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World Service,17 Jul 2026,50 mins

A scientific odyssey

Unexpected Elements

Available for over a year

As the film adaptation of the Odyssey bursts onto screens around the world this week, here at Unexpected Elements we鈥檙e undertaking our own epic journey through science 鈥� all inspired by the ancient Greek epic. First, we discover the tiny virus that鈥檚 using its own Trojan Horse to sneak into cells it wouldn鈥檛 usually be able to infect. Then, we hear about the daring 8000km voyage undertaken by iguanas 30 million years ago. Next, we鈥檙e joined by Professor Steve Simpson from the University of Bristol in the UK. He tells us how he鈥檚 been using sounds to lure fish back to coral reefs around the world 鈥� much like how the Sirens in the Odyssey used their enticing songs to lure sailors to shore. Except in Steve鈥檚 work, rather than being lured to their deaths, the fish are helping corals recover from the devastating effects of climate change. Also, the fake medicine that still makes you feel better and why some smells might make you sleepy. All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements. Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Emmanuel Samani and Chhavi Sachdev Producers: Sophie Ormiston, with Dan Welsh, Alice McKee and Nada Soufi

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