In this series, materials scientist Mark Miodownik charts the journey of human progress through the sticky substances that have shaped us.

In episode two he explores how latex, the sticky sap of the rubber tree, transformed the world we live in.

He learns how rubber is an ancient Mesoamerican innovation dating back at least 3,600 years, used by the Olmec people for its incredible stretchiness and bounciness.

And he hears how scientists of the industrial revolution were captivated by rubber, but struggled to harness its miraculous properties. Eventually, one man would solve this sticky problem – but the quest nearly killed him, and cost him everything he had.

Contributors:
Charles Slack, Author and historian
Mike Tarkanian, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sound effects: DeLorean DMC-12 (V6 PRV engine) by SkyernAklea, from Freesound

Producer: Anand Jagatia
Presenter: Mark Miodownik
Executive Producer: Sasha Feachem
BBC Studios Audio Production Show less