The ChemPod

This podcast explores the evolution of cars- elucidating the transformation from the early steam engine to today's electric cars. This episode, discovers why innovations in cars were needed by explaining how have been made more convenient over time and impacted society. So tune in to understand the journey of cars through history and the significance of these innovations to our daily lives. Hosted...

On this episode of the Chempod, we dive into one of the most overlooked kingdoms: fungi, specifically, a group of them, known as thermodimorphic fungi. These fungi have the ability to change from mould to yeast based on the stimulus of temperature. We explore what thermodimorphism means, the reasons to why certain fungi have this trait, and how exactly it occurs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

For this special episode of The Chempod, we’re joined by Harrow alumna Valerie Ho. As a former Head Girl and a veteran member of our team, previously producing an episode on spectroscopy, Valerie is now preparing to head to Oxford to study Chemistry. Before she leaves, we’ll sit down to discuss what it truly means to be passionate about Chemistry, practical advice on academic success, the EPQ, and...

This episode covers the biology and chemistry of the three stages of love, lust, attraction and attachment, not as feelings, but as a cascade of chemical events. It then looks at what happens on a molecular level during heartbreak, and finally, it explores whether we could, in theory, synthesise the feeling of love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blue LED isn’t just about the screen you are currently reading this from; it’s a scientific puzzle across three decades and the missing ingredient to making white light. So why was red and green LEDs much easier to make, while making a stable and efficient blue LED was considered a scientific nightmare? In this episode, we are diving into why blue LED is so special and how it was finally made than...

Could your own cells be the key to curing untreatable diseases? In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of Chemically Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (CiPSCs). We break down how scientists are moving past the ethical dilemmas of embryonic cells and the risks of transplant rejection by reprogramming adult somatic cells back to an embryonic-like state. We dive into the mechanics of pluripo...

In this special edition episode of The Chempod, we sit down with the remarkable Miss Davidson to explore her unique and inspiring journey in STEM. From her early days as a quiet student at school to her time studying Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, Miss Davidson’s path was anything but predictable. Discover how her fascination with the world around her led her from the halls of he...

From a targeted attack at sunrise to the high-tech forensic labs, this episode pulls back the yellow tape to reveal the chemistry of crime-solving. We explore the critical toolkit of forensic scientists, starting with the high-stakes difference between quick presumptive tests—like the pink-turning Kastle-Meyer test—and the definitive confirmatory tests that hold up in a court of law. We dive into...

Caramelisation is an essential culinary process that turns simple ingredients into mouth-watering dishes, but what's actually happening when sugar goes from white crystals to that complex, nutty, bittersweet liquid? In today's episode of the chempod, we will explore the sticky but rich world of caramelisation, how it works, what foods it is involved with, and practical tips in the kitchen so that...

Everything in the world is made of atoms, and all atoms are connected by bonds—but what exactly are bonds, and how do they hold things together? Scientists have contemplated this throughout the 20th century, and two major theories have emerged from their musings: valence bond theory and molecular orbital theory. In this episode, we uncover how these theories rose as one of the first applicati...

The Chempod is an outlet for the curious minds of potential chemists, a dedicated platform for your eager questions to be answered, a home to all life-long learners - that is what the ChemPod is here for.   We are your hosts and Co-Presidents, Charlize and Vanessa.  If you have any topics you would like to learn more about, or would like to join the team as a producer, editor o...

What is the methodology behind forensics? How are proteins quantified? How do you tell if the compounds in your experiment are impure (to answer that 3 marker on your chemistry test)? Well then, spectroscopy and spectrophotometry will answer all your questions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some of you may have heard of or remember the incident back in 2016 when Samsung released the Galaxy Note 7, the phone infamous for its exploding battery. Recently, many content creators have discovered that several of their devices are expanding, with a notable trend – the majority of these problematic devices are Samsung's. Join us as we delve into this concerning revelation and explore the impl...

Have you ever wanted to fake an injury to skip a class? Have you ever wanted to pretend to be a soldier in a war, fighting for their country? Or, even better, have you ever wanted to act like a surgeon performing surgery? Well… I have just the perfect solution for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lithium-ion batteries are used in almost all of our everyday devices, but they pose many harms to the environment, such as contaminating water supplies. The recent invention of sodium batteries may be able to overcome these disadvantages. This makes us wonder, what's to come for this new generation of batteries? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who invented dynamite? Who contributed to the early establishment of the conservation of mass? Chemistry has revolutionised the way we live our lives, and this episode will give you an insight into some of the most influential chemists that continue to shape the world of modern chemistry even to this day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this intriguing episode, we explore the fascinating world of pH and its impact on our daily lives. Discover how pH affects our bodies, the environment, and the preservation of everyday items. Learn about the distinction between acids and alkaline substances, and uncover their chemical behaviours. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of pH and unlock the secrets behind acidity, bases, and al...

Roman concrete has allowed buildings like the Pantheon to last for centuries, while modern roads deteriorate in years, and most buildings crumble in 50 to 100 years. What was their secret? How did the Romans do it better, 2000 years ago? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a world filled with astonishing microbial wonders, there exists a group of organisms with an appetite for the extraordinary. Join us on a journey as we unravel the secrets of these metal-eating bacteria! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why does toast always taste better than plain bread? What causes the golden colour of toasted marshmallows? Listen to this episode to find out more about the deliciousness of the Maillard reaction! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We'll be discussing how new heavy elements are slowing being discovered as well as what exactly is radioactivity. If you have any episode suggestions or any questions please go to this link: https://forms.gle/WPPvNGdzWf3XZG3S7 Thanks as always for listening :) Host sand Editors for specific episodes are mentioned within them Moderator: Alana Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm Hosted on Acas...

Here's an introduction to the history of the atomic structure. Just how did the idea come to be? Why is the smallest particle known to mankind called the atom?  If you have any episode suggestions or any questions please go to this link: https://forms.gle/WPPvNGdzWf3XZG3S7 Thanks as always for listening :) Host sand Editors for specific episodes are mentioned within them Moderator: Alana Podc...

New to The ChemPod? Listen to this introductory episode to find out more on what The ChemPod entails! If you have any episode suggestions or any questions please go to this link: https://forms.gle/WPPvNGdzWf3XZG3S7 Thanks as always for listening :) Host sand Editors for specific episodes are mentioned within them Moderator: Alana Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...