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Science down under

Unexpected Elements goes down under as we talk marsupials, social media bans and the trees that could be fuelling Australia鈥檚 wildfires.

This week the Unexpected Elements team has travelled Down Under to sunny Sydney where we discover some wonderfully Australian science with the help of some wonderfully Australian panellists.

First, we discuss the surprising American origins of Australia鈥檚 iconic marsupials and Marnie gets up close and personal with Pez the Tasmanian Devil.

We also talk to Andy Flies from the University of Tasmania who is working on a vaccine to combat a deadly contagious cancer spreading through Australia鈥檚 Devil population.

Next, we鈥檙e joined by Susan Sawyer from the University of Melbourne as we delve into the debate surrounding Australia鈥檚 social media ban for under 16-year-olds. Are the kids alright? Plus, we find out about the tree that seems to be adding fuel to the country鈥檚 recent wildfires.

All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.

Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Katie Silver and Jonathan Webb
Producers: Margaret Sessa-Hawkins, with Ella Hubber, Sophie Ormiston and Lucy Davies

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50 minutes

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Last Sunday 20:06GMT

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