
Can I unlock my car using my head?
You can extend the range of a remote key by placing it against your skull. But why?
CrowdScience listener Doug has been experimenting with holding his wireless garage key on different parts of his body. Why? Because of a strange physics phenomenon that means the range can double if you hold a key to your head.
In this episode, Caroline Steel joins in the self-experimentation to find out which body parts boost range the best. It’s all to explore why our bodies can act like antennae. With some encouragement from listener Doug, she’s also exploring whether the same physics could boost your wifi signal (if you were willing to take turns putting your head on the router).
Join Caroline Steel as she goes on a journey to unlock the wavy secrets of the humble remote key.
On radio
Broadcasts
- Fri 20 Mar 202620:32GMTBBC World Service Online, Americas and the Caribbean, UK DAB/Freeview & Europe and the Middle East only
- Fri 20 Mar 202621:32GMTBBC World Service except Online, Americas and the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East & UK DAB/Freeview
- Mon 23 Mar 202602:32GMTBBC World Service except Americas and the Caribbean
- Mon 23 Mar 202605:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia, Americas and the Caribbean, South Asia & East Asia only
- Mon 23 Mar 202609:32GMTBBC World Service
- Mon 23 Mar 202613:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia, East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa only
Podcast
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CrowdScience
Answering your questions about life, Earth and the universe
