The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element

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Latest Episodes:

Gypsum: Chemistry in its element Aug 07, 2020

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From Lavoisier's experiments with plaster of paris to the the 'Sistine Chapel of crystals' in Mexico, Mike Freemantle explores the history of gypsum

Favipiravir: Chemistry in its element Aug 02, 2020

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Originally developed to treat flu and marketed in Japan as Avigan, promising Covid-19 trial results have seen countries stockpiling this medication by the millions

Tannic acid: Chemistry in its element Jul 24, 2020

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Tannic acid in green acorns can kill wild animals and livestock, but in this podcast Mike Freemantle makes plain that you can prevent poisoning with pannage pigs.

Ractopamine: Chemistry in its element Jul 17, 2020

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Common in the US but banned in the EU, this animal feed additive makes for muscular pigs and beefy international trade disputes.

Hexasilabenzene: Chemistry in its element Jul 10, 2020

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Brian Clegg discovers what a six-membered silicon ring can tell us about alien life

2AP (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline): Chemistry in its element Jul 03, 2020

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Frances Addison on the aromatic compound found in both buttered popcorn and the bearcat's scent glands, and responsible for the distinctive smell of both

Dexamethasone: Chemistry in its element Jun 26, 2020

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News that this cheap, ubiquitous steroid drug may reduce deaths in Covid-19 cases has been greeted with cautious optimism. Ben Valsler looks at the history of dexamethasone and the promising Recovery trial results.

Porcelain: Chemistry in its element Jun 19, 2020

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Mike Freemantle on the art, history and science of this delicate, translucent ceramic material

Feldspar: Chemistry in its element Jun 12, 2020

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Brian Clegg introduces the humble mineral that delights both astronomers and archaeologists

Cimetidine: Chemistry in its element Jun 05, 2020

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Mike Freemantle introduces the peptic ulcer treatment cimetidine, which – as Tagamet – became the first 'blockbuster' drug