Topic: wool

Neil Withers and Rebecca Trager discuss concerns about US research funding and the molecular basis of wool’s useful properties. The episode connects the chemical structure of the fibre with its flame resistance, elasticity and moisture absorption, and considers why these properties matter for textile choices and sustainability.

Melissa and Jam examine wool, lanolin and claims about resistance to odour and bacteria. The episode connects their chemical structures with water-repelling behaviour, processing and interactions with microbes, distinguishing observed odour reduction from broader claims about antimicrobial activity.