All articles by Brian Clegg – Page 2

  • Periodic table of the elements – 114 – Flerovium
    Podcast

    Flerovium

    2018-02-09T13:45:00Z

    How 'hot fusion' research saw an end to cold war tensions

  • Rolex submariner, dial glowing in the dark
    Podcast

    Strontium aluminate

    2018-02-01T16:25:00Z

    A glow-in-the-dark compound that defies naming conventions

  • Aluminium chloride AlCl3 anhydrous (yellow) with some AlCl3x6H2O (hexahydrate) white.
    Podcast

    Aluminium chloride

    2017-12-07T16:20:00Z

    Brian Clegg becomes a sleuth to investigate the uses of a deceptively simple Lewis acid

  • Test launch of Bumper 8: a two-stage rocket that topped a V-2 missile base with a WAC Corporal rocket
    Podcast

    Tetranitromethane

    2017-11-16T15:50:00Z

    Brian Clegg introduces a failed rocket fuel oxidiser with a very tricky structure

  • A photograph of orange peel and a bottle of essential oil
    Podcast

    Citral

    2017-10-26T15:46:00Z

    A compound known for its citrusy zing, and which also helps honey bees find their way home

  • News stories about 'Ginger Jake', the spirit that caused paralysis known as 'Jake walk' during prohibition
    Podcast

    Phosphorus chlorides

    2017-09-22T14:44:00Z

    A hugely useful group of compounds that have a distinct dual personality

  • Wooden floorboards
    Podcast

    Lignin

    2017-07-27T17:06:00Z

    Wood has been vital in the development of human civilisation. Brian Clegg looks at the compound at its heart

  • A rustic cheeseboard
    Podcast

    Chymosin

    2017-07-06T16:18:00Z

    The enzyme that helps us turn milk into cheese is also responsible for the biggest commercial success story of any genetically modified organism

  • An image of a powder with a faint blue glow
    Podcast

    Caesium chloride

    2017-06-14T16:37:00Z

    A compound found in mineral water that is also used in medical treatments and solar cells

  • A single layer of molybdenum disulfide
    Podcast

    Molybdenum disulfide

    2017-03-01T17:24:00Z

    Brian Clegg discovers the compound that makes the world’s smallest transistors

  • A bag of freshly donated blood
    Podcast

    Porphyrins

    2017-02-08T18:06:00Z

    Brian Clegg examines the colourful compounds that no red-blooded creature can do without: Porphyrins

  • Ball and stick structure of adamantane
    Podcast

    Adamantane

    2017-01-26T17:11:00Z

    Brian Clegg introduces a crystalline hydrocarbon that isn’t as tough as it sounds, but is the basis of a wide range of medicines

  • A lab laser with warning label
    Podcast

    Neodymium chloride

    2016-10-26T16:19:00Z

    From medicine to the military, this compound makes lasers for a range of applications

  • Laundry drying on a line, surrounded by bubbles
    Podcast

    Quaternary ammonium salts

    2016-09-21T17:01:00Z

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

  • Blue Monkshood flowers, one of several Aconitum species
    Podcast

    Aconitine

    2016-08-31T16:09:00Z

    A plant based poison with a poetic past…

  • Statin tablets
    Podcast

    Statins

    2016-08-17T16:41:00Z

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

  • Bowl of sugar
    Podcast

    Sucrose

    2016-05-31T00:00:00Z

    The tastiest food additive there is, or the greatest threat to life in the western world?

  • Cadmium tellurideiStock22603935300tb
    Podcast

    Cadmium telluride

    2016-04-27T00:00:00Z

    It may not be the best material for solar cells but it has some distinct advantages

  • An orange mug filled with fruit
    Podcast

    Uranium dioxide

    2016-04-06T00:00:00Z

    This week’s compound has had a glowing career in the arts and a runaway success in the energy sector

  • Stocked kitchen pantry
    Podcast

    Sodium hypochlorite

    2016-03-09T00:00:00Z

    What do hygienic work surfaces have in common with 19th century French violins? Brian Clegg finds out.