http://distillations.chemheritage.org Distillations is a science podcast that brings you extracts from the past, present, and future of chemistry. Join us for a new episode every other Friday with interviews, monologues, reviews, features, and more, to gain historical perspective on current scientific issues. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:01:06 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=1103 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 ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=1010 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, ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=982 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 ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=925 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 ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=905 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. On this week's episode we take a look at innovations—the natural kind and the man-made kind. First we talk about thermoregulation—the body's way of keeping itself at just the ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=883 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 ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=874 Distillations is sharing more of our favorite episodes this week. First we look back at our Valentine's Day show, as Daria Panichas explains free radicals in the Chemical Agent. Then we visit the Boston Fine Art Museum with producer Rebecca Sheir and find out how its Scientific Research Laboratory detects forgery. Finally Bob Kenworthy ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=832 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. First we return to our show about space science, as Jen Dionisio explains panspermia in the Chemical Agent. Next we explore taste with the Mystery Solved! segment from ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=809 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. First we look at the herbal fertility treatments women used hundreds of years ago. Then, our host Meir Rinde speaks ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=799 We're very pleased to announce that Distillations has received two awards from New York Festivals for Radio Programming & Promotion. For 52 years the New York Festivals Radio Programming and Promotions Awards has recognized the world's best work in radio broadcasting. In a competition against entries submitted by radio stations, networks, and ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=779 Location, 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 ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=755 You'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. ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=735 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 ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=722 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 ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=707 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 cell phone and even to your GPS. Learn about the light-sensitive chemically amplified photoresist, which allowed production of smaller and smaller pieces. Next we ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=681 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. We'll take a look at the preservatives that make a classic hot dog last and last, and we'll explore the chemistry behind performance-enhancing drugs. Producer Ari ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=670 It is officially spring — time to open the windows, let the fresh air in, and sweep those winter blues away! In this episode we learn about acetic acid and its cleaning power — a natural and fairly cheap option to clean your house. Then find out how hard water ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=621 A 2007 survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association found that nearly 60% of American households have at least one pet, and nearly two-thirds of pet owners had more than one. That's a lot of dogs, cats, turtles, birds, hamsters and iguanas. On today's episode we turn our scientific lens to ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=601 Plants are not the silent, stationary creatures we imagine them to be. They drift, stretch, and dance in search of nutrients, water, and sunlight. Inspired by sLowlife, a dynamic multimedia exhibit now on display in the Clifford C. Hach Gallery at the Chemical Heritage Foundation, today's show looks at the chemistry behind ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=588 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, ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=481 For over a year now, a new episode of Distillations has appeared each Friday. Unfortunately, like many endowment-based nonprofits, the Chemical Heritage Foundation now finds itself in challenging financial circumstances. In order to continue to produce the show as long as possible, we are shifting to a biweekly distribution schedule. ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=362 It’s Valentine’s Day this weekend, and love is in the air. We won’t even bother trying to understand the laws of human attraction. Instead let’s learn how atoms find each other with an examination of chemical bonds. We chat with Alan Rocke, Henry Eldridge Bourne Professor of History at Case Western ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=357 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. Astrochemists investigate the matter that makes up the ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=353 Today Distillations is finding out more about professional networks—particularly in the field of chemistry. First we learn about chemistry sets, like the one shown on the left, and the types of chemicals that were once included in these sets. Many chemists today claim that their interest in science was piqued by the chemistry set ... http://distillations.chemheritage.org/?p=349