The Rest Is Science

Currently Playing: The Smell of Christmas is Tree Screams

Each December millions of homes fill with the unmistakable scent of pine. It's sharp, resinous, and strangely comforting. It feels timeless. Familiar. Safe....but what if that smell isn’t what we think it is at all? Professor Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens follow the trail of the molecules that shape this seasonal scent. Molecules that didn’t evolve to delight, but to warn, repel and endure. This, it turns out, is the smell of fear. Welcome to The Rest Is Science: Field Notes. Each Thursday, Hannah and Michael rummage through their personal troves of scientific treasure to source objects and ideas that expand our understanding the universe, scramble our brains, and hint at forces that are invisible to us. They’ll also be tackling your questions, so email The Rest Is Science at therestisscience@goalhanger.com. ------------------- For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/our-research/rest-is-science?utm_source=therestisscience&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=goalhanger_podcast_partnership Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. ------------------- Video Producer: Adam Thornton Video & Social: Bex Tyrrell Assistant Producer: Imee Marriott Producer: Becki Hills Senior Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter Head Of Digital: Samuel Oakley Exec Producer: Neil Fearn