Distillations | Science History Institute

Latest Episodes:

Episode 178: In the Air Jul 22, 2013

Show notes

It’s hard to make decisions without information, that’s why some researchers in the San Francisco area are collecting carbon dioxide data at the neighborhood level. As producer Andrew Stelzer discovers, the BEACON project does more than gather data; it also brings home the effects of small-scale events, such as rush hour, and allows researchers to track pollution to its source. Then Eileen Fleming discusses DIY monitoring with Shannon Dosemagen from the Public Laboratory for Open Technology and Science.

Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits 00:44 Introduction 01:44 Air Monitoring 09:02 Interview: Shannon Dosemagen 14:41 Closing Credits

Credits

Link to BEACON project: http://beacon.berkeley.edu/

Public Lab - http://publiclab.org/

Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 177:The Old Show Jul 08, 2013

Show notes

Join us for the third installment of The Stages of Life, spotlighting the chemistry found in childhood, adulthood, and old age. We start by looking at what happens to the brain as we move into old age, and then we investigate how some tiny technology can help as hearing fades.

Episode 176: The Adult Show Jun 24, 2013

Show notes

Today’s episode centers on adulthood. First, Pennsylvania State University’s Suzy Scherf tells us what’s going on in the brains of adolescents. Then, Katrina Roi takes a look at a common consumer product, the condom, and those who want to make it better.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:26 Introduction

01:09 Interview: Inside the Brain

05:38 The Chemistry Behind the Condom

14:10 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Tori Indivero for interviewing the scientists in this series. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 175: The Kid Show Jun 11, 2013

Show notes

Today we begin a three-part series, The Stages of Life, spotlighting the chemistry found in childhood, adulthood, and old age. First, a look at the brains of children, followed by the colorful world of the crayon.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:27 Introduction

01:13 Interview: Inside the Brain

06:14 Colorful Chemistry, the World of Crayons

16:15 Closing Credits

CREDITS

The Three Stages of Life is part of CHF’s Thanks to Chemistry project, sponsored by BASF Corporation, The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, DuPont, and ExxonMobil. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 174: Water Webs May 28, 2013

Show notes

On today's show we look at how delicate desert ecosystems are affected by climate change. Then the impact of toxic metals on Rocky Mountain streams.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:33 Introduction

01:10 Feature: Water Webs

09:10 Interview: Johanna Kraus

14:48 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Diane Hope and Jody Roberts for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 173: Power Up May 14, 2013

Show notes

On today's show we look at the modern power grid, on the brink of a new era. First, why the smart grid matters. Then, the critical mission of Caltech's Solar Army.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:34 Introduction

01:09 A Smarter Grid

10:11 The Solar Army

16:23 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Charlie Mintz and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Video produced by Josh Kurz. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 172: On Beauty Apr 29, 2013

Show notes

On today's show we look at questionable appearance enhancers. First The Beauty Historian shares some shocking beauty rituals of yore. Then a look at how Brazilian Blowouts are making salon workers sick.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:38 Introduction

01:10 Interview: The Beauty Historian

06:22 Brazilian Blowouts

14:48 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Stephanie Coleman, Audrey Quinn, Mia Lobel, and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 171: Underground Worlds Apr 16, 2013

Show notes

On today's show we investigate the science beneath our streets. First how a team of amateur speleologists is keeping Howe Caverns safe for future generations. Then a look at Philadelphia's historic sewer system.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:39 Introduction

01:24 Howe Caverns' Annual Cleanup

09:30 Interview: Adam Levine

16:02 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Amy Kraft,Adam Levine, Mia Lobel, and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 170: Urban Agriculture Apr 01, 2013

Show notes

On today's show we learn how advances in urban agriculture are providing new access to fresh food. First how hundreds of tons of fishbones are cleaning up Oakland soil. Then tips on how to create your own backyard garden.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:30 Introduction

01:23 Fishbone Remediation

10:24 Interview: Alex Jones and Alice Edgerton

17:48 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Charlie Mintz, Alex Jones, Alice Edgerton, and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 169: Neighborhood Preservation Mar 18, 2013

Show notes

On today's show we see old bones made new again. First the ongoing restoration of Philadelphia's 19th Street Baptist Church. Then a discussion about what makes some old buildings greener than new ones.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:28 Introduction

01:20 The 19th Street Baptist Church

09:31 Interview: Heather Blakeslee

16:35 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Alex Lewis, Heather Blakeslee, and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

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