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The Life Scientific: Episode 67: Mark Miodownik

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Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Mark Miodownik

Episode 67

Episode 67: Mark Miodownik

BBC Radio 4 - The Life Scientific, Mark Miodownik

Mark Miodownik talks nuclear weapons, 3D printers and smart materials with Jim Al-Khalili.

Mark Miodownik talks nuclear weapons and smart materials to Jim Al-Khalili, and explains why public workshops should replace public libraries, with 3D printers in place of books.

Mark Miodownik's chronic interest in materials began in rather unhappy circumstances. He was stabbed in the back, with a razor, on his way to school. When he saw the tiny piece of steel that had caused him so much harm, he became obsessed with how it could it be so sharp and so strong. And he's been materials-mad ever since.

Working at a nuclear weapons laboratory in the US, he enjoyed huge budgets and the freedom to make the most amazing materials. But he gave that up to work with artists and designers because he believes that if you ignore the sensual aspects of materials, you end up with materials that people don't want.

For Mark, making is as important as reading and writing. It's an expression of who we are, like music or literature, and 'everyone should be doing it'. To this end, he wants our public libraries to be converted into public workshops, with laser cutters and 3 D printers in place of books.

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Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future.

Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them and asking what their discoveries might do for us in the future

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