Potterology (WIZARD SCIENCE) with Dr. Rebecca Lai

The study of WIZARD SCIENCE

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About This Episode

Accio: ALL YOUR DREAMS COMING TRUE. Whether you’ve never read the Harry Potter series — or you have dogeared copies on your nightstand — there’s something for everyone in this 2-part episode dissecting the science of the spells in J.K. Rowling’s books. Electrochemist and professor Dr. Rebecca Lai is a devoted fan who teaches a university course called “A Muggle’s Guide to Harry Potter’s Chemistry.” Alie travels to her lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to chat about disappearing ink, gold nanoparticles, ancient alchemy, spells that burn your enemy’s eyes, others that protect you from the elements, how writing a novel is like a scientific experiment and how to keep going in the face of stumbling blocks.

**Bonus: I managed not to swear, so you can listen with the kiddos in your life.