Glasgow Science Centre

A Spark of Science

Science EN ↓ 269 episodes

Join us for this two-minute podcast where we explore a different scientific concept each week. Did you know that a Scottish mountain helped measure the weight of the Earth, or that octopuses are amazing escape artists? Discover what it was like for cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin to be the first to launch into space and listen to some inspiring stories from people working in science today. What else will you discover with a Spark of Science? Get in touch on twitter @gsc1 or visit https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/the-spark-magazine

Author

Glasgow Science Centre

Category

Science

Latest episode

Sep 15, 2025

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Episodes

169: Brain Freeze 16.10.2023

Have you ever eaten delicious ice cream and been struck down by brain freeze? Find out what causes it and what you can do to relieve it and keep enjoying delicious cold snacks!

168: The Moon 09.10.2023

The moon is Earth’s only natural satellite. How does it influence our calendar? How much of its surface can we see? And why does it seem to change shape throughout each month?

167: When is Autumn? 02.10.2023

Falling leaves, cooler weather and wrapping up warm - Autumn is here! But when exactly does Autumn start? It turns out, there's more than one way to measure it!

166: How do we see? 25.09.2023

Our eyes are amazing! Discover the structure of your optic orbs and how they work in this eye-opening episode.

165: Migrating Geese 18.09.2023

As the seasons change, geese fly long distances across the globe. Join us to find out more about their epic journeys and where you can spot them in Scotland.

164: What's in the air around us? 11.09.2023

Do we breathe in everything in the air around us? How do our bodies protect us? Join us to find out more about air pollution and particulate matter.

163: Why do we fall for lies? 04.09.2023

Can we believe everything we hear? In this episode, find out about the illusory truth effect and how we can protect ourselves from falsehoods and fibs.

162: Perfect Patterns 28.08.2023

What are patterns? What kind of patterns exist, and how many can you spot in your surroundings?

161: What happens to Honeybees in winter? 21.08.2023

Have you ever wondered what happens to honeybees in winter? Join us to find out the clever survival techniques used by these important pollinators!

160: Bioluminescence 14.08.2023

Why can some animals glow and how can we use this in scientific research? Join us as we light up the world of bioluminescence!

159: Biology - Yawning 07.08.2023

Why do we yawn? Is it contagious? Can you listen to this week's episode without a yawn escaping?

158: Physics - Gravitational waves 31.07.2023

Glimpse into the origins of the universe, as we explore black holes, gravitational waves and travel through space at the speed of light!

157: Technology - AI Homework War 24.07.2023

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how does it work? Could AI help us with our homework? And why is it important to be honest and complete our own assignments? Find out in this fascinating episode!

156: Photonics - Quantum psychology 17.07.2023

How can quantum modelling and a sleeping cat help predict human behaviour?

155: Nature - Algal blooms 10.07.2023

What are algal blooms, what triggers them and how can we help establish healthier ecosystems for our ponds, lochs, beaches and coastlines?

154: Physics - The Big Bang 03.07.2023

Have you ever wondered where the universe came from and how we got to where we are today? We're looking at the origins of matter and finding out if we really are all made of stars.

153: Scottish Climate Solutions - Wind 26.06.2023

Aren't we lucky to live in such a wet and windy country? No, really we are! In this episode we explain the benefits of Scotland's weather in combatting climate change.

152: Human Body - Artificial heart 19.06.2023

For over fifty years scientists have been fascinated with the idea of creating a fully functioning artificial heart. Is this possible? How would this copy compare to the natural heart?

151: Floating wetlands - Dr Ed Curley: The benefits of floating wetlands 12.06.2023

Dr Ed Curley, lecturer in Ecology , Conservation and Climate Change at the University of Glasgow, works with us on our exciting Floating Wetlands project! He tells us about the benefits of the wetlands, including how they can even take pollutants out of the water.

150: Photonics - How physics foils fine art forgers 05.06.2023

This week you find us in a fine art gallery, with a hyperspectral camera and dodgy art dealer. We’re doing a bit of detective work to find out how spectral fingerprints can help spot a counterfeit painting.

149: Scottish Climate Solutions - Water 29.05.2023

Can you imagine a Scotland where you can't swim or sail with ease? Where water isn't a safe habitat for wildlife? Find out how Scotland is working to protect our water sources.

148: What is Artificial Intelligence 22.05.2023

Have you ever wanted to listen to a podcast written by an AI? Well on today's episode you can! Hear what an AI has to say...about itself!

147: Our changing city 15.05.2023

Glasgow Science Centre has installed floating wetlands in the old dockyard basin behind the science centre. But what was here before and how do people in Govan feel about their changing city?

146: The science of appliances - the microwave 08.05.2023

This week we're looking at the micro machine that's been making waves since 1945. Invented by accident, the microwave oven has gone from an expensive giant of an appliance to an everyday essential. But how does this everyday tech actually work?

145: Scottish climate solutions - mountains 01.05.2023

How is climate change affecting our snowy mountains and what can we do about it? Find out how we can protect our natural landscape as global temperatures rise.

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