Distillations | Science History Institute

Latest Episodes:

Episode 138: Your Genome Jan 06, 2012

Show notes

On today's episode of Distillations we go straight to the source ... your DNA. First, we learn how technological advances are putting the dream of a $1,000 genome within reach. Then we discuss the implications of having genetic information at our fingertips.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

01:36 The $1,000 Genome

04:56 Interview with Michael Christman

12:57 Closing Credits

CREDITS

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

Episode 137: Cocktails Dec 23, 2011

Show notes

Cheers! On today's episode of Distillations we belly up to the bar to learn about distilled spirits. Then we look ahead to the next morning to determine if our tried-and-true hangover cures have any scientific merit.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:30 Introduction

01:06 Tour of St. George Spirits

09:06 Hangover Science

12:47 Closing Credits

CREDITS

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

Episode 136: Good Vibrations Dec 09, 2011

Show notes

On today's episode of Distillations we investigate if there's science behind the sweet sounds of a Stradivari violin and learn how chemistry influences the work of sound artist Susan Alexjander.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:33 Introduction

01:18 Strad Secrets?

08:13 Interview with Susan Alexjander

16:41 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Anne Fredrickson and Mia Lobel for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 135: Black Friday Nov 25, 2011

Show notes

Step away from the sale rack! On today's episode of Distillations we examine your brain under the influence of shopping, as well as a potential health hazard found in receipts.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:31 Introduction

01:17 Your Brain on Shopping

07:32 BPA in Receipts

11:02 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Sheri Quinn and Lindsay Patterson for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 134: Is Anybody Out There? Nov 11, 2011

Show notes

How did we get here and who else is out there? These questions have nagged at humans for centuries. On today's episode of Distillations we explore early debate over the Big Bang Theory and find out what tools researchers are using to greet aliens.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:33 Introduction

01:19 Debating the Big Bang Theory

03:48 The Interstellar Rosetta Stone

11:35 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Andrew Stelzer and James Voelkel for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 133: Halloween Candy Oct 28, 2011

Show notes

Trick or treat! On today's episode of Distillations we give you a taste of both. First, try to choke back our explanation of a Dutch candy that features ammonium chloride and carbon black. Then follow producer Mia Lobel on a tour of the Culinary Institute of America's candy kitchen.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:34 Introduction

01:39 Salt Licorice

05:29 Making Candy Corn at the CIA

12:46 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Mia Lobel and Ryan Carty for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 132: Harvest Oct 14, 2011

Show notes

Today's show explores two very different ways people hope to protect future harvests. First, follow us to the Doomsday Vault, which protects 700,000 seed families. Next, join farmer Miguel Santistevan as he revives his ancestors' agricultural practices.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

01:18 Doomsday Vault

05:12 Desert Harvest

11:37 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Sabiha Kahn, Bob kenworthy, and Mia Lobel for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 131: Dinosaurs Sep 30, 2011

Show notes

Today's show goes back in time to try to pinpoint what exactly the dinosaurs were like. First, we reveal evidence that the oldest known bird might actually be a dinosaur. Then we follow a researcher attempting to reclassify many familiar dinosaurs.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:33 Introduction

01:36 Dinosaur Feathers

04:26 Dinosaur Sinking

11:04 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Lindsay Patterson, Andy Mangravite, and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 130: Our Chemical Landscape – The Wild Sep 16, 2011

Show notes

Today we wrap up the four-part series: Our Chemical Landscape. These shows look at how science has shaped the city, the suburb, the farm, and the wild. This episode is about the wild, and how its species-in-residence use chemistry to communicate..

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

01:32 History of the Wild: Lightening Bugs

04:26 Future of the Wild: Desert Communication

11:04 Closing Credits

CREDITS

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

Episode 129: Taste Sep 02, 2011

Show notes

Today's show explores one of our favorite senses: taste. First, revist the tongue map you may have studied as a kid. Next, learn how a natural sweetener might benefit waistlines—and even the world.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

01:11 The Tongue Map Myth

05:02 Stevia: Sweeter than Sugar

12:17 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Audrey Quinn and Andrew Stelzer for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.