Best Chemistry Podcasts (2025)

In this continuation of our two-part series, Melissa and Jam dive into the intriguing chemistry behind color film and Polaroid photography. The episode picks up from the previous discussion on black and white film, focusing on color theory and how it applies to both traditional and instant photography. Listeners will learn about the science of addi…

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Polygenic Effects on Hb A1c May Mask Hyperglycemia and Increase Retinopathy Risk 9:36

Play Pause

11d ago9:36

9:36

By Vahid Azimi

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Audio Summary August 2025 5:27

11d ago5:27

5:27

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Ask a Chemist: Is Baking Soda and Vinegar a Cleaning Myth? (And other questions) 36:21

13d ago36:21

36:21

Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of questions and corrections from their listeners. They dive into topics such as the effectiveness of baking soda and vinegar as cleaning agents, the science behind kombucha carbonation, the structural differences in Panko breadcrumbs, and how polymer clays harden in the oven versus air dry clay. They also explore f…

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Bonus Episode: 'Inflection Point' traces the serendipitous origins of PFAS 25:57

14d ago25:57

25:57

Inflection Point leans on C&EN’s 100-year archive to trace headline topics in science today back to their disparate and surprising roots. In each episode, we explore three lesser-known moments in science history that ultimately led us to current-day breakthroughs. With help from expert C&EN reporters, this new show examines how discoveries from our…

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What is the chemistry of film photography? 55:28

20d ago55:28

55:28

Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating chemistry behind film photography. They reminisce about their childhood experiences with analog cameras and discuss the shift to digital cameras. Melissa, a chemist, explains the complex chemical processes involved in capturing and developing photos on film, focusing on the role of light-sensitive silver b…

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Reducing the Noise in Plasma Metagenomics to Further Define Clinical Utility 10:40

22d ago10:40

10:40

By Jennifer M Bosquez , Erin H Graf

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What gives curly hair its curl? 28:18

27d ago28:18

28:18

#027 Rebroadcast Originally Published January 23, 2020 This week, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry of something that may not seem like chemistry at first: hair. Curly hair to be specific. What makes hair curl? Also what is hair in the first place? Why can hair be so radically different? Alright curly girls, curly guys, and curly folks, let's…

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Are organic vegetables healthier for you? 57:52

1M ago57:52

57:52

Melissa and Jam dive into the definition and implications of organic foods. They explore what organic means according to USDA standards, dissect common misconceptions about pesticide use, and discuss whether organic produce is actually healthier. This detailed analysis includes Melissa's scientific research process and draws on trusted sources to c…

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C&EN Uncovered: Can altering ocean chemistry fight climate change? 21:40

1M ago21:40

21:40

Can climate catastrophe be stymied by tweaking seawater chemistry? In this episode of C&EN Uncovered, host Craig Bettenhausen speaks with C&EN reporter Fionna Samuels about her recent C&EN cover story concerning Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) as a method to combat climate change by increasing ocean alkalinity to absorb more CO2. Uncovered offer…

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Ask a Chemist: Explain it like I'm five? 30:00

1M ago30:00

30:00

This episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life' features Melissa and Jam tackling various chemistry questions sourced from the 'Explain Like I'm Five' subreddit. They aim to explain complex chemistry concepts in a manner even a 5-year-old could understand. Questions discussed include why water isn't flammable, how carbonation works, the nature of colors …

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Correlations Within and Between Highly Multiplexed Proteomic Assays of Human Plasma 6:52

2M ago6:52

6:52

By Mary R Rooney

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Audio Summary July 2025 4:43

2M ago4:43

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Is it safe to use weed killer (Roundup)? 34:40

2M ago34:40

34:40

Melissa and Jam discuss the multifaceted debate surrounding the use of the widely known weed killer, Roundup, specifically its active ingredient, glyphosate. Prompted by a listener's question, they explore the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of glyphosate, including its effectiveness in agriculture, potential health risks, and environmental imp…

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Robotic Process Automation in Laboratory Medicine 13:47

2M ago13:47

13:47

By Nicholas Spies

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Are we breathing recycled air on airplanes? 39:58

2M ago39:58

39:58

#212 Melissa and Jam explore the concept of ozone and its impact on air quality in airplanes. Melissa explains the chemical reaction of ozone, why it's significant in organic chemistry, and how it can lead to discomfort in air travel by interacting with the oils on our skin. They also discuss various tips for flying and the potential benefits of no…

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HOPEing That a PEACEful Resolution for the Clinical Utility of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin in the Ambulatory Setting Will Improve Laboratory Testing 14:19

2M ago14:19

14:19

By Peter A Kavsak

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The History of the School Lunch 49:51

2M ago49:51

49:51

Feeding kids a healthy lunch every school day is a feat of science and logistics. Molded into shape by nutrition scientists who wanted to optimize children’s health, the school lunch has endured war, economic depression, and even a global pandemic. Some might say it’s all the stronger for it. So how did all these crises shape school lunch? And is t…

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What is the ozone layer? 27:05

2M ago27:05

27:05

#110 Rebroadcast Originally Published August 26, 2021 We've all heard about it. And most likely you've heard that it's in danger. But what is the ozone layer in the first place? And once we learn that, how about figuring out why it's in danger? Ok let's do it. References from this episode https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ozone/3005901.articl…

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Ask a Chemist: What is heavy water? (and other questions) 43:43

2M ago43:43

43:43

Question and Response #67 Melissa and Jam dive into a series of chemistry-related questions from their audience. From understanding why wintergreen mints spark in the dark to the science of pregnancy tests and heavy water, the episode covers a broad range of fascinating topics. They also discuss the role of moisturizers, dispel myths about chapstic…

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Why do airplanes make you gassy? 38:58

3M ago38:58

38:58

#211 Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind increased flatulence on airplanes. They explore how changes in air pressure affect gas expansion in the human body, leading to more frequent gas release during flights. The discussion covers the physiology of high altitude flatus expulsion (HAFE), personal anecdotes, and practical advice for mana…

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Audio Summary June 2025 5:26

3M ago5:26

5:26

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The Slow Progress in Developing Better Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Women Continues 14:21

3M ago14:21

14:21

By Leslie Donato and Allan Jaffe

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Pediatric vaccine-induced antibody thresholds: Rethinking pre-immunosuppression serologic testing and revaccination implications 11:21

3M ago11:21

11:21

By Megan Culler Freeman and Sarah Wheeler

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Reevaluating the threshold for low total testosterone 13:54

3M ago13:54

13:54

By Adith S Arun

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Chemistry at Home: Chromatography 13:29

3M ago13:29

13:29

Chemistry at Home: Chromatography Rebroadcast Originally Published June 29, 2020 Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens when we combine markers, coffee filters, and water. Let's do chemistry! Watch the experiment here! ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★…

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How do pregnancy tests actually work? 40:21

3M ago40:21

40:21

#210 Melissa and Jam dive into the science of home pregnancy tests. They explore the process in which these tests detect the presence of the hormone HCG, which signals a positive pregnancy result. The episode explains the roles of capillary action, antibodies, and enzymes in the test's operation and discusses the specificity needed to avoid false p…

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Help Us to Help You: Recommendations for Continued Enforcement Discretion for Common Infectious Disease Test Modifications under the FDA Final Rule 18:22

3M ago18:22

18:22

By Kyle Rodino and Erin Graf

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Ask a Chemist: Are all food dyes bad? (and other questions) 33:18

3M ago33:18

33:18

Ask a Chemist #66 Melissa and Jam dive into a range of listener-submitted questions exploring everyday chemistry. Topics include the chemistry behind toasting herbs, the effect of gravity on elemental bonds, the purpose and ethics of creating elements with short half-lives, and the effectiveness of cough medicine. They also discuss potential causes…

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How do plants defy gravity to "drink" water? 44:46

3M ago44:46

44:46

#209 Melissa and Jam dive into the fascinating chemistry behind how plants transport water from their roots to their leaves, effectively defying gravity. They explore processes such as capillary action and the cohesion tension mechanism, citing a primary source from Nature journal. Melissa and Jam also touch on key chemistry concepts like water pol…

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Audio Summary May 2025 5:43

3M ago5:43

5:43

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New Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vitamin D Supplementation and Testing 10:57

4M ago10:57

10:57

By Vishnu A Samara

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Normal Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone and Elevated Free Thyroxine in a Patient Presenting with Self-Reported Heart Palpitations 11:13

4M ago11:13

11:13

By William Butler

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What is the future of antihistamines? 34:35

4M ago34:35

34:35

#098 Rebroadcast Original Air Date: June 3, 2021 Could histamine and antihistamines do more than just affect our allergies? Actually yes. Today we discuss new and recent research in the world of histamine, and believe us, there's some really cool stuff. References from this episode https://cen.acs.org/articles/91/web/2013/06/Tracking-Histamine-Leve…

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Cardiac Biomarkers and Malnutrition Incidence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults without Cardiovascular Disease: The Seniors-ENRICA-2 Cohort 9:40

4M ago9:40

9:40

By Blanca Fabre-Estremera

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Why are seasonal allergies the worst? 29:11

4M ago29:11

29:11

#097 Rebroadcast Most of us know the feeling. But what are we actually experiencing when we experience allergies? How does being around plants and pollen make us all sniffly? Why does this beautiful season have such a dark side? Let's find out. References from this episode https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538528/ https://www.chemistryworld.com…

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C&EN Uncovered: Turning tides for endotoxin testing 20:41

4M ago20:41

20:41

The drug industry may finally phase out using horseshoe crab blood. What took so long? In this episode of C&EN Uncovered, host Craig Bettenhausen speaks with C&EN assistant editor Laurel Oldach about the use of horseshoe crab blood in pharmaceutical endotoxin testing, the challenges of transitioning to synthetic alternatives, and the regulatory hur…

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Why is red food dye banned? 33:49

4M ago33:49

33:49

#208 Melissa and Jam dive deep into the topic of FDA regulations, particularly focusing on food additives like red food dye. They discuss the complexities of the FDA's approval process, the Delaney Clause, and recent changes in the regulation of red dye number 3, which has been banned in response to cancer risks found in rats. They also delve into …

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Bonus episode: Introducing Inflection Point 23:42

4M ago23:42

23:42

The new podcast Inflection Point leans on C&EN’s 100-year archive to trace headline topics in science today back to their disparate and surprising roots. In each episode, we explore three lesser-known moments in science history that ultimately led us to current-day breakthroughs. With help from expert C&EN reporters, this new show examines how disc…

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Pharmacogenetic Analysis of CYP2C19 for Clopidogrel: Ready for Prime Time 15:19

4M ago15:19

15:19

By Joshua R Miller

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Chemistry Support: Where does a fart go? (and other questions) 27:03

4M ago27:03

27:03

Question and Response 65 Melissa and Jam delve into a variety of interesting chemistry-related questions sourced from Reddit. They explore why farts stop smelling over time, the non-oily nature of Castile soap, why cookies and candies remain safe to eat at room temperature, and the mechanics behind rice cookers. They also discuss how opening a bott…

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Audio Summary April 2025 5:19

4M ago5:19

5:19

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Can gasoline freeze? 31:05

5M ago31:05

31:05

#207 Melissa and Jam explore why gasoline doesn't freeze in extremely low temperatures while water and other substances do. They delve into the concepts of intermolecular forces, polarity, and how impurities can affect the freezing and melting points of substances. The discussion includes a comparison of the behavior of different substances at vary…

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A Multianalyte Machine Learning Model to Detect Wrong Blood in Complete Blood Count Tube Errors in a Pediatric Setting 11:06

5M ago11:06

11:06

By Brendan Graham, Stephen Master

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An AI Model (LORIS) to Predict Immune Checkpoint Blockade Response in Cancer: A Clinical Data Science Perspective 17:20

5M ago17:20

17:20

By David McClintock and Thomas Tavolara

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What's the chemistry of sticky stuff? 33:14

5M ago33:14

33:14

#011 Rebroadcast Why is honey sticky but salt isn’t? What’s the difference between things that stick and things that just feel sticky? In this episode, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry behind adhesion, cohesion, and the forces that make substances cling to surfaces (and to our fingers). They explore intermolecular forces, viscosity, and why …

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94. Plutonium: Weapons-Grade

5M ago

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Element 94 causes a bit of a crisis for our collections.By T. R. Appleton

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Can I trust the FDA? (from thalidomide to cough medicine) 30:23

5M ago30:23

30:23

#206 Melissa and Jam address a listener's question about the FDA's reliability in approving products. They discuss the intersection of chemistry, government, and society, focusing on FDA's role in regulating food and drugs. The episode includes a deep dive into the historical thalidomide tragedy, the improvements in the FDA's approval process since…