Ask the Naked Scientists

Introducing "Smellyvision": this week, we talk about new tech that transmits smells alongside sounds and pictures, and ask whether smell is our most underrated sense. Also, are Bill Gates' fears that AI will erode our intellect well-founded, and why do some worry it might lead to better biological weapons? Meanwhile, how has Jonathan the giant tortoise lived to almost 200, and how long could a human theoretically survive? And why do scientists seem to say one thing one minute, and then change their minds a week later? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Why has everyone got a cold at the moment? How does an elemental diet treat inflammatory bowel disease? How does chlorine clean up drinking water? What is cholera? Can silver sterilise surfaces and water? Is static electricity down to positive or negative charge? What is reverse osmosis water filtering, and why is it controversial? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

How do dogs decode human speech? Can they actually understand one another, and do they bark with an accent? Also, do all animals pair for life? Why are biometric fingerprint scanners tricky for older people? And is AI damaging our ability to think for ourselves? Plus, what's the problem with asking AI to solve complex maths puzzles, and can it also help decode what animals are saying? Dr Chris Smith and Clarence Ford have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Who scooped Nobel Prizes at this year's ceremony in Stockholm? How concerned should we be about AI's impact on society? Why do men have larger Adam's apples? How can we make sure we eat a balanced diet? What causes floaters in your eyes? Is the expanding Universe contracting elsewhere? And is there a new fluoride-free toothpaste gel that rebuilds teeth? Dr Chris Smith and Saskia Falken have the answers. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Dr Chris Smith and Relebogile Mabotja explore why it's hard to reach a human in customer service. How did humans migrate from Africa, and can we trace our ancient paths? Why do people and animals have different neck sizes? Can you really hear your heartbeat when your head's on the pillow? Why is swimming in cold water easier than taking a cold shower? Why do your ears block when you yawn or blow your nose? Why don't you notice yourself growing? Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists