And how did they learn to do it? Ellie and Emma discuss what tool use actually is and the species that have adapted specific instruments to achieve a desired goal. From Veronika the cow to Jane Goodall we explore how far tool use has come and what the possibilities are for species and tools of the future.

Fact check:

• Research about ravens
• Evidence that humans are better than chimps at solving puzzles
• News about Veronika the cow
• An overview of animals using tools
• News of wolves using tools too
• A mason bee carrying objects as it flies
• A video of fish doing stuff

The battery in electric vehicles makes them much heavier than traditional vehicles. Laura and Jasmin discuss how steel car components can be made lighter to offset this increased weight, what implications that has for other industries, and whether this would make the steel industry more sustainable.

Fact check:

• Some ways that steel car components are made lighter
• Stats about the Nissan Leaf and how it compares to a similar spec car with an internal combustion engine
• How steel makers can use maths to understand how the microstructure affects mechanical properties
• Research using AI to predict mechanical properties based on composition
• More research using AI, this time looking at processing variables during manufacture
• Different generations of high strength steel

Ellie, Antonia and Emma discuss their personal experiences with cold water and the science behind whether there is any benefit in dunking yourself in a chilly loch. They also discuss studies related to sauna usage, if cold showers make any difference, and if the Nordic countries have got the right idea 💡

Fact check:

• Research shows that cold plunges can lead to heart attacks
• A scientific review of winter swimming
• Research on the ideal sauna temperature
• A news article about Wimhoff breathing
• A review of research on saunas and ageing showing that 4-7 saunas a week can decreased the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease