The Infinite Monkey Cage

The Infinite Monkey Cage

BBC Radio 4

Professor Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Joined by a panel of scientists, experts and celebrity science enthusiasts they investigate life, the universe and everything in between on The Infinite Monkey Cage from the BBC.

From the smallest building blocks of life to the furthest stars, the curious monkeys pull apart the latest science to reveal fascinating and often bizarre insights into the world around us and what lies beyond. Can trees talk to each other? Can science help you commit the perfect murder? What might aliens look like and the burning question of our time, are strawberries alive or dead? Join them as each episode they put a different scientific topic under the microscope, from aliens, black holes and hedgehogs, to bacteria, poison and the Big Bang. With past guests including actors Dame Judi Dench and Sir Patrick Stewart, comedians Steve Martin and Conan O’Brien, astronaut Tim Peake, primatologist Jane Goodall and mathematician Hannah Fry, The Infinite Monkey Cage promises to make you laugh, enrich your knowledge and leave you with a deeper appreciation for the universe that we call home. Whether you’re a seasoned scientist or someone who nodded off in physics class, listen in to learn all about funny, fascinating and sometimes ridiculous topics – with the occasional monkey business.

Categories: Science & Medicine

Listen to the last episode:

For once, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are on the same wavelength – with thinking caps firmly on, they plug into the science of brain-computer interfaces. Helping them decode the tech are neuroscientist Luke Bashford, biomedical engineer Anne Vanhoestenberghe, and comedian Phil Wang.

Together the panel switches on to the possibilities of using implanted and wearable devices to restore movement, speech, sight… or even to decode thoughts themselves. From the ethics of cognitive enhancement to the future of mind-reading and immersive gaming, strap in for this electrifyingly thought-provoking episode.

Producer: Melanie Brown Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

Previous episodes

  • 247 - Mind-reading computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke Bashford 
    Wed, 12 Nov 2025
  • 245 - Illuminating Light - Jess Wade, Russell Foster and Bridget Christie 
    Wed, 20 Aug 2025
  • 244 - Moths v Butterflies - Katy Brand, Jane Hill and Chris Jiggins 
    Wed, 13 Aug 2025
  • 243 - Technofossils - Sarah Gabbott, Mark Miodownik and Aurie Styla 
    Wed, 06 Aug 2025
  • 242 - The Mighty Spud - Sandy Knapp, Glenn Bryan and Susan Calman 
    Wed, 30 Jul 2025
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