Free Daily Podcast Summary
The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Chemistry World
A weekly tour of the periodic table, from Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 1 weeks ago34 min
50 years after Seveso & changing the way we separate hydrocarbons | The chemical breakdown podcast
In this episode, we reflect on the lessons learned and the impacts of the Seveso chemical disaster of 1976, and discuss the latest membrane materials that could slash the energy required to refine crude oil with Jamie Durrani and Mason Wakley. Fifty years ago, a major accident at an Italian chemical plant released a cloud of dioxin that spread across 18 square kilometres, exposing 35,000 residents to the toxin. We discuss the legacy of Seveso and its impact on chemical regulation. And, a new method of separating hydrocarbons using membranes could replace fractional distillation in crude oil refineries, slashing energy costs. But what does this mean for a world trying to move beyond fossil fuels altogether? Main stories: https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/seveso-disaster-at-50-how-italys-dioxin-catastrophe-transformed-chemical-safety/4023734.articledisaster https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/a-materials-breakthrough-membranes-to-separate-crude-oil-could-slash-energy-costs/4023811.article Headlines: https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/losing-an-entire-generation-of-scientific-talent-top-us-universities-accepted-15-fewer-phds/4023877.article https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/stfcs-160-million-cost-cutting-plan-prompts-concern-over-future-access-to-key-uk-research-facilities/4023862.article https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/german-research-funder-issues-warning-over-threats-to-academic-freedom/4023880.article https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/thermo-fisher-antibody-data-manipulation-is-a-breach-of-trust-say-researchers/4023854.article
- 3 weeks ago27 min
An update on the Strait of Hormuz & potential explosives at an Antarctic base | The chemical breakdown podcast
In this episode, we bring the latest from the recent temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and discuss the presence of potential explosives at the historic Antarctic bases of explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott with Phillip Broadwith and Frances Briggs. The US and Iran have recently signed a form of agreement to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. But will this be enough to ease costs of resources, or has too much damage already been done? And, representatives from New Zealand have warned about the possible presence of explosive materials inside the Antarctic Laboratories left behind by explorers Robert Scott and Ernest Shakleton. We explain the chemistry underpinning the substances.
- Jun 24, 202630 min
Marcia McNutt's warning for US science & the chemistry behind wool's unique versatility | The chemical breakdown podcast
This week, we discuss the latest challenges facing US science outlined by president of the US National Academy of Sciences Marcia McNutt in her outgoing address as well as the unique chemistry underpinning wool's incredible properties with Neil Withers and Rebecca Trager. Marcia McNutt gave her final address as president of the US National Academy of Sciences earlier this month, warning of turmoil for science in the wake of further proposals by the White House to restrict funding. We discuss highlights from the event. And, how does the chemical composition of wool contribute to its material properties? We explore this staple fabric and its uses beyond clothing.
- Jun 10, 202627 min
Click chemistry marks 25 years & covalent bonding in the actinides | The chemical breakdown podcast
This week, we look back at how far click chemistry has come in the last 25 years and discuss the strange bonding behaviour of some of the largest elements on the periodic table with Mason Wakley and Frances Briggs. It started as a review paper in 2001 that has since been cited almost 20,000 times, becoming one of the most influential chemistry papers ever written. Click chemistry has revolutionised the way we build molecules. But what defines a click reaction, and what does the future hold? And, new research has revealed experimental evidence of how covalent bonding affects the 5f orbital in early actinides. We discuss the challenges of studying these elements.
- May 28, 202634 min
Quantum computing & a mysterious contaminant in microplastics research | The chemical breakdown podcast
This week, we discuss the latest milestone in quantum computational modelling and reveal the common laboratory item causing strange readings in microplastics research with Frankie Macpherson and Patrick Walter. A new hybrid workflow involving two IBM quantum computers and two powerful supercomputers has allowed researchers to model a protein–ligand system containing up to a record 12,635 atoms. What does this mean for the future of quantum computing? And, a recent study has found an unsuspecting source of contamination in microplastics research, distorting measurements of atmospheric pollution. We discuss the underlying cause.
- May 13, 202624 min
Battery week 2026: The EV cathode race & battery-recycling | The chemical breakdown podcast
This week, we are celebrating Chemistry World's Battery Week with a special battery-themed episode! We discuss the race between cathode materials for electric vehicles and a new photocatalyst capable of turning plastic waste into hydrogen and value-added chemicals, with Neil Withers and Patrick Walter. A race between competing battery cathode materials is heating up, the winner of which will shape the future of electric vehicles. But which will come out on top? And, we discuss a new photocatalyst that could change the way we recycle plastics and battery acid, demonstrating how waste streams could be transformed into resources. We explore what this could mean for building a truly circular economy. To register for more Battery Week activities, check out: https://www.chemistryworld.com/collections/energy-storage-and-batteries
- Apr 29, 202624 min
Vanadium-based medicines & sustainable labs | The chemical breakdown podcast
This week, we discuss vanadium's potential in the medical field and the changes you can make in our lab to reduce your carbon footprint, with Jennifer Newton and Emma Pewsey. Many are familiar with vanadium's role in metal production, but did you know that it has a history of research as a potential medicine? We explore the little-known story of vanadium's medical potential. And, how can your lab contribute to a more sustainable world? We discuss the areas where you can make a meaningful change.
- Apr 16, 202631 min
Inert materials & the Mary Celeste | The chemical breakdown podcast
This week, we discuss how to ensure experimental instruments are truly inert and chemistry's answer to the fate of the Mary Celeste, with Phillip Broadwith and Mason Wakley. A new study has demonstrated how unexpected results can arise from experiments using seemingly inert materials. How do we avoid the effects of these accidental reagents? And, scientists may have found the answer behind what happened to the crew of the infamous ship the Mary Celeste. We explain how chemistry may fill the gaps.
Get The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Bringing Chemistry to Life
Talks with leading chemists about their discoveries, careers, and the science shaping our world.
Modern Chemistry Podcast
Paul Orange Ph.D.
Elementary
A student-run podcast exploring a different chemical element each episode through fun facts, science games, and interviews with researchers.
Periodically
A University of Oxford podcast exploring how menstruation impacts undergraduate life in chemistry, from tutorials to labs.
Unexpected Elements
Explores hidden scientific connections behind global news and everyday phenomena.
Nature Podcast
Weekly science stories from Nature journal, covering research across all fields with insights from scientists and editors.
The World, the Universe and Us
Explores big scientific questions about life, consciousness, climate, and the cosmos with expert scientists and New Scientist journalists.
The Weirdest Thing I Learned This Week
Three science journalists share bizarre and little-known facts they’ve recently discovered.
The Quanta Podcast
A deep dive into fundamental questions in science and math through conversations with researchers and Quanta Magazine editors.
The Naked Scientists Podcast
A weekly science podcast featuring news, expert interviews, experiments, and listener Q&A.
Science Friday
Explores diverse science and technology topics, from space to microscopic life, with engaging educational stories.
BBC Inside Science
Explores the latest scientific discoveries and debates shaping our understanding of the world.
About The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element
A weekly tour of the periodic table, from Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Chemistry World.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element release new episodes?
The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element publishes biweekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element cover?
The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element covers topics including Science, Chemistry, Natural Sciences. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.