Wicked Inventions

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: The Dumper Truck - How do you make a machine that can move mountains? Light Bulbs - What connects Bamboo and pencil lead to the discovery of the incandescent bulb, and The Piano - Tickling the ivories, or hammering the strings? We explain the complex engineering behind this musical marvel.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Surf Boards - the hidden Hawaiian history behind riding the waves. The Compass - we find out that magnetic north is not quite where you think, and Cricket Bats - springs and Death - the surprising story behind this iconic equipment.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: The Lawnmower - how hovercraft technology is leading the way to cut the grass. The Ballpoint Pen - We reveal the connection between plants and a favourite writing tool, and Roller Skates - the mirror smash that led to the most entertaining way to travel.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Turn Tables- what is the connection between wax, tin foil, and your favourite records? The Fuel Cell- The technology which could see cars polluting the earth with little more than water, and Baseball Gloves - The fascinating story of this enigmatic sports equipment.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Artificial Grass- what is the connection between Space and this sporty, synthetic surface? Electromagnets- The science behind the simple device that controls our everyday gadgets, and Medals - The complex manufacturing process behind these badges of honour.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Beer- We find out why drinking Beer used to be healthier than drinking water! Liquid Crystal Displays- We reveal the mysterious light-bending substance that lurks behind your computer display, and Glass - The journey from Volcano to high class drinking vessel.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Sunglasses - The surprising WWII past behind the iconic Aviator style. The Telephone - We reveal the vibrating science that allows communication across the World, and Sailing Dinghies - from floating tool to fiberglass wonder - the fascinating production process of the Laser class sail boat.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Life rafts - The connection between the Titanic disaster and safety at Sea. The Battery - The electrifying science behind the devices that are powering today's gadgets, and Chandeliers - The fascinating story of the very definition of luxurious lighting.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Umbrella - The ultimate rain protector that was actually invented for another purpose. Holograms - What is the connection between microscopes, lasers and our favourite 3D images, and Ultrasound - From submarine hunting to medical tool, we reveal the science that uses audio to see inside us

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Defibrillator - What part did a dog play in developing this life-saving emergency equipment? Pasteurization - We reveal the vibrating science that allows communication across the World, and The Jigsaw - What has Geography Lessons got to do with this fun toy? We piece together this puzzle's history.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Audio Speakers - What part does a spider play in their manufacturing process? Fibre Optic Cables - The high-tech science behind transferring data using glass, light and reflections, and The Trench Coat - What has WWI got to do with fashion? We stitch together the history and science behind this iconic piece of Menswear.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Crash Test Dummies- What is the grisly past behind the development of car safety? Lasers - How can a beam of light blow up a ship, and The Sofa - What do horses have in common with building sofas? We take you behind the manufacture of this indispensable piece of furniture.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Smoked Salmon - We reveal the cure that creates the perfect salmon taste. Carbonated Drinks - The science behind the bubbles lurking inside our favourite fizz, and Perfume - What is perfume's explosive secret?

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: The Teddy Bear - the Presidential secret behind this toy's name. Plastic - The fascinating science behind this indispensable material. Ice Cream Cone - We reveal the 'cool' secret behind the use of chocolate inside a coated cone. And it is not just there for taste!

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Whisky- Why did Doctors prescribe this popular tipple? Telescopes - the cosmic tool that allows us to see more than just light. Coloured Pencils - We reveal the connection between ancient Roman paintings and this modern artist's tool.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Fork Lift Trucks - why is a huge weight is crucial to its success? Gravity - Why does a lack of it cause toilet problems for astronauts? Hand Bags - How a historical lack of pockets led to the development of this female favourite.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Sports Car - Can you make a high performance car from a tree? Concrete - What makes this fantastic material the second most used substance on Earth? Combine Harvester - We find out what winnowing means and why it is so important to harvesting crops.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Rigid Inflatable Lifeboats- what is its connection with Formula 1 racing cars? Soap - What is the clever chemical reaction that keeps us clean and fresh? Backgammon - What is a "shaker" and a "stone"? The mysterious origins of one of the World's oldest games.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Fire Engines - From four horses to 700 Horse power - the fire stopping science behind the fire engine. Vacuum Cleaner - What role did the 'Puffing Billy' and a pillow case, have in the development of our favourite dust buster? The Juke Box - We find out the seedy secret behind this iconic sound system's name

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Golf Cars - What is the connection between a WWII Bomber and this electrically powered wonder. DNA - How close are we genetically to slugs? The answer might surprise you! Ice Cream - What is the link between Alexander the Great, Marco Polo and the development of modern Ice Cream?

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Ice Skates - The Swedish steel secret behind these magical blades. The Archimedes Screw - What is the connection between this Ancient Greek device and your plastic mobile phone? Guitars - Which Ancient Civilization first used a guitar, and why is a dovetail so important to its production? - We find out!

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Cider- What is the connection between Rome and this fizzy apple favourite. Guns - The science that explains why a spinning bullet is deadlier than a musket ball? Snowboard - Half-pipes, wax and wood - we reveal the amazing manufacturing process behind this snow-riding king.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: The Backhoe Loader- We discover what the iconic letters JCB actually stand for. Bridges - The science that explains why suspension bridges vibrated to destruction. Skis - Hunting, soldiers, the Olympics and aerospace - we reveal the amazing origins and materials that lie behind these snow-gliding wonders.

Today on Wicked Inventions we investigate: Kayaks- We discover how to 'cook' a kayak. Aerosol Sprays - What is the connection between soda and our indispensable dispenser? Carpet - Chemical twisting, natural wool and yarns galore - we reveal the fascinating production of this fantastic floor covering.