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 they played with as a child. Next we look at imaging software and how it has changed the way chemists share information—making it much easier. Finally, we talk to Michael Gordin, a history of science professor at Princeton University. Gordin explains how professional scientific communities are formed. Chemical Agent: Sodium Cyanide.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:12 Chemical Agent: Sodium Cyanide
03:21 Tools of the Trade: Imaging Software
06:13 A conversation with Michael Gordin
10:58 Closing Credits

Resources and References

Check out a slideshow of chemsitry sets from CHF’s very own collection.
To learn more about Michael Gordin’s work, take a look at his book A Well-Ordered Thing: Dmitrii Mendeleev and the Shadow of the Periodic Table.

Credits

Special thanks to Jennifer Dionisio, Hilary Domush, and Eleanor Goldberg for researching and writing this episode.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music is: ”The Landing,” by Fang Island; “First Snow,” by Jack Erdie; and “Village Song by David Popper,” by Cello Journey.

This week’s image is from CHF’s own Flickr site.

We’re hitting the slopes—and tending our wounds—on today’s episode of Distillations. We start off with the science behind sports gels. What exactly is in this goop that makes your muscles feel better? Next, find out more about the synthetic fabrics, from GoreTex to fleece, that can keep you warm when you’re outside. Finally, producer Lydia Wilson travels to a snowless mountain in Virginia to learn about the latest advances in fake snow. Check out the video below for footage of snowboarders on green mountains. Chemical Agent: Menthol.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
00:58 Chemical Agent: Menthol
03:05 Chemistry in Your Cupboard: Synthetic Fibers
06:30 Feature: Snowflex
11:16 Closing Credits

Resources and References

Science Daily has a clear, accessible story about menthol and pain receptors.
Learn about GoreTex at the official corporate site.
Watch a slideshow and view more videos at this preview site for the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center.

Credits

Special thanks to Erin McLeary and Eleanor Goldberg for researching and writing the show.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music is “Dead of Winter,” by The Groove Mine; “Snowball Fight,” by TVs Kyle; and “Snowdays,” by Robbie Killingsworth.

To help president-elect Barack Obama celebrate his inauguration on Tuesday, January 20, Distillations is taking a look at the presidential side of chemistry. First we learn about stem cells and the controversy surrounding their research. Next we find out why 21-gun salutes are safe and not so smoky in Mystery Solved! And finally, CHF’s Jody Roberts shares his wish list for the new administration and congress. Chemical Agent: Stem Cells.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:01 Chemical Agent: Stem Cells
03:30 Mystery Solved! Smokeless Gunpowder
06:32 Commentary: A Planet in Peril
11:05 Closing Credits

Resources and References

Visit the National Institutes of Health to find out more about stem cells and the research ethics for studying them.
For more about smokeless gunpowder, check out this helpful Wikipedia page.
Go to The Center, CCHP’s blog, to read Jody’s series, “A Planet in Peril.”

Credits

Jennifer Dionisio, Nicole Rietmann, and Jody Roberts researched this episode.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music is: ”Curiosity,” by Nalts; “Comical Salute,” by Siberian Newspaper; and “The Presidents,” by Jonathan Coulton.

This week’s image is from Barack Obama’s Web site.

Does the recession have you looking for free entertainment? Let’s go to the library! This week we take a field trip to that venerable institution where great reading abounds and shushing up is de rigueur. We’ll thumb our way through the Chemical Abstracts, a must-use information management system that has been registering chemical research and nomenclature for over a century. We’ll browse in CHF’s rare book reading room, where Rare Books Curator James Voelkel teaches us about the ancient art and science of book binding. And we get some tips on damage control in this week’s Chemical Agent: Water.

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Show Clock

00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:04 Chemical Agent: Water
03:43 Tools of the Trade: The Chemical Abstract Service
06:44 Feature: Book Printing and Binding
11:18 Closing Credits

Resources and References

Visit CHF’s online card catalog to view images from the Roy G. Neville Historical Chemical Library.
Florence-flood.com is a blog and resource clearing house for information on the Florence flood of 1966.
Watch a video of the book restoration process.
Visit the National Archives and Library of Congress websites for information on saving old books, drying procedures, and a preservation FAQ.

Credits

Audra J. Wolfe wrote and researched this episode.

Our theme music is composed by Dave Kaufman. Additional music from the PodSafe Music Network. Additional music is: ”Flood Water Bridge,” by Desert Waltz; “Salsa di Soy,” by Boom Boom Beckett; and “Overture, Suite from Les Fetes by Rameau,” by Magnatune.

All photos taken from books in the Roy G. Neville Historical Chemical Library in CHF’s Othmer Library. Photographer: Douglas A. Lockard.