Gypsum: Chemistry in its element
From Lavoisier's experiments with plaster of paris to the the 'Sistine Chapel of crystals' in Mexico, Mike Freemantle explores the history of gypsum
7 Aug 20208min
Favipiravir: Chemistry in its element
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
2 Aug 20207min
Tannic acid: Chemistry in its element
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.
24 Jul 20208min
Ractopamine: Chemistry in its element
Common in the US but banned in the EU, this animal feed additive makes for muscular pigs and beefy international trade disputes.
17 Jul 20207min
Hexasilabenzene: Chemistry in its element
Brian Clegg discovers what a six-membered silicon ring can tell us about alien life
10 Jul 20206min
2AP (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline): Chemistry in its element
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
3 Jul 20205min
Dexamethasone: Chemistry in its element
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 ...
26 Jun 20206min
Porcelain: Chemistry in its element
Mike Freemantle on the art, history and science of this delicate, translucent ceramic material
19 Jun 20206min
