Sciences & Technology
Skydiving for science
Honey I shrunk the particles!
Nanodyamics, super sponges and jumping out of a plane in the name of science
Published 18 September 2017
Episode 15
How can a teaspoon of nanoparticles have a greater surface area than a football field? It’s not a silly riddle, but the reality of the burgeoning field of nanodynamics, which among endless applications, could revolutionise medicine and tailor cancer treatments.
PhD student Matt Faria shares his commitment to discovering more about these particles’ potential and how his dedication to experimentation lead him to jump out of a plane. Low-gravity isn’t cheap, and without access to the international space station Matt and his colleagues took it upon themselves to skydive from 14 000 feet, testing how synthetic crystals form in zero gravity.
Episode recorded: 12 August 2016
Producers: Dr Andi Horvath and Chris Hatzis Audio engineer: Arch Cuthbertson Editor: Chris Hatzis Production assistant: Claudia Hooper
Banner image: Pixabay
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