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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: The Naked Mole-Rat

Discussion & Talk

The Naked Mole-Rat

22/04/2017 GMT

BBC World Service - Unexpected Elements, The Naked Mole-Rat

Naked mole-rats can survive 18 minutes without oxygen

Naked mole-rats; Turkey Blocks; Cassini; Liz Sockett; Peak population; Neil deGrasse Tyson; The benefits of running

Evolution has produced some weird and wonderful things - few more so than the naked mole-rat. They are formidable creatures, especially when it comes to holding their breath.  Research reveals that they can survive for 18 minutes without oxygen thanks to a very unusual metabolic workaround.

Cassini scientists have been working hard on extending the Saturn-bound mission and have done so by nine years.  However, this week, it is the beginning of the end as the probe begins its final orbit of the gas giant. 

Back on Earth, the population has grown to almost 7.5 billion and it is going to keep on increasing. But just how far can it go before we run out of food? 

Another problem facing our planet is antibiotic resistance.  However, Liz Sockett has found a predatory bacterium that could help – it eats salmonella for breakfast and looks like a jelly bean.

We hear from one of the great voices in science, Neil deGrasse Tyson about how he became obsessed with the night sky.  Plus, obsessive runners will be pleased to know that donning the trainers may extend their life.  Finally, we hear from the digital activist who won the Index on Censorship Freedom of Expression Award.


(Photo caption: Naked mole-rats © Thomas Park/UIC/PA Wire)


The Science Hour was presented by Roland Pease with comments from David Robson of BBC Future


Producer: Graihagh Jackson

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