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Episode 72: Space and Place

evans_mill_editLocation, location, location! In this week’s episode we talk about why and how certain spaces are chosen and used. First we go back in time to the late 1800s and find out why Herbert Dow chose Midland, Michigan, as the site of his company. Next, learn about brownfields and how they are being remediated to become habitable again. Finally, CHF’s Jody Roberts speaks to Professor Jim Hutchison, from the University of Oregon, about changing laboratory facilities in order to make them a better space and place for students, faculty, and others to work. Chemical Agent: Bromine.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:32 Introduction
01:07 Chemical Agent: Bromine
03:13 Mystery Solved! Brownfields
06:31 Conversation with Jim Hutchison
11:16 Closing Credits

Credits

This show was written and researched by Hilary Domush, Jennifer Dionisio, and Jody Roberts.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes “Pumpkin,” by Jack Erdie and “In A Different Place,” by PAT ZELENKA.

This week’s image is of the Evans Flour Mill in Midland, Michigan. The tower in the photo housed the brine well — which provided the raw material for Dow to produce bromine. From the Post Street Archives, at CHF.

Episode 71: Breakfast

Sunny Side UpYou’ve likely heard a million times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Luckily, it’s also arguably the most delicious! On today’s show, we take a look at the ingredient responsible for perfectly spreadable fruit preserves. Next we debate the merits of baking with butter vs. oil. And finally, producer Rebecca Sheir visits Rise and Shine Bakery in Anchorage, Alaska, to learn how to make sourdough bread. Chemical Agent: Pectin.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:21 Chemical Agent: Pectin
03:34 Chemistry in Your Cupboard: Butter vs. Oil
06:37 Feature: Making Sourdough Bread
11:00 Closing Credits

Credits

This show was written and researched by Audra Wolfe.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes “Big Butter and Egg Man From Way Down South,” by Yamomanem, and “Jazz Breakfast,” by Gecko 3.

This week’s image is “Sunny Side Up,” uploaded to Flickr by Phillie Casablanca.

Episode 70: The Chemistry of Dentistry

Americans take dental hygiene very seriously. From dentist visits twice a year to orthodontics, we tend to obsess over the straightness and whiteness of our teeth. First we take a look at baking soda and how it keeps teeth clean. Next we find out about some do-it-yourself dentistry, like giving yourself a temporary filling. And finally, producer Ari Daniel Shapiro takes us to the dentist to learn about lidocaine. Chemical Agent: Sodium Bicarbonate.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:15 Chemical Agent: Sodium Bicarbonate
03:15 Chemistry in Your Cupboard: DIY Dental Care
06:00 Feature: Lidocaine to Numb the Pain
10:32 Closing Credits

Credits

This show was written and researched by Anke Timmermann and Audra Wolfe.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes  ”Oral Hygiene,” by Bongos, Bass & Bob, performed by Onomatopoeia, “Brush Your Teeth,” by Amy Jo Doty, “DIY - oneeyedboy remix,” by A Band Called Quinn, and “Jim the Toothbrush,” by Eric Strom.

This week’s image is “Toothpaste 1,” uploaded to stock.xchng by garytamin.

Episode 69: Lab Safety

original-safety-goggle-editLaboratory science can be a risky business, as many of the chemicals used by researchers can be hazardous to their health. 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. Next, Distillations promotes safety first by exploring why geeky goggles seem more popular in labs than safety glasses. Finally, producer Robin Sussingham visits Auburn Thompson’s 10th grade classroom, where the teacher catches his kids’ attention through pyrotechnics best not tried at home. Chemical Agent: Lead.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:02 Chemical Agent: Lead
03:31 Tools of the Trade: Safety Goggles
06:23 Feature: High School Chemistry Demonstrations
10:45 Closing Credits

Credits

This show was written and researched by Anke Timmerman and Hilary Domush.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes  ”Doctor Dogbrain,” by Al Phlipp and “The Woo Team Goggles,” by The Misprintz.

This week’s image is “Save Your Eyes—Use Your Goggles,” uploaded to flickr.com by sakraft1 on 19 July 2008.

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