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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

Podcasts

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries.

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners.

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 4

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 4: Episode 3: The Hunt for Nothing, Part 2

Episode 3

Episode 3: The Hunt for Nothing, Part 2

Series 4

The Hunt for Nothing, Part 2

BBC Radio 4 - The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry, Series 4, The Hunt for Nothing, Part 2

How zero was discovered and why it allows us to forecast the future.

Our scientific duo explore how zero was discovered and why it allows us to forecast the future.

In the last episode the team started investigating the following inquiry, sent in to curiouscases@bbc.co.uk:
'Is there any such thing as nothing?'

They discovered why quantum fluctuations and the Higgs field mean that nothing is impossible. But how about in mathematics?

The story of zero is fraught with inspiration, competition and controversy. Banned in Florence and hated by the Church, zero had a rocky road to acceptance after its genesis in India.

Hannah talks to author Alex Bellos and hears about his journey to India to see the birth of zero, featuring archive from 'Nirvana by Numbers' on BBC Radio 4.

Plus, Adam is sent on a mission to understand calculus and enlists the help of Jeff Heys from Montana State University.

If you have any Curious Cases for the team to solve please email curiouscases@bbc.co.uk

Presenters: Adam Rutherford & Hannah Fry
Producer: Michelle Martin.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate science mysteries sent by listeners.

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

Series 4

Episode 3: The Hunt for Nothing, Part 2

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