Find an element podcast

We've recorded 118 podcasts, one for every element. Search the list below to find one to listen to today.

 

Periodic table of the elements – 2 – Helium

Helium

By

At the top of the table with Peter Wothers

Periodic table of the elements – 1 – Hydrogen

Hydrogen

By

Brian Clegg meets the King of the Elements

Periodic table of the elements – 3 – Lithium

Lithium

By

Matt Wilkinson and the calming properties of lithium

Periodic table of the elements – 4 – Beryllium

Beryllium

By

Richard Van Noorden introduces an element that has given us gorgeous gemstones, spark proof tools for the oil industry and a deadly lung condition

Periodic table of the elements – 5 – Boron

Boron

By

Pat Bailey introduces an element known for split personalities, parachute molecules, and swapping partners

Periodic table of the elements – 6 – Carbon

Carbon

By

Katherine Holt introduces an element with an entire branch of chemistry devoted to its reactions

Periodic table of the elements – 7 – Nitrogen

Nitrogen

By

Peter Wothers enlightens us on the many attributes of nitrogen (including blowing things up)

Materials

Pencil and sharpenings on a white table

Graphene

By

Ian Le Guillou investigates the compound that could have limitless applications

Example of MOF-5

MOFs: Metal–organic frameworks

By

Katrina Krämer examines these extremely versatile materials and speaks to MOF pioneer Omar Yaghi

Corrugated asbestos cement roofing

Asbestos

By

How the ‘world’s most wonderful mineral’ became one of the world’s biggest health hazards

A bone china tea set painted with blue flowers

Porcelain

By

Mike Freemantle on the art, history and science of this delicate, translucent ceramic material

On the battlefield

Someone wearing a gas mask

Phosgene

By

Matt Gunther investigates a clear, colourless gas responsible for thousands of deaths in the Great War: Phosgene

HMS Indefatigable

Cordite

By

The Battle of Jutland was fought 100 years ago next week, on May 31st, 1916. A critical role was played by cordite

Nurses from the House of Lords Red Cross Detachment wearing gas masks,

Ethyl iodoacetate

By

A tear gas used by the British army in the first world war, picked, in part, because of our access to seaweed

Structure of VX

VX

By

The stuff of action films and horrifying news stories, Simon Cotton introduces the infamous nerve agent, VX

In your body

A CGI illustration showing a DNA strand close-up

DNA

By

Brian Clegg explores the compound that defines life on Earth

Happy person

Serotonin

By

Serotonin, the ‘happy molecule’, may be at the root of depression, but Hayley Birch finds we still have a lot to learn

Infant with Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Jaundice.

Bilirubin

By

Kat Arney investigates the chemicals responsible for giving bruises their hue and colouring your poo

Close up view of woman's eye

Opsins

By

Brian Clegg opens our eyes to the compounds that enable sight

Medicines

Prozac pills

Prozac

By

Simon Cotton introduces the first of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants: Prozac

Statin tablets

Statins

By

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

A mosquito, a bottle of hyroxychloroquine tablets and social distancing advice

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine

By

The Covid-19 pandemic – and some very high profile backing – has led to malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine hitting the headlines worldwide.

Sneezing in a field

Antihistamines

By

From calming a hyperactive immune system to increasing cognitive abilities, these small molecules have a big impact

An image showing the book cover of half lives

Half Lives: The Unlikely History of Radium by Lucy Jane Santos – Book club

From radioactive spa treatments to liquid sunshine, this book traces a forgotten part of chemistry history

Book cover

Sticky: The Secret Science of Surfaces by Laurie Winkless – Book club

Delving into the mysterious science of surfaces

An image showing the Superheavy book cover

Superheavy: Making and Breaking the Periodic Table by Kit Chapman – Book club

Kit Chapman explores the strange, complex and downright confusing world of superheavy elements

An image showing the book cover of Vampirology

Vampirology: The Science of Horror's Most Famous Fiend by Kathryn Harkup – Book club

A scientific investigation of vampires’ lust for blood and weakness to garlic

Mark Miadownik – Liquid

Liquid by Mark Miodownik – Book club

Mark Miodownik on the delightful, dangerous and downright strange liquids that flow through our lives