Robert Matthews
Physicist
After studying physics at Oxford, Robert became a science writer. He’s visiting professor in science at Aston University.
Recent articles by Robert Matthews
Will planet Nibiru crash into Earth? A scientist explains
Nibiru (also known as Planet Nine or Planet X) is prophesied to collide with our planet and destroy all of humanity, but is its existence pseudoscience or is there any proof?
What is a white hole?
Asked by: Dylan Evans, Cardiff
What does ‘statistically significant’ mean?
Asked by: Michael Stand, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Why does a recording increase in pitch when sped up?
Asked by: Ammar El-Beik, Wokingham
Should I really starve a fever and feed a cold?
Asked by: Everett Hugh, via email
In an atom, what fills the space between particles?
Asked by: Harvey Smith
Does putting a spoon in an opened bottle of champagne keep it fizzy?
Will this old wives’ tale help to keep the champers bubbly or will it lose its fizzle?
Who invented soap?
We’ve teamed up with the folks behind BBC World Service’s CrowdScience to answer your questions on one topic - this week it's about who invented soap.
Why do roads shimmer when it’s hot?
Asked by: Matilda Wicks, Brighton
Is it safe to fly a kite in a thunderstorm?
Asked by: Dhyey, India
Is there any objective evidence of more bad luck on Friday the 13th?
Apart from the threat from ski mask-wearing, axe-wielding maniacs, chances are slim that the day is any more unlucky.
Do subatomic particles have a colour?
Asked by: Matilda Wicks, Brighton
What happens to money taken out of circulation?
Asked by: Dileep Bagnall, Lancashire
Why do ice cubes crack when you put them in water?
Asked by: Katie W, St Albans
Why can’t we predict prime numbers?
Asked by: Ismail Fulat
Why do waves bubble and turn white when they break?
Asked by: Neve Sheehan (aged 9), Hove
Why is the sky blue?
Asked by: Natalie Weaver (aged 11)
What makes soup explode in the microwave?
Asked by: Amy Thomas, London
From microbiome to mental health | The second brain in your gut
Decision-making, mood, disease… Scientists are discovering that the network of neurons in our gut is involved in a lot more than just digestion.
Why does light travel faster than sound?
Asked by: Toby Graham, Shrewsbury
What’s the most abundant particle in the Universe?
Asked by: Adam King, Huddersfield
Is there a fourth dimension?
Asked by: Laurie Guard (age 13), Rugby
Why can’t we fly planes into space?
Asked by: Dennis Robertson, Sheffield
How does water evaporate without boiling?
Asked by: Toby Graham, Shrewsbury