Join us on 16 September as we take a walk on the wild side to discover the wacky and wonderful chemical mysteries of the natural world
Event details and registration
Did you know we have sheep to thank for waterproof clothing? Or that the common snowdrop – Galanthus nivalis – holds the key to managing cognitive function symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? From tardigrades to beaver secretions, and the dark depths of the ocean to the warm rays of the sun, chemistry is hidden in every corner of our planet.
In this hour-long, interactive webinar, you will hear from author Michael Freemantle as he discusses the inspiration behind his latest book Nature’s amazing chemistry. You’ll get an exclusive sneak-peek into some of the chapters of his book and learn how much of our day-to-day life is made possible by these unseen chemical processes.
This webinar will appeal to chemists and naturalists alike, as well as anyone curious about the fundamental processes behind some of nature’s greatest mysteries. Prepare to see the world through a new lens as you learn the secrets behind some of science’s most perplexing riddles.
To aid accessibility, automatically generated closed captions – which can be turned on and off at your leisure – will be available to all those attending live.
Meet the author
Michael Freemantle
About the book
Nature’s amazing chemistry has been producing all the raw materials essential for life on Earth for billions of years. The chemistry is, however, diverse and often complex and challenging. In fact, it has unfathomable depths that chemists and other scientists around the world are still attempting to probe and understand. Chapters in this book reflect Michael Freemantle’s fascination with nature’s chemistry – not only of humans and other animals, but also of plants and minerals.
Through engaging stories and accessible explanations, readers will uncover the molecular secrets behind a beaver’s scent, the defense mechanisms of cabbages, and the shimmering color of a Himalayan poppy. The book also doesn’t shy away from the darker side of nature’s chemistry, exploring how the demand for elements like cobalt – critical to both ecosystems and modern technology – raises urgent environmental and ethical questions.
The book will be published in the UK on 19 August 2025 and is available to order here. We’ll soon be updating this page soon with a discount code you can use at checkout, so be sure to check back for 25% off.
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