The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

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 Extra

BBC Radio 4 FM

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 15: The ASMRnswer

The ASMRnswer

Series 15

BBC Radio 4 - The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry, Series 15, The ASMRnswer

What is ASMR and why does it only affect some people?

What is ASMR and why does it only affect some people? Science sleuths Drs Rutherford and Fry investigate. From February 2020.

"My question is about something I became aware of at a young age," explains Samantha Richter from Cambridgeshire.

"I was sitting on the carpet at school, being read a story by the teacher. My hair felt as though it was standing on end as waves of a tingly sensation washed over my head. I subsequently found certain scenes in films had this effect, when actors were talking softly, or someone was having their hair brushed."

"Then, a few years ago, I discovered that there is a name for the tingles, it's called ASMR. My question is, what is ASMR, and why do we experience it?"

In this episode, we explore the world of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. It's a trend which has risen quickly on YouTube, with devoted subscribers following their favourite 'ASMRtists' whose videos receive millions of plays.

Hannah speaks to Dr Nick Davis, who published the very first research paper on the phenomenon in 2015. And Adam is put to the test by Dr Giulia Poerio, to see if he is susceptible to the sensation of ASMR. Are there any proven benefits for devoted fans, or is it just a YouTube fad?

We've concocted our very own Curious recordings so you can find out if your brain begins to tingle. You'll find them in our normal podstream, where you can enjoy Adam and Hannah crafting a very ASMRy cocktail for your listening pleasure.

Presenters: Hannah Fry, Adam Rutherford
Producer: Michelle Martin

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2020.

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 15

BBC Radio 4

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.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

Series 15

The ASMRnswer

Genres

Brand

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4