Series 5: Prog 06: 10/05/09

This week Adam Walton hears how scientists are researching a thousand years of climate change. There's an update on the International Year Of Astronomy, and the launch of two new telescopes into space. We hear about research into spinal injuries, and we make a "lager lamp".

Space telescopes

This coming week sees the launch of two new telescopes into space - the Herschel and the Planck. The Herschel was substantially built in Cardiff University and will investigate how stars and galaxies form. The Planck will study the cosmic microwave background - the Universe's "fossil light". We hear from Professor David Southwood, the director of science at the European Space Agency and from Dr Edward Gomez who works at Cardiff University for Las Cumbras Observatory - who will also update us on the International year Of Astronomy.

Charting the Oscillation

Scientists from America, Switzerland and Wales are reasearching the history of the North Atlantic Oscillation - fluctuations in the difference of atmospheric pressure at sea-level between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High. Professor James Scourse of Bangor University's School of Biosciences explains how the project could help us understand climate change.

Spinal injuries

We hear from Professor Geoffrey Raisman who is giving a lecture at Cardiff University on the evening of 13th May about research into spinal cord injury and the devastating effects it has on the lives of hundreds of people each year. The talk has been organised by the charity Trust PA.

Lager Lamp

OK, in this case it's a lemonade lamp - but you can use any transparent fizzy drink. Adam visits Techniquest at Glyndwr University in Wrexham where Dr Diane Gray makes raisins dance up and down the glass.

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