3 Dec 2025

Science with Jen Martin: Kiss evolution + seagull shouting

From Nine To Noon, 11:45 am on 3 December 2025
A sea gull standing on the head of a statue facepalming.

Photo: Pixabay

Science commentator Jen Martin joins Kathryn with three fascinating studies. The first suggests that kissing may have evolved 21.5 million years ago. Ever had your chips eyed up by a greedy seagull? This study suggests that yes, shouting at them, probably works. And researchers have found being a famous singer can raise your risk of an early death - but why?

Jen Martin founded the science communication program at the University of Melbourne, runs the espressoscience.com blog and is also the author of Why Am I Like This?: The Science Behind Your Weirdest Thoughts and Habits.

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