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Putting Science to Work

Putting Science to Work: Infuriating Packaging

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Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

22/12/2015

Infuriating Packaging

BBC Radio 4 - Putting Science to Work, Infuriating Packaging

Jim Al-Khalili brings three scientists together to solve a problem facing society.

Can science save us from infuriating packaging? Three scientists try to convince Jim Al-Khalili that they have the best solution to this irksome everyday problem.

Opening presents can be quite a challenge. Toys incarcerated in rigid transparent plastic cases can bring tears, not of joy. Not to mention vacuum-packed luxury foods that are just impossible to get into. So, can science save us from infuriating packaging? And, if so, which technology is most likely to deliver us from this irksome everyday problem? Three scientists battle it out in the studio, pitching for Jim's imaginary pot of research money. Dr Alaster Yoxall is determined to understand what makes things fiddly. Professor Mark Miodownik dreams of packages that can be opened by your mobile phone. While Professor Lynne Boddy believes mushrooms as the new polystyrene. Could the future of packaging be mouldable mould? 

Producer: Anna Buckley.

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

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Jim Al-Khalili and guests work out how science might solve society's problems.

Jim Al-Khalili and guests work out how science can best be put to work to solve a pressing problem facing society.

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