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Michael Banks - Five Way Interview

Michael Banks is a science writer and author and is currently news editor of Physics World magazine. As well as Physics World, he has written for Nature, BBC Focus and Science Uncovered as well as appeared on BBC Radio 4 and at science festivals. His first book The Secret Science of Baby was published in 2022 and his new book is Physics Around the Clock.

Why science?

I only became really interested in science when I was around 15 years old - and to be honest I don’t really know why I preferred physics over the other sciences. I think I saw it as a challenge given the perception that the subject is difficult. But the more I studied physics, the more fascinating it became. I then chose to study physics at university and that’s when I became really hooked.

I found it particularly captivating how mathematics could be used to describe and understand the natural world. It could not only describe various phenomenon but also be used to predict things that then subsequently went on to be discovered – I found that concept mind blowing.

Why this book?

I’ve always been interested in science that is relatable to everyday life. It’s one reason why I wrote my first book – The Secret Science of Baby – which is all about the surprising physics you encounter during pregnancy, childbirth and even babyhood itself. 

Physics Around the Clock looks at the science you might unknowingly come across during the day, whether that is when making a coffee, taking the dog out for a walk or when pottering around in the garden. With this book I really wanted to get across that physics isn’t just an abstract subject about subatomic particles or cosmic black holes but is something that is all around us and relevant to most things we do day in, day out. 

What I really hope is that readers get a fresh perspective on everyday situations and look at these occurrences in a completely different light – even a falling water droplet from a dripping tap in the bath is full of rich and interesting physics. 

I was surprised by the electrical clumping of coffee grinding - was there anything that took you by surprise when researching these items?

Yes, the clumping of coffee grounds that occurs during grinding is interesting, not only because it happens in the first place but also as it affects how much coffee is extracted from the ground beans. Adding a drop of water can stop it from happening and also produce a more consistent and better brew. 

Another aspect I found interesting was the ejection of liquid droplets when flushing a toilet. All that chaotic motion in the cistern results in small particles shooting out, reaching face height within seconds. Such droplets were found to travel many meters in the air and in the process potentially distribute pathogens across the room – onto floors, walls and even the ceiling. 

Now you might think ah, simple, just close the lid before flushing, but research has found this isn’t the case. In fact, it can result in more stuff spreading onto the floor and walls. It’s certainly made me ponder bathroom cleanliness – and perhaps think about placing your toothbrush far away from the toilet, or better still, hide it away in a cupboard!  

What’s next?

On the immediate horizon, I have a public talk in London on 29 October at the Institute of Physics where I will be discussing the book. Longer term, Physics Around the Clock will be published in the US in April 2026 and there will also be Chinese translations – both traditional and simplified Chinese - later that year.

What’s exciting you at the moment? 

I have an idea for another physics-based popular-science book, which I think would be really interesting and fun to research and write. At the moment, it only exists in my head, but I am slowly starting to think about how to approach it, so watch this space!

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