josh j.

Why is glass see-through? What makes elastic stretchy? Why does a paper clip bend? These are the sorts of questions that Mark Miodownik is constantly asking himself. A globally renowned materials scientist, Miodownik has spent his life exploring objects as ordinary as an envelope and as unexpected as concrete cloth, uncovering the fascinating secrets that hold together our physical world.

Imagine a blackout lasting not days, but weeks or months. Tens of millions of people over several states are affected. For those without access to a generator, there is no running water, no sewage, no refrigeration or light. Food and medical supplies are dwindling. Devices we rely on have gone dark. Banks no longer function, looting is widespread, and law and order are being tested as never before.

"It's better to be safe than sorry" is a widely used phrase worldwide, and mostly everyone knows it. Despite this saying, many don't take the necessary actions to prepare for devastating accidents and disasters. As a result, when these startling emergencies arise, many individuals find themselves unequipped with the vital supplies that will help save a life.