study of ancient DNA change our understanding of history, and perhaps even upset the line of succession?

2707Cosmic Dust2023080520230807 (R4)Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about dust that is raining down on Earth from space. They are joined by planetary scientists Matthew Genge and Penny Wozniakiewicz and comedian Alan Davies. They learn how billions of tiny micrometeorites land on the surface of the Earth every year, hidden amongst pollution particles and household dust. Where does cosmic dust come from and what can it tell us about the birth of the solar system?

New episodes are released on Saturdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the full series first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Producer: Caroline Steel

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince find out about mysterious dust from space.

2801Octopuses!2023110820231111 (R4)
20231113 (R4)
If Aliens really are amongst us, the most likely candidates may not be little green men, but living in plain sight, just below our ocean waves, in the form of the mysterious and awe-inspiringly clever Octopus. Scientists are only just discovering the amazing intelligence of these elegant and highly unusual creatures that seem to have evolved in a completely different way to nearly any other creature on the planet. Brian and Robin are joined by marine biologist Dr Tim Lamont, Neuroscientist Dr Amy Courtney and comedian Russell Kane to uncover just how clever these mysterious creatures are, how they've evolved intelligence in an entirely unique way and whether 8 brains, as well as 8 legs are really better than 1. The panel also discover the alarming truth about the unique sex lives of the octopus - lets just say it doesn't end well for at least one of the participants.

New episodes released Wednesdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the newest episodes of The Infinite Monkey Cage first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore the magical world of the octopus.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince uncover the mysterious and alien-like lives of octopuses with the help of comedian Russel Kane and octopus experts Dr Tim Lamont and Dr Amy Courtney.

If Aliens really are amongst us, the most likely candidates may not be little green men, but living in plain sight, just below our ocean waves, in the form of the mysterious and awe-inspiringly clever Octopus. Scientists are only just discovering the amazing intelligence of these elegant and highly unusual creatures that seem to have evolved in a completely different way to nearly any other creature on the planet. Brian and Robin are joined by marine biologist Dr Tim Lamont, Neuroscientist Dr Amy Courtney and comedian Russel Kane to uncover just how clever these mysterious creatures are, how they've evolved intelligence in an entirely unique way and whether 8 brains, as well as 8 legs are really better than 1. The panel also discover the alarming truth about the unique sex lives of the octopus - lets just say it doesn't end well for at least one of the participants.

2802The Science Of Coincidence2023110820231118 (R4)
20231120 (R4)
Are some people just lucky? Is there any scientific formula behind coincidences? Is randomness the norm? Brian and Robin team up with comedian Sophie Duker, mathematician Marcus Du Sautoy and statistician David Speigelhalter to uncover the reality and the maths behind seemingly incredible coincidences. How many people do you need in a room to find two with the same birthday? What is the weirdest coincidence that the panel have ever encountered? Is there a mathematical formula to being lucky? How good are we at judging how likely something is to happen? The answer is not very, as Brian and Robin unluckily discover.

New episodes released Wednesdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the newest episodes of The Infinite Monkey Cage first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore the science of coincidence and being lucky.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince reveal the maths behind luck and coincidence with comedian Sophie Duker, and mathematicians Marcus Du Sautoy and David Speigelhalter.

2803How I Is Ai?2023110820231125 (R4)
20231127 (R4)
Brian and Robin (the real ones) are joined by mathematician Prof Hannah Fry, compute scientist Dr Kate Devlin and comedian Rufus Hound to discuss pros and cons of AI. Just how intelligent is the most intelligent AI? Will our phones soon be smarter than us – will we fail a Turing test while our phone passes it? Will we have AI therapists, doctors, lawyers, carers or even politicians? How will the increasing ubiquity of AI systems change our society and our relationships with each other? Could radio presenters of hit science/comedy shows soon be replaced with wittier, smarter AI versions that know more about particle physics... surely not!

New episodes released Wednesdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the newest episodes of The Infinite Monkey Cage first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince worry about how worried we should be about AI.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Rufus Hound, Hannah Fry and Kate Devlin to discuss the new world of AI and our changing relationship with the digital world.

Brian and Robin (the real ones) are joined by mathematician Prof Hannah Fry, compute scientist Dr Kate Devlin and comedian Rufus Hound to discuss the pros and cons of AI. Just how intelligent is the most intelligent AI? Will our phones soon be smarter than us – will we fail a Turing test while our phone passes it? Will we have AI therapists, doctors, lawyers, carers or even politicians? How will the increasing ubiquity of AI systems change our society and our relationships with each other? Could radio presenters of hit science/comedy shows soon be replaced with wittier, smarter AI versions that know more about particle physics... surely not!

2804The Scale Of Life (or Were Dinosaurs Just Too Big?)2023111120231202 (R4)
20231204 (R4)
Brian and Robin are joined by palaeontologist Dr Susie Maidment, evolutionary biologist Dr Tori Herridge and comedian Dave Gorman to pitch giant creatures against tiny creatures in their bid to avoid extinction. They explore the scale of life and ask why are some organisms large and some small and what is the optimum size for successful survival. From the prokaryotic cell to the grandest dinosaur, how does the modern synthesis explain the huge variation in scale, form and function. What are the advantages and disadvantages to being huge like the dinosaurs, or was it their size that really did them in, in the end?

New episodes released Wednesdays. If you're in the UK, listen to the newest episodes of The Infinite Monkey Cage first on BBC Sounds: bbc.in/3K3JzyF

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince discover why size really matters if you want to avoid extinction.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Dave Gorman, Susie Maidment and Tori Herridge as they pitch big creatures v small creatures in the battle for survival.

Brian and Robin are joined by palaeontologist Dr Susie Maidment, evolutionary biologist Dr Tori Herridge and comedian Dave Gorman to pitch giant creatures against tiny creatures in their bid to avoid extinction. They explore the scale of life and ask why some organisms are large and some small and what the optimum size for successful survival is. From the prokaryotic cell to the grandest dinosaur, how does the modern synthesis explain the huge variation in scale, form and function? What are the advantages and disadvantages to being huge like the dinosaurs, or was it their size that really did them in, in the end?

2805Hollywood In Space2023111120231209 (R4)
20231211 (R4)
Brian Cox and Robin Ince put Hollywood under the microscope to unpick the science fact v science fiction of some of the biggest movies set in space. They are joined by a truly out of this world panel of space experts including astronauts Tim Peake, Nicole Stott and Susan Kilrain alongside Oscar winning Special FX director Paul Franklin, whose movies include Interstellar and First Man. Tim, Nicole and Susan fact check how space travel and astronauts are portrayed in movies such as Gravity and The Martian, whilst Brian and Robin argue about Robin's lack of enthusiasm for Star Wars. They look back at some of the greatest Space movies including Alien and 2001 A Space Odyssey and ask whether some fictional aspects of these blockbusters may not be so far from our future reality?

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince peer review Hollywood movies set in space.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by art director Paul Franklin and astronauts Tim Peake, Nicole Stott and Susan Kilrain to check the fiction v reality of some great space films.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince put Hollywood under the microscope to unpick the science fact v science fiction of some of the biggest movies set in space. They are joined by a truly out of this world panel of space experts including astronauts Tim Peake, Nicole Stott and Susan Kilrain alongside Oscar-winning Special FX director Paul Franklin, whose movies include Interstellar and First Man. Tim, Nicole and Susan fact check how space travel and astronauts are portrayed in movies such as Gravity and The Martian, whilst Brian and Robin argue about Robin's lack of enthusiasm for Star Wars. They look back at some of the greatest space movies including Alien and 2001 A Space Odyssey, and ask whether some fictional aspects of these blockbusters may not be so far from our future reality.

2806Jo Brand's Quantum World 2023111120231216 (R4)
20231218 (R4)
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are subject to a non-hostile take over by comedian and non-physicist Jo Brand, as she challenges the panel to help her understand the almost unbelievable world of cheeky particles who may or may not be in several places at once. To help Jo get to grips with the bizarre and strange world of our Quantum Universe, Brian and Robin are joined by theoretical physicist Prof Ben Allanach from the U. of Cambridge and Cosmologist Prof Fay Dowker from Imperial College London who introduce Jo to the weird and wonderful ways of quantum theory, dead and alive cats and multiverses.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are challenged by Jo Brand to explain Quantum physics.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince hand over control of monkey cage to comedian Jo Brand, who challenges the panel to help her understand the bizarre world of Quantum Physics.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are subject to a non-hostile takeover by comedian and non-physicist Jo Brand, as she challenges the panel to help her understand the almost unbelievable world of cheeky particles who may or may not be in several places at once. To help Jo get to grips with the bizarre and strange world of our quantum universe, Brian and Robin are joined by theoretical physicist Prof Ben Allanach from the University of Cambridge and cosmologist Prof Fay Dowker from Imperial College London, who introduce Jo to the weird and wonderful ways of quantum theory, dead and alive cats and multiverses.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince hand over control of the monkey cage to comedian Jo Brand, who challenges the panel to help her understand the bizarre world of quantum physics.

2807The Monkeys Meet The Sky At Night 2023111120231223 (R4)
20231225 (R4)
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by the longest running science show in the world, The Sky at Night, alongside comedian and astronomy enthusiast Dara O Briain for the ultimate guide to studying the stars from your own back garden. Sky At Night presenters Dr Maggie Aderin Pocock, Chris Lintott and Pete Lawrence join the panel to offer their top tips to backyard astronomy over the winter season. From binoculars to telescopes and even the naked eye: meteor showers, planetary moons and odd behaving galaxies are just some of the heavenly phenomena visible with or without equipment from the comfort of your own garden or local park. An out of this world seasonal special. And you can catch the monkey's on a special edition of the Sky At Night on BBC iplayer from November 13th.

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince team up with the Sky at Night team for some backyard astronomy.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Dara O Briain and the Sky at Night team for the ultimate science show mash-up and to discover all about astronomy from your own back garden.

2901Egyptian Mummies2024021420240217 (R4)
20240219 (R4)
AKA Egyptian Monkeys

Brian Cox and Robin Ince peel back the layers to explore mummification and the science of Ancient Egypt. They are joined by comedians Russel Kane, Lucy Porter and bio-medical Egyptologists Rosalie David and Lidija as they learn about the scientific techniques that are helping to uncover the lives of Ancient Egyptians, including that of a woman who died running away from an axe murderer. They find out that much of modern western medicine was built on the Ancient Egyptians sophisticated pharmacology, though they should probably avoid the treatment for migraines which involves being slapped in the head by a fish.

Producer: Melanie Brown

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince unwrap the science of Egyptian mummies.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince unwrap the science of Egyptian mummies with comedians Russel Kane and Lucy Porter together and Egyptologists Rosalie David and Lidija McKnight.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince peel back the layers to explore mummification and the science of Ancient Egypt. They are joined by comedians Russel Kane, Lucy Porter and bio-medical Egyptologists Rosalie David and Lidija McKnight from the University of Manchester, as they learn about the scientific techniques that are helping to uncover the lives of Ancient Egyptians, including that of a woman who died running away from an axe murderer. They find out that much of modern western medicine was built on the Ancient Egyptians sophisticated pharmacology, though they should probably avoid the treatment for migraines which involves being slapped in the head by a fish.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince unwrap the science of Egyptian mummies with comedians Russel Kane and Lucy Porter as well as bio-medical Egyptologists Rosalie David and Lidija McKnight.

2902Could It Be Magic?2024021420240224 (R4)
20240226 (R4)
Brian Cox and Robin Ince pull scientific explanations out of a hat and go down the rabbit hole to explore the science of magic with comedian Alan Davies, sleight of hand artist Laura London and two experts in the psychology of magic Richard Wiseman and Gustav Kuhn. They ask what our predilection to be bamboozled by sleight of hand can tell us about how our minds work. Alan has a card trick played on him and we learn how our choices aren't always what we think they are.

Producer: Melanie Brown

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince conjure up scientific explanations for magical goings on.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince explore the science of magic with comedian Alan Davies alongside 3 members of the magic circle: Richard Wiseman, Laura London and Gustav Kuhn.

2903Asteroids2024021420240302 (R4)
20240304 (R4)
Brian Cox and Robin Ince journey through the asteroid belt to discuss space rocks with Dr Who companion John Bishop, professor of planetary science Sara Russell and astrophysicist Alan Fitzsimmons. They learn that these seemingly innocuous rubble like rocks can hold secrets to the formation of the solar system but just don't jump on one – you may shoot straight through it! They find out about the latest space missions that are trying to bump into or grab bits of asteroids and how these technological feats are helping to avoid the end of life on earth as we know it.

Producer: Melanie Brown

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince journey through the asteroid belt and beyond to chat space rocks.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince journey through the asteroid belt to discuss space rocks with comedian John Bishop, planetary scientist Sara Russell and astrophysicist Alan Fitzsimmons.

2904Poison2024021420240309 (R4)
20240311 (R4)
Brian Cox and Robin Ince delve into the murky world of historical poisonings. Joining them to add their drops of killer insight are comedian Hugh Dennis, chemist Andrea Sella and Agatha Christie aficionado and former chemist Kathryn Harkup. They find out just how easy poison was to get your hands on and how people literally got away with murder until chemists developed tests for substances like arsenic. Bottles of deadly substances are passed around our expert panel with some trepidation and we learn how seemingly innocuous garden plants can be deadly in the wrong hands.

Producer: Melanie Brown

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince unbottle the history of poison.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince unbottle the history of poison with comedian Hugh Dennis, chemist Andrea Sella and Agatha Christie aficionado and former chemist Kathryn Harkup.

2905Cats V Dogs2024021420240316 (R4)
20240318 (R4)
Brian Cox and Robin Ince sniff and paw their way through the evidence to put to rest the age-old debate of whether cats are better than dogs. They're joined by TV dragon and dog devotee Deborah Meaden, comedian and cat compadre David Baddiel, evolutionary scientist Ben Garrod and veterinarian Jess French. They learn how the domestication of our four-legged companions by humans has had a profound impact on their physiology, temperament and methods of communication. They debate which species is the most intelligent and skilled and try to lay to rest the most important question of all – which one really loves you?

Producer: Melanie Brown

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince claw through the science to find out if cats are better than dogs

Brian Cox and Robin Ince battle it out in cats v dogs, joined by TV dragon Deborah Meaden, comedian David Baddiel and canine and feline experts Ben Garrod and Jess French.

2906Higgs Boson2024021420240323 (R4)
20240325 (R4)
Brian Cox and Robin Ince visit CERN's Large Hadron Collider in Geneva in search of the Higgs boson. Joining them on their particular quest is comedian Katy Brand, actor Ben Miller and physicists Tevong You and Clara Nellist. They find out which particle is the one you'd most want to spend time with at a party, how cosmology is inspiring experiments in the collider and why the Higgs Boson - known as the 'god' particle' - is of so much interest to science.

Producer: Melanie Brown

Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox and Robin Ince go to the Large Hadron Collider in search of the Higgs Boson

Brian Cox and Robin Ince search for the Higgs Boson with comedian Katy Brand, actor Ben Miller and physicists Tevong You and Clara Nellist.

SPECIALBrian And Robin's Infinite Inbox2014030920140310/10 (BBC7)Infinite Monkeys Brian Cox and Robin Ince delve into the postbag and open up the inbox for a programme specially recorded for BBC Radio 4 Extra.

Following their recent series of The Infinite Monkey Cage on Radio 4, Robin and Brian thought it was high time they answered some questions from you, the audience, which have poured in from around the UK and abroad. Penned by listeners as young as 10 and as old as 77, subjects include the nature of black holes, the mathematical abilities of chimpanzees, the suicidal tendencies of robots and complaints about infinity that will run and run.

But will they be able to answer perhaps the greatest question of all - is a strawberry dead?

Producer: Rami Tzabar.

Infinite Monkeys BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE attempt to answer some questions from listeners.

SPECIALIntroducing Robin Ince's Laws That Aren't Laws20210310Robin explores the origins of laws that seem to govern our everyday lives but which aren?t really laws at all. You can hear all five episodes of the series in the Scientifically podcast where you can also find other great science programmes from Radio 4.
SPECIALSpecial Bonus Edition20180809BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE reminisce about their favourite moments from 100 episodes of The Infinite Monkey Cage.
SPECIALThe Infinite Moonkey Cage2019072020190726 (R4)A special hour long episode of the hugely popular science/comedy show, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo moon landings. Recorded at Cocoa Beach, Florida just down the road from Cape Canaveral, BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by some of the key players involved in landing the first people on the moon, on this day, 1969. Apollo 9 Astronaut Rusty Schweickart, Apollo flight director Gerry Griffin and Apollo children Jan and Andy Aldrin give their perspectives on arguably one of the greatest scientific and engineering achievements of all time. Keep listening for a very special guest appearance by Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes.

Presenters: BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

Producer ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo moon landings.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.

TRAILERIntroducing The Curious Cases Of Rutherford And Fry20190418Hannah Fry and Adam Rutherford present highlights from their podcast which investigates questions sent in by listeners using the power of science.
TRAILERStay Tuned...20171220Brian Cox and Robin Ince look forward to the coming series of The Infinite Monkey Cage.
TRAILERThe Infinite Monkey Cage Is Back20220625Brian Cox and Robin Ince are back with a new series of The Infinite Monkey Cage. Looking for the new episode? It will be available everywhere from the 23rd of July. But if you can?t wait to hear it and are in the UK, listen on BBC Sounds today where new episodes are available first - 28 days before other podcast apps.
XMAS20142014122520231222/23 (BBC7)BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE are joined by BRIAN BLESSED, astronaut Chris Hadfield, bible scholar Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou and the Reverend RICHARD COLES for a very special festive edition of the show. They'll be taking their own unique look at the Christmas story and the history of the bible and asking whether the christmas story and your view of humanity changes once you've look back at earth from the heavens themselves.

Producer : ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Producer : ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince bring their blend of science and comedy to the festive season.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a very special festive edition.

They'll be taking their own unique look at the Christmas story and the history of the bible and asking whether the christmas story and your view of humanity changes once you've looked back at earth from the heavens themselves.

With:

Actor, Brian Blessed

Astronaut, Chris Hadfield

Presenter, Reverend Richard Coles

Producer: Alexandra Feachem

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2014.

Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined by Brian Blessed, Chris Hadfield, Francesca Stavrakopoulou and Richard Coles. From 2014.

XMAS2015The Science Of Doctor Who20151225BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE celebrate the festive season with a look at the science of Doctor Who. Swapping the infinite cage for the Tardis, they are joined on stage by comedian ROSS NOBLE, Professor Fay Dowker, Oscar winning special FX director Paul Franklin, author and Doctor Who writer SIMON GUERRIER and the Very Reverend VICTOR STOCK. They discuss the real science of time travel, the tardis and why wormholes are inaccurately named (according to Ross!).

Brian Cox and Robin Ince and special guests look at the science in Doctor Who.

XMAS201620161227BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a special Christmas edition of the science/comedy show

BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE return for a very special Christmas edition of the show. They are joined on stage by Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, actor and writer MARK GATISS, cultural anthropologist Deborah Hyde and the Bishop of Leeds. They'll be discussing the joys of the Christmas ghost story, and looking at the Victorian obsession with the supernatural. They'll be asking when studying paranormal phenomenon went from a genuine scientific endeavour, to the realms of pseudoscience.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE

XMAS2017The Science Of Magic2017122520180101 (R4)The Infinite Monkeys bring their own brand of yule friendly science and comedy to the BBC Radio 4 Christmas schedule, and this year add an extra sprinkling of festive magic. Brian Cox and Robin Ince will be joined on stage by some very special guests to look at the science behind some of our best loved magic tricks and illusions. Actor, writer and illusionist Andy Nyman,actor and comedian Diane Morgan, Professor of Psychology and magician Richard Wiseman, and theologian and broadcaster Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou will all be demonstrating how basic human psychology and evolution allow us to see and believe the seemingly impossible. They'll be exploring how some basic psychology can lead to some truly impressive deceptions, and ask how easy it is to trick the human mind, even a mind like Brian's. Prepare to be amazed.

Producer: Alexandra Feachem.

BRIAN COX, ROBIN INCE and special guests explore the science of magic.

Producer: ALEXANDRA FEACHEM.

Irreverent look at the world through scientists' eyes. With BRIAN COX and ROBIN INCE.