Episode 92: What counts as a new invention?

Technology has changed a lot but does it make our lives better? Ellie, Laura and Antonia discuss the differences between invention, product development and scientific discovery. They take a look at some technology we use today including the internet, music platforms, air conditioning and sewing machines. They also speculate about what might have in the future based on current scientific discoveries including:
a tiny gallium person that can melt though bars (www.iflscience... - watch the video at www.eurekalert...)
semi-transparent photovoltaic cells that could be used in windows while also generating electricity (mrsbulletin.bu...)
and fundamental work using giant lasers to look at tiny crystal structures (www.materialst...)
Antonia mentioned Simone Giertz video about why she spent three years working on a coat hanger ( • Why I spent 3 years wo... ) .
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience from the Engineering Development Trust's Insight into University (www.etrust.org...) programme.