The Why Factor

Why do we have such a fascination with fire? Our attempts to master fire have shaped who we have bec

These days we humans have become an urban-dwelling species. So how has the city changed us? What are

Why do we bathe? The second of two programmes examining the rituals of bathing. Last week: spiritu

Why can the seemingly everyday activity of bathing mean so many different things for millions of peo

Why is that so many of us are drawn to the ocean... to the sound of tumbling waves and the sights an

It is an essential part of women’s days all around the world – putting on their face before they lea

A ball is a simple, everyday object that holds such a deep appeal for us. We have been playing with

Many psychologists argue that learning to lie is an important stage for children. As early as two, c

Disgust is something that we all experience, but what purpose does it serve? And what role does it p

Why do we live with cats and dogs? Mike Williams meets cat and dog owners in Kenya and North Wales t

Gold - what is it about this rare, inert metal which has captivated us for thousands of years? The a

It’s something that all individuals and societies have done for millions of years. But why do we sin

Why do humans kiss? You might think it is a universal trait, something that we all do. But when Eur

Why are attitudes towards older people often so negative? Traditional definitions used to mark old a

The idea of retirement is historically new. But with widespread demographic changes now meaning tha

Around 10% of the global population suffers from insomnia. Contrary to popular belief, it is not mor

The first of two programmes which looks at human behaviour and sleep Why do we Sleep? At first gla

What role does silence play in our increasingly noisy lives? Why can silences be so poignant or so a

This week we’ll explore Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD. What is it? And why is it so contro

We all have memories but do we share some of those, socially or collectively? If so, why? Most cou