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great moments in science home

Karl has been creating Great Moments in Science® for many years now. They celebrate all sides of science; from sublime moments of deep thought to the most arcane and bizarre research imaginable. The universe is a strange and wonderful place and, in his Great Moments, Karl has scaled the highest peaks as well as turned over the pebbles to see what's underneath.

Latest moments

Singer John Lydon performs with the Sex Pistols during the Exit music festival in Novi Sad, Serbia, 14 July 2008.Microphone myths leave you speechless

Great Moments in Science "Tcheck, tcheck. One, two...Is this thing on?!" Dr Karl is used to microphones, but the things people do as they come to grips with a microphone has him baffled.moreMicrophone myths leave you speechless
Monday, 18 August 2008Tags: science-and-technology, computers-and-technology, pseudoscience, speech, greatmomentsinscience

Haemorrhoid clinic, Christchurch, New Zealand Haemorrhoid remedies cold comfort for sufferers

Great Moments in Science Bum humour is still a staple of schoolyard pranks and even silly television shows. But haemorrhoids are definitely no laughing matter. Just ask Dr Karl.moreHaemorrhoid remedies cold comfort for sufferers
Wednesday, 13 August 2008Tags: medical-procedures, medical-research, pregnancy-and-childbirth, anatomy, greatmomentsinscience

A supporter of sacked deputy South African health minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge holds up a placard on her arrival in Cape Town, 9 August 2007 South Africans condemned by AIDS denial

Great Moments in Science Dr Karl doesn't mind a tall story, or even a half-baked truth that doesn't result in harm to anyone. But misinformation that leads suffering and death really upsets him.moreSouth Africans condemned by AIDS denial
Tuesday, 05 August 2008Tags: diseases-and-disorders, aids-and-hiv, infectious-diseases-other, south-africa, greatmomentsinscience

Theory on track for 'runner's high'

Great Moments in Science You can make yourself ecstatic eating your own body-weight in chocolate cake, as long as you're prepared to run it off. But is running enough of a buzz? Dr Karl dons his tracksuit in pursuit of a natural high.moreTheory on track for 'runner's high'
Tuesday, 29 July 2008Tags: exercise-and-fitness, brain-and-nervous-system, greatmomentsinscience

Artist's impression of a black hole Do black holes suck?

Great Moments in Science Apparently there is a fearsome force that lurks in deep space ready to drag all matter to a crushing, violent end. But Dr Karl isn't so sure and will boldly go where no one has gone before.moreDo black holes suck?
Wednesday, 23 July 2008Tags: astronomy-space, blackholes, planets-and-asteroids, the-universe, greatmomentsinscience

On-board weddings leave marriage all at sea

Great Moments in Science Someone who's achieved the distinguished post of ship's captain has usually risen through the sailor's ranks. But Dr Karl wonders if they have the authority to assist in 'tying the knot'.moreOn-board weddings leave marriage all at sea
Tuesday, 15 July 2008Tags: marriage, religion-and-beliefs, christianity, judges-and-legal-profession, laws, rites-and-ritual, greatmomentsinscience

Traditional English morris dancers perform in a village fair in Somerset, England.Nursery rhyme's origins all fall down

Great Moments in Science A number of nursery rhymes purport to be historical retellings of actual events. But one very famous verse doesn't match up with the tale we're told. Dr Karl is finding the reason behind the rhyme.moreNursery rhyme's origins all fall down
Tuesday, 08 July 2008Tags: books-literature, history, english-literature, diseases-and-disorders, infectious-diseases-other, medical-history, greatmomentsinscience

Flipper fondness down to PR pranks

Great Moments in Science Dolphins are very cute and seemingly cuddly. But, according to Dr Karl, ya'd bettter watch your back when you're out in the water with 'em.moreFlipper fondness down to PR pranks
Tuesday, 01 July 2008Tags: animal-attacks, animals, marine-biology, mammals, greatmomentsinscience

'Healthy' hookah claims go up in smoke

Great Moments in Science Smoking tobacco is not good for you. But some smokers try an exotic form of smoking in the belief that it will reduce the harmful effects. Dr Karl says it's a pipe dream.more'Healthy' hookah claims go up in smoke
Tuesday, 24 June 2008Tags: health, smoking, greatmomentsinscience

Peacock displaying his feather train Peacock's plumage for a fan of one

Great Moments in Science Does the peacock's magnificent array of rear-end plumage mean it's flash in the mating stakes? Dr Karl's been ruffling feathers in the pursuit of truth. morePeacock's plumage for a fan of one
Tuesday, 17 June 2008Tags: animals, animal-behaviour, greatmomentsinscience