Tiny Matters
Multitude
Science shapes every facet of our lives, but so much of its influence is overlooked or buried in the past. Tiny Matters is an award-winning science podcast from the American Chemical Society about tiny things — from molecules to microbes — that have a big and often surprising impact on society, past and present. From deadly diseases to forensic toxicology to the search for extraterrestrial life, hosts and former scientists Sam Jones and Deboki Chakravarti embrace the awe and messiness of science and its significance, asking questions like, "how was IVF invented?," "what do glaciers tell us about Earth’s ancient past?," and "why is smallpox the only human infectious disease we’ve eradicated?" New episodes every Wednesday wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 29, 2023 • 29min
The rise and fall of a fake decongestant: What phenylephrine tells us about the history of the FDA
Deb Chakravarti, a professor with industry experience, discusses the FDA's oversight of phenylephrine in cold medicines. They explore historical cases like thalidomide and Vioxx, while also highlighting new technologies like a capsule to prevent opioid overdose. The episode reveals the complexities of drug approval and regulations, as well as innovative solutions for healthcare challenges.
Nov 15, 2023 • 31min
The opioid crisis: From pill mills to fentanyl. Are we now seeing glimmers of hope?
The podcast explores the origins of opioids, from opium to fentanyl, and the role of pharmaceutical companies in starting the crisis. It discusses the rise of fentanyl and the increase in overdose deaths. Harm reduction facilities that provide safe needle exchange and healthcare testing are crucial. Despite the tragic reality of the opioid crisis, there are glimmers of hope with harm reduction, increased research funding, and pharmaceutical company payouts. The podcast also highlights the National Helpline for support and treatment resources.
Nov 1, 2023 • 28min
We don't deserve dogs: The science behind the human-canine relationship
We often hear that dogs help lower our blood pressure, decrease our allergy risk, and even alert us to disease. But is there science behind those claims? In this episode of Tiny Matters, Sam and Deboki unpack some dog domestication history and fascinating research with Jen Golbeck and Stacey Colino, authors of the new book, The Purest Bond: Understanding the Human-Canine Connection. Links to the Tiny Show & Tell stories are here and here. Pick up a Tiny Matters mug here! All Tiny Matters transcripts are available here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Oct 18, 2023 • 30min
The Salem witch trials LSD theory and the fascinating evolution of mummification in ancient Egypt
Guest researcher, an expert on the Salem witch trials, debunks the LSD theory and discusses the true causes of the hysteria. The podcast also explores the science behind ancient Egyptian mummification, emphasizing the controversy around their display today.
Oct 4, 2023 • 31min
Asteroid Bennu, OSIRIS-REx, and the Apollo 11 moon microbe scare: The challenge of bringing samples home from space
NASA collecting material from asteroid Bennu and bringing it back to Earth. Debates and risks during construction of Lunar Receiving Laboratory for Apollo 11 mission. No moon microbial crisis occurred. Applying lessons from mistakes to other fields like AI and climate change.
Sep 20, 2023 • 30min
It’s flu season: Why do we need a shot every year? And should we be worried about the new avian influenza strain?
This podcast explores the annual flu vaccine and the need for it, including an in-depth discussion on influenza virus types, past pandemics, and the challenges of developing vaccines for birds. It also delves into the potential of a universal vaccine and the advancements in technology to combat global pandemics. The podcast touches on the risks of DNA synthesis and the ethical controversies surrounding gene editing.
Sep 6, 2023 • 1h 2min
Listener Q&A: Plastic-eating mushrooms, allergy-curing hookworms, the end of the universe, making a career in scicomm, and more!
Sam and Deboki answer listener questions about science, including the role of hookworms in curing allergies and measuring the end of the universe. They also discuss gene therapy and the promising levitus treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The podcast explores avoiding harmful PFAS chemicals and different paths in science communication. The episode concludes with the announcement of the Tiny Matters mug giveaway winners.
Aug 23, 2023 • 28min
Flavor is more than meets the taste buds: Health impacts, seltzer facts, and chocolate zucchini cake snacks
The podcast explores the difference between taste and flavor, emphasizing the role of smell in flavor experience. It discusses strategies to make disliked foods more appealing and the impact of exposure on changing preferences. Additionally, it touches on the recent discovery of a 39 million-year-old whale and its significance in understanding whale evolution.
Aug 9, 2023 • 30min
We’re not all in this together: How colonialist practices are shaping the impact of climate change
This podcast explores how colonialist practices and climate change are devastating poorer countries in the global south. It discusses the catastrophic effects of these factors on Pakistan's waterways and irrigation network, as well as the misgovernance, poverty, and inequality caused by colonialism in the global south. The podcast also challenges the flawed concept of unity in relation to climate change and highlights the impact of the global factory system. Additionally, it touches on menopause in animal species and provides book recommendations on sustainable consumption.
Jul 26, 2023 • 30min
Mad cow, 'zombie deer disease' and the science and spread of prions
Mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was first discovered in cattle in the UK in 1986. In 1996, BSE made its way into humans for the first time, setting off panic and fascination with the fatal disease that causes rapid onset dementia. In this episode, Sam and Deboki cover the cause, spread and concern surrounding mad cow and other prion diseases. The Tiny Show & Tell stories are here and here. Pick up a Tiny Matters mug here! All Tiny Matters transcripts are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
