Scientifically...

Toothbrush: The Origin of Stuff - Episode 1


Listen Later

What is the most personal item you own - one you don’t want anyone else using?

For Katy Brand it’s her toothbrush. So how did the toothbrush become one of life’s essentials?

With the help of resident public historian of Horrible Histories fame, Greg Jenner, Katy goes back to ancient times, when the toothbrush was merely a stick. But the brush, as we know it, only came into being much later when a convict spied a broom in his cell and had a bright idea.

But how has ingenuity and innovation shaped the toothbrush and ensured its place in our lives? And given most are plastic, how environmentally friendly is the toothbrush’s legacy?

Featuring designer and toothbrush collector, Sophie Thomas, and advocate for clean teeth, Peter Dyer, Chair of Hospital Dentists at the British Dental Association.

Producer: Beth Eastwood

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Scientifically...By BBC Radio 4

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

9 ratings


More shows like Scientifically...

View all
Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

Global News Podcast

7,728 Listeners

Newshour by BBC World Service

Newshour

1,042 Listeners

In Our Time by BBC Radio 4

In Our Time

5,487 Listeners

The Documentary Podcast by BBC World Service

The Documentary Podcast

1,814 Listeners

6 Minute English by BBC Radio

6 Minute English

1,809 Listeners

Learning English Conversations by BBC Radio

Learning English Conversations

1,067 Listeners

The Infinite Monkey Cage by BBC Radio 4

The Infinite Monkey Cage

1,929 Listeners

BBC Inside Science by BBC Radio 4

BBC Inside Science

436 Listeners

Science Weekly by The Guardian

Science Weekly

419 Listeners

Inside Health by BBC Radio 4

Inside Health

85 Listeners

Curious Cases by BBC Radio 4

Curious Cases

833 Listeners

The Life Scientific by BBC Radio 4

The Life Scientific

247 Listeners

Unexpected Elements by BBC World Service

Unexpected Elements

353 Listeners

Open Country by BBC Radio 4

Open Country

85 Listeners

CrowdScience by BBC World Service

CrowdScience

479 Listeners

Ways to Change the World with Krishnan Guru-Murthy by Channel 4 News

Ways to Change the World with Krishnan Guru-Murthy

60 Listeners

Sliced Bread by BBC Radio 4

Sliced Bread

146 Listeners

You're Dead to Me by BBC Radio 4

You're Dead to Me

3,183 Listeners

Americast by BBC News

Americast

756 Listeners

The world, the universe and us by New Scientist

The world, the universe and us

111 Listeners

Sideways by BBC Radio 4

Sideways

74 Listeners

Cyber Hack by BBC World Service

Cyber Hack

1,631 Listeners

What's Up Docs? by BBC Radio 4

What's Up Docs?

106 Listeners