This week Adam Walton hears about a forthcoming trip by two scientists, including one from Glamorgan University, to Thailand where they will be explaining "science communication". We hear from the author of a new book which outlines the top ten "inventions" of evolution including DNA and photosynthesis. There's also news of research into the sounds produced by brainwave oscillations and how understanding them may help with future treatments for epilepsy and schizphrenia. Adam also pays a visit to Techniquest in Wrexham.

Communicating science

Conveying scientific ideas and stories to the widest possible audience is surely the ultimate aim of all scientists. This "science communication" - spreading the good word of the latest research as well as established theories, is a subject which is gaining momentum, and Wales is at the forefront. Just about to set off on a trip to Thailand, where they will be taking part in a series of lectures, is Mark Brake, professor of science communication at the University of Glamorgan, and freelance science writer and broadcaster Dr Toby Murcott. They explain to Adam the importance of communicating science to a wide audience and about their forthcoming trip.

Brain music

Oscillations caused by brain activity have been turned into sounds by researchers at Cardiff University, who have discovered that activity in the brain generates different frequency sounds in different people. Joining Adam on the programme is Professor Krish Singh director of Cardiff's Magnetoencephalography laboratory who explains that these unique frequencies could be used in the future to pave the way for new treatments for epilepsy and schizophrenia.

Evolution's "inventions"

Author and biochemist Nick Lane discusses his new book "Life Ascending: the ten great inventions of evolution" (Profile Books) which takes us on a journey all the way from the very origin of life, to the inevitability of death - taking in DNA, photosynthesis, the complex cell, sex, movement, sight, hot blood, and consciousness along the way.

Custard fire!

Adam visits Techniquest at Glyndwr University in Wrexham where John Griffith explains the potential dangers of working with powders.

LINKS

• Professor Mark Brake
• Dr Toby Murcott
  
• Techniquest Glyndwr
  
• "Singing brains" (Cardiff University)