The soaring price of condoms
The strait of Hormuz blockade is set to raise the price of condoms, which has us exploring the science of contraception and conception, from male birth control pills to eel spawn.
The blockade on the strait of Hormuz has led to an unexpected consequence – condom prices are set to increase by up to 30 percent! This has us delving into all things contraception, starting with koala hormone implants, the lengthy process of providing birth control to elephants, and a microplastics mystery.
Then, we investigate the elusive male contraceptive – why is it taking so long to develop, and why has it been so hard to approve? Professor John Amory Md, from UW Medical Centre in Seattle, joins us to explain the past, present and future of this medical research.
Plus, how have Chinese researchers cracked the code on eel breeding, and does the moon’s gravity make us lighter at night?
Presenter: Marnie Chesterton, with Leonie Joubert and Sandy Ong
Producer: Ella Hubber, with Alice Lipscombe Southwell, Robbie Wojciechowski and Georgia Christie
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Broadcasts
- Fri 1 May 202609:06GMTBBC World Service
- Fri 1 May 202623:06GMTBBC World Service
- Sat 2 May 202603:06GMTBBC World Service
- Sat 2 May 202614:06GMTBBC World Service News Internet
- Sun 3 May 202619:06GMTBBC World Service
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Unexpected Elements
The news you know, the science you don't

