History
Archived Posts from this Category
Friday 06 Nov 2009
Episode 81: Light
Let there be light! Whether it comes from the sky or a bulb, we’d be lost without it. In this episode of Distillations, we first examine new developments in solar power. Next, we explore how light can be used to treat those with Seasonal Affective Disorder. And finally, producer Jim Burress takes us through a guided history of lightbulbs, starting in Louisville, Kentucky, with Thomas Edison’s most illuminating invention. Chemical Agent: Organic Solar Cells.
Listen now (streaming file)
Download (11.2 MB MP3 file)
Show Clock
00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:01 Chemical Agent: Organic Solar Cells
03:54 Mystery Solved! Seasonal Affective Disorder
06:42 Feature: The History of Lightbulbs
11:21 Closing Credits
Credits
This show was written and researched by Hilary Domush, Michal Meyer, and Erica Stefanovich.
Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes “Bacon Wine,” by Jim Tyrrell, ”Madam, Madame!,” by Firefox AK, and ”Snows No Fun At All,” by Danny Daughtridge Trio.
Image courtesy NASA/GSFC via Flickr.
0 comments jdionisio | Environment, History, Medicine, Technology
Friday 25 Sep 2009
Episode 78: Public Science
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.
Listen now (streaming file)
Download (11.1 MB MP3 file)
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.
Friday 28 Aug 2009
Episode 76: Working Class Chemistry
In honor of Labor Day, today’s episode of Distillations looks at how chemistry has impacted the work of a variety of professionals—for better or worse. First, we look at a heat-resistant fiber designed in the 1950s to protect pilots and astronauts. Then, we learn how toxic exposure to synthetic dyes influenced the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Finally, Senior Producer Mia Lobel learns from Warren Breslau how the material world is welded together. Chemical Agent: Polybenzimidazole.
Listen now (streaming file)
Download (10.7 MB MP3 file)
Show Clock
00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
00:59 Chemical Agent: Polybenzimidazole
02:58 History Lesson: Origins of Occupational Health
06:01 Feature: The Chemistry of Welding
10:40 Closing Credits
Credits
This show was written and researched by Andy Magravite and Jody Roberts.
Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music includes “The Subway,” by Audiofinger.
This week’s image was uploaded by to Flickr by elisfanclub.
Friday 22 May 2009
Episode 69: Lab Safety
Laboratory 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.
Listen now (streaming file)
Download (10.7 MB MP3 file)
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.
