Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

The Life Scientific

BBC Radio 4 LW

The Life Scientific: Episode 81: Jackie Akhavan on explosives

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Jackie Akhavan

Episode 81

Episode 81: Jackie Akhavan on explosives

Jackie Akhavan on explosives

BBC Radio 4 - The Life Scientific, Jackie Akhavan on explosives

Jackie Akhavan talks about the ethical issues of working on explosives used in war.

Professor of Explosive Chemistry Jackie Akhavan talks to Jim Al-Khalili about the ethical issues of working on explosives used in war.

Jackie Akhavan, Professor of Explosive Chemistry, tells Jim al-Khalili all about the science of explosives. She explains exactly what explosives are and how to make them safer to handle.

She started by working on how to make fireworks safer and has been involved in research with bees to see whether they can be used smell different types of explosives. Her current project involves testing the rocket fuel that will be used in Bloodhound, the British designed and built supersonic car that aims to reach a speed of 1,000mph.

Her work involves finding out how to best detect explosives in airports and elsewhere, teaching security professionals how to differentiate between false alarms and the real thing. She also works on explosives used in warfare and discusses the ethical issues involved.

Producer: Melissa Hogenboom.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Podcasts

Factual: Life Stories

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Life Scientific

Episode 81: Jackie Akhavan on explosives

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4