Summary
In this episode of Star Talk Sports Edition, Neil deGrasse Tyson and his co-host Gary O'Reilly discuss material science and its role in sports with guest Judd Reedy, a material scientist from Georgia Tech. Reedy explains the use of carbon nanotubes in sports equipment and how they provide strong thermal and electrical benefits. The speakers also discuss the properties of different track surfaces and how they affect running performance, including the controversy surrounding Nike's Vaporfly shoes. They touch on the evolution of various sports equipment, such as golf balls, pole vaulting poles, and swimsuits, and explore the potential for electronically powered garments with built-in sensors. The episode also briefly touches on the importance of materials in cooking and knitting.
