StarTalk Podcast: A Materials World

It’s a materials world on StarTalk Sports Edition as Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly continue our “game-changers” mini-series. On this episode, our trio investigates material science and its impact on sports alongside engineer Jud Ready.
Besides being an engineer, Jud serves as the Deputy Director of Innovation Initiatives for the Georgia Tech ‘Institute for Materials', an Adjunct Professor in the School of Materials Science & Engineering at Georgia Tech, and a Principal Research Engineer on the research faculty of Georgia Tech Research Institute. So, safe to say, we found the right person.
To start, we discuss the importance of the strength to weight ratio. Jud tells us about his work involving carbon nanotubes. We also discuss the differences between carbon nanotubes vs. carbon fiber. We investigate different types of track including mondotrack, asphalt, and concrete. You’ll hear why using a mondotrack literally makes it a level playing field.
We debate the idea of limiting technological advancements in sports. If we can use materials to make athletes run faster, jump higher, and be stronger - why limit that? Find out more about the “trampoline effect”. We investigate the current state of golf balls and how the materials used to make them have evolved since the invention of the game.
Lastly, we take a look at other advancements including the poles used for pole vaulting and “sharkskin” swimsuits. We also debate how we could make baseball better if the game allowed it. All that, plus, we ponder the future of electronic-based clothing.
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About StarTalk:
Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson

[@chrisbrowning360]

Awesome episode. Jud was an excellent guest, really hope you have him back soon. Practically everything in our lives is greatly affected by material science, especially our ability to observe and measure. I would love a Startalk about what goes into the materials of scientific instruments (telescopes, their lenses, etc.)

[@custossecretus5737]

What amazes me is that we are limited by light as to what we can and cannot see, yet we know there are things beyond that we will never know about. Our visible universe has an edge about 13.5 billion light years away and another so small that by the act of detection alters what it is we detected. Fascinating.

[@cdotcizzle6268]

Chuck: “Hockey with guns! He’s got the puck... NOT NO MORE! Bang!”

[@HossSwayerpr]

What an absolute delight. I look forward to Dr. Tyson having Dr. Ready again.

[@Bigandrewm]

I really enjoy these kinds of "applied science" episodes. Just to throw an idea - how about one on the physics of pianos? Might be a nice way to make a tribute episode for the great jazz and latin pianist Chick Corea, with his very recent death.

[@davidevans3227]

.. and physics and music? maybe?

[@erikhendrickson59]

A whole series on the physics of different musical instruments would be very interesting. Even more so when you move into the realm of electric instruments. Back in the 60s & 70s, people like Hendrix and Gilmour and Clapton were working with world-class electrical engineers to establish their "trademark sound." Things like guitar distortion, wah pedals and all those other ubiquitous effects are done digitally today - but 60 years ago it was all analog and these effects were achieved by physically altering the electrical circuitry of the amplifying device. Really fascinating stuff to read about.

[@jorymil]

There are some really interesting books on the physics of musical instruments. A good guest might be Murray Campbell from the University of Edinburgh: he's been doing research with orchestral musicians, and is the author of a recent textbook.

[@FactTalkOfficial]

His knowledge is as enormous as relentless cosmos

[@gauthmawesom4151]

Big words

[@williamproffitt6688]

Although its a nice compliment but I think his reply would be to correct you with a masterclass quote .

[@FactTalkOfficial]

@@williamproffitt6688 yep bro

[@michaelbell1011]

pl@@williamproffitt6688

[@judithgillette144]

Thank you very much for this show! I'm so happy to have something to share with my "sports friends." Finally, a topic of discussion with family members who Only talk sports! I understood every word, every min! I'm so happy right now.

[@suvigyabasnotra7378]

Please do a Science of Inversion from TENET Cosmic Queries inviting Christopher Nolan and Brain Greene for Scientific Expertise along with Chuck Nice as always! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@hoarder66]

We need more likes on this to get them to do it

[@JAIBRASKYRIM]

Its actually very straightforward.

[@josewemersondasilva9040]

That movie is so creative and confusing, I loved it.

[@d.a.b.2336]

This might be my favorite episode of the year so far. I would love to hear more from Jud.

[@matthewgiannotti3355]

I love materials science... "Stuff Matters," & "Liquid Rules," by Mark Miodownik are two of my favorite books! Thank you for this!!

[@toriellsimon9075]

In Neil we trust

[@youkaihenge5892]

I'm studying engineering specifically in Polymer Materials! And I found this startalk really innovative!

[@jorymil]

It really is amazing how much engineering goes into everyday objects that you don't even think about. There are plastics and metals today that didn't exist 25 years ago. Cell phones, for example, are chock-full of things like advanced glass, microscale mechanical devices, new semiconductor formulations, etc.

[@Kodonnal9]

Chuck really came in “EloW GoVnA”😅

[@djdope-allmusic4194]

To the Russians, it sounds a little bit funny :)

[@vasilzhekov9245]

@@djdope-allmusic4194 to bulgarians too 😂😂

[@leonardmichaelbessette8117]

One maytee

[@jihadjoe]

Awesome guest and one of the most interesting episodes in a quite a while!

[@gezaborbely]

Everytime the doctor started talking, I was praying so that he does not get interrupted.

[@Jay-Kaizo]

I hear ya. I love Neil, but it's so hard to ignore how they can't finish a sentence.... EVER! I like to put shows like this on while I'm doing other things, but with Neil you really have to focus on the segments of what the guests say or it's just one jumbled mess. And a horrible character flaw in my opinion. The best interview I've seen with Neil was where when he was talking to the astronauts in space and had to let them speak. smh

[@zapp7938]

Agreed, although you have to give him credit sometimes when he wants then to explain something so we can understand it

[@Jay-Kaizo]

@@zapp7938 I get that. He just does it really often.

[@tmarkk99]

Really enjoyed this episode. So awesome. The details given. I’ve watched it t twice there was so much detail given. More! More!

[@MrJustinwatches]

Very fascinating! Bring Judd back for more!

[@Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort]

On your mark, Get set, TIGER!

[@TankerThomas]

Great to listen to as always however I cannot hold myself and have to point out, that former javelin thrower Jan Železný was not Hungarian but Czech. I know it is not much of a scientific fact but still... just a piece of sports trivia. ;-)

[@spectator8285]

What a funny factoid to be appearing in the discussion of a video about material sciences. I haven’t watched the whole video yet, but it seems it gets into intriguing territory if your correction is any indicator.

[@AshleySmith-sb3zb]

Awesome fellas love listening while I paint

[@glenboid]

Absolutely fascinating!

[@kevinm.1565]

Chuck is either evolving on this show, or revealing his depth. Hilarious and insightful. 👏👏👏

[@delicedeluna1629]

This ep was so cool and informative!

[@jamesharris5156]

A race on a full 1/4 mile track that is all trampoline would be so fascinating to see how the sport would evolve. Similar to racecars, you wouldn’t be able to go full speed, especially around the turns.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Fascinating discussion. (When I think about sci-fi movies, for example, the two most-used ideas for "suspension of disbelief" are materials and propulsion. Always interesting.)

[@kcried1081]

This was my favorite one!!

[@jorymil]

Abebe Bikila was the runner who went shoeless in the 1960 Rome Olympics. It's a fascinating story.

[@Todayisanewday.]

I had to look him up right after reading your comment. It is a fascinating story! Thank you for sharing that.

[@Triumphantmama]

I would have liked to hear more about clothing and performance. I worked in the ski industry and saw great strides in materials performance from the sport as well as in the fashions inspired by technical clothing to serve staff, patrons, operations and equipment. From a first responder and first aid point of view there was much opportunity for medical applications in climate ranging from the cold of the slopes to the heat of exertion. Something as basic as Bandaids didn’t work on cold wet skin and the rush of rewarming often changed a sorted out solution to a repeat performance as blood rushes back into a cut hand, for instance. Not just glasses wearers needed goggles of superspecialized materials for keeping vision upon ascending or descending through weather, or returning to base for care or cocoa. Plus everything needed accessibility of extra ergonomics of using gloved hands or easy use because simultaneously lugging equipment. I love apparel. It’s so human and diverse. I also universally think of apparel historically from whalebone in beloved corsets, to goreTex and neoprene for warmth and cooling. I fantasize about smart clothing that can show style, mood, attitude for showy entertainment as the designs of Iris Van Herpen, or make quick costume changes of cartoon princesses and ballerina swans on Broadway, but also of clothing that can read blood levels of hormones for mood or fertility, levels of insulin, or the chemicals epilepsy or other surges that interfere with mobility, of drug interactions for mental health and sleep, fabric that could alert and advise actions or provide shots, like nicotine patches, but smart. I dreamed my whole life of fabric to medically evaluate or even strengthen an ankle here, or a wrist or shoulder there, or for support that could react to a fall that saves a senior’s hip and even saves their quality of life -thereby extending it. I’d love to see more of these points of view on your show. I don’t assert or believe these interests are only female but there are sports record holders and I’m sure scientists, or other pop culture contributors that could be fantastic guests. Maybe some women? I’d love to hear more about the science of the textiles going to Mars, from the clothing to the tents and air locks and upholstery! Please look for experts on these things, but also more women to be guests of your show.

[@Tommy_keyys]

Star talk on a Friday let’s gooo

[@gabrielsavant4625]

You guys work is very cool making Science's beautifully

[@justincosby6809]

Thank u for the public rec

[@jobbybohnson6818]

Great episode !

[@starryfolks]

Very useful. Thank you. Was doing research on MR Fluids. Wondering whether I should pursue material science.

[@davidbarnes5714]

Hey Neil! I appreciate what you do! I look forward to meeting you one day

[@killshot2333]

Awesome thank you 🤠

[@ec1628]

Spirits in the Material World by The Police has been playing in my head during this whole episode.

[@Jay_Flippen]

24:17 to 24:44 I think this difference actually creates a substantial problem when adjoining concrete and asphalt parts of roads, as concrete overpasses and bridges will resist traffic flow's pressure better. Also on the running thing: Although I do not run often enough, when I do run and use the road, it is because I do not have to constantly be adjusting my feet and stride to whatever imperfections exist due to sidewalk parts being uneven.

[@madman9639]

If your where to go inside a black hole and ignore the immediate death if u shine a flash light or (any light for that matter) will it help u see anything or would it be the equivalent In luminosity to lighting a match 6 Miles away?

[@dudeokgo]

Great topic

[@JAIBRASKYRIM]

dude is using Astro headphones, hes a gamer XD

[@damianmlamb]

No, actually in a video he said he got them just bc of the name.

[@silvershadow013]

Another sports edition!!

[@DiestroCorleone]

And, in fact, Eliud Kipchoge SMASHED the world record. At that level, a few seconds are a huge difference.

[@madebydimiakagreekmachine5822]

Chuck nice man thanks for always making the show

[@noelmorris5606]

Learn and live and enjoy.

[@nathanvalley7995]

10:08 “So these tubes are Hallow!?” Shaking that head😂

[@robertobrenes5283]

I would love to know about the material science of billiards sports

[@kirisweeks8673]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@JJ-de9vf]

Am a huge fan of Star Talk and everything NDT.As a Kenyan, am so proud to hear Neil, Chuck and everyone talk about Eliud Kipchoge's sub 2 hours Marathon. Just a by the way, Eliud runs an average of 200 Km per week, in fact the day after his sub-2hrs marathon, he was in his home town where he ran a 30kms plus marathon. That guy is talented and he trains hard AF.You can say shoes this and shoes that but at the end of the day, unless you're running barefoot, all types of shoes are an added advantage. We've seen Eliud win a marathon wearing faulty Nikes, We've seen him win races with just one shoe. He still won the Berlin marathon in 2015 despite the inner soles of his shoes hanging out. He is the GOAT of marathons.

[@lobeharris6924]

It may just be me but I would like a full, auditable breakdown of how much of my competitive performance is based on training | natural ability, nutrition | performance enhancers, materials | equipment. This is just me. I could then not just compare myself fairly vs my peers but against the former | earlier version of myself.

[@rehehehee26490]

Best vid!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SimLiHumus]

Startalk video almost every day. Is this the real life?

[@MrJ03192]

you gotta do one on skateboarding. invite toney hawk!!!

[@fraliexb]

Why don't they make some paths out the track & field tracks for use with longer distance runs, for 21k or 42k. Costs I assume...

[@aaronklein1490]

After watching so many star talks I can say with confidence that Chuck nice adds something to the show that's sorely missed when he's not there.

[@David-ne2wx]

We love Gary!

[@ycart_tech6726]

No. Just the world with humanity on it...

[@sirvapalot]

i was buying Carbon fibre seat post , and titanium shafts on my carbon cleats, for my 1998 Giant TCR, it has the carbon fibre alloy wheel spokes and hubs, its still a beautiful bike that people loved to look at, i love exotic materials.

[@jorymil]

Something interesting about carbon fiber bicycle components is how they're lubricated. Unlubricated, you can end up with chemical bonding between different components, so it's an important bit of engineering.

[@kirisweeks8673]

I’m from Leicester in England, so bang in the centre and I cringe at my accent! 🤣

[@hareecionelson5875]

Alright mate? ~ Mancunian

[@Shihab1979]

Thanks so much Sir. ❤️✨🌈🙏🌎🙏💙❤️🖤❤️💙🙏

[@noelmorris5606]

Live and learn.

[@silasthroks6515]

Hey you were apart of my school education

[@rusteshackleferd8115]

Commented at timestamp 1:45 I'm not even 40 and I not only know about marry popping but it was one of my favorite movies as a kid! p.s. might add comments later.

[@baycast]

Well done Chuck! I thought for one awful moment you were AWOL.

[@Heisenberg-ey1zs]

I think there should be a video of TACHYONS (particles in the general theory of relativity that are able to travel FASTER THAN LIGHT😳) on star talk.

[@pentacleman1000]

I was trilled to hear you talk about the difference between running on asphalt vs. concrete. I am not a runner, so I can’t testify through personal experience that there is a difference, and as a result I have often wondered if there really is. I can well imagine the difference between them if a large weight (like a wrecking ball) is dropped on them; asphalt would probably crater more and shatter less, and concrete would probably crater less and shatter more, showing concrete to be harder. But is that difference really noticeable when the weight being dropped is just 180lb person… wearing squishy soled shoes? I wish Mythbusters was still going so they could find some way to demonstrate that the return of energy, or springiness of asphalt is actually a thing with such small weights as a running human.

[@ZackeryCool]

So would we be in the Carbon Age since our most advanced material and our largest problem are both carbon based or carbon related

[@ralphhooker6019]

I realize it's Neil's show, but man! He sure interrupts people a lot!

[@stevetbaptist]

As I read this he said "sorry, I have to interrupt you."

[@samwister6373]

Can you "knit" / " weave" a nanotube?

[@minecraftstation6422]

Ok 👍🏼

[@dziczku]

I think you should call this part a "StarTalk asks" with Jud Ready. He's the man.

[@Spudstrodamus]

We definitely love titanium and carbon fiber in racecar world

[@jermelpurse3018]

I think it is worth noting mini engineer in graduates are very employable right after they graduate with a bachelors degree. I went to the rain engineering school Kettering University and I can honestly say every roommate every friend that I had that graduated that job offers. This was during the great recession when people were not hiring they were getting calls saying will you come work for us and we will pay you more than the average starting salary. Engineering is a very employable profession and to be honest it’s not that hard of a degree to achieve plus if you find an engineer in discipline you like it can be very fun it’s sort of combined the worlds of science and application.

[@ensign4740]

Javelin vs. long jumper has happened, not for the length though (Pitkämäki/ Sdiri)

[@StorymasterQ]

Is it for the girth, then? Wait, I think I got it wrong.

[@njones420]

Don't worry Gary... I got the "new-age" reference :)

[@anthony..23]

Gracias

[@diamondisgood4u]

48:57 Could you possibly generate a small magnetic field, like maybe between the oscillation of your arms and chest or between your legs, That would be sufficient to power the kind of clothing they are talking about?

[@jorymil]

Absolutely: the clothing would need to be magnetic to generate current, and you'd need a place to store that energy, since it wouldn't be constant. But there are magnetic dynamos on bicycles, so no reason you couldn't put some tech into clothing. The catch is always that you can never get as much energy out as you put in. So you could power some LEDs or your phone, but you couldn't power yourself.

[@Techfieldspaceguy]

Yes❤️

[@therealdeal8909]

Mr Tyson if Mars gets colonize how would it be governed ?? And if people disagree can war be prevented?? Thank you !

[@davidbrown1914]

Dr. Judd is the Brett Favre of GT

[@davidbowman5105]

the reason Kipchoge's marathon wasn't considered a world record had to do with a lot of factors other than the shoes. for one he was the only one running. from Time magazine On Saturday, Eliud Kipchoge became the first person in recorded history to run a 26.2-mile marathon in less than two hours. The 34-year-old Kenyan runner clocked in at 1:59:40.2 at the INEOS 1:59 challenge in Vienna, Austria. The run, organized specifically for Kipchonge to break the two-hour marathon barrier, was organized by chemical company INEOS and featured an electric pacer car that shot a laser beam to mark the best position on the road. A team of 41 professional runners also rotated running alongside him to set his pace. time.com/5699063/eliud-kipchoge-marathon-two-hours/

[@vassilismichalakis1830]

It might be better to have a lighter bat because the lighter bat will have kinetic energy that is dependent on the square of its speed, which will be greater than a heavier bats speed. So you will give more energy to the ball, so the ball will travel faster and further.

[@ZeniferJenZ]

" They can beg and they can plead But they can't see the light (that's right) " 😏

[@rumandroses2538]

Load the shoulder pads with springs so when you crash into someone they go flying

[@ooichiewlean548]

😊 Interesting right ? Please try to come up with economical bullet proof fiber threads for clothing, something that can stop bullets from penetrating too deep, maybe a material soft enough to make into clothes that is springy & can deflect a bullet.

[@PoeRacing]

Comparing a Javelin to Nascar is the most Georgia Tech thing I've heard in a while.

[@vapandrei]

Another sport edition. Wondering how many of my patreon fellows support these..

[@nyk7979]

could he make a nanotube carbon-silicate semiconductor with high heat displacement?

[@leenangi8394]

32:41 Kipchoge*

[@phd1313]

Dude’s plant is engineered too

[@TheEternalPheonix]

4:58 Simon from “Top Tenz” and numerous other channels could probably teach about cloning. I’m pretty certain that he’s been cloning himself in order to make videos for all his KZbin channels.

[@kflicted]

[@eddillahunt]

It's a heck of it toothpick 😂😂😂😂

[@JoseGarcia-dw9tt]

Everyone missed the point that people give credit and value to celebrities, they make millions and these people that should make the millions create things that save life or improve our everyday

[@tacudnet]

Just a note, Jan Železný is Czech, not Hungarian :)

[@JumperXxXCables]

Im younger than 70 and I got that reference.

[@stillinyaisstillinur3300]

Watching a Commercial shows Channel support remember Y'all

[@minecraftstation6422]

Very few comments

[@ycart_tech6726]

But yours got a like!!! How about that?

[@ZackeryCool]

Got two likes wow 😯

[@minecraftstation6422]

Nani!?

[@hareecionelson5875]

Hexagons are the bestagons.

[@silvershadow013]

Alright already with the interruptions!!!!!

[@sherrylennondewitt4102]

Hello Neil