Food is the fuel that allows our bodies to function, so it’s important to choose what we ingest and how we ingest it wisely. Unfortunately the answers to those questions change all the time. In today’s episode of Distillations we clarify common misconceptions about food, such as how closely Splenda resembles real sugar, what the Master Cleanse does for your body, and why trans fats became an absolute health don’t. Chemical Agent: Sucralose.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:18 Chemical Agent: Sucralose
03:30 Chemistry in Your Cupboard: Detox Diets
06:04 A Conversation with David Schleifer on Trans Fats
11:33 Closing Credits

Credits

This show was written and researched by Jennifer Dionisio, Sky Kalfus, and Erica Stefanovich.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes “Wine Woman and Song,” by Johnny Ferreira and ”Resolution in Blue,” by Microtonal Music by Prent Rodgers.

Image by slopjop via Flickr.

Autumn is a time of beauty and bounty. Leaves turn rich browns, reds, and yellows; fruit ripens on the trees and grains on the stalk.  In this episode of Distillations, we take a look at the chemical processes behind leaf changes. Then we look at some time-honored practices in the growing of beans, squash, and corn, traditionally known as the three sisters. And lastly, come with us on a visit to an apple orchard, where heritage apples are fermented into cider. Chemical Agent: Senescence.

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00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:07 Chemical Agent: Senescence
03:43 Tools of the Trade: The Three Sisters
06:27 Feature: Apple Cider
10:52 Closing Credits

Credits

This show was written and researched by Hilary Domush and Erica Stefanovich.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes “MorningStar Rise,” by Joseph FireCrow, “Cockroaches..Ready…Set..Lights On!,” by Ricky Hana, and “Work,” by Naughty Jack.

Image courtesy Micha L. Reiser.

Everything falls into one of three phases of matter: solid, liquid, or gas. Or does it? Sometimes it’s a bit more ambiguous. In this episode of Distillations, first we take a look at dry ice, which skips a phase. Next, we examine the atomic structure of glass, which surprisingly looks more like a super-cooled liquid than a solid. And finally, we meet Distillations’ new executive producer Michal Meyer to discuss her love of science and her plans for the show. Chemical Agent: Dry Ice.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:11 Chemical Agent: Dry Ice
03:34 A Conversation with Michal Meyer
08:11 Chemistry in Your Cupboard: Glass
11:04 Closing Credits

Credits

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

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes “Nexus Phase,” by Dr. Awkward and “Glass Pebbles,” by Divasonic.

Science isn’t some exalted ideal confined to labs and classrooms—it’s all around us. In today’s episode we share different ways that scientists have reached out to educate and enlighten the masses. First, we pay homage to “Seaborg on Science,” a 1960s radio show that exposed a generation to the wonders of the scientific world. Next, we look at the humble air pump, which Robert Boyle used to demonstrate his revolutionary discoveries in the 17th century. Finally, producer Lisa Gray takes us to downtown Manhattan to attend the New York Academy of Science’s regular Science in the City lecture. Chemical Agent: Glenn Seaborg.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:00 Chemical Agent: Glenn Seaborg
03:43 Tools of the Trade: The Air Pump
06:07 Feature: Science in the City
11:08 Closing Credits

Credits

This show was written and researched by Andy Magravite and Erin McLeary.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes “Science Procedural,” by Podcast Troubador and “Creation Science Polka,” by the Rudy Schwartz Project. “Seaborg on Science,” produced by the Division of Public Information of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission with the assistance of Argonne National Laboratory. Interviewer: Ed Ronne, Information Staff at Argonne. Producers: Sid Schwartz, AEC, and Jon Fogel, AEC.

This week’s image is courtesy of the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.