Monday
Bang Goes The Theory (BBC1, 19.30-20.00) The strength of spider silk and the science of magic.
The Gadget Show (FIVE, 20.00-21.00) In an episode that sounds more compelling than usual, the team explore potential technologies of the near future, travelling to a Max PlanckInstitute to learn about virtual reality.
Clever V Stupid (BBC3, 20.30-21.00) A heave of bodybuilders takes on a headscratch of scholars – including an Oxford biologist and a quantum physicist – to see which group has most prowess in a range of activities.
Costing the Earth (Radio 4, 21.00-21.30) The diminution in vitamins and minerals in staple foods.

Tuesday
Home Planet (Radio 4, 15.00-15.30) Questions about rising sea levels.

Thursday
Material World (Radio 4, 16.30-17.00).
Leading Edge (Radio 4, 21.00-21.30) The methods and motives behind basic medical research.
Charles Darwin and the Tree of Life (BBC4, 21.00-22.00) Another chance to see Dickie Attenborough’s take on the Darwin200 anniversary.

Friday
David Attenborough’s Life Stories (Radio 4, 20.50-21.00) David asks whether it’s possible to extract ancient DNA from an amber-trapped mosquito and recreate dinosaurs?Now I wonder where he got that idea.

Sunday
The Genius of Charles Darwin (C4, 19.00-20.00) Repeat of the Dawkins doc from earlier this year.
Last Chance to See (BBC2, 20.00-21.00) Stephen Fry and Mark Carwardine move on to that most goofy of parrots, the kakapo.