Small Screen Science

Small Screen Science Trailer

From the forensic pathology behind Silent Witness to the science of attraction that flirts through Love Island, we look at the science behind some of the UK's favourite TV shows.

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

If you enjoy the podcast please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

1.1: The Great British Bake Off (Soggy Bottom Science)

From using maths to bake the perfect pie to exploring the science of food acoustics, our first episode looks at the Great British Bake Off. We explore the science behind baking a victoria sponge or sourdough loaf, speak to 2017 Bake Off contestant Yan Tsou about using maths when creating pies and we join food acoustics specialist Dr Megan Povey to find out how the crunching and crackling sounds of crisps and chocolate play a big role in how much we enjoy them.

It is a TASTY trip to the studio this week; Emma's baked a loaf using Yan's famous sourdough starter 'muvver', and Karen's turned up to the studio with not one, but four different bars of chocolate. We tuck into each of them to test the 'snap' sounds made by chocolate bars with different cocoa solid contents and watch out for the cooling in the mouth sensation described by Professor Povey in the episode.

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

1.2: Silent Witness (Crime Scene Science)

Is there a better-loved British crime drama? Silent Witness has been running since 1996, season 23 aired in 2020, and it’s also one of Emma and Karen’s favourite shows. In this episode, we speak to one of the scientific advisors for the show, Dr Stuart Hamilton, who is a forensic pathologist and helps make sure all the science in the show is fact-checked. Who better to ask about all the gory details of an autopsy, and how you can estimate the time of death of a body? 

But before that, we head to the University of the West of England to explore their on-campus ‘Crime Scene House,’ which is staged for forensic science students to practice their evidence-gathering skills. Helen Green shows us around the place, explaining crime scene processing techniques and some of the scientific tests used.

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

1.3: Strictly Come Dancing (Salsa Science)

In this week's episode on Strictly Come Dancing, we start by waltzing on over to London to explore a dance science laboratory at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, where Professor Emma Redding explains to us a little more about the field of Dance Science. Then we speak to Katie Goates from Parkinson’s UK, to find out how dance is being used to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

1.4: Love Island (Six Pack Science)

We've been mugged right off and watched the latest series of Love Island, all in the name of SCIENCE. Why do we fancy people? Can we learn anything from reality TV or is it just trash? And how can we win Love Island using Science?

We explore the science behind attraction and what physiological changes happen in our bodies when we meet someone who's our 'type on paper'. We're also joined on the episode by two experts in reality TV, Professor Annette Hill and Dr Brendan Rooney, who explain to us how to define reality TV and how it's evolved in recent decades, whether binge-watching reality TV shows can be a bad thing, and what indeed we might be LEARNING from Love Island, as we judge the islander's interesting decisions and questionable outfit choices.

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

1.5: Dracula (Blood-Sucking Science)

VELCOME to Blood-Sucking Science, where we explore the science surrounding Dracula!

How do vampire bats find prey and survive by drinking blood? Why do we love watching horror films and vampire shows? And CAN science disprove the existence of the vampires we get in legends? 

We speak to vampire bat expert Daniel Streicker from the University of Glasgow, and friend of the podcast Dr Brendan Rooney, to run us through the psychology of why we love horror films, and what we can even learn from them.

And of course, watch out for our dracula vernacular - we’ll be trying to seamlessly weave in as many vampire puns or terminology.

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

1.6: Line of Duty (Blues & Two’s Science)

Our series ends with a BANG as well take a look at forensic ballistics and the ethics of policing with Line of Duty!

Ever wondered if you would hear the gun firing before the bullet hit you? Is it possible to trace the bullet back to the gun that fired it? What is rifling and how do guns fire? All this and more on this season’s finale.

We speak to Allyson MacVean OBE about the code of ethics that the police use to tackle internal corruption, and then Paul Everington, MD of Wiltshire Ballistics Services, who joins us to explain rifling, tracing bullets back to the weapons they were fired from and working out just how much damage a bullet would do to you.

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

Support us on Patreon to help us get season 2 off the ground: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

2.1: Blue Planet II (Blue-Chip Science)

To kick off the second season of Small Screen Science, we’re diving into the wonderful world of natural history documentaries, with Blue Planet II! Perhaps the most influential nature documentary series of all time, the ‘Blue Planet II effect’ has made people more aware of our impact on the environment.

We chat to Simon Watt about the most endangered ‘mingers’ and why ugly animals get such a raw deal in conservation. Look out for the scrotum frog and the kakapo. Ever thought of a spider being cute? Try searching for the jumping spider and work out why it is cuter than other spider species.

PLUS, 2020 is the international year of sound, so who better to speak to than Martyn Harries? This BAFTA and Emmy award-winning re-recording mixer has worked with the great Sir David Attenborough himself! We talk about the difficulties around recording sound underwater as well as the use of foley - sound that's been created artificially in a studio.

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

2.2: The Walking Dead (Zombie Apocalypse Science)

Our guests for this episode help us explore the evidence of zombie fears and folklore in our own history by looking at human burials, and exploring how viruses and pandemics can spread through a global population. (Sounds familiar these days, right?)

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

2.3: Most Haunted (Spooktacular Science)

When you’re talking about the paranormal and the science behind ghosts ‘who ya gonna call?’ Well it turns out that would be Chris French - our ghostbusting expert this week is the Professor behind the ‘Haunt’ project; an attempt to build a haunted room.  

Tune in to discover what we found when we visited Shepton Mallet Prison, the UK’s oldest and most haunted prison, in search of ghosts…

Plus, we discuss the science behind magic pendulums, ghostly rituals and haunted houses. Listen out for our proposal for the Brisdion-Collins ghost particle - surely a new breakthrough in physics?

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

2.4: Breaking Bad (Walter White Science)

Have you ever wondered whether the meth labs created are accurate? Or if you could REALLY dissolve a body in a bath of acid? Well, then this is the episode for you!

We might be a far cry from a home-made meth lab in a caravan in the desert, but we’re speaking to someone much closer to the Breaking Bad action in this episode - we’re joined by amazing Prof. Donna J Nelson, the scientific advisor to the show!

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

2.5: Stranger Things (Upside-Down Science)

From trying to understand how parallel universes might work to asking 'Why do we love a good conspiracy theory?' and looking for creatures that act like the Demogorgon, we're on a curiosity voyage through the science of The Upside Down.

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

2.6: The Great Pottery Throwdown (Kiln-Fired Science)

This week we try our hand at one of the oldest crafts in the world, and talk to people who know much more about ceramics than we do! We learn how to make pottery with Kim at Blue Leaf Ceramics and chat to the President of  the European Ceramic Society. 

Did you know Johnny Vegas has a piece of pottery at the V & A museum? Did you know ceramics are used in space exploration and jet engines? Why are some pots terracotta and others white? How do glazes work? Why do they put pots in big pits in the ground? How might ceramics help in the fight against cancer?

Join us for the answers to all these questions and much more…

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

For more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Series 3 Trailer

🎧 Why do we just LOVE a sitcom? Can you tell if someone is a psychopath from their eyebrows? Is there such thing as aliens? Was sex in the Regency period as steamy as Bridgerton portrays?

 

All this and MORE in the next series of Small Screen Science Podcast, where we explore the science of Bridgerton, Brooklyn 99, Killing Eve, Great British Sewing Bee,

Red Dwarf and Chernobyl... starting next Tuesday!

 

Subscribe to Small Screen Science on your podcast platform today so you don't miss an episode.

 

And don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

 

For more from Small Screen Science, you can support the show for just a few 'squid per month on Patreon and get access to lots of bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

 

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

3.1: Bridgerton (Corset-ripping Science)

Dearest Listeners. The ton are abuzz with the latest on-dit, indeed Small Screen Science has officially returned for a third season. The incomparable Lady Brisdion and Lady Collins welcome you to the first show of the new season.

Yes, that’s right! We kick off the latest season of Small Screen Science by investigating corsets, sex and health in the early 19th century, all through the lens of the Netflix regency smash hit Bridgerton. Were you in one of the 83 million households who saw the series in its first 28 days? Yeah, us too!

After all, it is a truth universally acknowledged, that a woman of science in possession of curiosity, must be in want of a corset-ripping romp through the regency!

 

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

 

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

 

Don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

 

For even more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

3.2: Brooklyn 99 (Cool cool cool cool coooool Science)

'Title of your sex tape?' This week we're exploring the science behind one of our all time favourite sitcoms: the hilarious police drama set in NYC, Brooklyn 99! 

 

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

 

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

 

Don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

 

For even more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

3.3: Great British Sewing Bee (Super-Stitch Science)

This week we are donning our best garms to discuss the science of clothes and the perils of fast fashion, all through the lens of the charming show that is The Great British Sewing Bee!

We’re bursting at the seams to talk to you about all the latest inventions designed to help reduce the impact of fashion on the environment. We take a look at fast fashion, recyclable shoes and how polyester affects sperm production (no really!)

We also talk to an expert in the use of Artificial Intelligence in fashion design. Are you thready to go?

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

 

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

 

Don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

 

For even more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

3.4: Killing Eve (LIVE from Cardiff Science Festival)

Could you really kill someone with perfume or a hair pin? Can psychology explain why Villanelle is good assassin? And how does espionage actually work? From the psychology of psychopaths to the secrets of spy craft, join us as we explore the science behind the hit BBC spy drama, Killing Eve.

This episode was recorded live as part of Cardiff Science Festival. We guarantee you'll never look at your eyebrows the same way again!

Don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

 

For even more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

3.5: Red Dwarf (Smeghead Science)

This week we are delving into the science behind the classic British Sci-Fi sitcom Red Dwarf. How did Cat evolve from Lister’s pregnant domestic cat Frankenstein? What does sustainable space travel look like? Are we any closer to a holographic AI Rimmer? And what is a red dwarf anyway?

We are joined by Royal Observatory astronomer Jake Foster to discuss all things space science, including sustainable space travel, aliens and navigating in space.

Toasted tea cake anyone? Smoke me a kipper, I’ll be back for breakfast!

Don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

 

For even more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.

3.6: Chernobyl (Bees, Bras and Banana Science)

We end season 3 with a bang of apocalypse proportions, the hit TV show Chernobyl. What were the consequences of that fateful day in 1986? How accurate was the portrayal of the nuclear disaster in the TV show Chernobyl? And what has that got to do with bees, bras and bananas?

The atom is a humbling thing. We investigate the impact of the explosion of the local environment, both then and now and debunk common myths about radioactivity.

Did you know mould found at the Chernobyl reactor site has been taken to the International Space Station? Or that bananas are radioactive? Find out more in our explosive season finale.

Oh and by the way, if you are thinking one of those bras might come in handy you can buy them here: EBbra

 

Hosted and produced by Emma Brisdion and Karen Collins.

 

If you enjoyed the episode please leave us a review (five stars would be perfect, thanks) as it really helps new listeners find the podcast.

 

Don't forget to follow us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Support us on Patreon and get access to heaps of bonus content every month: https://www.patreon.com/smallscreenscience

 

For even more, read our science blog and find out what else we learned from our expert guests on our website www.smallscreenscience.co.uk.