No more tears, for sore eyes or sad films. In this episode of Life Without, Alan Davies turns off the tap. What happens when humanity loses the tears that protect our eyes as well as the ones we cry?

Alan examines how tears keep eyes working, why artificial replacements may not be enough, and what changes when emotional weeping vanishes too. From courtrooms to funerals, can society show distress and find comfort without them?

Featuring Marc Baker, a psychology researcher at the University of Portsmouth, and actor and theatre maker Andreea Tudose, co-creator of the dystopian cabaret Cry For Me.

An ITN production for BBC Radio 4

The ocean’s tiniest drifters disappear. In this episode of Life Without, Alan Davies removes plankton from the sea. They may be hard to see, but what happens when the foundation of ocean life is suddenly gone?

Alan episode explores the food webs that begin with plankton, from fish to seabirds and whales. He also looks at the familiar things they shape, including the smell of the seaside and glowing blue tides, and at their broader role in climate and ocean science.

Featuring Dr Clare Ostle, marine biogeochemist at the Marine Biological Association, and environmental journalist Anna Turns.

An ITN production for BBC Radio 4

No new memories. In this episode of Life Without, Alan Davies takes away our ability to form them. We can still live in the moment, but what happens when that moment will not stay with us?

Alan explores different kinds of memory, from knowing how to ride a bike to recalling a personal experience. Can technology, routines and support help us cope? And what might memory loss reveal about how people learn, build relationships and make sense of their lives?

An ITN production for BBC Radio 4