51³Ô¹ÏÍø

In this edition: Researchers try their hand at stand-up comedy, learn tricks for surgery from magicians and puppeteers, and showcase all things money.

The podcast is presented by Gareth Mitchell, a lecturer on 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's Science Communication MSc course and the presenter of Click Radio on the BBC World Service, with contributions from our roving reporters.

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– We discuss research showing brain stimulation can improve short-term memory, and how taking a closer look at an old malaria drug could improve it.

– What can surgeons learn from magicians? The art of performance. Professor Roger Kneebone talks about what surgeons can learn from professions ranging from lacemakers to puppeteers.

– Can science be funny? A group of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø researchers are conducting an experiment to find out – by trying to turn themselves into stand-up comedians. We follow their exploits.

– The future of financial technology, playing the markets and tracing your transactions were subjects on show at the latest 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Fringe event.