Quick Fire Science, from the Naked Scientists

A baby has been born in the US using a new genetic screening test for IVF embryos Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

The waiting list for kidney transplants is one of the longest. Here's Phil Sansom with the QuickFire Science of kidney transplantation, including why a person would need a kidney transplant, and how the procedure is carried out... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Capital punishment hasn't been used in the UK since 1964, however many countries, including the USA and China, still execute prisoners ever year. This week the USA has carried out its first lethal injections since the botched execution of convict Clayton Lockett in April, who died from a heart attack nearly an hour after receiving his injection. The controversial technique has been used as a form of capital punishment in the states since the 70s, with over 1000 inmates being executed this way alone. Here is your Quick Fire Science on the lethal injection with Graihagh Jackson and Georgia... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

This week a computer program reportedly passed the 'Turing test' for the first time, tricking people into believing it is human. This was part of a competition run by Reading University to commemorate the 60th anniversary of death of the test's creator: Alan Turing. Here is your Quick Fire Science on the Turing test... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Last week a young, physically healthy giraffe called Marius in a zoo in Copenhagen was put down, amidst an uproar from animal lovers. The zoo argued that it had to be done to prevent inbreeding, and produce a healthier population of giraffes. Here's your Quick Fire Science on the subject.... Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists