Distillations | Science History Institute

Latest Episodes:

Episode 168: So Argon Walks Into a Bar... Mar 04, 2013

Show notes

On today's show chemistry takes center stage. First, why science and comedy make gut-busting bedfellows. Then the history of science as popular entertainment.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:36 Introduction

01:20 Science Comedy

08:51 Interview: Rebecca Onion

20:43 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Deanna Day, Rebecca Onion, and Daisy Rosario for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 167: Cold War Chemistry Feb 18, 2013

Show notes

During decades of tension between the United States and the Soviet Union over the course of the Cold War, both sides wielded science as a weapon. Find out how on today's show.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

01:31 Interview (Part I): Audra Wolfe

05:41 Oral History: Leslie Vadasz

10:36 Interview (Part II): Audra Wolfe

14:34 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Hilary Domush, Mat Savelli, and Audra Wolfe for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 166: Alchemy After Dark Feb 04, 2013

Show notes

Just in time for Valentine's Day we explore the sexier side of alchemy. Historian Joel Klein explains how alchemists used passionate prose to disguise the details of their secret experiments.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:44 Introduction

02:07 Interview: Joel Klein

13:28 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Joel Klein for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 165: In Good Taste Jan 22, 2013

Show notes

Today your taste buds take center stage. First,how super-tasters' genetic gift might afford them better health. Then the art of imitation flavors.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:41 'A World of Pure Imagination'

01:23 Super-Tasters

08:04 The Art of Imitation Flavors

15:40 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Mary Harris and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 164: Bones Jan 07, 2013

Show notes

On today's show we peel back our skin. First, an innovative technology that could provide early detection of osteoporosis. Then, a look at stone man syndrome–a rare disease that causes the body's connective tissue to turn into bone when damaged.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:27 Introduction

01:09 Written In Your Bones?

09:43 Harry Eastlack

16:00 Closing Credits

CREDITS

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

Episode 163: A Day in the Life - Night Dec 23, 2012

Show notes

We wrap up the three-part series A Day in the Life, spotlighting the common chemistry of morning, noon, and night. Today, how popular insomnia treatments work and the science behind our body's unique sleep cycles.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:35 Fight Club

01:01 Interview: Sleep Aids

05:33 The Midnight Sun

14:31 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Louisa Jonas, Mia Lobel, Jennifer Dionisio, and Joe Rucker for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 162: A Day in the Life - Noon Dec 10, 2012

Show notes

We continue the three-part series A Day in the Life, spotlighting the common chemistry of morning, noon, and night. Today, a look at the mysterious ingredients in many kitchen staples and the reason why even so-called healthy sweeteners can be toxic.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:36 The Breakfast Club

01:18 Interview: Kitchen Staples

07:41 The Trouble With Fructose

14:27 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Gretchen Kuda Croen, Mia Lobel, Jennifer Dionisio, and Joe Rucker for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 161: A Day in the Life - Morning Nov 26, 2012

Show notes

Today we begin the three-part series A Day in the Life, spotlighting the common chemistry of morning, noon, and night. First, a look at what's lurking in our bathroom products and what experts say about the controversy over fluoridated water.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:36 Pee-wee's Big Adventure

01:06 Interview: Bathroom Products

04:06 The Fluoridation Debate

13:05 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Mia Lobel, Joe Rucker, and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 160: Teflon Nov 12, 2012

Show notes

Treasure or toxin? Today we follow Teflon's rise from happy accident to indispensable tool at work, home, and even war.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:42 Introduction

01:24 The Origins of Teflon

08:46 Interview: Post-War Teflon

14:36 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Bob Kenworthy, Hilary Domush, Sarah Hunter-Lascoskie, and Amy Kraft for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 159: Kean on Genes Oct 29, 2012

Show notes

Today we welcome back author Sam Kean to discuss the secrets and surprises contained in our DNA. He talks to Distillations’ executive producer Jennifer Dionisio.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:31 Introduction

01:33 Interview: The Violinist’s Thumb

11:44 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.