Can I unlock my car using my head?
CrowdScience

Can I unlock my car using my head?

Mar 20, 2026
26:28
-(0)

About this episode

CrowdScience listener Doug has been experimenting with holding his wireless garage key to his chin. Why? Because he's testing a strange trick of physics. The range of a key can apparently double when held against your head rather just being held in your hand. Could this really be true, and if so why? Presenter Caroline Steel goes on a wavy journey of self-experimentation with antennas. She follows the story of Doug as he wanders the streets of Calgary in Alberta, Canada testing the key on his head from different distances and even testing it on his dog Maura’s head. To understand the physics behind all this, Caroline meets Dr Lina Mohjazi, Lecturer of Autonomous Systems and Connectivity at the University of Glasgow and Guy Vandenbosch, Professor of Electromagnetic Radiation at KU Leuven University in Leuven, Belgium. Presenter: Caroline Steel Producer: Tom Bonnett Editor: Ben Motley (Photo: Hand holding a car key remote in front of a red car - stock photo Credit: vadishzainer via Getty Images)

Comments

Rate this episode

Episode Details

Author
BBC World Service
Show Type
full
Audio Format
audio/mpeg

We use analytics

We use Umami, a privacy-friendly analytics tool, to understand how visitors use this site. No personal data is collected and no data leaves our EU servers. You can accept or decline below. Privacy Policy