Glued Up: The Sticky Story of Humanity

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Glues hold our world together – and have done since the dawn of civilisation.

Mark Miodownik explores how glues hold our world together – and how they have shaped our species since the dawn of civilisation.

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Glued Up: The Sticky Story of Humanity: War and Wounds

War and Wounds

BBC Radio 4 - Glued Up: The Sticky Story of Humanity, War and Wounds

The accidental invention of superglue has saved lives on battlefields and operating tables

Mark Miodownik explores how the accidental invention of superglue has saved lives on the battlefield and hospital operating tables.

In this series, materials scientist Mark Miodownik charts the journey of human progress through the sticky substances that have shaped us. 

In episode four he explores how the accidental invention of superglue produced a life saving adhesive that was used to treat battle wounds during the Vietnam War.

He hears how medical glues today have transformed the way we heal ourselves. And he learns about research into a new generation of tissue adhesives inspired by sticky, slimy secretions from the natural world.

Contributors:
Chantelle Champagne, University of Alberta
Jeff Karp, Brigham and Women's Hospital through Harvard Medical School

Sound effects: Cup breaks by avakas, from Freesound

Producer: Anand Jagatia
Presenter: Mark Miodownik
Executive Producer: Sasha Feachem
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Glued Up: The Sticky Story of Humanity

War and Wounds

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