Distillations

Episode 140: Swapping Spit

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 00:00:00 PST

Pucker up! On today's episode we investigate the kiss. First, what's in the saliva we share with each other? Then we interview Sheril Kirshenbaum, author of The Science of Kissing , to find out why our ancestors starting locking lips in the first place.

Episode 139: The Brain on Sports

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

On today's episode of Distillations we're gearing up for this weekend's playoff games with a look at the science of sports. First, we learn how athletes go the distance. Then we look into the brain of a fan.

Episode 138: Your Genome

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 6 Jan 2012 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 137: Cocktails

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 136: Good Vibrations

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 9 Dec 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 135: Black Friday

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 134: Is Anybody Out There?

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 133: Halloween Candy

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 132: Harvest

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 131: Dinosaurs

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 130: Our Chemical Landscape – The Wild

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 129: Taste

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 2 Sep 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 128: Our Chemical Landscape – The Farm

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 127: Best of Distillations #8

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 5 Aug 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 126: Best of Distillations #7

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PST

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

Episode 125: Chem-moo-stry

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 8 Jul 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 124: Our Chemical Landscape – The Suburb

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 123: Under the Sea

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 122: Our Chemical Landscape – The City

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 121: Geek Chic

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 13 May 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 120: Nuclear Medicine

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 119: Climate Change

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 PST

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.

Episode 118: Placebos

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 1 Apr 2011 00:00:00 PST

This week, we celebrate April Fools' Day with a little medical trickery. First, we learn about Franz Mesmer's questionable 18th-century cures. Next we hear how fooling the brain is sometimes the only way to get accurate scientific results.

Episode 117: Women's History Month

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 PST

In this episode we learn about lesser-known women in the sciences. We start with Dorothy Hodgkin, the third woman to win a Nobel Prize in chemistry, and end with a tour spotlighting important females whose stories are told in CHF's museum.

Episode 116: Crime Fighters

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Thu, 3 Mar 2011 00:00:00 PST

From primetime to print, forensic scientists are usually depicted as courtroom heroes, but their real-life work makes for more than a thrilling story. On today's episode we look at how one such scientist sealed the fate of Palmer the Poisoner in the 19th century. Then we speak with forensic scientist Mike Eyring, whose team helped solve the biggest serial murder case in U.S. history.

Episode 115: Black History Month

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 PST

In honor of Black History Month, we reveal the lesser known accomplishments of George Washington Carver, and also pull from our oral history collection the stories of two African-American women fighting to make their way in the chemistry field.

Episode 114: Elements of Expression

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 4 Feb 2011 00:00:00 PST

In this episode we learn about how the mass production of oil paints spawned a new artistic movement and get a tour of artist Dove Bradshaw's studio.

Episode 113: Burning Rubber

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 PST

Rubber has played a shockingly dramatic role in our political and military history. In today's episode we revisit the consequences of the natural rubber shortage during WWII, and how a similar shortage might affect us today.

Episode 112: Nuclear Power

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 7 Jan 2011 00:00:00 PST

In this episode we learn about the history and future of nuclear power, in the U.S. and abroad.

Episode 111: A Distillations Carol

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 00:00:00 PST

In this episode we are visited by the ghosts of chemistry's past, present, and future, who teach us about Greek fire, red sludge, and the future of the sun.

Episode 110: Essential Elements - Air

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 PST

This week we continue our 4-part series about earth, air, water, and fire. Today’s episode is about air and how the gases in it have been changing ever since Day 1.

Episode 109: East Meets West

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 PST

In this episode we learn about yoga and acupuncture.

Episode 108: Essential Elements - Fire

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 00:00:00 PST

This week we continue our 4-part series about earth, air, water, and fire. Today’s episode is about fire and how humans have tried to protect themselves from it.

Episode 107: Medical Gross Out

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:00:00 PST

Today’s show will have your skin crawling… literally. In honor of Halloween we bring you a show revealing a scarier (and squirmier) side of science.

Episode 106: Essential Elements – Water

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 PST

This week we continue our 4-part series about earth, air, water, and fire. Today’s episode is about water and the many ways to ensure it is potable.

Elemental Memoir Lesson Plan

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 00:00:00 PST

Attention teacher friends of Distillations: A lesson plan to help you work our Elemental Memoir competition into your classroom.

Episode 105: Periodic Table Contents

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 8 Oct 2010 00:00:00 PST

In this week’s episode we pay tribute to the periodic table. We talk to Sam Kean, author of the best-selling book The Disappearing Spoon; hear an excerpt from Primo Levi’s book, The Periodic Table; and introduce a competition you should enter!

Episode 104: Essential Elements – Earth

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PST

This week we begin our 4-part series about earth, air, water, and fire. Today’s episode is about earth and the Marcellus Shale.

Episode 103: Herbal Remedy

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 00:00:00 PST

Before pharmaceuticals existed, all medicines had to come from natural sources—like plants. On this week’s show, we focus on such remedies.

Episode 102: Best of Distillations #6

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PST

We continue to bring you some of our favorite segments from past Distillations episodes this week: Senescence, Richard Holmes, and Boy Rocketeer.

Episode 101: Best of Distillations #5

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 PST

This month Distillations takes a step back to bring you some of our favorite segments from past episodes: Glenn Seaborg, the Three Sisters, and Living with Illness.

Episode 100: Birthday Episode

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 PST

Distillations marks our 100th episode this week! To celebrate, we revisit segments from some of our past shows and bring you new developments.

Celebrate 100 Episodes of Distillations

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 PST

CHF’s award-winning science podcast hits a milestone.

Episode 99: Summer BBQ

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 PST

Halfway through July, we are just about in the middle of summer. So we thought it would be appropriate to talk about meat and barbecuing in this week’s episode of Distillations.

Episode 98: Climate Engineering

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 2 Jul 2010 00:00:00 PST

As atmospheric carbon dioxide increases, does the world have to get hotter? Controlling the earth’s weather and climate is this week’s topic.

Episode 97: Immortality

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 PST

If you could live forever, would you? Though most believe this to be a hypothetical question, there are some scientific processes that impart eternal life, or something like that, to actual creatures on earth.

A Summer Brew for You

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 PST

Here in Philly, where most of the Distillations crew resides, we are celebrating Philly Beer Week.

Episode 96: Infamous Science

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 4 Jun 2010 00:00:00 PST

Innovation can be messy work, and sometimes outright disastrous. This week on Distillations we’re looking at some of the 20th century’s most infamous scientific missteps.

Episode 95: Cleaning Up -- Retro Edition

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 PST

This week we’re digging into our archives and looking back at one of our first episodes of Distillations.

Episode 94: Scientific Visions

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 7 May 2010 00:00:00 PST

The future is now. Distillations, therefore, is pausing to compare what people once predicted the modern world would look like to the actual reality on the ground—and in the air.

Episode 93: Kids’ Science

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 PST

In honor of National Lab Day in May this episode focuses on the scientist in every kid.

Episode 92: Scientific Collaborations

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 9 Apr 2010 00:00:00 PST

April is National Poetry Month and Distillations is celebrating by looking at the connections between science and literature.

Episode 91: Marvels and Ciphers

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PST

In early March, the Chemical Heritage Foundation’s museum opened its newest temporary exhibit, Marvels and Ciphers: A Look Inside the Flask.

Episode 90: Useful Waste

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:00:00 PST

What’s better than recycling? Reducing waste! OK, maybe not better, but equally important. In this week’s episode of Distillations, we learn about industrial waste reduction.

Episode 89: Plastic World

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST

Love it or hate it, plastic is hard to avoid. This week we take a look at plastic made from corn and find out just how biodegradable it really is.

Episode 88: A Sense of Scent

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 PST

On this week’s episode of Distillations we’re talking about what the nose knows. First up we learn about the nose itself — how it works and how losing your sense of smell can affect your day-to-day life.

Episode 87: Scientific Journeys

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Scientific discoveries can be dramatic tales of unexpected adventure. They can also be personal explorations of intuition and faith.

Episode 86: In Sickness and in Health

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Whether it’s preventing illness by vaccines or avoiding germs, this episode is about getting sick and staying healthy.

Episode 85: International Year in Review

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 PST

Another year has come and gone, but the impact of scientific discoveries made and concerns raised will be felt in 2010 and beyond.

Episode 84: Crystals

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

There are many different types of crystals we encounter, ranging from tiny to extremely large in size.

Episode 83: Fellows in Action

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00:00 PST

What do Isaac Newton, yeast, and Harold Urey have in common? They all come under the research microscope of Chemical Heritage Foundation fellows.

Episode 82: Food Myths

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

In this episode of Distillations we clarify common misconceptions about food.

Episode 81: Light

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 PST

Let there be light! Whether it comes from the sky or a bulb, we’d be lost without it.

Episode 80: Autumn

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST

Autumn! Learn about leaf changes, the three sisters, and apple cider. Chemical Agent: Senescence.

Episode 79: Changing Phases

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:00:00 PST

Everything falls into one of three phases of matter: solid, liquid, or gas. Or does it?

Episode 78: Public Science

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PST

Science isn’t some exalted ideal confined to labs and classrooms—it’s all around us. In this episode we share different ways that scientists have reached out to educate and enlighten the masses.

Episode 77: Innovations and Inventions

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 PST

Every year the Chemical Heritage Foundation holds Innovation Day—an event for people to get together to discuss and learn about science’s exciting new technologies. In this episode we take a look at innovations—the natural kind and the man-made kind.

Episode 76: Working Class Chemistry

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PST

In honor of Labor Day, this episode of Distillations looks at how chemistry has impacted the work of a variety of professionals—for better or worse.

Episode 75: Best of Distillations #4

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:00:00 PST

Distillations is sharing more of our favorite episodes this week: free radicals, art forgery, and snoring.

Episode 74: Best of Distillations #3

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PST

It’s almost the end of the summer, so the Distillations crew is taking a look back at some of our favorite episodes this week: panspermia, umami, and pheromone perfumes.

Episode 73: Brave New Worlds

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PST

Birth, once nature's miracle, is increasingly manipulated by humans and regulated by society. In this week’s episode, we look at a range of reproductive technologies and the implications of their use. Chemical Agent: Luteinizing Hormone.

Episode 72: Space and Place

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 00:00:00 PST

Location, location, location! In this week’s episode we talk about why and how certain spaces are chosen and used. Chemical Agent: Bromine.

Episode 71: Breakfast

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 PST

Rise and Shine! Today we look at some of the most essential elements of a satisfying breakfast.

Episode 70: The Chemistry of Dentistry

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 5 Jun 2009 00:00:00 PST

Distillations takes a look at the history and chemistry of dentistry. We find out how baking soda cleans your teeth and lidocaine numbs your gums.

Episode 69: Lab Safety

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

Laboratory science can be a risky business. While some of these substances’ dangers are easily mitigated by following proper safety procedures, others have risks that increase with extended exposure—a lesson unfortunately learned by many chemists in previous centuries, which we explore on today’s show. Chemical Agent: Lead.

Episode 68: Integrated Circuits

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 8 May 2009 00:00:00 PST

This year is the 50th anniversary of the integrated circuit! The IC is an important part of many electronic technologies we use today, from your iPod to your GPS. Chemical Agent: Chemically Amplified Photoresists.

Episode 67: Baseball

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 PST

After several long, cold months baseball season has finally begun! From Philadelphia, the home of 2008 World Series Champions, we bring you a show straight from the ballpark. Chemical Agent: Anabolic steroids.

Episode 63: Biofuel

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

Fossil fuel has gotten us into all sorts of trouble lately. Gas production and consumption has caused international conflict, wrecked havoc on our planet, and lightened our wallets at the gas pump. Why not turn to plants? They get their energy from the sun; and with a little smart science, they can pass on their clean green energy to our cars.

Episode 62: Chemical Romance

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

It’s Valentine’s Day this weekend, and love is in the air. Let’s learn how atoms find each other with an examination of chemical bonds. Chemical Agent: Free Radicals.

Episode 61: Space Science

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 6 Feb 2009 00:00:00 PST

Space, the Final Frontier! Mention the chemistry of space and you’re likely to hear bad jokes about Tang or the behavior of liquids in zero gravity. But it turns out that there’s an entire field—astrochemistry—dedicated to understanding the chemistry of the universe. Chemical Agent: Panspermia.

Episode 60: Professional Networks

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 PST

Today Distillations is finding out more about professional networks—particularly in the field of chemistry.

Episode 53: Faking It

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 PST

Episode 47: Making Up

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

Happy Halloween from Distillations! This week we’re looking at the world of cosmetics, which seems fitting for a day when many people wear makeup who might not normally.

Episode 46: Charging Up

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

The first cars didn’t run on gas—they ran on electricity. Over a century later, the high cost of fuel has finally forced automakers to take the possibility of battery-powered cars seriously. On today’s show we look at three kinds of batteries that have been proposed as transportation solutions.

Episode 44: Sweet Dreams

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

There’s nothing quite like a good night’s rest to recharge the body and restore the spirits. Today’s show looks at the science of sleep—and insomnia.

Episode 43: Cause and Effect

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 00:00:00 PST

According to Newton’s third law, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” In this week’s episode we explore causes and their effects in several different ways.

Episode 42: Women in Chemistry

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

Breaking through the glass ceiling can be tough, especially when you are a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. This week’s episode takes a look at women in chemistry.

Episode 41: Self-Experimentation

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

This week we delve into the world of experimenting on oneself. Many scientists have both knowingly and unknowingly used themselves as guinea pigs in the lab.

Episode 40: Agriculture

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 PST

All over the Midwest, farmers are cranking up their combines for the corn harvest. Modern agriculture depends on science and technology at every step of the way, from genetically modified crops, to the fertilizer on the fields, to the fuel in the tractor.

Episode 37: Best of Distillations #1

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

This week we’re looking back at some of our favorite Distillations episodes.

Episode 38: Best of Distillations #2

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

We continue to look back at some of our favorite episodes this week at Distillations .

Episode 36: Olympics

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

Addicted to the Olympics? Take a break from too much video with 12 minutes of audio. On today’s show, we investigate Olympic mysteries, from the flame of the torch to the composition of those so-called gold medals.

Episode 35: Things We Wear

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

This week we discuss the chemistry behind what we wear. Many modern fabrics include synthetic materials , and these synthetics would not be possible without chemistry.

Episode 34: Criminal Chemistry

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 1 Aug 2008 00:00:00 PST

We’re rather fond of chemistry here at Distillations , but even we have to admit that not everyone who’s interested in chemistry is inspired purely by a love of science. On today’s show we explore the uses of chemistry on either side of the law

Episode 33: Molecular Gastronomy

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

The term molecular gastronomy can sound pretentious, but food writer Harold McGee describes it as “the science of deliciousness.” Learn more about the science of food (and deliciousness) in this week’s episode.

Episode 32: Religious Experience

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

There’s an old stereotype that portrays science and religion as inevitably mired in conflict. On today’s show we look past the clichés—evolution and Galileo and all that—for some areas where the two have something constructive to say to each other.

Episode 31: Motherhood

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

What makes motherhood scientific? This week, we try to answer, with a look at motherhood, pregnancy, and science.

Episode 30: American Chemistry

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PST

Chemistry has been part of the American experience ever since the settlers at Jamestown built a lab for blowing glass and assaying metal (you can learn more on our Jamestown episode ). Today we celebrate the 4th of July with a tribute to American scientific and technological achievements—and we’ve thrown in some fireworks, just for fun.

Episode 29: Left Behind

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

Matter can neither be created nor destroyed. So when you take your garbage out to the curb every week, do you ever stop to think about where it’s going? In this week’s episode, Jori Lewis explores how New York City is trying to make it easier for residents to recycle their electronic waste .

Episode 28: Summer

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

Summer 2008 officially begins today, June 20, at 7:50 EDT (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Here at Distillations , we’re celebrating with a show dedicated to poolside lounging.

Episode 27: Illumination

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

Illumination has been a quest of humans for centuries now—both in terms of the cerebral and the physical. In today’s episode we focus on the physical type of illumination.

Episode 26: Performance

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 6 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PST

Baseball, track, swimming, biking—is there any sport that hasn’t suffered a scandal in the past few years? It turns out that the obvious culprits—performance enhancing drugs—are just the tip of the iceberg for how chemistry can alter athletic competition. In today’s show we look at some of the chemistry going on both inside and outside athletes’ bodies.

Episode 25: The Chemistry of Time

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

There are four fundamental qualities: time, length, mass, and temperature. All other units can be derived from them, but these four can’t be broken down any further. This week we focus on time—the measurement that orders our lives.

Episode 24: Beer and Brewing

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

What do Isaac Newton, yeast, and Harold Urey have in common? They all come under the research microscope of Chemical Heritage Foundation fellows.

Episode 23: Preservation

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Entropy is defined as the degree of disorder in a system, and according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics entropy is always increasing. Preservation is a way that humans are trying to beat entropy, and this week we look at why and how we preserve.

Episode 21: Sound

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 2 May 2008 00:00:00 PST

Sound is often thought to be a science of physics, but on today’s show we consider its chemistry.

Episode 20: Spring Cleaning

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Tuesday, April 22 was Earth Day. Amid all the hubbub about “going green,” it’s a fair question to ask how much power individual consumers have to reduce their environmental impact.

Episode 18: Beyond the Chip

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Semiconductors are at the heart of countless electronic devices. Although we often think of Silicon Valley as being built on computer chips, the companies that make the chips often depend upon materials and equipment manufacturers who build the component parts. On today’s show we explore some of the unheralded companies that have made the Digital Revolution possible.

Episode 19: Jamestown

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST

Jamestown celebrated its 400th anniversary last year. Many people may know that it was the first permanent English settlement in North America, but less commonly known is that Jamestown was also the birthplace of the American chemical enterprise.

Episode 16: Vitamania!

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

In today’s show we take a closer look at vitamins, the tiny substances that are vital to our health.

Episode 17: Dual Use

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

Science has long been a component of warfare, and in this week’s episode we look at how it has played a part in both destruction and preservation during times of war.

Episode 15: The Art of Science

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

While chemistry often plays a silent role in art, such as synthetic additives in acrylic paints, both artists and scientists have consciously chosen to intersect the two.

Episode 14: Blockbuster Science

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

Is science on the silver screen any less real than science in the lab? A crew from CHF attempts to answer this question with a visit to a new Star Wars exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.

Episode 13: The Nanoscale

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 7 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST

You’ve heard the hype—but what’s nanotechnology really all about? Today’s show is an investigation into the current reality and the future potential of nanotechnology.

Episode 12: Chemistry as Technology

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

In today’s world, technology is seemingly ubiquitous. Chemistry plays a role in many technologies and may be obvious in some products, but is quite invisible in others.

Episode 11: Wonder Drugs

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

From antibiotics to chemotherapy, modern pharmaceuticals have transformed the experience of illness in the 20th century. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the founder and chairman of Biocon, Ltd., joins us for a discussion of how the global business of pharmaceuticals is changing the culture of science in India.

Episode 10: Color

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

Color literally fills our world, and it plays a dominant role in how we perceive our surroundings. Scientists have been fascinated with the question of what color is ever since Isaac Newton discovered that white light contains the entire color spectrum.

Episode 9: The Love Show

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 8 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

Please note: In today’s episode we have included more mature content than a typical show. A Valentine for our listeners, this show is dedicated to the chemistry of love. In today’s show, we explain why passion has always been associated with fire and how the stars can influence your love life.

Episode 8: Chemistry in the Classroom

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 1 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST

Today’s show takes a look at how scientists and educators are reinventing American science education. We chat with Tom Tritton, former president of Haverford College and CHF’s new president and CEO, about how to introduce liberal arts students to science—and just as importantly, vice versa.

Episode 7: Electronics

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

We don’t normally think of computers, radios, and cell phones as products of chemistry, but none of these devices would be possible without specialized chemical manufacturing components and techniques. The integrated circuits at the heart of these tools depend on the unique electrical properties of certain inorganic elements such as silicon, germanium, and gallium.

Episode 6: The Chemistry of Texts

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Creating ink for both the printed and handwritten page, as well as preserving it, has a long history in which chemistry plays an integral part. Some historic inks have started to destroy the pages they’re printed on. Other books and manuscripts have been damaged as a result of older conservation practices that place more emphasis on looks than historic accuracy.

Episode 5: The Body Chemical

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Western medicine has always looked at the body as a system in balance. Today’s show looks at how ideas about the body’s equilibrium have changed over the past few centuries, from humoral theory to the discovery of vitamins and the role of trace elements in human health.

Episode 4: Measurement

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 4 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST

Chemistry has always been a science of measurement. In this episode, we look at several cases of how measurements affect scientific research and practice as well as daily life.

Episode 3: Happy Holidays from CHF!

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

This week, in honor of the holiday season, we’re offering a toast to chemistry. We’ll explain what makes champagne bubble, and why size matters when you’re talking about carbonation.

Episode 2: Cleaning Up

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

After the recent oil spills in the San Francisco Bay and the Kerch Strait, Distillations delves into the reality of cleaning up human-made messes.

Episode 1: Communicating Chemistry

distillations@chemheritage.org (Chemical Heritage Foundation) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 00:00:00 PST

How do scientists explain what they do to the larger public, and how can historians help? In this first episode of Distillations , we explore this question by looking at phlogiston, an obsolete element once thought to explain combustion.