BBC Inside Science

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A weekly programme looking at the science that's changing our world.

A weekly programme that illuminates the mysteries and challenges the controversies behind the science that's changing our world.

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BBC Inside Science: Understanding Flood Forecasting

Understanding Flood Forecasting

BBC Radio 4 - BBC Inside Science, Understanding Flood Forecasting

Understanding how flood forecasting and warning systems work, plus a mission to Europa.

Marnie Chesterton finds out how flood warning systems work. Plus, Europa Clipper, a mission to look at habitability on the most intriguing of Jupiter’s 95 moons.

When Lois Pryce arrived at her boat in Berkshire, the area was already completely flooded. The only way to get to it was via a small pontoon. She is one of many across the UK that have been affected by the current floods, and is very familiar with the flood warning system accessible to the public. But how exactly does this system work? What information is taken into account? Marnie Chesterton speaks to Dr Linda Speight about flood forecasting, and the delicate balance of when to send out flood alerts and warnings. 
 
Plus, a supersized spacecraft is launching this October. Europa Clipper will assess whether the most intriguing of Jupiter’s 95 moons is habitable, meaning, could it support life? The evidence is tantalising. Jenny Kampmeier, Science Systems Engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, tells us why Europa might be the second body in our solar system on which life could exist.  

And, if you’ve been procrastinating over the housework – or should we say, mousework? - take a leaf out of a little rodent’s book. Apparently, mice do like to keep things clean, but a video that went viral this week seemingly takes this idea to another level entirely! You may well have seen the footage of a Welsh mouse gathering up objects in a shed and placing them neatly inside a box, night after night. It’s certainly very cute - Tidy Mouse carrying out its mousekeeping..but what’s the scientific explanation behind this curious behaviour?   

Finally, how do exercise and video games affect cognitive performance? Professor Adrian Owen is launching a new experiment to find out and he needs your help. 


Presenter: Marnie Chesterton 
Producers: Louise Orchard, Florian Bohr, Hannah Robbins 
Editor: Martin Smith 
Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth  


BBC Inside Science is produced in collaboration with the Open University.

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