BBC’s CrowdScience dives into the science behind paper’s ability to hold creases. Listener Haruka, a lifelong origami fan, wonders why a simple sheet can remember folds. The episode traces the journey from the world’s first mechanised paper mill to modern analytical tools that reveal the material’s secrets.

At Frogmore, Dr Steven Mann discusses the papermaking process and the chemistry that creates a foldable sheet. Host Caroline Steel attempts a crane with Haruka and expert Toshiko Kurata, while Professor Bill Sampson uses a microscope to dissect why different papers behave uniquely. The segment showcases how material composition directly affects fold durability in both hobbyist and industrial contexts.

The episode culminates with Professor Tomohiro Tachi from the University of Tokyo unveiling The Origamizer, a programmable device that automates complex folds. Tachi demonstrates how precise motors and sensors translate digital designs into physical paper art. Listeners leave with a deeper grasp of how engineering and material science combine to turn simple sheets into versatile, reusable tools for commercial projects.