Knowledge Nibbles
Enjoy some brain food and keep up to date on the science behind current events with our bitesize science articles! Each “nibble” is synthesised from various sources into a short, typically 2 minute read. Satisfy your hunger for knowledge by clicking the links below!
National Marine Week 2022
For National Marine Week we’re highlighting the seaside superheroes found in our seas, along with recent marine news from across the South West!
Bees Needs Week: How can we help?
Find out more about the plight of the pollinators, and how we can help…
Dark Skies Week 2022: The Problem with Light Pollution
During Dark Skies Week (22nd – 30th April) 2022, we chatted with Dr Sam Morrell about his research into how light affects humans and animals...
Using viruses to fight bacteria
Decades of misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to many strains of bacteria developing resistance. We need a new solution, fast, and scientists are turning to an unlikely friend to help us: one of the oldest, most deadly, entities on Earth: viruses...
The physics of the perfect dive
Did Great Britain’s fantastic performance in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic diving get you wondering about how it’s possible to fit so many incredible tricks and stunts into less than two seconds of falling? Read on…
How to make a rainbow
Now recognised as a symbol of hope and gratitude, a rainbow is a beautiful natural phenomenon. But how do they form? And why are they curved? Find out what makes a rainbow, and where to look for that pot of gold…
The science of fireworks!
Fireworks have been with us for centuries but the technology continues to advance and amaze us with dramatic colours, patterns, sounds and precision timing. So what’s the science behind these marvels?
Why do we need satellites?
The theme of World Space Week 2020 is “Satellites Improve Life” – find out more about why we need them, Elon Musk’s ambitious project to revolutionise our internet connection, and why the thousands of metal boxes in orbit are inadvertently posing a modern threat to our night sky.
What’s up? October stargazing tips for World Space Week 2020
Find out what’s in our night skies throughout October, and how to see them with the naked eye! Wrap up warm, head outside and explore the heavens this month, as part of World Space Week (4th-10th October) and beyond.
Why are bubbles rainbow coloured?
In the bath, washing the dishes or playing outside – we all recognise the rainbow sphere of a soap bubble. But soap isn’t rainbow coloured, and neither is water… So what causes the beautiful spectrum on its surface?
Electric skies: what is lightning and how do
thunderstorms work?
Around the world, every day there are over 3 million flashes of lightning – that’s about 44 strikes per second. The beautiful bolts and characteristic rumbles of thunder are instantly recognisable, but what actually causes them? And can you have one without the other?