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'{{Use British English|date=May 2015}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2014}} {{Infobox television | name = Bang Goes the Theory | image = BangGoesTheTheory.png | caption = | genre = Factual, science and technology | creator = | developer = | writer = | director = | presenter = {{Plainlist| * [[Liz Bonnin]] * [[Jem Stansfield]] * [[Dallas Campbell]] * Dr. Yan Wong * [[Maggie Philbin]] }} | narrated = | theme_music_composer = | composer = | country = United Kingdom | language = English | num_series = 8 | num_episodes = 64 – plus 3 specials | list_episodes = #Episodes | executive_producer = |producer = Ed Booth series 1,2,3 and 8. Paul King series 4,5,6,7. | editor = Dermot Caulfield | location = [[Sussex]] | runtime = 30 minutes | company = [[BBC]]<br />[[Open University]] | distributor = | channel = [[BBC One]]<br />[[BBC HD]]<br />[[BBC One HD]] | picture_format = [[16:9]] [[1080i]] | audio_format = [[Stereophonic sound|Stereo]] | first_aired = {{Start date|2009|07|27|df=y}} | last_aired = {{End date|2014|05|05|df=y}} | related = ''[[Tomorrow's World]]'' | website = https://www.bbc.co.uk/bang }} '''''Bang Goes the Theory''''' or '''''Bang''''' was a British television science magazine series, co-produced by the [[BBC]] and the [[Open University]], that began on 27 July 2009 and ended on 5 May 2014 on [[BBC One]]. Originally presented by [[Liz Bonnin]], [[Jem Stansfield]], [[Dallas Campbell]] and Dr. Yan Wong, the show employed a hands-on approach to test scientific theory and demonstrate how science shapes our world. From series seven, [[Maggie Philbin]] replaced Dallas Campbell as a main presenter<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/tomorrows-world-presenter-maggie-philbin-signed-up-to-host-bang-goes-the-theory-8481455.html|title=Tomorrow's World presenter Maggie Philbin signed up to host Bang Goes The Theory|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|date=5 February 2013|accessdate=1 March 2013|location=London}}</ref> and Yan Wong no longer appeared. == Production == === Creation === The co-production between the [[BBC]] and the [[Open University]] was announced in June 2009 and was commissioned by [[Jay Hunt (BBC)|Jay Hunt]], controller of [[BBC One]], for ten 30 minute episodes. It promises to "put scientific theory to the test" and examine "how science shapes the world around us".<ref name="BBCannouncement">{{cite web| title = New series, ''Bang Goes The Theory'', puts popular science at the heart of the BBC One summer schedule|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2009/06_june/03/bang.shtml| publisher = BBC Press Office| date = 3 June 2009 | accessdate = 6 June 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606182855/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2009/06_june/03/bang.shtml| archive-date= 6 June 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref> During the announcement, Hunt stated that the series "brings popular science back to the very heart of BBC One",<ref name="BBCannouncement"/> referring to the long-running BBC series ''[[Tomorrow's World]]'', which ran from 1965 to 2003 and was cancelled following falling ratings.<ref name="Broadcast">{{cite web| author = Michael Rosser| title = BBC1 revives spirit of Tomorrow's World|url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/commissioning/bbc1-revives-spirit-of-tomorrows-world/5002092.article| publisher = Broadcast| date = 3 June 2009 | accessdate = 6 June 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611025915/http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/commissioning/bbc1-revives-spirit-of-tomorrows-world/5002092.article| archive-date= 11 June 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref> Comparing ''Bang Goes the Theory'' to ''Tomorrow's World'', series editor Dermot Caulfield said, {{quote|Rather than simply be a reporting vehicle on what's new in the world of science, we want to roll up our sleeves, stick our hands in the dirty gubbins of the engine and find out why, what, or where science is happening.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/science/across-the-sciences/meet-the-bang-team-dermot-caulfield | title = Meet Dermot Caulfield | last = Bambury | first = Adam | publisher = [[OpenLearn]] | date = 24 June 2009 | accessdate = 19 July 2009}}</ref>}} Dr. Stephen Serjeant (Reader in Cosmology at the [[Open University|OU]]), and Dr Ian Johnston (Lecturer in Engineering for the OU) were the two academic team leaders for the production, covering disciplines including [[geology]], [[astrophysics]], [[neuropsychology]] and [[zoology]].<ref name="BBCannouncement"/> The studio elements of the series were initially recorded in a building that housed the [[supersonic wind tunnel]] fans at [[RAE Bedford]] in [[Bedfordshire]] and was also the testing facility for the first prototype [[Harrier Jump Jet]] [[V/STOL]] aircraft.<ref>{{cite video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tT90ckZUJ8A | title = BGTT: Janet Sumner gives a brief intro to the show | date = 4 June 2009 | publisher = [[Open University|The Open University]] on [[YouTube]] | accessdate = 6 June 2009}}</ref> They were later recorded in the old linear accelerator building on the University of Sussex campus near Brighton, where Jem Stansfield has his workshop. As of Series 6 (from March 2012) no studio was used and linking sections were filmed on location. To "inspire the audience to get hands on with science", the series was supported by a number of free events across the country organised by [[BBC Learning]].<ref name="BBCannouncement"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bang/handson/roadshow.shtml | title = Roadshow and hands-on events | publisher = BBC | accessdate = 19 July 2009}}</ref> Over time, the programme moved from being an educational entertainment format in which short films were interspersed with "street science" demonstrations (mainly presented by Yan Wong) and stunts (mainly presented by Jem Stansfield), to a current affairs-style format. Distinct changes occurred in series 6, when each episode explored a single theme, the studio setting was dropped, several guest presenters appeared over the course of the series (one of whom, Maggie Philbin, subsequently joined the show as a regular presenter), and Jem Stansfield's stunts were phased out, with his attempt to build a pedal-powered flying machine (featured across two episodes) being the last such item to appear. === Presenters === [[File:Bang goes the theory cast.jpg|thumb|right|Yan Wong, Dallas Campbell & Liz Bonnin]] ''Bang Goes the Theory'' was originally presented by [[Dallas Campbell]] (series 1–6); [[Liz Bonnin]], a biochemist with a Masters in wild animal conservation; [[Jem Stansfield]], an aeronautical engineer, inventor and designer of museum exhibits; and Dr. Yan Wong (co-author of ''[[The Ancestor's Tale]]''), an [[University of Oxford|Oxford]]-educated evolutionary biologist.<ref name="BBCannouncement"/> Both Campbell and Wong left after series 6, and were replaced by [[Maggie Philbin]], a science television presenter. From series 6 onwards, some segments were also fronted by one-off guest presenters. Maggie Philbin initially appeared as a guest presenter in series 6 before becoming a regular. === Live trailer === Ahead of the start of the series, BBC One aired a live three-minute trailer on 14 July 2009 before ''[[EastEnders]]''. Described as a television first and emulating the [[Honda]] television advert ''[[Cog (advert)|Cog]]'', it featured a continuing chain of scientific experiments, with one triggering the next and so on. The sequence included Bonnin using a bicycle to power a [[Van de Graaff generator]] and Stansfield then using the 250,000 volts generated to, among other things, * light a [[Bunsen burner]], * inflate a large inflatable bunny, * trigger a thermal switch, * repel Wong away from Campbell along a track (using electromagnets attached to both presenters), and * power a robotic hand The sequence did not quite complete as expected: the bunny did not fully inflate and manual intervention was required to break an infrared beam to allow the experiment to continue – the rest of the experiment was executed without problems. Prior to the broadcast, over 10,000 people voted online for Wong to be propelled using magnetic forces. The live BBC 1 trailer was directed by John Rooney.<ref>Video accessible at {{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/bang | title = ''Bang Goes the Theory'' | publisher = BBC | accessdate= 19 July 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090608141309/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bang| archive-date= 8 June 2009 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/5821646/Bang-Goes-The-Theory-BBC-braves-potential-disaster-with-live-scientific-experiments.html | title = ''Bang Goes The Theory'': BBC braves potential disaster with live scientific experiments | last = Wardrop | first = Murray | newspaper = [[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] | date = 14 July 2009 | accessdate = 19 July 2009 | location=London}}</ref> ===BBC One ident=== From 27 July 2009 until 5 May 2014, ''Bang Goes The Theory'' was the only programme on BBC One to have its own ident. It depicted a group of people using bicycles to generate electricity to illuminate a ring of lights, into the centre of which the BBC One logo was superimposed. == Live tour and roadshow == In 2010, a Bang roadshow happened, and in 2011 a Bang Live toured the UK with an exclusive live show and interactive tent. === Symphony of Bang Goes The Theory === Musician John Boswell created a song using clips from the Bang Goes The Theory shows and website. It features distortion of the presenters' words using pitch-correction software, over the top of original music, in the same vein as Boswell's [[Symphony of Science]] series. Although conceived originally as a web piece, the song is also used at the end of the Bang LIVE roadshows. == Episodes == === Series 1 === The first series consisted of ten episodes. At the end of the last episode, it was announced that the programme would return in March 2010.<ref>{{Cite episode|title=Episode 10|episode-link=#ep10|series=1|network=[[BBC]]|station=[[BBC One]]|airdate=5 October 2009|series-no=1|number=1|minutes=28:05}}</ref> And also with the slogan "Putting science to the test" until Series 3. {{Episode table |background=#CC99FF |overall=5 |series=7 |title=72 |airdate=16 |titleT=Topics |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 1 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | RTitle = [[Gait (human)|Gait]] recognition, [[vortex ring]]s, [[genetic engineering]] and an uncooked egg.<ref name="BBCPress">{{cite web|title=Network TV BBC Week 30: Monday 27 July 2009|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/2009/wk30/mon.shtml#mon_bang|publisher=BBC Press Office|date=15 July 2009|accessdate=15 July 2009}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|27 July 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 2 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | RTitle = Bugs as food, planet discovery, water powered jet pack | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|3 August 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 3 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | RTitle = Submarine rescue, plastics, vacuum gloves | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|10 August 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 4 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | RTitle = Magnetic cows, psychological priming, underwater fireworks, space race | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|17 August 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 5 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | RTitle = Thrills, [[Sonic weapon|non-lethal weapons]], snakes and perception, [[Inhaling Helium|squeaky voices]] | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|24 August 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 6 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | RTitle = Helicopters, Brain-Training, Space Entrepreneurs, Melting Glass in a Microwave | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|7 September 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 7 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | RTitle = Braking Systems, Origins of Speech, British Summers, Optical Illusions | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|14 September 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 8 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | RTitle = Microwaves, Nature v Nurture, Gyroscopes, Infrared | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|21 September 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 9 | EpisodeNumber2 = 9 | RTitle = Multitasking, Hot Ice, Spider Silk, Magic | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|28 September 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 10 | EpisodeNumber2 = 10 | RTitle = Toffee powered rocket, sense of smell, electricity and magnetism, fusion | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|5 October 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 11 | EpisodeNumber2 = SP1 | RTitle = Human Power Station (hour-long special) | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|3 December 2009}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} }} === Series 2 === The second series consisted of eight episodes, plus another hour-long special, starting on 15 March 2010. It was also broadcast on BBC HD. {{Episode table |background=#CC99FF |overall=5 |series=7 |title=72 |airdate=16 |titleT=Topics |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 12 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | RTitle = [[Fire extinguisher]] go cart, global crude oil supply and exploration, and solving crimes with [[Forensic science]]. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|15 March 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 13 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | RTitle = Human [[g-force]] tolerance, [[Sport Relief]], the [[atom]], and [[Snorkeling|snorkel]] length. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|22 March 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 14 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | RTitle = Darwin's dilemma, Human powered hydrofoil, Lie detectors | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|29 March 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 15 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | RTitle = Steel making, Eternal life, Dolphin flipper on a human swimmer | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|12 April 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 16 | EpisodeNumber2 = SP2 | RTitle = Can You Train Your Brain? (hour-long special) | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|14 April 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 17 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | RTitle = Volcanic ash, Power stations, Skiing | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|19 April 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 18 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | RTitle = Happiness, Burying carbon dioxide, Avalanches | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|26 April 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 19 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | RTitle = Horsepower, Free diving, Anti-matter | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|3 May 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 20 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | RTitle = Smell, Coffee fueled car, Origins of life | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|10 May 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} }} === Series 3 === The third series consisted of six episodes, starting on 8 September 2010. It was also broadcast on BBC HD. {{Episode table |background=#CC99FF |overall=5 |series=7 |title=72 |airdate=16 |titleT=Topics |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 21 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | RTitle = [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill|Gulf of Mexico oil spill]] and Einstein's [[theory of relativity]]. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|8 September 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 22 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | RTitle = Sunburn, [[Priming (psychology)|psychological priming]] and shapes of wheels. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|15 September 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 23 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | RTitle = Jet lag, the size of the solar system and a square-wheeled motorbike (continued from previous episode). | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|22 September 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 24 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | RTitle = The origin of weather and seasons, wave power (involving the [[Pelamis Wave Energy Converter]]) and the theory of evolution. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|29 September 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 25 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | RTitle = The [[2010 eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull]] in Iceland, gambling in Las Vegas and solar furnaces. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|6 October 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 26 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | RTitle = A (failed) recreation of [[Project Habakkuk]], making a boat from '[[Pykrete]]', fibre-reinforced ice.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Ice boat sinks at sea |journal=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8034721/Ice-boat-sinks-at-sea.html |date=30 September 2010 }}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|13 October 2010}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} }} === Series 4 === The fourth series commenced with an hour-long special, starting on 10 March 2011. It was also broadcast on BBC HD, and also with the slogan "Revealing your world with a bang" until Series 5. The slogan "Revealing your world through science" was used on Japan Earthquake special episode. {{Episode table |background=#CC99FF |overall=5 |series=7 |title=72 |airdate=16 |titleT=Topics |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 27 | EpisodeNumber2 = SP3 | RTitle = Bang Goes The Winter Weather (hour-long special) | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|10 March 2011}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 28 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | RTitle = Japan Earthquake Special | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|14 March 2011}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 29 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | RTitle = [[In vitro fertilization]] and 360 degrees on a playground swing. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|21 March 2011}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 30 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | RTitle = A 1000mph car, stuff sticky, and homemade glues. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|28 March 2011}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 31 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | RTitle = [[Calorie]]s and [[antibiotic]]s. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|4 April 2011}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 32 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | RTitle = [[Laser]]s, the [[speed of light]], and [[citizen science]]. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|11 April 2011}} | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 33 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | RTitle = [[Genetically modified food]]s, [[House dust mite#Asthma and allergies|House dust mite vs Asthma and allergies]], and shattering glass with music. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|18 April 2011}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010pwps#broadcasts |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 4, Episode 6 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=28 July 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 34 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | RTitle = A [[Wedding of Prince William of Wales and Kate Middleton|Royal Wedding]] theme and Liz uses [[Genetic genealogy]] to track her family tree right back to the earliest humans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010r2nb |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 4, Episode 7 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=4 August 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|25 April 2011}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010r2nb#broadcasts |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 4, Episode 7 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=4 August 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 35 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | RTitle = The future of [[Recycling]] and how [[Global Positioning System#Basic concept of GPS|GPS]] works.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010x9lk |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 4, Episode 8 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=11 August 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|2 May 2011}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b010x9lk#broadcasts |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 4, Episode 8 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=11 August 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} }} === Series 5 === The fifth series began airing on 15 August 2011 on [[BBC One]] and in [[High-definition television|HD]] on [[BBC One HD]]. {{Episode table |background=#CC99FF |overall=5 |series=7 |title=72 |airdate=16 |titleT=Topics |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 36 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | RTitle = Making [[Diamond]]s, the science of [[Popcorn]] and curing [[Cancer]]. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|15 August 2011}}<ref name="bbc.co.uk">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b013q2bg#broadcasts |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 5, Episode 1 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=25 August 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 37 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | RTitle = Liz hits the beach with the [[RNLI]] to experience the power of rip currents. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|22 August 2011}}<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 38 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | RTitle = Jem witnesses the awesome power of rockets with the [[Bloodhound SSC|Bloodhound land speed record project]]. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|29 August 2011}}<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 39 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | RTitle = Topics include new [[stem-cell]] research and the [[Nocebo effect]]. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|5 September 2011}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0146cfm |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 5, Episode 4 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=15 September 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 40 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | RTitle = [[Bed bug (insect)|Bedbugs]], [[statistics]], visit to [[California Institute of Technology|Caltech]]. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|12 September 2011}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b014lryr |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 5, Episode 5 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=22 September 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 41 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | RTitle = Causes of [[tooth decay]] and gum disease, why food refreezing should be avoided, sleeping problems caused by [[electric light]]s. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|19 September 2011}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0154vvz |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 5, Episode 6 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=29 September 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 42 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | RTitle = [[Helium]] shortage, public knowledge about [[radiation]], airport security technologies. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|26 September 2011}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015gpjy |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 5, Episode 7 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=6 October 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 43 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | RTitle = [[Nuclear reactor]], clean-up of [[nuclear waste]], radiation influence on the human body. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|3 October 2011}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015t2rr |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 5, Episode 8 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=13 October 2011 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} }} === Series 6 === The sixth series began airing on 12 March 2012 on [[BBC One]] and in [[High-definition television|HD]] on [[BBC One HD]], in [[BBC England|England]] and [[BBC Scotland|Scotland]]. It is shown a day later, on [[BBC Two]] in [[BBC Northern Ireland|Northern Ireland]] and [[BBC Wales|Wales]]. {{Episode table |background=#CC99FF |overall=5 |series=7 |title=72 |airdate=16 |titleT=Topics |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 44 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | RTitle = "Fuel for Free". The team investigates why petrol costs so much, and whether we can use science to make fuel for free. Liz experiences life on an oil rig, Jem and Dallas compete to make their own DIY fuel alternatives, and Jem discovers the link between fossil fuels and a recent earthquake in Lancashire. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|12 March 2012}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01dpnsw#broadcasts |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 6, Episode 1 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=12 March 2012 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 45 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | RTitle = "Is Life Too Loud?". The team asks whether modern life is damaging our ears. Dallas explores how safety-conscious scientists are putting the noise back into driving, Liz learns to like the sound of being sick, and Jem sets out to record the sound of a centipede's footsteps. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|19 March 2012}}<ref>"http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01dzmbs#broadcasts"</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 46 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | RTitle = "Cyber Security". Liz finds out how safe digital storage formats such as DVDs and memory sticks are, and whether the Cloud answers all our problems. Dallas and Jem see what it takes to properly wipe your computer memory, and [[Maggie Philbin]] revisits a [[Tomorrow's World]] feature on phone security after nearly 30 years, investigating how hackers can access your smartphone. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|26 March 2012}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01fbfhg#broadcasts |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 6, Episode 3 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=26 March 2012 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 47 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | RTitle = Dallas finds out how crowds can co-operate subconsciously, Liz sees how architects control the flow of crowds, and Jem meets scientists trying to understand how crush injuries can occur. Plus, 80s number cruncher, [[Johnny Ball]], demonstrates just how biologists measure population size. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|2 April 2012}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01fnjd6|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 6, Episode 4|work=BBC}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 48 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | RTitle = Wireless energy transfer, [[Wi-Fi]] health concerns. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|16 April 2012}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01glqs8|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 6, Episode 5|work=BBC}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 49 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | RTitle = Jem dreams of flying under his own power by pedalling a homemade plane into the air. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|23 April 2012}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01dpnsf|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 6|work=BBC}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 50 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | RTitle = Jem heads for his workshop to build a solution to traffic jams: a man-powered aeroplane. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|30 April 2012}}<ref name="bbc.co.uk"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 51 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | RTitle = [[Philippa Forrester]] takes her pet to a lab to find out how dogs can be good for people's health. | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|14 May 2012}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01hkyhp |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 6, Episode 8 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=15 May 2012 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} }} === Series 7 === The seventh series began airing on 4 March 2013 on [[BBC One]] and in [[High-definition television|HD]] on [[BBC One HD]], in [[BBC England|England]], at the same time but on [[BBC Two]] in [[BBC Scotland|Scotland]], and a day later on [[BBC Two]] in [[BBC Northern Ireland|Northern Ireland]] and [[BBC Wales|Wales]]. {{Episode table |background=#CC99FF |overall=5 |series=7 |title=72 |airdate=16 |titleT=Topics |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 52 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | RTitle = The Bang team reveal the science behind plastics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.open.edu/openlearn/whats-on/tv/bang-goes-the-theory-series-7-episode-1 |title=Bang Goes The Theory 7: Episode 1 – OpenLearn – Open University |publisher=Open.edu |date=22 February 2013 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|4 March 2013 }}<ref name="series7">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lwxj1/episodes/guide#b01r6yqk |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory – Episode guide |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 53 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | RTitle = Liz explains bacterial resistance. Maggie finds out about catching infections inside an aeroplane, and reveals a new technique for prescribing antibiotics. Jem heads to a scrapyard to demonstrate the difference between viruses and bacteria.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rcr01 |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 7, Episode 2 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=12 March 2013 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|11 March 2013 }}<ref name="series7"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 54 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | RTitle = The team investigate whether sugar deserves its bad health reputation.<ref name="series7"/> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|18 March 2013 }}<ref name="series7"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 55 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | RTitle = Road safety, heart attacks in young people, and a burns dressing that could reduce the risk of scarring.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rmp0d |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 7, Episode 4 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=26 March 2013 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|25 March 2013 }}<ref name="series7"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 56 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | RTitle = How much do we really know about what's on our dinner plate?<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01rx32f |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 7, Episode 5 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=9 April 2013 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|8 April 2013 }}<ref name="series7"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 57 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | RTitle = The team report on how scientists and engineers are working to reduce the strain on Britain's ageing infrastructure.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s1mzl |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 7, Episode 6 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=16 April 2013 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|15 April 2013 }}<ref name="series7"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 58 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | RTitle = Maggie puts online diagnosis tools to the test against a real doctor, and reveals how personalised medicine can help young asthma sufferers. Jem checks out the latest self-monitoring gadgets. Liz finds out about a new technique that can correct a rare genetic condition that causes blindness.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s3b3x |title=BBC One – Bang Goes the Theory, Series 7, Episode 7 |publisher=Bbc.co.uk |date=23 April 2013 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|22 April 2013 }}<ref name="series7"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 59 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | RTitle = The team investigate air pollution.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01s7twg|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 7, Episode 8|work=BBC}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|29 April 2013 }}<ref name="series7"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} }} === Series 8 === The eighth and final series began airing on 10 March 2014 on [[BBC One]] and in [[High-definition television|HD]] on [[BBC One HD]], in [[BBC England|England]] and [[BBC Scotland|Scotland]]. Jem Stansfield did not appear in episodes 4, 6, 7 and 8 but was still credited as "Engineering consultant", and replaced by [[Sir Terry Wogan]], [[Charlie Dimmock]], and Dr. [[Chris van Tulleken]] as guest host. {{Episode table |background=#CC99FF |overall=5 |series=7 |title=72 |airdate=16 |titleT=Topics |episodes= {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 60 | EpisodeNumber2 = 1 | RTitle = Energy – The team investigate how close Britain might get to running out of electricity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03y65xx|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 8, Energy|work=BBC}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|10 March 2014}}<ref name="series8">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03y63p2/episodes/guide|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 8 - Episode guide|work=BBC}}</ref> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 61 | EpisodeNumber2 = 2 | RTitle = Cancer – Liz explains how cells turn cancerous, Jem builds his own radiotherapy gun, Maggie looks at the latest drugs, and [[Tommy Walsh (builder)|Tommy Walsh]] looks into screening for bowel cancer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03yz84n|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 8, Cancer|work=BBC}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|17 March 2014}}<ref name="series8"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 62 | EpisodeNumber2 = 3 | RTitle = Big Data – Liz looks at how big data monitors Rolls Royce jet engines, Jem creates a low-tech computer and storage system, and Maggie examines the dark side of big data: privacy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03zjwqw|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 8, Big Data|work=BBC}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|24 March 2014}}<ref name="series8"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 63 | EpisodeNumber2 = 4 | RTitle = Ageing – The team look at how our bodies change as we get older. [[Sir Terry Wogan]] investigates whether any drugs are available which could reduce the risk of dementia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0400dx6|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 8, Ageing|work=BBC}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|31 March 2014}}<ref name="series8"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 64 | EpisodeNumber2 = 5 | RTitle = Flu – Jem explains flu on a cellular level, Liz witnesses vaccines being made and Maggie visits a flu research lab.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b040ldcp|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 8, Flu|work=BBC}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|7 April 2014}}<ref name="series8"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 65 | EpisodeNumber2 = 6 | RTitle = Flooding – Did global warming play a part in the recent floods? Maggie investigates the threat of storm surge, Liz looks at how nature can 'slow the flow' and [[Charlie Dimmock]] considers how urban flash floods might be linked to patios and decking.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b040yzmf|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 8, Flooding|work=BBC}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|14 April 2014}}<ref name="series8"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 66 | EpisodeNumber2 = 7 | RTitle = Trains – The team report on how engineers are keeping Britain's ageing rail system on track.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b042lrnm|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 8, Trains|work=BBC}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|28 April 2014}}<ref name="series8"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} {{Episode list | EpisodeNumber = 67 | EpisodeNumber2 = 8 | RTitle = Disaster Relief – Maggie visits the Zaatari refugee camp, Liz reports on cholera, and the team are joined by Dr. [[Chris van Tulleken]], maker of a peanut-based paste that has saved tens of thousands of famine victims.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b043byyd|title=BBC One - Bang Goes the Theory, Series 8, Disaster Relief|work=BBC}}</ref> | OriginalAirDate = {{Start-date|5 May 2014}}<ref name="series8"/> | LineColor = cc99ff }} }} == Controversy == === Episode on nuclear power found 'misleading' by BBC Trust === The 8th episode of series 5 looking at nuclear power was found to be 'not accurate' and 'misleading' by the Ethical Standards Committee of the [[BBC Trust]]. The review of the episode was prompted by a complaint registered by 50 co-signatories, which included MPs and nuclear experts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/broadcasters/nuclear-experts-debunk-bang-goes-the-theory/5049868.article|title=Nuclear experts debunk Bang Goes the Theory}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/dec/11/bbc1-chernobyl-nuclear-disaster | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Mark | last=Sweney | title=BBC1 science show 'downplayed impact' of Chernobyl nuclear disaster | date=11 December 2012}}</ref> === Jem Stansfield wins damages against the BBC === On 1st October 2021 Jem Stansfield won £1.6m in damages for suffering and loss of earns as a result of injuries he sustained while acting as a "human crash-test" dummy in Series 5. The judge commented "I must say that I find it astonishing that anyone thought that this exercise was a sensible idea. On his own account to camera, the claimant was simulating a road traffic collision of the sort that commonly causes injury. It might be thought that someone of his intelligence and scientific background might have appreciated the risk."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58762935|title=Jeremy Stansfield: Bang Goes The Theory host wins £1.6m BBC damages}}</ref> == DVD releases == A DVD set containing the first two series of ''Bang Goes the Theory'' was issued in 2010. A second DVD set containing Series 3 and 4 of ''Bang Goes the Theory'' was issued in November 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bang-Goes-Theory-Complete-Series/dp/B005DRC1I4|title=Bang Goes the Theory - The Complete Series 3 & 4 DVD: Amazon.co.uk: Liz Bonnin, Dallas Campbell, Jem Stansfield, Yan Wong, Alex Freeman, Stephen Mizelas: DVD & Blu-ray}}</ref> None of the subsequent series has been issued on DVD. == References == {{Reflist|30em}} == External links == * {{BBC programme}} * {{IMDb title|id=1481440|title=Bang Goes the Theory}} * [http://www.open.edu/openlearn/whats-on/ou-on-the-bbc-bang-goes-the-theory ''Bang Goes the Theory''] at [[OpenLearn]] {{DEFAULTSORT:Bang Goes The Theory}} [[Category:2009 British television series debuts]] [[Category:2014 British television series endings]] [[Category:BBC high definition shows]] [[Category:BBC Television shows]] [[Category:Popular science]] [[Category:Science education television series]] [[Category:Science education in the United Kingdom]] [[Category:English-language television shows]]'