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| THE MATERIAL WORLD
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| | | Quentin Cooper reports on developments across the sciences. Each week scientists describe their work, conveying the excitement they feel for their research projects.
material.world@bbc.co.uk | | | | | LISTEN AGAIN 30 min | | | |
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"For me science isn't a subject, it's a perspective. There are fascinating scientific aspects to everything from ancient history to the latest gadgets, outer space to interior decorating; and each week on The Material World we try to reflect the excitement, ideas, uncertainties, collisions and collaborations as science continues its never-ending voyage into the unknown".
Quentin Cooper |
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BIOGRAPHY
INTERVIEW |
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Archaeoastronomy
Archaeoastronomy is the study of the astronomical practices, celestial lore, mythologies, religions and world-views of all ancient cultures. By examining the relationship between the landscape, the monuments and astronomy, we can complement existing archaeological knowledge and hopefully gain insight into how prehistoric communities might have perceived their place in the cosmos. Stonehenge is one of the most famous sites that lends itself to archaeoastronomy and is also steeped in folklore.
Quentin speaks to the world's first Professor of Archaeoastronomy, Clive Ruggles who is based in the archaeology and ancient history department at Leicester University and to Dr Frank Prendergast who is an archaeoastronomer in the department of Geomatics at the Dublin Institute of Technology.
Plant Folklore and Science
Herbal remedies and planting rituals have been used for years, with a basis in folklore, but many of these ideas actually turn out to have science behind them. Artemisia annua for malaria is a good example and interesting in that you have to use the right Artemisia annua from China and not just any source. Using nettles for arthritis is another one and Echinacea for immune stimulation. Many clinical studies have been done and it turns out, that with something like Echinacea only some brands work – this means that not every company gets the active ingredients right. | | |
RELATED LINKS
Prof. Clive Ruggles
Archaeoastronomy
Center for Archaeoastronomy - USA
Kew Gardens - Ethnomedica project
Kew Gardens - Medicinal Herbs Research
Prof. Robert Nash - Molecular Nature
BBCi Science
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