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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

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Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries.

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners.

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 9

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 9: The Atomic Blade

01/03/2018

The Atomic Blade

Series 9

BBC Radio 4 - The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry, Series 9, The Atomic Blade

Hannah Fry and Adam Rutherford investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners. What makes things sharp and what happens on the molecular level when you cut something?

"What makes things sharp? Why are thinner knives sharper? What happens on the molecular level when you cut something?" All these questions came from Joshua Schwartz in New York City.

The ability to create sharp tools allowed us to fashion clothing, make shelters and hunt for food, all essential for the development of human civilisation, according to materials scientist Mark Miodownik.

We hear from IBM scientist Chris Lutz, who has used one of the sharpest blades in the world to slice up individual atoms.

Plus palaeoarchaeologist Becky Wragg Sykes reveals the sharpest natural object in the world, a volcanic glass used by the Aztecs called obsidian.

Presenters: Hannah Fry, Adam Rutherford
Producer: Michelle Martin.

BBC Radio 4

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

Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate science mysteries sent by listeners.

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

Series 9

The Atomic Blade

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