Inside Science: Hurricane Melissa, Bird Flu Strains, Interstellar Atlas, and Cryptography Puzzles

Inside Science examines Hurricane Melissa and its climate connections, contrasts avian influenza strains H5N1 and H9N2 in this year’s bird-flu season, and surveys the interstellar comet 3I Atlas. The programme also features a cryptography puzzle tied to a CIA sculpture, advances in mathematical modelling of animal patterns, and a breakthrough artificial tongue that can detect capsaicin in spicy foods.

Hurricane Melissa and climate change

Hurricane Melissa carved a dangerous path through Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, powered by unusually warm Atlantic waters. Hydrologist Hannah Cloak explains that higher sea-surface temperatures provide more energy for storms, while slow movement concentrates wind, rain and storm surge over vulnerable areas. Forecasting relies on a suite of models, satellite data and in-situ measurements from hurricane-hunter aircraft, but intensity forecasts can lag actual developments during rapid intensification. The discussion underscores a rising, climate-linked risk of stronger storms and potential poleward shifts, highlighting the need for vigilant forecasting and preparedness.

"rapid intensification is becoming more common" - Hannah Cloak

Bird Flu Season: H5N1 and H9N2

Ian Brown surveys the current bird-flu landscape in the UK, noting rising H5N1 outbreaks as migratory waterfowl arrive in autumn. He contrasts H5N1 with H9N2, a lower-pathogenic strain that can nonetheless bind to human receptors, creating a stepping-stone toward possible human infection that would require additional mutations. The discussion explains how surface proteins (the HA and NA glycoproteins) define serotypes and how immunity is serotype-specific, complicating vaccine design. While current human-to-human transmission remains unlikely for these avian viruses, surveillance of interspecies transmission and the mutation pathway—described as a staircase—remains a priority for public health.

"The risk to humans is deemed very low for these viruses" - Ian Brown

Interstellar Atlas and scientific wonder

The programme then surveys the interstellar visitor 3I Atlas, a rare object passing through our solar system. It discusses how such bodies inform our understanding of planetary formation and composition, and cautions against sensational claims about alien technology. The segment echoes the ethos of evidence-based astronomy, showing how disturbing misinformation can be, while celebrating genuine scientific curiosity about objects from another star.

Cryptography puzzle on a CIA sculpture

Katie Seckles introduces a physical artwork with four embedded messages. Three messages were cracked quickly using classical ciphers, while a fourth remains unsolved. An archival discovery revealed scraps that hint at the original message, illustrating how code-breaking blends mathematics with traces of human information. The story encapsulates the logical depth and human factors involved in cryptography.

"Human error, I guess, has always been an element of code breaking" - Katie Seckles

Mathematical modelling of animal patterns

The discussion returns to Alan Turing’s reaction-diffusion concept for natural patterns such as leopard spots and zebra stripes. Colorado researchers add a third chemical to sharpen pattern boundaries and explore cell-size variation to reproduce imperfect real-world patterns, refining the models to align more closely with nature.

"This is maybe an even better model for how these things work" - Katie Seckles

Artificial tongue for detecting capsaicin

Finally, scientists report an artificial tongue that uses an electro-gel with milk powder to detect capsaicin, the molecule responsible for spiciness. By monitoring conductivity changes, this sensor could become a non-tasting tool for food testing and product development, offering practical insights while showcasing innovative sensor design.

"it's a taste tester so you can check whether something's going to be too spicy without having to taste it yourself" - Katie Seckles