The Secret Story of Stuff: Materials of the Modern Age

Original version

BBC Four HD

BBC Four

Zoe Laughlin

Paul Vanezis

Eva Maria Spielvogel

Alexander Forsey

Lucy Gardner

Nadia Iqbal

Jeremy Lee

Alan Holland

Chris Batham

Documentaries

Factual: Science & Nature

31/10/2018

BBC Four - The Secret Story of Stuff: Materials of the Modern Age

Designer Zoe Laughlin explores the materials that shape the world around us.

Documentary. Designer and engineer Zoe Laughlin explores the world of material science, uncovering the innovations in manufacturing that are set to change the world we live in.

Welcome to the magical world of materials, where designer, materials engineer and enthusiast Zoe Laughlin explores the stuff that shapes the world around us. Everything, from the cars we drive to the clothes we wear is manufactured from something. From her workshop at the Institute of Making, Zoe travels the country to discover the alchemy behind the latest developments in the science of those materials. Everlasting dental crowns are being 3D printed in Loughborough. In Chester, vets are repairing broken bones with porous metals. New textiles with thread 8 times stronger than cotton is the latest revolution in fashion and in London, fungus is being used to make a self extinguishing insulation that could revolutionise the construction industry. Bringing these wondrous material innovations back to her workshop Zoe puts them through their paces and in the process reveals why now is the most exciting time to be exploring this Stuff.

Knowledge, arts, music and culture from the UK and the world.

BBC Four reflects arts, music and culture with an ambitious range of intellectually and culturally enriching programmes, taking an expert and in-depth approach to its subjects.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Secret Story of Stuff: Materials of the Modern Age

Contributors

Genres

Formats

BBC Four HD

About BBC Four