Shoelace Study Untangles a Knotty Problem

Karen Hopkin, a researcher specializing in the dynamics of shoelaces, shares her intriguing findings on how basic movements can lead to untied laces. The conversation reveals how a unique combination of whipping and stomping forces causes knots, especially granny knots, to fail. Using slow-motion videos and experiments, they explore the mechanics behind knot security and hint at future research on the types of laces that could improve tie stability. It's a deep dive into a surprisingly common problem!