The Barf Bag Episode

The Barf Bag Episode

From The Rest Is Science by Goalhanger

April 29, 2026 · 50 min · Season 1 · Episode 47

About this episode

The episode explores the science behind flight, focusing on motion sickness, turbulence, and aircraft design through the lens of an airplane sick bag.

What can a humble airplane sick bag teach us about physics, engineering, and the limits of the human stomach; And why are there people out there collecting thousands of them? Professor Hannah Fry and VSauce’s Michael Stevens turn an unlikely holiday prompt into a surprisingly rich exploration of flight. From the biology of motion sickness to the physics of turbulence, and from exploding crisp packets to next-generation aircraft design, they unpack how flying messes with your body and how science has made it (mostly) better. ------------------- For more information about Cancer Research UK, their research, breakthroughs and how you can support them, visit ⁠⁠https://cancerresearchuk.org/restisscience⁠⁠ Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. ------------------- Find The Rest Is Science all over the internet by ⁠⁠clicking here.⁠⁠ ------------------- Video Producer: Adam Thornton + Oli Oakley + Jack Meek Animator: Sam Benson…

People in this episode

Host: Professor Hannah Fry

Guest: Michael Stevens

Topics covered

  • physics
  • engineering
  • motion sickness
  • turbulence
  • aircraft design
  • human body

Keywords

  • airplane sick bag
  • physics
  • engineering
  • motion sickness
  • turbulence
  • aircraft design
  • human stomach

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Cancer Research UK

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