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Science of Everyday Life

Science of Everyday Life

Written by: John Harrold
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An MIT Learn Podcast. Every day we interact with countless unique materials, technologies, and ideas. Most of us never give a second thought to many of them, but a lucky few of us get the chance to learn how fascinating these seemingly mundane topics can actually be. On this podcast, we speak with some of those folks and get a glimpse into what makes these materials and other topics so interesting, the science that makes it all work, and perhaps will give us a reason to take that second look. At MIT, John Harrold, PhD is an Instructor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Open Learning DELTA Scientist.Copyright 2026 John Harrold Science
Episodes
  • Fashionable Physics: Turning Plastic Bags into Functional Fabrics with Svetlana Boriskina
    Jun 15 2026

    In a world where clothing is constantly produced, purchased, and replaced, there is still a lot to learn about fabric. What may seem like an old, familiar industry turns out to be full of advanced physics, materials science, and engineering challenges. MIT Mechanical Engineering Principal Investigator Svetlana Boriskina develops new fabrics that can provide thermal comfort indoors and outdoors, resist dirt, and create color without dyes or pigments. She shares insights into exploring new areas of research outside her comfort zone, lessons from the textile industry, and what fabrics can teach us about nature itself.

    Watch the video podcast for free: https://bit.ly/scienceofeverydaylife

    Learn More at learn.mit.edu

    Svetlana Boriskina: sites.mit.edu/sboriskina/

    Svetlana Boriskina's Courses sites.mit.edu/sboriskina/courses/

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    47 mins
  • Half-Million Miles to Your Door: Supply Chains with Chris Caplice
    May 18 2026

    From the products on our shelves to the packages arriving at our doors, supply chains quietly shape our everyday lives. We sat down with Chris Caplice to unpack how these complex systems actually work behind the scenes. Dr. Caplice serves as the Executive Director of the MIT’s Center for Transportation & Logistics (CTL) where he is responsible for the planning and management of the research, education, and corporate outreach programs for the center. He created and currently serves as Director of MIT’s online program in Supply Chain Management. He shares insights into how supply chains are designed, where they break down, and why understanding them has become more important than ever.

    Watch the episodes on video: https://bit.ly/scienceofeverydaylife

    Chris Caplice : https://caplice.mit.edu/

    Learn more at learn.mit.edu

    MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management https://micromasters.mit.edu/scm/

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    45 mins
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