The Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition takes place annually and provides an opportunity to showcase research from universities and research institutions all over the UK. This year, 13 main exhibits were on display, ranging from the science of healthy brain ageing to formulation engineering and the physics of sand grains. We were also surprised to learn that in washing-up liquid testing, there is a device that is used to measure the ‘squeaky-clean’ sound when dishes are freshly cleaned! Another fascinating exhibit was from Brighton and Sussex Medical School, the University of Sussex and Birkbeck University of London. This year’s exhibition highlighted the diversity of scientific research taking place in the UK, demonstrating its relevance not only to medical treatments, but to our daily lives.