Distillations | Science History Institute

Latest Episodes:

Episode 128: Our Chemical Landscape – The Farm Aug 19, 2011

Show notes

Today we continue 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 farm, and how crop production has evolved in response to exploding global population growth.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

01:49 History of the Farm: Guano

06:11 Future of the Farm: Genetically Modified Crops

14:43 Closing Credits

CREDITS

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

Episode 127: Best of Distillations #8 Aug 05, 2011

Show notes

We bring you some of our favorite segments from past Distillations episodes this week: mesmerism, the impacts of climate change, and why its chic to be a geek..

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

00:44 Mesmerism

04:30 Extreme Effects: Chad and Bangladesh

08:42 Upping STEM's Cool Factor

14:21 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Michal Meyer, Jennifer Dionisio, and Esther D'Amico for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 126: Best of Distillations #7 Jul 22, 2011

Show notes

We bring you some of our favorite segments from past Distillations episodes this week: Palmer the Poisoner, medicinal maggots, and the placebo effect.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

00:49 Palmer the Poisoner

04:15 Maggots

07:09 Modern Placebos: A Necessary Hoax?

12:31 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Jim Voelkel, Margaret E. Wood, and Josh Kurz for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 125: Chem-moo-stry Jul 08, 2011

Show notes

Today the Distillations team delves into the weird and wonderful world of its favorite barnyard animal: the cow. First find out why so few populations are lactose tolerant. Then take a literal peek inside the body of one of these creatures.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:41 Introduction

01:31 Lactose Intolerance

05:40 Porthole Cows

12:50 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Zoe Sullivan and Sarah Hunter for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 124: Our Chemical Landscape – The Suburb Jun 24, 2011

Show notes

Today we continue 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 suburb, and how its residents' transportation needs have evolved in the past century.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

01:00 Introduction

02:10 History of the Suburb: Electric Cars

05:54 Future of the Suburb: Mass Transit in Austin, TX

13:50 Closing Credits

CREDITS

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

Episode 123: Under the Sea Jun 10, 2011

Show notes

Today Distillations welcomes guest producer Ari Daniel Shapiro, host of the podcast Ocean Gazing, who takes us on a tour of the ocean, revealing how optics can evaluate long-term changes in the oceanic environment and the effects of carbon dioxide on coral reefs.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:40 Introduction

01:22 CO2 vs. Coral Reefs

07:16 Using Optics on Oceans

11:50 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Ari Daniel Shapiro for guest producing this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 122: Our Chemical Landscape – The City May 27, 2011

Show notes

In honor of the International Year of Chemistry, today we begin the four-part series Our Chemical Landscape. These shows look at how science has shaped the city, the suburbs, the farm, and the wild. Today's episode is about the city, and the role of energy in shaping its past and future.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:31 Introduction

01:40 History of the City: Gas Lighting

06:04 Future of the City: Energy Efficiency

16:16 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Kimberly Haas and Michal Meyer for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 121: Geek Chic May 13, 2011

Show notes

Today's show wonders if it's becoming chic to be a geek. First, we see how pop culture portrayals of scientists have boosted their reputations with teenagers. Next, we look at the state of science education in the U.S.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

00:57 Upping STEM's Cool Factor

06:58 Science Education in the U.S.

10:51 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Esther D'Amico and Tom Tritton for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 120: Nuclear Medicine Apr 29, 2011

Show notes

In the midst of Japan's nuclear crisis, it's easy to forget that radioactive isotopes are often employed to save human lives. This week we look at diagnostic and therapeutic applications of nuclear medicine.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

01:10 Radioiodine

03:59 Interview with Abass Alavi and Andrew Newberg

10:51 Closing Credits

CREDITS

Special thanks to Hilary Domush, Michal Meyer, and Anne Fredrickson for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Episode 119: Climate Change Apr 15, 2011

Show notes

One of this century's great challenges will be mitigating the effects of our steadily warming planet. In today's episode we explore the consequences of our changing climate.

SHOW CLOCK

00:00 Opening Credits

00:32 Introduction

01:11 Extreme Effects: Chad and Bangladesh

05:13 Interview with Susan Solomon

12:24 Closing Credits

CREDITS

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