Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-science-of-everyday-materials The hidden science of the ordinary stuff around you. Short, warm, plain-language episodes on why everyday materials behave the way they do: why glass is transparent, why metal feels cold, why ice floats, why water is wet. Evergreen curiosity science for non-experts. AI-generated and disclosed. © 2026 Elite Personas 7129573b-4e6a-594d-93bf-d1bbe2cdb73a yes en Mon, 09 Nov 2026 21:23:08 -0600 Mon, 09 Nov 2026 21:23:34 -0600 https://img.transistorcdn.com/B4MNSjwzUSjIhY3_P-9FQd_0TZ83CCMDI544soVq5u4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84YTZl/YmQzMDA0NWRmMDA4/MWZkNjkwNGYwOTA3/NDViNi5wbmc.jpg episodic Rick Hernandez The hidden science of the ordinary stuff around you. Short, warm, plain-language episodes on why everyday materials behave the way they do: why glass is transparent, why metal feels cold, why ice floats, why water is wet. Evergreen curiosity science for non-experts. AI-generated and disclosed. The hidden science of the ordinary stuff around you. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things Rick Hernandez No No The Glue That Wants to Let Go full 5843292d-515f-4453-8eeb-0d6a3277f338 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1880c881 Mon, 09 Nov 2026 21:23:07 -0600 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 357 The flour-and-water paste behind school paper chains is the same stuff behind midnight street posters and the repair of old books, and the difference between gripping forever and letting go cleanly comes down to one ingredient. The flour-and-water paste behind school paper chains is the same stuff behind midnight street posters and the repair of old books, and the difference between gripping forever and letting go cleanly comes down to one ingredient. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Wheatpaste No The Bright Fuel in the Paint Can full 2ed49bfa-ab36-4489-980f-2601b0569291 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4fa4094b Sun, 08 Nov 2026 21:19:22 -0600 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 360 For three decades, the same turpentine that cleans your brushes lit America's parlors, and the real killer in the lamp was a fuel people kept mistaking for it. For three decades, the same turpentine that cleans your brushes lit America's parlors, and the real killer in the lamp was a fuel people kept mistaking for it. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Camphine No The Metal That Won't Take Glue Easily full 69e78bdf-de89-40e4-bbcc-d622880f00e8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/85f40e70 Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:18:23 -0600 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 394 Titanium is trusted inside the body and on aircraft, but before any adhesive will hold, someone has to rough it up, etch it, laser it or grow its skin thicker, and the engineers still don't fully agree on how. Titanium is trusted inside the body and on aircraft, but before any adhesive will hold, someone has to rough it up, etch it, laser it or grow its skin thicker, and the engineers still don't fully agree on how. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Titanium adhesive bonding No The Bottle That Erases DNA full c1875d60-c679-40c5-aeff-777de4e96b94 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3da431f2 Fri, 06 Nov 2026 21:26:12 -0600 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 388 The cheap liquid under your sink took two centuries of chemistry to make, can wipe out genetic material, and has even been turned into a church's sacrament. The cheap liquid under your sink took two centuries of chemistry to make, can wipe out genetic material, and has even been turned into a church's sacrament. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Bleach No The Coolant That's Worse at Cooling full d62fa608-cfc1-4c5e-b298-093b9ccbdf80 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f1b77931 Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:19:01 -0600 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 334 Antifreeze makes water worse at carrying heat, tastes sweet, can kill in a small dose, and once landed General Motors in court, and it's in almost every car on the road. Antifreeze makes water worse at carrying heat, tastes sweet, can kill in a small dose, and once landed General Motors in court, and it's in almost every car on the road. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Antifreeze No The Hole That Has to Disappear full b3c614a6-3f2f-4a2f-8fb3-b695791c88de https://share.transistor.fm/s/e61c65c2 Wed, 04 Nov 2026 21:24:04 -0600 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 328 Wood putty is mostly wood, yet the hardest part is making it look like wood, and the name half of us call it by is a registered trademark. Wood putty is mostly wood, yet the hardest part is making it look like wood, and the name half of us call it by is a registered trademark. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Wood putty No Paper Pretending to Be Stone full 2c5a075c-535f-47eb-9fe2-e3447ac46ec5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7160d76b Tue, 03 Nov 2026 21:25:13 -0600 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 383 The wipe-clean laminate in your kitchen started life as a stand-in for a mineral in electrical insulation, ran through car gears and warplane propellers, and got caught up in an antitrust case on the way to your counter. The wipe-clean laminate in your kitchen started life as a stand-in for a mineral in electrical insulation, ran through car gears and warplane propellers, and got caught up in an antitrust case on the way to your counter. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Formica (plastic) No The Wall That Moves full f31480c6-84f0-4769-9a8f-9efa95a63274 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8ca469b2 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 21:33:14 -0600 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 353 Why we cut a sliding hole of glass into the back of the house, how it seals itself shut, and how the same idea ended up guarding railway platforms. Why we cut a sliding hole of glass into the back of the house, how it seals itself shut, and how the same idea ended up guarding railway platforms. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Sliding glass door No Beyond the Vinegar Bottle full f8a750eb-ee71-4970-a23a-dfd8ee727e58 https://share.transistor.fm/s/73ad5e2d Sun, 01 Nov 2026 21:58:18 -0600 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 352 A kitchen bottle opens onto the factories, living chemistry and interstellar cloud connected by acetic acid. A kitchen bottle opens onto the factories, living chemistry and interstellar cloud connected by acetic acid. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Acetic acid No Before the Wood Gives Way full 0de3a4ed-f936-4728-aaf1-f8a94ec4c8a9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/54a45c06 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 21:47:09 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 351 Inside patterned wood, fungi lay down colour, draw boundaries, and consume the material a woodworker hopes to keep. Inside patterned wood, fungi lay down colour, draw boundaries, and consume the material a woodworker hopes to keep. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Spalting No Cheerful Wine Music full 82419091-ca7e-4a0d-afe5-9226b6e9a73a https://share.transistor.fm/s/954e1647 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 22:13:18 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 382 From nine cups struck with a stick in 1300 to Benjamin Franklin's glass harmonica and Lizzo playing a crystal flute at the Library of Congress, this is the story of the glass that sings. From nine cups struck with a stick in 1300 to Benjamin Franklin's glass harmonica and Lizzo playing a crystal flute at the Library of Congress, this is the story of the glass that sings. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Glass instrument No Held On by Sugar full 9b2ea91c-8810-4763-9e5f-1a54be8c4b94 https://share.transistor.fm/s/809243c3 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:21:14 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 297 The crisp little logo on a homemade guitar pedal got there by sliding off a sheet of paper on a slick of sugar, and the same sugar is what keeps it from sliding away again. The crisp little logo on a homemade guitar pedal got there by sliding off a sheet of paper on a slick of sugar, and the same sugar is what keeps it from sliding away again. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Water slide decal No A Beard Held On by a Pine Tree full 69d3401c-bc06-4db6-b5b0-bc5ce6043fd1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1eb7fa4d Wed, 28 Oct 2026 21:27:05 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 279 How a little bottle of tree resin and alcohol keeps a beard on a sweating actor's face through a whole show, and why the same sticky stuff turns up on violin bows and pitchers' fingers. How a little bottle of tree resin and alcohol keeps a beard on a sweating actor's face through a whole show, and why the same sticky stuff turns up on violin bows and pitchers' fingers. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Spirit gum No Fifteen Points of Humidity full 03182c8b-1bb0-4d91-84ea-ddc1990fa778 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1abe4043 Tue, 27 Oct 2026 21:20:43 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 366 The glass on your shelf can crack in dry air and sweat in damp air, and the people who look after old glass have to unlearn the spray-and-wipe habit your kitchen taught you. The glass on your shelf can crack in dry air and sweat in damp air, and the people who look after old glass have to unlearn the spray-and-wipe habit your kitchen taught you. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Conservation and restoration of glass objects No Glass That Cuts full 31a417b5-911d-49a7-a31c-4a6d5d8a5c15 https://share.transistor.fm/s/90cc77a3 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 21:45:25 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 394 The invisible engineering behind every skyscraper window and how a simple layer of titanium dioxide makes glass clean itself. The invisible engineering behind every skyscraper window and how a simple layer of titanium dioxide makes glass clean itself. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Architectural glass No Frozen Before It Could Line Up full be78adc7-ac36-4cc6-8fc0-e3202d14c047 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0ebeb2b8 Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:56:03 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 371 A metal with the atomic structure of a window pane: why freezing atoms mid-scramble makes something stronger than steel, why it can still snap without warning, and why some of it is headed for your bones. A metal with the atomic structure of a window pane: why freezing atoms mid-scramble makes something stronger than steel, why it can still snap without warning, and why some of it is headed for your bones. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Amorphous metal No The Glue That Never Switches Off full dd63e58c-67d2-4c5f-8a8c-efb1e01e84e9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0671f90b Fri, 23 Oct 2026 22:23:16 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 327 How a stamp built to survive tropical humidity took over the mail, stained itself yellow, and ended up being rescued by an orange-scented air freshener. How a stamp built to survive tropical humidity took over the mail, stained itself yellow, and ended up being rescued by an orange-scented air freshener. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Self-adhesive stamp No The Sponge That Holds On full 85cc10e7-9a87-47b9-9d98-4ad4059b3fc7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a50364e Thu, 22 Oct 2026 21:22:10 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 344 A sponge made from horse collagen and human blood proteins that, instead of soaking up blood, turns it into glue on the surface of a liver, a blood vessel, or the lining of a brain. A sponge made from horse collagen and human blood proteins that, instead of soaking up blood, turns it into glue on the surface of a liver, a blood vessel, or the lining of a brain. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, TachoSil No Thirty Minutes Before the Match full e12e8a61-bcca-4fc6-814f-d8c81b9bfd57 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2be1f8cd Wed, 21 Oct 2026 21:20:27 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 353 How a bicycle puncture-repair glue turned table tennis paddles into trampolines, and why the sport spent years prying it out of players' hands. How a bicycle puncture-repair glue turned table tennis paddles into trampolines, and why the sport spent years prying it out of players' hands. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Speed glue No The Plastic That Shrinks Nowhere full 00925074-6983-4cb9-a7a5-0391af237d91 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0fd9adc0 Tue, 20 Oct 2026 21:44:50 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 476 Most polymers shrink when they cure. Polybenzoxazine defies this rule, opening a new chapter in high-performance materials. Most polymers shrink when they cure. Polybenzoxazine defies this rule, opening a new chapter in high-performance materials. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Polybenzoxazine No The Floor That Grabs Back full 1e8cd34d-dfb6-42c6-b960-396a4f007985 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3dd403a2 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 20:20:04 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 344 A sticky rectangle at the cleanroom door turns out to be a quiet contest between glue and static, where the disposable layer can shed what it caught and the most serious doorway of all has no evidence the mat helps. A sticky rectangle at the cleanroom door turns out to be a quiet contest between glue and static, where the disposable layer can shed what it caught and the most serious doorway of all has no evidence the mat helps. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Sticky mat No The Slick That Holds Everything full dafd9862-cd9f-43d2-8b3e-0a385fbf0d5c https://share.transistor.fm/s/2dc56fab Sat, 17 Oct 2026 21:22:26 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 387 The same clear goo that lets a sundew trap a fly also soothes a cough, sticks a stamp, holds the soil together and feeds a maize plant in Oaxaca with sweet, dripping roots. The same clear goo that lets a sundew trap a fly also soothes a cough, sticks a stamp, holds the soil together and feeds a maize plant in Oaxaca with sweet, dripping roots. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Mucilage No Two Bars and Twenty-Four Hours full d9393b81-e77a-4a0d-9ab0-20788f19dbe4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3d14958d Fri, 16 Oct 2026 21:24:14 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 327 A pair of putty bars built for patching car bodies ended up carving miniature figures, mending porcelain and plugging holes in boats, all because the people using it found something its makers hadn't planned for. A pair of putty bars built for patching car bodies ended up carving miniature figures, mending porcelain and plugging holes in boats, all because the people using it found something its makers hadn't planned for. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Milliput No The Glue You're Looking Through full db79113b-4604-42cc-af6f-2da842bb6f62 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b03fd98 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:21:08 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 375 Between the glass and the display of a touchscreen sits a layer of liquid glue built to vanish, and its real job is to kill one thin layer of air. Between the glass and the display of a touchscreen sits a layer of liquid glue built to vanish, and its real job is to kill one thin layer of air. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Liquid optically clear adhesive No The Glue That Makes You Wait full ccb62fe9-914c-422c-b4ef-9f12b4b33563 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f74fea31 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 21:18:20 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 358 Impact glue only works once it has stopped looking like glue, and the solvent that has to leave before it grips is the same reason the can carries warnings and the law watches who buys it. Impact glue only works once it has stopped looking like glue, and the solvent that has to leave before it grips is the same reason the can carries warnings and the law watches who buys it. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Impact glue No The Glue Nobody Planted full 45af4efd-109c-4157-90cf-3c9ff10399e3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a79911ff Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:25:19 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 367 The sticky stuff on your stamp and in your soda comes from wild trees in the Sahel, carries a name that records a trade route, and has been fought over for six centuries. The sticky stuff on your stamp and in your soda comes from wild trees in the Sahel, carries a name that records a trade route, and has been fought over for six centuries. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Gum arabic No The Glue That Grows full e8b04c68-93f5-4bcc-9173-602e743d3f09 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ed54a46e Mon, 12 Oct 2026 18:45:46 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 326 How a Danish furniture glue spotted on teak in Indonesia became an Ohio gorilla, picked fights over its name, and ended up owning a hand cream. How a Danish furniture glue spotted on teak in Indonesia became an Ohio gorilla, picked fights over its name, and ended up owning a hand cream. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Gorilla Glue No The Lipstick in Your Pencil Case full b4808b21-9fa7-4a53-8b76-6030facb0eb0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a9c11e9c Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:28:05 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 335 How a German company looked at lipstick, put glue where the colour should be, and made the most ordinary object in every classroom drawer. How a German company looked at lipstick, put glue where the colour should be, and made the most ordinary object in every classroom drawer. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Glue stick No The Glue That Isn't Glue full f1bdc3aa-af3a-4dab-ac05-2a9e06d97b8c https://share.transistor.fm/s/1dfb19fa Sat, 10 Oct 2026 21:22:23 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 312 The little bottle that joined films together for most of the twentieth century never stuck anything to anything: it melted two pieces of plastic into one. The little bottle that joined films together for most of the twentieth century never stuck anything to anything: it melted two pieces of plastic into one. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Film cement No A Clot in Two Vials full b9bca68a-bae6-440d-a904-eb192863ee80 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4b88df9a Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:24:45 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 330 Surgeons seal livers, brain linings and corneas with a glue made from human blood proteins, built to set in under a minute and then be quietly eaten by the body. Surgeons seal livers, brain linings and corneas with a glue made from human blood proteins, built to set in under a minute and then be quietly eaten by the body. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Fibrin glue No The Glue That Makes You Wait full 6369d5bb-f001-42b9-9704-98ebe6ee4d49 https://share.transistor.fm/s/de5b17c3 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:23:17 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 331 How a squeezable white resin built from formaldehyde and urea replaced melted animal glue in India, turned its own name into a noun, and ended up publishing furniture books along the way. How a squeezable white resin built from formaldehyde and urea replaced melted animal glue in India, turned its own name into a noun, and ended up publishing furniture books along the way. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Fevicol No A Fold That Lasts a Few Hours full 8eb3fd8a-f761-4eda-a8c8-b2b194e30fe2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0257faaa Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:22:43 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 301 A small bottle of water-soluble glue, a plastic prong and a minute of waiting add a crease to an eyelid, then the crease gives out a few hours later. A small bottle of water-soluble glue, a plastic prong and a minute of waiting add a crease to an eyelid, then the crease gives out a few hours later. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Eyelid glue No Two Lumps of Clay That Turn to Stone full 7497eca2-2fe9-495b-a778-c8d0f41ad703 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba3339c7 Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:18:50 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 327 How two lumps of putty, kneaded together until they turn warm, become a solid that won't melt and ends up on wind turbine blades and in the seams of tiny painted figures as "green stuff." How two lumps of putty, kneaded together until they turn warm, become a solid that won't melt and ends up on wind turbine blades and in the seams of tiny painted figures as "green stuff." the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Epoxy putty No The Glue That Can Catch Fire full c7addeab-6f4f-477f-89a0-2fe795baa44f https://share.transistor.fm/s/f1d4ed94 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:23:17 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 404 The two-part glue in your kitchen drawer runs a reaction that makes its own heat, holds aircraft together, protects drinking-water pipes, sits inside nearly every circuit board, and can set its own cup on fire if you mix too much at once. The two-part glue in your kitchen drawer runs a reaction that makes its own heat, holds aircraft together, protects drinking-water pipes, sits inside nearly every circuit board, and can set its own cup on fire if you mix too much at once. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Epoxy No The Glue That Carries a Current full 63162184-4119-42d2-a146-cd05b8d8eb76 https://share.transistor.fm/s/91c6444b Sun, 04 Oct 2026 21:24:00 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 318 How a glue that's about eighty percent metal can mend a broken car-window heater, ground a sample in an electron microscope, and turn a plastic box into a shield. How a glue that's about eighty percent metal can mend a broken car-window heater, ground a sample in an electron microscope, and turn a plastic box into a shield. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Electrically conductive adhesive No The Glue That Carries Current full 98f8a821-93c4-4832-ad65-a34859c9a0f4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba141d56 Sun, 04 Oct 2026 09:44:25 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 319 A glue that's about four-fifths metal or graphite can repair a car's rear-window heater, connect delicate parts without solder and line plastic boxes to make shields. A glue that's about four-fifths metal or graphite can repair a car's rear-window heater, connect delicate parts without solder and line plastic boxes to make shields. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Electrically conductive adhesive No The Glue Behind the Sealed Well full 40b107ee-42d5-418e-b3dc-144a7af2960d https://share.transistor.fm/s/cd69fa49 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:23:28 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 368 In Dong'e County a well was kept sealed and opened only to make a donkey-skin glue for the emperor, and today that same glue is emptying donkey herds from Botswana to Brazil. In Dong'e County a well was kept sealed and opened only to make a donkey-skin glue for the emperor, and today that same glue is emptying donkey herds from Botswana to Brazil. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Donkey-hide gelatin No The Glue Nobody Wanted full 1d1a7569-c10d-46b7-8bc4-66607a31db4a https://share.transistor.fm/s/c2552f69 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 21:27:31 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 359 Super glue started out as a failed wartime search for clear plastic gun sights, and the same stickiness that got it shelved later put it in battlefield medical kits, emergency rooms, crime labs and reef tanks. Super glue started out as a failed wartime search for clear plastic gun sights, and the same stickiness that got it shelved later put it in battlefield medical kits, emergency rooms, crime labs and reef tanks. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Cyanoacrylate No Stuck to Everything full 37e70b98-1f58-4a02-8ada-bc7b46a48e20 https://share.transistor.fm/s/95c73b97 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:56:26 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 369 The glue in your kitchen drawer started out as a wartime failure, and it went on to close wounds, pull invisible fingerprints into view and hold coral in place. The glue in your kitchen drawer started out as a wartime failure, and it went on to close wounds, pull invisible fingerprints into view and hold coral in place. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Cyanoacrylate No The Glue That's Secretly a Tree full 25075dcf-8a4a-4703-80d3-c645c4496c7f https://share.transistor.fm/s/1dfd865c Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:05:41 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 297 Copydex smells of ammonia, peels off your fingers in little grey balls, and turns out to be tree sap that's been kept from setting, right up until you open the jar. Copydex smells of ammonia, peels off your fingers in little grey balls, and turns out to be tree sap that's been kept from setting, right up until you open the jar. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Copydex No The Paste That Holds Hands full 4bd7e70e-211f-4815-a55a-f890b056a02a https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b4e89af Tue, 29 Sep 2026 21:05:49 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 291 Clag, the almond-scented white paste from the pot with the brush in the lid, is really just starch and water, and it sticks to paper because the two are close chemical relatives. Clag, the almond-scented white paste from the pot with the brush in the lid, is really just starch and water, and it sticks to paper because the two are close chemical relatives. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Clag (glue) No The Paste That Remembers It Was Bread full 10fa85f0-90aa-47b8-a152-b8a7bdfe0102 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d2dd7327 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:45:01 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 311 Clag, the white school paste you remember in the little pot, is closer to a slice of bread than to a superglue, and it only sticks to things made from the same stuff it is. Clag, the white school paste you remember in the little pot, is closer to a slice of bread than to a superglue, and it only sticks to things made from the same stuff it is. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Clag (glue) No The Tree That Glued Science Together full 30edb235-3bff-45f4-8531-9459446175f3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5046a4af Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:05:15 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 285 How a sticky resin from Canadian pine trees became the essential glue for microscopes, telescopes, and polarized light — and how it's being replaced by synthetic polymers. How a sticky resin from Canadian pine trees became the essential glue for microscopes, telescopes, and polarized light — and how it's being replaced by synthetic polymers. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Canada balsam No The Glue That Holds Joints Together full 5048f417-8b54-4bba-ba28-34d1caa0180b https://share.transistor.fm/s/da2373d6 Sun, 27 Sep 2026 20:31:12 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 283 The acrylic cement anchoring millions of artificial joints every year is made from the same chemistry as your fish tank. A medical technology that generates 80-degree heat inside the body and recently collapsed because of a supply chain hiccup. The acrylic cement anchoring millions of artificial joints every year is made from the same chemistry as your fish tank. A medical technology that generates 80-degree heat inside the body and recently collapsed because of a supply chain hiccup. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Bone cement No The Plastic That Holds Your Hip Together full b3fb358b-738e-439f-bda0-3cbba097aa42 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d0043ff4 Sun, 27 Sep 2026 03:11:02 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 192 The stuff anchoring millions of artificial joints every year is made from the same chemistry as aquarium tanks and eyeglass frames. The stuff anchoring millions of artificial joints every year is made from the same chemistry as aquarium tanks and eyeglass frames. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Bone cement No The Plastic That Holds You Together full 508ea509-db13-4c07-8d85-36757bc4013b https://share.transistor.fm/s/64e6fe0f Sun, 27 Sep 2026 02:54:23 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 220 A look at the acrylic cement anchoring millions of artificial joints, and how it evolved from a 1940s skull patch. A look at the acrylic cement anchoring millions of artificial joints, and how it evolved from a 1940s skull patch. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Bone cement No What Holds It All Together full 8d0d3ee7-6dcf-4144-9913-f9257a3cc216 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6911ef68 Thu, 24 Sep 2026 19:59:55 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 242 From medieval paint to rocket fuel, a hidden material class is quietly holding civilization together. From medieval paint to rocket fuel, a hidden material class is quietly holding civilization together. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Binder (material) No The Sticky Science of Insect Feet full f98ae9cc-f53b-42d2-ad1f-761c0f937aba https://share.transistor.fm/s/a273678d Wed, 23 Sep 2026 21:04:40 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 151 How insects stick to walls using invisible forces and microscopic hairs, and what engineers are learning from their feet. How insects stick to walls using invisible forces and microscopic hairs, and what engineers are learning from their feet. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Arthropod adhesion No The Sticky Secret of Insects full 0783b8df-c11c-4aa0-8d32-66edbb3b9ca4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0d3c7888 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:04:50 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 162 Why insects cling to glass — and what their pads can teach us about adhesion. Why insects cling to glass — and what their pads can teach us about adhesion. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Arthropod adhesion No The Horse Factory full 6a20a254-a631-444d-9d0e-6e5fb11e3372 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bf3c5813 Mon, 21 Sep 2026 21:06:16 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 270 When people used to say a horse got sent to the glue factory, they meant it literally — boiling connective tissue into the world's most ancient adhesive. When people used to say a horse got sent to the glue factory, they meant it literally — boiling connective tissue into the world's most ancient adhesive. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Animal glue No The Glue That Built a Warplane full f28ffe38-ef46-42d7-a8fa-fdabbe4a873e https://share.transistor.fm/s/2bf6bd4a Sun, 20 Sep 2026 21:03:49 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 142 A glue so strong it was used to build fighter planes during World War II. A glue so strong it was used to build fighter planes during World War II. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Aerolite (adhesive) No The Solvent That Dissolves Stamps full 47dca97f-283c-4747-8d88-173cdc1168bb https://share.transistor.fm/s/734543c1 Sat, 19 Sep 2026 21:04:28 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 239 Adhesive remover isn't just a chemical soak — it's a carefully balanced mixture of solvents and gelling agents designed to dissolve glue while holding its position on the surface. Adhesive remover isn't just a chemical soak — it's a carefully balanced mixture of solvents and gelling agents designed to dissolve glue while holding its position on the surface. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Adhesive remover No Gluing Steel Together full 6be6123f-4cb1-4c8a-83b2-55b314687cb0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/61ff3c5e Fri, 18 Sep 2026 21:06:24 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 255 Structural adhesive bonding distributes loads more evenly than bolts but faces a steep uphill battle against decades of engineering codes built around welding. Structural adhesive bonding distributes loads more evenly than bolts but faces a steep uphill battle against decades of engineering codes built around welding. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Adhesive bonding in structural steel applications No The Glue That Holds Steel Together full d493adc0-da27-4b23-8695-8cedef98313f https://share.transistor.fm/s/9b9d4ad4 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 06:13:52 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 199 How adhesives are quietly changing structural steel construction, and why the industry still doesn't trust them. How adhesives are quietly changing structural steel construction, and why the industry still doesn't trust them. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Adhesive bonding in structural steel applications No The Glue Behind the Glue full 8b735a3f-26ea-4ac2-a5cd-1801fdecf616 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cbb5a60d Wed, 16 Sep 2026 23:05:28 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 195 The invisible chemical bridges holding your world together, from car bumpers to smartphones. The invisible chemical bridges holding your world together, from car bumpers to smartphones. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Adhesion promoter No Zari: Gold You Can Feel full 5e276656-4e0e-4815-b651-cf8a8f66d8be https://share.transistor.fm/s/cc95f60c Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:06:09 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 203 How silk wrapped in silver and gilded with gold became the backbone of South Asian textile art, and how the industrial revolution turned precious metal into polyester. How silk wrapped in silver and gilded with gold became the backbone of South Asian textile art, and how the industrial revolution turned precious metal into polyester. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Zari No The Twist That Holds Us Together full ccc3a9f6-addd-4abe-8fde-00cf54f1aac0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/90bf07b8 Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:07:16 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 261 We unwrap the ancient, engineered, and surprisingly messy science behind the simple strand of yarn in your drawer. We unwrap the ancient, engineered, and surprisingly messy science behind the simple strand of yarn in your drawer. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Yarn No The Fibers That Forgot full 061cd262-bdd8-4774-9a6b-67e870094d7a https://share.transistor.fm/s/fb553add Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:06:23 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 276 A deep dive into wood wool, the shredded log slivers that once stuffed mattresses and cooled homes, only to vanish from trade stats and reappear as modern erosion control. A deep dive into wood wool, the shredded log slivers that once stuffed mattresses and cooled homes, only to vanish from trade stats and reappear as modern erosion control. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Wood wool No The Root That Built a Nation full bbabee18-c178-436d-bc26-c9b9730691c0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/91ae7fcd Sat, 12 Sep 2026 23:05:07 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 207 A deep dive into watap, the spruce-root thread that stitched birchbark canoes, stored food, recorded history, and literally drew the border between nations. A deep dive into watap, the spruce-root thread that stitched birchbark canoes, stored food, recorded history, and literally drew the border between nations. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Watap No The Fibrous Secret of Walis full b0139031-f286-4c1d-859c-848c2a3f5fcd https://share.transistor.fm/s/60e1dfff Fri, 11 Sep 2026 23:04:43 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 289 We peel back the layers of the humble walis to reveal how a single fiber transforms water, dirt, and human effort into clean floors. We peel back the layers of the humble walis to reveal how a single fiber transforms water, dirt, and human effort into clean floors. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Walis (fiber) No The Red Paper That Outlasts Plastic full 97c0f6a2-bf64-4815-9dd9-e67fd18584f1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d901a17 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:06:33 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 316 A deep dive into vulcanized fibre, the 150-year-old cellulose laminate that is tougher than leather, lighter than aluminium, and made from nothing but paper and salt. A deep dive into vulcanized fibre, the 150-year-old cellulose laminate that is tougher than leather, lighter than aluminium, and made from nothing but paper and salt. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Vulcanized fibre No The Red Sheet full 9e776384-7a63-44d9-9f8c-dab1aa06739d https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c6ed7d1 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:35:33 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 261 A journey into the dense, laminated history of vulcanized fibre, from Victorian pipe seals to the future of all-cellulose composites. A journey into the dense, laminated history of vulcanized fibre, from Victorian pipe seals to the future of all-cellulose composites. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Vulcanized fibre No The Air That Tangles full 0ced9c8e-9cb0-49a5-a0ea-6de30c3aeadf https://share.transistor.fm/s/530463c1 Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:04:44 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 214 A high-pressure blast of air turns smooth plastic filaments into a fabric that feels like wool, proving that turbulence is the secret to texture. A high-pressure blast of air turns smooth plastic filaments into a fabric that feels like wool, proving that turbulence is the secret to texture. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Taslanizing No The Ridges That Hold the World full 58a6a99c-96e1-47e7-9917-eb15990a98b8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0c8b2ec2 Sun, 06 Sep 2026 23:04:32 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 201 A look at how the microscopic ridges and valleys on a single fiber determine the softness of your sweater, the lint on your floor, and the very comfort of the clothes you wear. A look at how the microscopic ridges and valleys on a single fiber determine the softness of your sweater, the lint on your floor, and the very comfort of the clothes you wear. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Surface contour No The Shape of Touch full c503794f-5b04-4d45-b141-cecb0592cb42 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c457f2e Sun, 06 Sep 2026 11:30:17 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 249 A deep dive into how the microscopic ridges, scales, and valleys on a fiber's surface dictate the softness, friction, and durability of everything we wear. A deep dive into how the microscopic ridges, scales, and valleys on a fiber's surface dictate the softness, friction, and durability of everything we wear. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Surface contour No The Shirt That Burned full 14c86fb6-666d-4171-bc84-b819cebbb02f https://share.transistor.fm/s/459a3ee6 Sat, 05 Sep 2026 23:05:13 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 236 A short story about a wartime cloth made from wood that fell apart in four washes but helped fuel a global conflict. A short story about a wartime cloth made from wood that fell apart in four washes but helped fuel a global conflict. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Sufu No The Twist That Holds the World full 3764f1c7-9d85-4f98-9dc9-aef5fd8f5a38 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4d50903b Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:08:14 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 280 From prehistoric drills to piano wire, this episode peels back the simple twist of string to reveal a history of human ingenuity and a physics lesson hidden in plain sight. From prehistoric drills to piano wire, this episode peels back the simple twist of string to reveal a history of human ingenuity and a physics lesson hidden in plain sight. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, String No The Invisible Muscle full 7ca5ad28-eea3-4393-b804-98cff0367edd https://share.transistor.fm/s/b3f606be Thu, 03 Sep 2026 23:06:20 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 326 Discover the contractile actin bundles that let your non-muscle cells pull, push, and hold together, revealing the hidden mechanics of your body's architecture. Discover the contractile actin bundles that let your non-muscle cells pull, push, and hold together, revealing the hidden mechanics of your body's architecture. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Stress fiber No The Cables Inside Your Cells full b0df8372-73e3-49bd-a177-b48a9eb20cee https://share.transistor.fm/s/42ea320f Thu, 03 Sep 2026 12:53:09 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 412 Discover how invisible actin cables pull your cells into shape, grip the world, and migrate through tissue. Discover how invisible actin cables pull your cells into shape, grip the world, and migrate through tissue. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Stress fiber No The Invisible Cables of Your Cells full 16bf564f-2a61-4e4b-b806-f1e7566e8275 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe6d1c06 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:11:06 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 223 Unveiling the hidden actomyosin cables that pull your cells into shape, drive their movement, and sense the physical world around them. Unveiling the hidden actomyosin cables that pull your cells into shape, drive their movement, and sense the physical world around them. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Stress fiber No The Cut That Makes Cloth full 8c0936ec-0b18-453b-ba95-894943ab57d6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3ffa3957 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 23:05:45 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 321 Why the length of a single fiber determines if your shirt is rough or silk, and how we learned to measure the invisible. Why the length of a single fiber determines if your shirt is rough or silk, and how we learned to measure the invisible. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Staple (textiles) No The Material That Thinks full 9609b930-7328-40e5-ac22-ee6210342786 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f1e3c9e7 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:05:05 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 254 Why the plastic in your car dashboard holds more structural intelligence than the steel in your bridge, and why that shift is rewriting the rules of engineering. Why the plastic in your car dashboard holds more structural intelligence than the steel in your bridge, and why that shift is rewriting the rules of engineering. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Solidonia No The Plastic That Breathes full 47169b0e-eb08-4081-9fb1-ac33928bd69f https://share.transistor.fm/s/acee1885 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 07:20:08 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 263 How a single carbon-carbon bond in a polymer chain allows solidonia to shatter heat and humidity into breathable air, solving the sticky problem of modern synthetic fabrics. How a single carbon-carbon bond in a polymer chain allows solidonia to shatter heat and humidity into breathable air, solving the sticky problem of modern synthetic fabrics. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Solidonia No The Wool of the Sea full 5910c536-a301-43e6-8797-090bf7a304a7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/075222aa Sun, 30 Aug 2026 23:08:36 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 509 A dive into the fragile, golden fibers harvested from the feet of mussels, a fabric so rare that its survival is now measured in centuries. A dive into the fragile, golden fibers harvested from the feet of mussels, a fabric so rare that its survival is now measured in centuries. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Sea silk No The Fabric of the Dead full 46dedd59-f1dc-4ec0-800a-bc772c5913bf https://share.transistor.fm/s/531980a4 Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:37:22 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 268 A deep dive into sambe, the Korean hemp cloth that outlasted empires but nearly vanished with the people who knew how to weave it. A deep dive into sambe, the Korean hemp cloth that outlasted empires but nearly vanished with the people who knew how to weave it. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Sambe No The Softest Sharp Edge full 24b8209d-2720-4521-9254-a6e55fd13cda https://share.transistor.fm/s/119456c7 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 23:04:45 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 273 How a strip of cotton cloth became the unsung hero of modern surgery, protecting patients from the tiny cuts that cause most hospital infections. How a strip of cotton cloth became the unsung hero of modern surgery, protecting patients from the tiny cuts that cause most hospital infections. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Rolag No The Silent Wire full 7db2d52f-8085-46ea-a06b-4aa01e314386 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f58e5daf Wed, 26 Aug 2026 17:11:02 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 265 A deep dive into the invisible backbone of high-speed data and extreme heat resistance, crafted from pure silicon and fire. A deep dive into the invisible backbone of high-speed data and extreme heat resistance, crafted from pure silicon and fire. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Quartz fiber No The Acid That Made Cloth See-Through full 28b46729-bfb0-427a-a5ab-c91d7a8df28b https://share.transistor.fm/s/10140c23 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 23:03:40 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 255 A dive into the 19th-century chemical trick that turns ordinary cotton into a stiff, translucent sheet, and the ancient history that inspired it. A dive into the 19th-century chemical trick that turns ordinary cotton into a stiff, translucent sheet, and the ancient history that inspired it. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Parchmentising No The Acid That Turns Cloth to Glass full 8ac6698f-b93f-4f62-9ac3-d0a5fa98b866 https://share.transistor.fm/s/63759952 Mon, 24 Aug 2026 04:43:12 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 249 Discover how a nineteenth-century chemist used sulfuric acid to transform flimsy cotton into a stiff, translucent fabric, echoing ancient writing materials. Discover how a nineteenth-century chemist used sulfuric acid to transform flimsy cotton into a stiff, translucent fabric, echoing ancient writing materials. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Parchmentising No The Invisible Mesh full 6cb1bb83-565e-4236-99bc-01ba374bd8b8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1514b304 Sat, 22 Aug 2026 23:12:25 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 356 A look at the microscopic fibers that mimic bone and carry drugs, and the four-hundred-year-old physics that makes them possible. A look at the microscopic fibers that mimic bone and carry drugs, and the four-hundred-year-old physics that makes them possible. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Nanofiber No The Shape of Silk full 307e8637-56cf-41ae-a049-26b71279f833 https://share.transistor.fm/s/473042eb Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:05:06 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 225 How a splash of caustic soda and a stretch of time turns rough cotton into a fabric that shines like silk. How a splash of caustic soda and a stretch of time turns rough cotton into a fabric that shines like silk. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Mercerisation No The Static Snow of Your Wardrobe full 1ae655eb-95c9-4333-8345-085aa1797294 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ff65f9d Thu, 20 Aug 2026 17:03:57 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 262 A deep dive into the flammable, forensic, and medical history hidden in the fluffy debris of your daily life. A deep dive into the flammable, forensic, and medical history hidden in the fluffy debris of your daily life. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Lint (material) No The Static Map full 88ed56c1-bdb2-4869-be97-500bd3bd3793 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2571ec26 Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:41:18 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 321 Discover how the fluffy debris in your pockets and dryer trap is actually a forensic record of your day, a fire hazard, and a medical tool with a 3,500-year history. Discover how the fluffy debris in your pockets and dryer trap is actually a forensic record of your day, a fire hazard, and a medical tool with a 3,500-year history. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Lint (material) No The Rope in the Leaf full 800a998a-b199-4ad7-a716-5808a2c8868e https://share.transistor.fm/s/99e3b571 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:53:52 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 284 A deep dive into why the toughest plant fibers come from leaves, not stems, and the labor-intensive process that keeps them from replacing synthetic synthetics. A deep dive into why the toughest plant fibers come from leaves, not stems, and the labor-intensive process that keeps them from replacing synthetic synthetics. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Leaf fiber No The Nanoscale Glue full 698649c5-9ce5-4fb4-8ff5-c06056ecd99e https://share.transistor.fm/s/1bcc7450 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 17:53:27 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 333 Discover why the invisible threads holding your body together are actually stronger when they are wet, and how a million tiny hairs can mimic a gecko’s grip. Discover why the invisible threads holding your body together are actually stronger when they are wet, and how a million tiny hairs can mimic a gecko’s grip. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Fibril No The Iron That Isn't full ef10dcf5-5b7d-42f8-be3d-a502fbb9f8fc https://share.transistor.fm/s/cc824e62 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:33:47 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 220 Unpacking the secret behind the glossy, indestructible thread that built a city's economy and shaped modernist design, without a single atom of metal. Unpacking the secret behind the glossy, indestructible thread that built a city's economy and shaped modernist design, without a single atom of metal. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Eisengarn No Bleached by Winter full b1baba83-9f72-4fc1-84c0-799652ca9f38 https://share.transistor.fm/s/855c4bb7 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:03:25 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 224 The secret history of a Japanese fabric that uses snow and sun to achieve its impossible whiteness. The secret history of a Japanese fabric that uses snow and sun to achieve its impossible whiteness. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Echigo-jofu No The Shirt That Shrinks full 69fbb2ce-f01b-4e12-901e-f78548e976c6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c1fe24d7 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 22:03:53 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 258 Why your favorite sweater gets smaller in the wash and the 18th-century secrets behind keeping clothes their size. Why your favorite sweater gets smaller in the wash and the 18th-century secrets behind keeping clothes their size. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Dimensional stability (fabric) No The Hidden Geometry of Touch full 63527a64-7c50-4dba-9cfe-2f27aab3d4c4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6522db0c Tue, 11 Aug 2026 22:03:27 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 242 Why your clothes feel the way they do comes down to the microscopic shape of the fibers, from the spinneret to the silk gland. Why your clothes feel the way they do comes down to the microscopic shape of the fibers, from the spinneret to the silk gland. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Cross section (fiber) No Alkali–silica reaction full 47166f39-58f0-4682-92ec-1477c0a55cd4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ad7e7a35 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:25:34 -0500 Rick Hernandez Rick Hernandez 164 Why some concrete cracks over time and how science explains this chemical reaction Why some concrete cracks over time and how science explains this chemical reaction the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Teasel’s Heir full be42a5f2-5058-4834-9818-f80e9d4d9535 https://share.transistor.fm/s/eef86ea6 Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:03:55 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 251 How a prehistoric plant seed head evolved into the metal-toothed machines that spin your winter coat. How a prehistoric plant seed head evolved into the metal-toothed machines that spin your winter coat. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Carding No The Wire That Holds the Sky full 96787824-48b7-4b40-a362-f48323a9d5d8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/75bb0ac1 Sun, 09 Aug 2026 22:03:32 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 232 From golf clubs to fighter jets, a microscopic layer of amorphous boron changed how we build strong things. From golf clubs to fighter jets, a microscopic layer of amorphous boron changed how we build strong things. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Boron fiber No The Wire That Built a Fighter Jet full e27fb098-8f2c-4e9d-b44a-f4a99bb12b43 https://share.transistor.fm/s/671d7330 Sun, 09 Aug 2026 12:22:39 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 34 Boron fiber is the silent, ultra-strong backbone of aerospace history, grown atom by atom on a tungsten wire in a process that defies intuition. Boron fiber is the silent, ultra-strong backbone of aerospace history, grown atom by atom on a tungsten wire in a process that defies intuition. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Boron fiber No The Invisible Wire full 182b637b-61b5-4a24-bdd4-82c2de57eadd https://share.transistor.fm/s/fdec8ba0 Sun, 09 Aug 2026 06:47:48 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 259 How a brittle metal wire becomes the backbone of fighter jets and golf clubs through a single, amorphous skin. How a brittle metal wire becomes the backbone of fighter jets and golf clubs through a single, amorphous skin. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Boron fiber No The Fiber That Couldn't Compete full 7ab287fa-d961-49c5-88c0-9750d19c3a27 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6f067790 Fri, 07 Aug 2026 22:03:41 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 248 Anidex was a synthetic fiber with superior durability to spandex, yet it vanished from the market because being tough wasn't enough to sell it. Anidex was a synthetic fiber with superior durability to spandex, yet it vanished from the market because being tough wasn't enough to sell it. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Anidex No The Fast-Growing Forest full 0bfe5fe4-05ae-4e9d-8a08-b0b0a84ec85d https://share.transistor.fm/s/853e86f4 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 22:03:22 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 202 We trace the hidden strength of field crops that replace trees, from the microbes that rot away plant tissue to the 18th-century jurist who invented ink removal. We trace the hidden strength of field crops that replace trees, from the microbes that rot away plant tissue to the 18th-century jurist who invented ink removal. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Fiber crop No The Thread That Bore the Weight full 064ccb7e-2b66-4cb7-9764-132fa6c5dc95 https://share.transistor.fm/s/12010d50 Wed, 05 Aug 2026 22:04:36 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 242 From a failed light bulb filament to the backbone of modern aerospace, the story of carbon fiber is one of expensive mistakes and atomic precision. From a failed light bulb filament to the backbone of modern aerospace, the story of carbon fiber is one of expensive mistakes and atomic precision. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Carbon fibers No The Prism in Your Sweater full ef1f5b54-8d1c-4a55-84bd-70cb2e4fc0d9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/05830554 Tue, 04 Aug 2026 22:17:06 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 234 From the microscopic scales of wool to the billion-dollar secret of spider silk, the hidden architecture of animal fibers. From the microscopic scales of wool to the billion-dollar secret of spider silk, the hidden architecture of animal fibers. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things, Animal fiber No The Hidden Physics of Dust full 94c5fffc-b043-4e13-b51b-b24258cece69 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9a9f8871 Mon, 03 Aug 2026 23:45:17 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 247 We explore the surprising science behind everyday dust, revealing how static electricity, skin cells, and cosmic debris create the invisible layer that coats our homes. We explore the surprising science behind everyday dust, revealing how static electricity, skin cells, and cosmic debris create the invisible layer that coats our homes. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Invisible Architecture full 8e270b5d-4e27-4361-9cf1-6416215537f7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/69a2a87c Sun, 02 Aug 2026 22:06:24 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 279 We walk through a world held together by invisible forces, yet we never notice the delicate dance of atoms that keeps our coffee cups from shattering under our hands. We walk through a world held together by invisible forces, yet we never notice the delicate dance of atoms that keeps our coffee cups from shattering under our hands. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Frozen Liquid Myth full 7fc10045-89af-4b9e-9103-91991c0f6565 https://share.transistor.fm/s/10ddc15b Sat, 01 Aug 2026 02:05:54 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 214 We unravel the molecular mystery of glass, dispelling the myth that it is a slow-moving liquid and revealing why this chaotic solid holds our digital world together. We unravel the molecular mystery of glass, dispelling the myth that it is a slow-moving liquid and revealing why this chaotic solid holds our digital world together. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Sticky Truth of Water full 7c12cd42-8584-4df4-9434-c315c2d349a4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b1eb8f94 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 02:08:30 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 246 Why water clings to everything, from your skin to the leaves of a fern, revealing the invisible forces that shape our daily lives. Why water clings to everything, from your skin to the leaves of a fern, revealing the invisible forces that shape our daily lives. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Defiant Crystal full 8ea2d0d7-fa8a-4420-9a0c-c819ddacb8e1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/73a1081a Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:05:58 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 236 Why water breaks the rules of physics to keep our world alive, one floating cube at a time. Why water breaks the rules of physics to keep our world alive, one floating cube at a time. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Lie of the Touch full 494bd8ed-b5dc-437b-8cef-22f9dffb7d35 https://share.transistor.fm/s/937080b6 Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:12:39 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 266 Why that doorknob feels like ice has nothing to do with the weather and everything to do with your own body heat. Why that doorknob feels like ice has nothing to do with the weather and everything to do with your own body heat. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Invisible Wall full ac1b0022-49ef-4ee7-9af2-3e2cfbe48954 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4f5cd15e Tue, 28 Jul 2026 05:24:40 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 264 We look through glass every day, but the physics of why light passes through it is a quantum dance that defies simple explanation. We look through glass every day, but the physics of why light passes through it is a quantum dance that defies simple explanation. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Hidden Architecture of Things full 99b64797-f7eb-4e15-b3b4-40487d6aaea2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/50887e7f Mon, 27 Jul 2026 02:18:50 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 274 We explore the invisible atomic bonds that hold our world together, revealing why a glass shatters while a rubber band stretches. We explore the invisible atomic bonds that hold our world together, revealing why a glass shatters while a rubber band stretches. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Hidden Architecture of the Mundane full 39ad454a-4b99-4d6a-8502-2ebaf076a378 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5e9dadf Sun, 26 Jul 2026 02:18:24 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 246 A look at how the invisible physics of everyday objects shapes our reality, from the stickiness of tape to the fragility of glass. A look at how the invisible physics of everyday objects shapes our reality, from the stickiness of tape to the fragility of glass. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Hidden Architecture of Your Couch full 25e1d3d0-c786-4186-8ef3-55cc213f6f76 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6998c0c7 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 02:19:19 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 269 A warm, wry exploration of how the invisible bonds in everyday materials shape our daily lives, from the stiffness of your morning toast to the flexibility of your favorite jeans. A warm, wry exploration of how the invisible bonds in everyday materials shape our daily lives, from the stiffness of your morning toast to the flexibility of your favorite jeans. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Hidden Architecture of Your Keys full 880877c8-f10d-47d4-a846-eff848681833 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aef20a62 Sat, 25 Jul 2026 01:02:05 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 229 We pull apart the invisible bonds holding your everyday objects together, revealing how atomic arrangements dictate the fate of everything from your coffee mug to your smartphone. We pull apart the invisible bonds holding your everyday objects together, revealing how atomic arrangements dictate the fate of everything from your coffee mug to your smartphone. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No Floating Secrets: Why Ice Defies Gravity full 5e678b90-62d8-48ee-8397-93fb46b75e9e https://share.transistor.fm/s/25ae27f6 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 02:19:28 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 256 Ice floats because frozen water expands into a lighter, open lattice—a tiny molecular trick with big consequences for lakes, climate, and everyday life. Ice floats because frozen water expands into a lighter, open lattice—a tiny molecular trick with big consequences for lakes, climate, and everyday life. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No When Metal Steals the Warmth full 140bc321-d248-404a-a268-19e97dbf26b4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/17a38ec2 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 02:31:50 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 187 From a doorknob’s bite to the science of heat flow, we uncover why metal feels cold and why it matters. From a doorknob’s bite to the science of heat flow, we uncover why metal feels cold and why it matters. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No Through the Glass full 39d80885-e506-4259-9680-59a748460205 https://share.transistor.fm/s/580e68cd Mon, 20 Jul 2026 02:37:05 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 231 We peel back the silent physics that lets a hard pane become a clear window to light, energy, and the world. We peel back the silent physics that lets a hard pane become a clear window to light, energy, and the world. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Secret Life of the Things You Touch full 7cbe783c-381f-4d4c-bf65-74680a09ef16 https://share.transistor.fm/s/786d61a1 Sun, 19 Jul 2026 02:40:18 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 309 Discover how invisible atomic choreography makes a coffee mug both sturdy and surprisingly fragile. Discover how invisible atomic choreography makes a coffee mug both sturdy and surprisingly fragile. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Secret Life of Everyday Things full 8024975d-bf1e-4dc6-b452-d62f5860dd57 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dcb23253 Sat, 18 Jul 2026 02:39:31 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 281 A crack in a loaf, a rubber band's stretch, and the foam in a couch all reveal the hidden physics that shapes our daily world. A crack in a loaf, a rubber band's stretch, and the foam in a couch all reveal the hidden physics that shapes our daily world. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No Through the Looking Glass full 354ee809-160e-48b7-a4d2-cb14161d68ed https://share.transistor.fm/s/b31fbd9e Thu, 16 Jul 2026 02:41:20 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 276 A clear‑cut dive into how glass lets light pass, bends under time, and powers the world around us. A clear‑cut dive into how glass lets light pass, bends under time, and powers the world around us. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Slip of Wetness full 1cadfa50-94dd-4371-a88a-5b88d6aa233d https://share.transistor.fm/s/af461c59 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 02:38:30 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 260 A splashy deep‑dive into why water makes things wet and what that reveals about the world around us. A splashy deep‑dive into why water makes things wet and what that reveals about the world around us. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Lightness of Ice: Why It Floats full 5abb0631-a0ae-48ba-8ae5-7164fbab9aa6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/170fe97d Tue, 14 Jul 2026 02:36:45 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 269 A frozen sheet rides on water because of a hidden molecular dance, and that quirk keeps ecosystems, climate, and daily life afloat. A frozen sheet rides on water because of a hidden molecular dance, and that quirk keeps ecosystems, climate, and daily life afloat. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Chill of Metal full 08231834-332c-49b1-8574-13363adf4ed7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/553218df Mon, 13 Jul 2026 05:15:43 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 243 Why a metal doorknob feels like a bite of frost—and what that tells us about heat, skin and design. Why a metal doorknob feels like a bite of frost—and what that tells us about heat, skin and design. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Invisible Wall full 88086ddd-4594-4d9a-91fd-b65db01c3d16 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f2d5e278 Sun, 12 Jul 2026 02:42:06 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 226 Why does light pass through glass while stone holds it back? A journey into atomic structure. Why does light pass through glass while stone holds it back? A journey into atomic structure. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Hidden Architecture of Your Coffee Cup full 002d4738-3098-4c79-ad08-27728b073f25 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fbb2c5c2 Sat, 11 Jul 2026 02:11:05 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 187 Why does a ceramic mug hold heat while glass shatters? The answer lies in the chaotic dance of atoms, and it changes how you see the world. Why does a ceramic mug hold heat while glass shatters? The answer lies in the chaotic dance of atoms, and it changes how you see the world. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Hidden Architecture of the Everyday full a1785ede-03fc-46d0-ac82-224d1a91f53d https://share.transistor.fm/s/5dd1778e Fri, 10 Jul 2026 02:19:42 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 210 We assume the world is solid and static, but a closer look reveals a dynamic, interconnected web of forces shaping our daily reality. We assume the world is solid and static, but a closer look reveals a dynamic, interconnected web of forces shaping our daily reality. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Secret Life of Stuff full 14ca24ec-996a-4b06-9740-9f65c071d434 https://share.transistor.fm/s/78df4d93 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 02:27:57 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 237 Why your coffee cup feels warm, why glass breaks, and how the invisible architecture of everyday materials shapes your world. Why your coffee cup feels warm, why glass breaks, and how the invisible architecture of everyday materials shapes your world. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Solid That Forgot to Freeze full 7e641454-d03b-4847-a811-aadd3e6d217b https://share.transistor.fm/s/9be8cdd9 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 10:07:13 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 233 Glass is not a solid, but a liquid that got stuck in the act of flowing, a material caught between the world of atoms and the world of shapes. Glass is not a solid, but a liquid that got stuck in the act of flowing, a material caught between the world of atoms and the world of shapes. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No The Sticky Truth of Wetness full 07d59210-52b9-4668-860e-ad61ce7a66f0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c007af63 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:28:32 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 211 Water isn't just wet; it makes everything else wet too, and the secret lies in its stubborn desire to stick. Water isn't just wet; it makes everything else wet too, and the secret lies in its stubborn desire to stick. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No why is water wet full 92df0ce3-c76a-4f70-959d-80bf251e9c48 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dc2e03fc Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:22:34 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 493 An episode about why is water wet. An episode about why is water wet. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No why does metal feel cold full 8568d356-6a6c-4f80-9cc8-148be88b6487 https://share.transistor.fm/s/83909c25 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:25:28 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 241 An episode about why does metal feel cold. An episode about why does metal feel cold. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No why is glass transparent full 99449bcf-a02f-4f66-b66f-79469fa40ac8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ddd03ad9 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 18:01:58 -0500 Elite Personas Audio Elite Personas Audio 241 An episode about why is glass transparent. An episode about why is glass transparent. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No 1 1 The Secret Life of Everyday Materials full aa6854e2-38e2-49c0-9063-6f0dfc8c7faf https://share.transistor.fm/s/2c16afa3 Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:16:15 -0500 Rick Hernandez Rick Hernandez 241 Your phone's glass, your water bottle's plastic - the ordinary stuff around you is not static at all. A look at how everyday materials are woven from atoms, forces, and tiny invisible mistakes that make things work. AI-generated and disclosed. Your phone's glass, your water bottle's plastic - the ordinary stuff around you is not static at all. A look at how everyday materials are woven from atoms, forces, and tiny invisible mistakes that make things work. AI-generated and disclosed. the science of everyday materials, why is glass transparent, why does metal feel cold, why does ice float, why is water wet, how does glass work, everyday materials explained, science of ordinary things No