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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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|  | | © Terry Miura
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Arty Science
What does the above image conjure up in your mind? Would it inspire you to listen to a programme on how light can manipulate atoms?
We hope so, as it was this picture which illustrated the Frontiers programme website on ‘optical tweezers’.
The artist used his creativity to translate a scientific concept into a visual image.
But is the temptation to allow a strong visual image to communicate science to the detriment of the underlying facts?
It’s commonly perceived that scientists lack creativity. In fact some are just as creative as traditional ‘artists’. And their creative processes are very similar.
Martin Kemp, Professor of the History of Art at Oxford University and Nancy Rothwell, MRC Professor at Manchester University and Trustee of NESTA, join Quentin Cooper to discuss creativity in science.
Neolithic Language
Languages and genes are revealing how ancient farmers changed Europe forever.
Linguistic diversity is one of the most puzzling and challenging features of humankind. Why are there some six thousand different languages spoken in the world today?
Why are some, like Chinese or English, spoken by millions over vast territories, while others are restricted to just a few thousand speakers in a limited area?
The most significant revolution in Human history may not have been political, nor have been brought about by battles. Around 12 000 years ago, people began herding animals and growing crops.
Soon, the Neolithic Revolution had spread across the world. But how?
Quentin Cooper discovers how languages are giving new clues to archaeologists who hope to re-create the Neolithic language.
He talks to Dr Peter Forster from the McDonald Institute for Archaeological Research and
Professor April McMahon, Chair of English Language and Linguistics, Sheffield University.
Next month: We are recording a special programme in which you can put your questions directly to Quentin Cooper and a panel of experts.
If you'd like to ask a question, you can do so by sending an email to material.world@bbc.co.uk If you'd like to ask your question in person, please include a daytime telephone number.
On December 11th, there's a special programme recorded at the Glasgow Science Centre.If you would like to attend the recording on Tuesday 9th December at 7.00 pm, you can book tickets by calling 0141 420 5000. | | |
RELATED LINKS
Nancy Rothwell
Martin Kemp
April McMahon
Peter Forster
Peter's Research on Human Migration
BBC Radio 4 Science programmes
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