Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular nowadays because they are a great way of multitasking. You can learn something new while carrying on with other tasks or chores.

Here’s a roundup of the top chemistry podcasts. 

analytical chemistry podcast logo

Analytical Chemistry Podcast 

New episodes released monthly.

Episode length: 15 to 20 minutes approx.

Available on itunes, feedly and more.

This podcast is produced by the peer-reviewed research journal of the same name. The journal covers original research on a range of analytical chemistry areas ranging from spectroscopy and instrumentation to imaging and data processing. You’ll also find papers offering tips to help increase accuracy, selectivity, sensitivity, and reproducibility.

Each episode of the podcast focuses on interviewing the authors from a paper published in the journal. You can submit your questions for researchers in future episodes via the journal’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. Some of the topics recently discussed include structural analysis of natural products and tip-enhanced raman spectroscopy.

in it's element podcast logo

Chemistry in its element

New episodes released weekly. 

Episode length: Less than 10 minutes.

Available on itunes.

This is one of three podcasts from Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry. This podcast takes a look at the many compounds we encounter in daily life and those that influence the human body too.

Each episode gives a brief overview of the compound, covering topics like how it’s used and its history. The podcast covers a whole range of topics based on these compounds including light-hearted ones like the taste of American chocolate to more serious ones like statins – one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. Some of the compounds it covers are particularly topical, like raspberry ketones – recently touted as the new miracle solution to weight loss.

chemistry-world-podcast

Chemistry World podcast

New episodes released  monthly on average

Episode length: 20 to 30 minutes 

Available on itunes

Also from Chemistry World, this podcast takes a more in-depth look at science news and holds discussions on issues facing the chemistry community. The topics range from Ebola vaccines to peer review, sweeteners and nanoparticles. Discussions are held with scientists, including the occasional Nobel Prize winner. Chemistry World also hosts a science book club podcast, which is sometimes released instead of the longer monthly podcast.

distillations podcast

Distillations

New episodes released monthly.

Episode length: 25 minutes approx.

Available on Soundcloud and itunes.

The Distillations podcast deftly weaves together science, culture and history to tell some truly engaging stories. It’s produced by the Chemical Heritage Foundation, an organisation whose mission is to “foster dialogue on science and technology in society.” Its headquarters in Philadelphia has a museum, library and more which looks at the history of chemistry, chemical engineering and the life sciences.

Their podcasts are thought-provoking and cover a wide range of subjects – you never quite know what you’ll get next! Recent episodes include the ancient chemistry inside your taco, the history of a sports bra, the influence outsiders have had on the history and development of medicine and natural childbirth. 

science elements, american elements society logo

Science Elements 

New episodes released every two to three days.

Episode length: 15 to 20 minutes approx.

Available on itunes, Soundcloud and more.

These podcasts give a bite-sized overview of some of the latest research published by the  American Chemical Society. It brings to life the impact chemistry can have on a range of aspects of modern life from diet and health to the environment and the energy industry. Some of the topics recently discussed include how a fruit protein could replace high-fructose corn syrup and sugar and optimizing biofuel production from algae using carbon dioxide emissions

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