Corals in Danger and Avian Flu

Available for over a year

Geoff Watts looks at the top science stories of the week, with science writer Gabrielle Walker. Corals in Danger Leading coral reef scientists meet this week in Florida to discuss the state of the world's corals, now sadly under serious threat thanks to climate change and human disturbance. Geoff talks to Professor Peter Mumby of Exeter University, one of the key players at this international meeting, about the extent to which climate change is threatening these valuable ecosystems, and what, if anything, can be done. Avian Flu Geoff talks to Professor Mark Walport, Director of the Wellcome Trust, about the dangers still posed to humans by avian influenza, and the need to stockpile a vaccine. Birdman of Bognor Tracey Logan reports from this year's Birdman of Bognor competition, as the nation's most intrepid aviators attempt to take to the air in human-powered flying machines. It may seem eccentric, but the science of low-powered flight is not well understood, and competitions like this could shed light on solar-powered crafts of the future. International Year of the Potato Britain's favourite vegetable is being honoured this year. Geoff visits the Natural History Musuem's herbarium to talk to botanist Sandy Knapp about how the latest genetic techniques have helped uncover the history of the potato and its journey from the wilds of ancient Peru, to our modern-day chip pans.