Can Language Change What You Smell?

26. august 2026 · 46m

Does language shape reality? What is Earth’s escape velocity? How does soap kill germs? And can a scientific theory be completely wrong but still appear to work? In this episode of The Rest Is Science, Professor Hannah Fry and Michael Stevens (Vsauce) explore linguistics, psychology, colour perception, space travel, bacteria, viruses and the scientific method.

It begins with a Persian word for a smell Hannah cannot detect on a freshly washed plate. Could having a name for something make it easier to notice? From the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis and Russian words for blue to emotions, identity and Michael’s unexpectedly large crayon collection, Hannah and Michael investigate how language may shape what we pay attention to and how we experience the world.

Then, your questions. How fast would you need to throw a rock for it to escape Earth? Could it survive the atmosphere, or would it take something the size of the Chicxulub asteroid to make it out? They also uncover the ancient origins of soap, how it removes dirt and attacks some bacteria and viruses, and why getting bleach on your hands makes them feel disturbingly slippery.

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Video Producer: Adam Thornton + Oli Oakley + Jack Meek

Animator: Sam Benson

Video & Social: Bex Tyrrell

Assistant Producer: Lucy Lipscombe

Producer: Simona Rata

Senior Producer: Lauren Armstrong-Carter