Unexpected Elements - Science of the future

We take a look at some exciting science of the near future. First, the latest developments in animal-to-human organ transplants and the ambitious goals of eliminating cervical cancer around the world.

We are then joined by plasma physicist Dr Fatima Ebrahimi from the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, who breaks down the mysteries behind nuclear fusion energy and how ambitious scientists are trying to channel the power of the Sun on Earth, in the hope of creating a massive source of clean energy.

Next, we investigate what blue-light-blocking glasses can do and consider what future scientists will think of the fossils of our civilisation!

Presenter: Caroline Steel, with Phillys Mwatee and Edd Gent
Producer: Imaan Moin

Published on Friday, 9th January 2026.

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