A huge catastrophe. Dozens dead. A city without power or water. It’s like a miniature version of the February blackouts.
Except this happened more than 100 years ago in Texas — and leaders faced some of the same questions then as they do now.
30 Animals That Made Us Smarter - Snake and rescue robot
S2 Ep7. Imagine being rescued by a snake! A new generation of wriggly robots, inspired by the movement of snakes, could save your life. The way a snake can move over a complex variety of landscapes could be replicated by robots to rescue people after earthquakes. It could even help with extra-terrestrial exploration.
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Get in touch: www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals
The Disconnect: Power, Politics and the Texas Blackout - Bonus: The Black Start
In this mini-episode, we tell what happens next if the Texas power grid were to suffer a catastrophic failure. It almost did in February — and if it had happened, there might have been an even bigger problem.
Find a full transcript of this episode here.
30 Animals That Made Us Smarter - Mantis shrimp and aircraft
S2 Ep6. Bam! The mantis shrimp’s powerful punch could change the way we build cars and planes. The little crustacean has inspired lighter, more impact-resistant materials. These shrimps are ferocious predators which use their forelimbs to hit their prey with one of the strongest weight-for-weight punches on the planet. The design of their punching limb has caught the attention of scientists and could transform the way we create strong materials for the car and aerospace industries.
Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think.
#30Animals
Get in touch: www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals
The Disconnect: Power, Politics and the Texas Blackout - Episode 3: The Blackout
The story of how the worst blackout in Texas history unfolded — and left millions of people cold, hungry and with no faith in their state’s power grid.
A warning: Some of what you’ll hear in this episode may be disturbing, especially if you lived through this disaster.
Find a full transcript of this episode here.
30 Animals That Made Us Smarter - Wasp and keyhole surgery
S2 Ep5. Scared of wasps? They could help keep you alive, perhaps transforming life-saving keyhole surgery. Parasitic wasps possess a long tube which can reach inside the body of their host where they lay their eggs.
Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think.
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Get in touch: www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals
50 Things That Made the Modern Economy - Introducing: Season 2 of 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter
How animals make us smarter – we thought you might like to hear our brand new episode. It’s about a robotic arm inspired by an elephant’s trunk.
For more, search for 30 Animals That Made Us Smarter wherever you get your podcasts.
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The Disconnect: Power, Politics and the Texas Blackout - Episode 2: The Electricity Game
How did we get the power grid we have today? Andrew Weber has the story — and it involves football, subterfuge and a whole lot of lobbyists.
You can find a full transcript of this episode here.
The Disconnect: Power, Politics and the Texas Blackout - Episode 1: The Energy Island
It was only when the lights went out in Texas that many of us realized — electrically — we are all alone. Claire McInerny brings us that story. Plus, Jimmy Maas tells us how the electricity market in Texas used to work up until about 20 years ago.
Find a full transcript of this episode here.
30 Animals That Made Us Smarter - Hedgehog and helmet
S2 Ep4. A hedgehog could save your life! Spiky quills protect hedgehogs from being eaten by predators. But they also play an important role in cushioning the animal when it falls, keeping it safe even if it plunges from a great height. And now, they can help keep humans safe, too. By mimicking the flexibility, strength and pattern of the quills, scientists have developed a sports helmet that could prevent concussions.
Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #30Animals
Get in touch: www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals