Lateral with Tom Scott 146: Christopher Wren's side hustle
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Jul 25, 2025 Luke Cutforth and Corry Will, dynamic duo of the Sci Guys, team up with wine critic Hannah Crosbie for a whimsical journey. They tackle bizarre topics like feather farmers and the curious use of tape measures in space. The trio hilariously compares their experiences in South Africa while sipping wine and pondering the mechanics of military aircraft blinds. Expect outrageous tales about bird farming and the quirky practice of burning carpets for gold recovery. Join them as they blend science, humor, and unexpected trivia!
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Christopher Wren's Unique Credit
- The BBC's Question Time credits included Sir Christopher Wren because the 2013 episode was filmed in a building he designed.
- Wren received a unique 'set designer' credit, a humorous nod to his architectural contribution centuries earlier.
Tape Measure as Satellite Antenna
- Some satellites use metal tape measures as antennas that deploy by springing out in space.
- This simple tech functions efficiently at orbital speed of around 7.5 km/s, showing clever reuse of everyday materials.
Blinds Protect from Nuclear Explosion
- Blinds in military Cold War aircraft cockpits protected pilots from nuclear blast light and heat.
- Modern solutions use fast-tinting goggles, but curtains once served to block intense radiation during missions.