Question of the Week
Each week we set out to solve one of the world's weirdest, wackiest, funniest and funkiest scientific puzzles. And along with the answer there's a brand new question to think about for next time...
What does it mean when soaps claim to kill 99.99% of germs? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 11.01.31
Some hand washes claim to kill 99.99% of all germs. What do these advertising slogans really mean? Would two hand washes kill 100 per cent of all germs? Plus, we ask if sending an e-card is really more environmentally friendly than a paper one.
Why does light bend under gravity? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 11.01.24
Light is supposed to be massless so how is it that gravity makes a beam bend? Plus, we ask what the hand wash adverts mean when they claim to kill 99.9% of known germs.
How does the brain interpret Braille? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 11.01.17
In this touchy-feely Question of the Week we find out which bits of the brain interpret text and Braille. Are they the same? Plus, we ask how it is that light bends under gravity, even though it's supposed to be massless!
Are humans the only species to drink the milk of another? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 11.01.10
When you think about it, drinking the milk of a cow is a little odd. Are we the only animal in the world that drinks the milk of another species? Why do we drink it anyway? Plus, we ask how Braille is processed in the brain.
What Makes Someone Photogenic? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.12.20
This week we find out why the camera loves some of us and seems to seek revenge on others as we investigate what makes someone photogenic…
Do magnetic bracelets work? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.12.13
If blood is full of iron does that mean magnetic jewellery is good for you? We find out. Plus, we ask if there is any science to being photogenic.
Can I drink through my bottom? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.12.06
Bowels are quite good at absorbing water so why not have a drink through one? Perhaps it's not such a good idea! Find out in this QotW. Plus, we ask if magnetic bracelets actually work.
How fast is the universe expanding? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.11.29
Will the universe expand faster than the speed of light in the future? Is this even possible? Will there be a big crunch at the end? The answer's in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask if it's possible to drink through your bottom!
What happens when a caterpillar pupates? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.11.22
What happens insides the shell of a chrysalis? Does the caterpillar turn into a protein-y mush or does it simply grow wings? Plus, we ask what happens once the universe has finished expanding.
How many bees to boil a human? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.11.15
In this buzzing Question of the Week we find out how many bees are required to cook a human bee-ing. How much honey would they need to feast on in order to achieve this feat? Plus, we ask if a caterpillar turns to mush during pupation.
Do you experience more daylight atop a mountain? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.11.08
If you're standing on top of Mt Everest, will your day be brighter for longer? Will there be more sunlight and why? Plus, we ask how many bees it takes to boil an entire person!
Did the Icelandic volcano produce more carbon than the grounded flights would have? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.11.01
Which would have produced more carbon: the Icelandic volcano or the planes which would have flown if it hadn't erupted? Find out in this QotW. Plus, we ask if altitude can affect the hours of daylight one experiences.
Why might a person not be able to see coloured ink on a whiteboard? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.10.25
Why might a person, who apparently isn't colour-blind, not be able to see red or green on a whiteboard? What is colour-blindness anyway? We try to find the answer in this Question of the Week. Plus, we ask which is worse for the environment - a few weeks of volcanic…
Why does travelling backwards make you feel ill? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.10.18
Why is it that some people get a bit queasy when facing backwards on a train? Find out in this QotW! Plus, we ask how it's possible that someone is unable to see coloured lines on a whiteboard.
Does everyone see the same phase of the moon? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.10.11
The moon and its fickle phases are analysed in this week's question. Does someone in Australia see the same full moon at the same time as someone in the UK? Does being on the other side of the world change the view? Plus, we ask why travelling backwards makes some…
How can something appear to roll uphill? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.10.04
The quest is on to find out how something can appear to roll up a hill, rather than down. Plus, we ask if the moon appears the same to viewers on either side of the planet.
Are apple cores poisonous? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.09.27
We find out about the true nature of apple cores. They're not as innocent as they look. Plus, we ask how a ball can appear to move uphill.
Is olive oil better for you? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.09.20
We find out why we're often told that olive oil is better for you. Is there any truth to the advertising? Plus, we ask about the dangers of apple cores!
Why does it smell after it rains? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.09.13
We explore the smells created by that wet weather phenomenon, rain. What brings about the damp, earthy smell? Plus, we ask if olive oil really is good for you.
How much farting is required for lift-off? - Naked Scientists Question of the Week 10.07.26
How much and how fast would you have to let loose your intestinal gases in order to lift yourself from the ground? We work through the physics of farting! Plus, we ask why certain smells are released after it rains.