Chemistry in its Element

  • Laundry drying on a line, surrounded by bubbles
    Podcast

    Quaternary ammonium salts

    21 September 2016

    Brian Clegg introduces a family of molecules that first gave fluffy softness to freshly washed clothes

  • The mad hatter's tea party
    Podcast

    Ergotamine

    14 September 2016

    Ben Valsler finds out why writing Alice’s adventures in Wonderland was such a headache for Lewis Carroll

  • Raw and uncut Spinel gemstones
    Podcast

    Spinel

    7 September 2016

    Find out about the Black Prince’s ruby, which is no ruby at all

  • Blue Monkshood flowers, one of several Aconitum species
    Podcast

    Aconitine

    31 August 2016

    This powerful poison is said to have the power to transform werewolves and heal snake bites. Brian Clegg unpicks fiction from fact

  • Raspberries
    Podcast

    Raspberry ketone

    24 August 2016

    Is there really a simple, fruity route to weight loss?

  • Statin tablets
    Podcast

    Statins

    17 August 2016

    Brian Clegg gets to the heart of the matter on the benefits or otherwise of one of the most commonly prescribed drugs

  • A piled up plate of junk food
    Podcast

    Ghrelin

    10 August 2016

    The one hormone that we know is involved in appetite

  • A shower curtain
    Podcast

    Prodiginines

    3 August 2016

    When the communion bread starts secreting blood, could this be the cause?

  • TaurineiStock25434173300tb
    Podcast

    Taurine

    26 July 2016

    Kat Arney tells us about the active ingredient in energy drinks

  • Picric acidiStock2259112300tb
    Podcast

    Picric acid

    20 July 2016

    A yellow dress, of the type worn by Jane Austen, sets Michael Freemantle exploring the chemistry of picric acid