Unexplainable We don't understand yogurt
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Jun 11, 2025 
Rae Robertson-Anderson, a physics professor at UC San Diego and soft matter expert, explores the curious world of everyday materials like yogurt and ranch dressing. She explains how these substances behave like both solids and liquids, challenging our understanding. The discussion dives into the role of soft matter in biological systems, inspiring innovations like dynamic bulletproof vests and self-healing materials. Rae's light-hearted analogies and insights invite listeners to appreciate the science behind everyday wonders and the mysteries of life.
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Soft Matter: Fifth State of Matter
- Soft matter is an additional state of matter between solid and liquid that includes materials like yogurt and shampoo.
- Physicists like Rae Robertson-Anderson aim to understand soft matter before pursuing a unified model of the universe.
Yogurt and Oobleck's Odd Behavior
- Yogurt behaves like a solid at rest but becomes fluid when stirred, a common property of many soft materials.
- Oobleck, a cornstarch-water mix, stiffens under force but flows when handled gently, showing opposite behavior.
Soft Matter Is Like Molecular Spaghetti
- Soft matter molecules form complex, partially connected networks that allow flow yet exhibit elasticity.
- Rae compares soft matter to spaghetti: strands can move and stretch, creating unique properties between solids and liquids.
