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BBC World Service East and Southern Africa

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: Balloon manoeuvres

Discussion & Talk

07/06/2024 GMT

Balloon manoeuvres

BBC World Service - Unexpected Elements, Balloon manoeuvres

Balloons in South Korea have us floating ideas about airships and helium.

After balloons carrying trash land in South Korea, we discuss airships, helium and how the father of electricity created rubber balloons.

After North Korean balloons delivered trash to South Korea, we explore balloons of all kinds, why they can be useful, and when they’re not.

Scientists have been using balloons for a long time, from pig bladders dropped from great heights, to Michael Faraday inventing the rubber balloon. 

Floating through the air seems like a great, energy-efficient way to fly. So why isn’t the sky full of airships? 

And party balloons are fun… but do we want to waste our precious helium on parties? What is this limited gas worth saving for?

Also, why you’re likely smarter than your grandparents were at your age, why snails climb up walls, and scientists looking at clouds from space. 

Presenter: MarnieChesterton
Panellists: Andrada Fiscutean, Meral Jamal
Guests: Prof Andrea Sella (University College London) and Prof Dave Hodgson (University of Exeter)
Producer: Florian Bohr with Harrison Lewis, Julia Ravey and Noa Dowling

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