In the name of science
Inspired by the near 17-year trademark dispute between popstar Katy Perry and fashion designer Katie Perry, the Unexpected Elements team explore the science of names.
After the end of a near 17-year legal battle between popstar Katy Perry and fashion designer Katie Perry, the Unexpected Elements team has been inspired to explore the question at the heart of the case – what's in a name?
First, we hear how marmosets use their calls as a way of naming which friend they’re talking to. Then, we discover why a phenomenon known as auditory pareidolia means you can’t necessarily believe your ears.
We're then joined by David Kaiser, professor of physics and history of science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who explains just how hard it is to put physics into words.
Also, the disappearance of indigenous languages, the law for naming laws, and where did all our hair go?
All that, plus many more Unexpected Elements.
Presenter: Marnie Chesterton with Andrada Fiscutean and Michael Kaloki
Producers: Imy Harper, with Lucy Davies and Sophie Ormiston
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Broadcasts
- Fri 20 Mar 202610:06GMTBBC World Service
- Sat 21 Mar 202600:06GMTBBC World Service
- Sat 21 Mar 202604:06GMTBBC World Service
- Sat 21 Mar 202615:06GMTBBC World Service News Internet
- Sun 22 Mar 202620:06GMTBBC World Service
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Unexpected Elements
The news you know, the science you don't

