Main content

Science down under

Unexpected Elements goes down under as we talk marsupials, social media bans and the trees that could be fuelling Australia’s wildfires.

This week the Unexpected Elements team has travelled Down Under to sunny Sydney where we discover some wonderfully Australian science with the help of some wonderfully Australian panellists.

First, we discuss the surprising American origins of Australia’s iconic marsupials and Marnie gets up close and personal with Pez the Tasmanian Devil.

We also talk to Andy Flies from the University of Tasmania who is working on a vaccine to combat a deadly contagious cancer spreading through Australia’s Devil population.

Next, we’re joined by Susan Sawyer from the University of Melbourne as we delve into the debate surrounding Australia’s social media ban for under 16-year-olds. Are the kids alright? Plus, we find out about the tree that seems to be adding fuel to the country’s recent wildfires.

All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Katie Silver and Jonathan Webb
Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, with Ella Hubber, Sophie Ormiston and Lucy Davies

Available now

50 minutes

Last on

Sun 18 Jan 202620:06GMT
BBC World Service except West and Central Africa

More episodes

Previous

Science of the future

Next

Banging the science drum

See all episodes from Unexpected Elements

Featured

  • .

Broadcasts

  • Fri 16 Jan 202610:06GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Sat 17 Jan 202600:06GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Sat 17 Jan 202604:06GMT
    BBC World Service
  • Sat 17 Jan 202615:06GMT
    BBC World Service News Internet
  • Sun 18 Jan 202620:06GMT
    BBC World Service except West and Central Africa

Podcast