Popular podcasts
Butyric acid
The taste of American chocolate divides continents. Louise Crane reveals the ingredient that explains why
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Find an element podcast
We've recorded 118 podcasts, one for every element. Search the list below to find one to listen to today.
Beryllium
Richard Van Noorden introduces an element that has given us gorgeous gemstones, spark proof tools for the oil industry and a deadly lung condition
Boron
Pat Bailey introduces an element known for split personalities, parachute molecules, and swapping partners
Carbon
Katherine Holt introduces an element with an entire branch of chemistry devoted to its reactions
Nitrogen
Peter Wothers enlightens us on the many attributes of nitrogen (including blowing things up)
The basics
Water
Brian Clegg dives into Earth's defining feature
Carbon dioxide
Brian Clegg uncovers the chemistry of carbon dioxide
Ammonia
Brian Clegg sniffs out the chemistry behind this week's famous compound
Salt
Brian Clegg highlights the many uses of this salty compound
Home and garden
Glyphosate
A popular way to weed out unwanted pest plants, Jen Newton introduces glyphosate
Petrol
Brian Clegg fuels our knowledge of this widely used compound
Borax
From lemon-fresh detergent to home made silly putty, Jenna Bilbrey expounds the virtues of borax
PTFE
Brian Clegg goes to infinity and beyond with this week's compound
Materials
Graphene
Ian Le Guillou investigates the compound that could have limitless applications
MOFs: Metal–organic frameworks
Katrina Krämer examines these extremely versatile materials and speaks to MOF pioneer Omar Yaghi
Asbestos
How the ‘world’s most wonderful mineral’ became one of the world’s biggest health hazards
Porcelain
Mike Freemantle on the art, history and science of this delicate, translucent ceramic material
On the battlefield
Phosgene
Matt Gunther investigates a clear, colourless gas responsible for thousands of deaths in the Great War: Phosgene
Cordite
The Battle of Jutland was fought 100 years ago next week, on May 31st, 1916. A critical role was played by cordite
Ethyl iodoacetate
A tear gas used by the British army in the first world war, picked, in part, because of our access to seaweed
VX
The stuff of action films and horrifying news stories, Simon Cotton introduces the infamous nerve agent, VX
In your body
DNA
Brian Clegg explores the compound that defines life on Earth
Serotonin
Serotonin, the ‘happy molecule’, may be at the root of depression, but Hayley Birch finds we still have a lot to learn
Bilirubin
Kat Arney investigates the chemicals responsible for giving bruises their hue and colouring your poo
Opsins
Brian Clegg opens our eyes to the compounds that enable sight
Medicines
Prozac
Simon Cotton introduces the first of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants: Prozac
Statins
Brian Clegg gets to the heart of the matter on the benefits or otherwise of one of the most commonly prescribed drugs
Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine
The Covid-19 pandemic – and some very high profile backing – has led to malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine hitting the headlines worldwide.
Antihistamines
From calming a hyperactive immune system to increasing cognitive abilities, these small molecules have a big impact
Food
Asparagusic Acid
Does asparagus give you foul-smelling urine? Helen Arney investigates asparagusic acid, and the lavatorial genetic lottery that controls whether or not you can smell its distinctive aroma
Asafoetida
With a name that literally means rotten resin, asafoetida is a surprising food additive and deodorant
Curcumin
For an aromatic curry and, potentially, a healthier life, Simon Cotton recommends curcumin
Capsaicin
The spicy compound that caused one of the big doping scandals of the 2008 Olympics
Fragrances
2-Methylundecanal
Simon Cotton sniffs out the chemistry behind 2-Methylundecanal
Muscone
Exploring how this compound keeps us smelling fresh and fragrant for longer, here's Josh Howgego
Beta-damascenone
Louise Crane explains how a series of happy accidents led to the discovery of this rose-scented compound, found in rose oil, beer, apple pie and Kentucky bourbon.
Raspberry ketone
Is there really a simple, fruity route to weight loss?
Frankincense and myrrh
In this seasonal podcast, we look at the compounds found in frankincense and myrrh
Hedione
Louise Crane investigates a jasmine-derived synthetic scent with supposed sex appeal
Half Lives: The Unlikely History of Radium by Lucy Jane Santos – Book club
From radioactive spa treatments to liquid sunshine, this book traces a forgotten part of chemistry history
Sticky: The Secret Science of Surfaces by Laurie Winkless – Book club
Delving into the mysterious science of surfaces
Superheavy: Making and Breaking the Periodic Table by Kit Chapman – Book club
Kit Chapman explores the strange, complex and downright confusing world of superheavy elements
Vampirology: The Science of Horror's Most Famous Fiend by Kathryn Harkup – Book club
A scientific investigation of vampires’ lust for blood and weakness to garlic
Liquid by Mark Miodownik – Book club
Mark Miodownik on the delightful, dangerous and downright strange liquids that flow through our lives
A Taste for Poison by Neil Bradbury – Book club
Murder isn’t Easy by Carla Valentine – Book club
Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers and Queer Futures by Adam Zmith – Book club
Handmade: A Scientist’s Search for Meaning through Making by Anna Ploszajski – Book club
Uncle Tungsten: Memories of a Chemical Boyhood by Oliver Sacks – Book club
Science books for children – Book club
Humble Pi: A Comedy of Maths Errors by Matt Parker – Book club
I’m a Joke and So Are You by Robin Ince – Book club