Curious Cases

Identical twins, twin telepathy, and human cloning all collide in this episode’s dive into how close biology can get to making two people the same. Hannah and Dara follow one listener’s question into genetics, ageing, and the science behind some very persistent myths.

Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain return for a new series with a promise of plenty of new problems to tackle. This short trailer is likely best for listeners who want a quick taste of the show’s returning chemistry and what the new run is setting up.

Phantom pain explores why people can feel pain in a limb, tooth, or organ that is no longer there. Hannah and Dara dig into the science, the uncertainty, and the very personal reality of living with a condition that still raises major neurological questions.

Gold is the focus here, from ancient tombs and medieval money to electronics, manufacturing and space travel. Hannah and Dara explore why this famously precious element has become so useful, and whether all the gold ever mined could fit in an Olympic swimming pool.

Tortoises are the subject here, with Hannah and Dara digging into research that challenges their reputation for being slow and dull. The episode explores personality, memory, learning, recognition and the surprisingly big question of whether tortoises can play.