Naked Scientists Ask The Naked Scientists SA

Why are aeroplane doors always on the left?

Loading player...
Why is skin the mouths of animals pink? Why doesn't water immediately fall out of clouds? How do we use light to send information into space? Why did a stomach explode after a liquid nitrogen cocktail? What are chimaeras? How will Felix Baumgartner get to the edge of space for his free-fall jump? Why is your breath both hot and cold against your hand? Why are the entry doors to an aeroplane always on the left side? And why do toenails seem to grow more slowly than fingernails? Join Chris for another rampage through the best science questions South Africa has to offer!
12 Oct 2012 English United Kingdom Science

Other recent episodes

Can our eyes pop out when we sneeze?

This week, Chris Smith and Clarence Ford tackle the big science questions of the week, including how to perform a circumcision safely; can our eyes pop out when we sneeze; how do general anaesthetics work and do we understand consciousness; is violence inherent to society; do antibiotics kill probiotics; and…
5 Dec 21 min

Why do dogs make a beeline for underwear and smelly socks?

Why do dogs make a beeline for underwear and smelly socks? Also, do we really get taller at night, why do some colours reflect and others absorb light, does our skin get thinner as we age, and what's the basis of lisps and accents? Dr Chris Smith and Amy Maciver…
28 Nov 17 min

Are zebras black with white stripes?

Are any people particularly susceptible to alopecia-linked hair loss? Also, what causes eczema and why does it keep recurring, why are the progeny of different species infertile, why does hair go grey but not always symmetrically, and Is asthma a risk factor for bronchitis? Plus, are zebras actually black with…
20 Nov 17 min

Will we find a cure for diabetes?

In Ask! the Naked Scientists, Dr Chris Smith answers listeners' medical questions. This time, what causes a black eye? How can we alleviate the pain from a trapped nerve? How can you best stop severe bleeding? Why is sickle cell anaemia more common in Africa? Like this podcast? Please help…
13 Nov 21 min

Is an elephant really related to a hyrax?

Is an elephant really a close relative of a hyrax? What are blood groups? Is there really such a thing as a selfish gene? How did males and females evolve? What makes us feel sleepy? And how can chickenpox be lethal? Join Dr Chris and Clarence Ford as we ask…
7 Nov 21 min
All episodes