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Unexpected Elements

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

The news you know, the science you don’t.

The news you know, the science you don’t. Unexpected Elements looks beyond everyday narratives to discover a goldmine of scientific stories and connections from around the globe. From Afronauts, to why we argue, to a deep dive on animal lifespans: see the world in a new way.

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Unexpected Elements: Geological Brexit

Discussion & Talk

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08/04/2017 GMT

Geological Brexit

BBC World Service - Unexpected Elements, Geological Brexit

Scientists reveal how the UK first separated from Europe

Geological Brexit; “Sniff Out” Polio Viruses in the Israeli Sewage System; Tallying Up the Number of Tree Species; Should we eat insects?; Bees; Dr Jargon; Gwilym Gold’s Bronze

As politicians begin to disentangle the UK from Europe, scientists have revealed how Britain’s first “Brexit” unfolded almost half a million years ago. 

No one knew how many tree species there are but now, a new publication lists them all.  Among the roots of one such tree in Burkina Faso is the shea caterpillar – a popular snack for many but to others, an unpalatable grub. Yet a UN report states that insects are more environmentally friendly than sources of.  Could this be the key to our future? 

One insect that will not be on the menu anytime soon is the bee.  Populations have declined by up to 80% in some countries and George McGavin investigates why.

A scientist has designed a way to “sniff out” polio virus in sewage in the hope of stopping outbreaks.  When you visit the doctor how much do you understand what is being said?   Now a game called Dr Jargon has been created to encourage doctors to use simple language.


(Image caption: An artist’s illustration of an ancient ice age land bridge connecting Britain with France, before the formation of the Dover Strait © AFP/Getty Images)


The Science Hour was presented by Claudia Hammond with comments by James Gallagher, Science Reporter, BBC News Online


Producer: Graihagh Jackson

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