Jennifer Vail

Jennifer Vail, a tribologist and author who studies rubbing surfaces across aerospace, medical devices, and materials engineering. She discusses the history of lubrication and how tiny texture and chemistry tweaks cut energy loss. Conversations range from Roman engineering and ball bearings to space lubricants, molecular friction, and why some behavioral friction can protect systems.

Original broadcast date: October 7, 2022. We encounter friction every day — in all its forms — as we brush our teeth, go for a jog, argue with a friend. This hour, TED speakers explore how this force can be dialed up or down to improve our lives. Guests include tribologist Jennifer Vail, democracy activist and whistleblower Yaël Eisenstat, Sierra Leone's Minister of Education David Moinina Sengeh and TV producer Elan Gale.TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) sponsor-free. Sign-up at: plus.npr.org/tedTo manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Dr. Ashley Alker, an emergency medicine physician and author, reveals shocking common causes of serious injuries and practical tips to avoid them, like the dangers of untreated strep throat and everyday household risks. Meanwhile, tribology expert Jennifer R. Vail, founder of DuPont's first tribology lab, dives into the science of friction, explaining how it influences everything from walking to energy efficiency. She highlights its critical role in safety and innovation, offering surprising insights into this invisible force.

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.

We encounter friction every day—in all its forms—as we brush our teeth, go for a jog, argue with a friend. This hour, TED speakers explore how this force can be dialed up or down to improve our lives. Guests include tribologist Jennifer Vail, democracy activist Yaël Eisenstat, Sierra Leone's Minister of Education David Moinina Sengeh, and TV producer Elan Gale. To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy