Distillations | Science History Institute

On today's episode we look at how environments recover after natural and manmade disasters. First, we hear about how ecosystems repair themselves after hurricanes. Then we see how the Gulf of Mexico is faring after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:32 Introduction 01:18 Ecological Succession 04:13 Interview with Helen White 12:56 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Jeff Guin and Bob Kenworthy for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Pucker up! On today's episode we investigate the kiss. First, what's in the saliva we share with each other? Then we interview Sheril Kirshenbaum, author of The Science of Kissing, to find out why our ancestors starting locking lips in the first place. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:32 Introduction 01:29 Saliva 04:33 Interview with Sheril Kirschenbaum 12:03 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

On today's episode of Distillations we're gearing up for this weekend's playoff games with a look at the science of sports. First, we learn how athletes go the distance. Then we look into the brain of a fan. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:30 Introduction 01:00 An Athlete's Chemistry 07:31 The Science of Watching Sports 10:57 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Lindsay Patterson, Mia Lobel, and Ryan Carty for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

On today's episode of Distillations we go straight to the source ... your DNA. First, we learn how technological advances are putting the dream of a $1,000 genome within reach. Then we discuss the implications of having genetic information at our fingertips. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:32 Introduction 01:36 The $1,000 Genome 04:56 Interview with Michael Christman 12:57 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Cheers! On today's episode of Distillations we belly up to the bar to learn about distilled spirits. Then we look ahead to the next morning to determine if our tried-and-true hangover cures have any scientific merit. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:30 Introduction 01:06 Tour of St. George Spirits 09:06 Hangover Science 12:47 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Catherine Girardeau and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

On today's episode of Distillations we investigate if there's science behind the sweet sounds of a Stradivari violin and learn how chemistry influences the work of sound artist Susan Alexjander. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:33 Introduction 01:18 Strad Secrets? 08:13 Interview with Susan Alexjander 16:41 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Anne Fredrickson and Mia Lobel for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Step away from the sale rack! On today's episode of Distillations we examine your brain under the influence of shopping, as well as a potential health hazard found in receipts. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:31 Introduction 01:17 Your Brain on Shopping 07:32 BPA in Receipts 11:02 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Sheri Quinn and Lindsay Patterson for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

How did we get here and who else is out there? These questions have nagged at humans for centuries. On today's episode of Distillations we explore early debate over the Big Bang Theory and find out what tools researchers are using to greet aliens. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:33 Introduction 01:19 Debating the Big Bang Theory 03:48 The Interstellar Rosetta Stone 11:35 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Andrew Stelzer and James Voelkel for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Trick or treat! On today's episode of Distillations we give you a taste of both. First, try to choke back our explanation of a Dutch candy that features ammonium chloride and carbon black. Then follow producer Mia Lobel on a tour of the Culinary Institute of America's candy kitchen. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:34 Introduction 01:39 Salt Licorice 05:29 Making Candy Corn at the CIA 12:46 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Mia Lobel and Ryan Carty for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Today's show explores two very different ways people hope to protect future harvests. First, follow us to the Doomsday Vault, which protects 700,000 seed families. Next, join farmer Miguel Santistevan as he revives his ancestors' agricultural practices. SHOW CLOCK 00:00 Opening Credits 00:32 Introduction 01:18 Doomsday Vault 05:12 Desert Harvest 11:37 Closing Credits CREDITS Special thanks to Sabiha Kahn, Bob kenworthy, and Mia Lobel for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.