TED Radio Hour The hidden role of friction in our lives
8 snips
Sep 13, 2024 Jennifer Vail, a tribologist, shares fascinating insights about how friction impacts our daily lives, from vehicle safety to dental health. Yaël Eisenstadt, a Facebook whistleblower, discusses the need for slower tech to tackle misinformation and the importance of thoughtful digital interaction. David Moinina Sengeh, Sierra Leone's Minister of Education, talks about innovation in prosthetics, highlighting the balance between technology and personal relationships. Together, they explore friction's multifaceted role in social discourse and personal connections.
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Friction's Hidden Benefits
- Friction, often seen negatively, is essential for everyday actions like walking and driving.
- It's a resistance to motion, but this resistance provides stability and control.
The Tribology of Toothbrushing
- Brushing teeth involves a complex friction problem with hard and soft materials, lubrication, and dynamics.
- The right amount of friction removes plaque without damaging teeth and gums, like finding a balance between diamonds and regular toothpaste.
Dog Treats and Friction
- Jennifer Vail developed a friction-aware test to study plaque removal by dog treats.
- She mimicked a dog's oral system to measure friction and wear, aiming to find how treats can remove plaque in just one bite.
