Science on surfaces - Tips, Tricks and Tools

Global warming is by definition a macroscopic phenomenon and its consequences will affect the entire planet. Even in a context of such a magnitude, surface science, and processes taking place at the nanoscale, have a role to play.In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small we talk to Prof. Bengt Kasemo about climate change, the energy system, and how surface science helps us in the endeavor toward sustainable energy solutions. Prof. Kasemo, who has long experience in surface science and the energy systems of the future, shares some of his knowledge and ideas on the topic.We start with the basics and talk about the greenhouse effect, the relation between the energy system and global warming, and what possibilities there are to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. We also talk about sustainable energy and the fact that surface science plays an important part, both in the development of alternative solutions for energy production and for solutions that may help us reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What makes an implant integrate into the surrounding tissue in our bodies, and how come some biomaterials stick while other materials can smoothly be removed from the body even after a longer period of contact or insertion?In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small we take a closer look at the interfacial boundary between a physical body and synthetic materials. We talk to two experts in the field; Prof. Bengt Kasemo, Chalmers University of Technology, who has long experience in the area of biomaterials, including working in the project which resulted in the Brånemark concept for titanium implants, and Dr. Åsa Westling, Senior R&D Scientist at Wellspect Health Care, a company that develops and produces medical devices.We talk about what happens at the interface between a biomaterial and the body when they meet, the concept of biocompatibility, and what complications that can arise if the intended surface interactions do not take place. We also talk about how an understanding of the interfacial processes can be used to design products with certain functionality and what we can expect to see in the area of biomaterials in the future.Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

Nanotechnology has been around for decades, and today these minuscule entities enter into our everyday lives via products such as sunscreen, food, sports clothes, and electronics. Why has ‘nano’ become so popular, and what are the risks involved when we are exposed to these nanoengineered objects? In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small, we talk to Bengt Kasemo, Professor of physics at Chalmers University of Technology and a member of both the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences.  Prof. Kasemo has long experience in surface science, and he also works with nanotoxicology and nano-safety. We talk about how nanotechnology originated, what advantages this particular size range offers over others, and what makes nanotechnology so extremely attractive. We also talk about the risks involved and what safety challenges there are. Prof. Kasemo lists a range of unexplored opportunities which could be realized in the future. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog

What defines a surface? What kind of science is related to surfaces, and most importantly, does surface science really matter to, and have an impact on, our everyday lives?In this episode of Science on surfaces - a bigger perspective on the small, we talk to Prof. Bengt Kasemo, who is Professor of physics at Chalmers University of Technology. Prof. Kasemo has long experience in surface science and is a member of both the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences. We start out with the surface science basics and talk about what defines a surface and what different types of surface-related science there are. We also talk about how, when, and why this field of research started, why this kind of research is important, and what inventions, that impact our everyday lives, that originate in this area. Thanks for listening! If you are interested in surface and interface science and related topics, you should check out our blog - the Surface Science blog