

Distillations | Science History Institute
Science History Institute
Distillations is the Science History Institute’s critically acclaimed flagship podcast. We take deep dives into stories that range from the serious to the eccentric, all to help listeners better understand the surprising science that is all around us. Hear about everything from the crisis in Alzheimer’s research to New England’s 19th-century vampire panic in compelling, sometimes-funny, documentary-style audio stories.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 7, 2013 • 16min
Episode 164: Bones
On today's show we peel back our skin. First, an innovative technology that could provide early detection of osteoporosis. Then, a look at stone man syndrome–a rare disease that causes the body's connective tissue to turn into bone when damaged.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:27 Introduction
01:09 Written In Your Bones?
09:43 Harry Eastlack
16:00 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to Diane Hope and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Dec 23, 2012 • 16min
Episode 163: A Day in the Life - Night
We wrap up the three-part series A Day in the Life, spotlighting the common chemistry of morning, noon, and night. Today, how popular insomnia treatments work and the science behind our body's unique sleep cycles.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:35 Fight Club
01:01 Interview: Sleep Aids
05:33 The Midnight Sun
14:31 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to Louisa Jonas, Mia Lobel, Jennifer Dionisio, and Joe Rucker for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Dec 10, 2012 • 16min
Episode 162: A Day in the Life - Noon
We continue the three-part series A Day in the Life, spotlighting the common chemistry of morning, noon, and night. Today, a look at the mysterious ingredients in many kitchen staples and the reason why even so-called healthy sweeteners can be toxic.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:36 The Breakfast Club
01:18 Interview: Kitchen Staples
07:41 The Trouble With Fructose
14:27 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to Gretchen Kuda Croen, Mia Lobel, Jennifer Dionisio, and Joe Rucker for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Nov 26, 2012 • 14min
Episode 161: A Day in the Life - Morning
Today we begin the three-part series A Day in the Life, spotlighting the common chemistry of morning, noon, and night. First, a look at what's lurking in our bathroom products and what experts say about the controversy over fluoridated water.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:36 Pee-wee's Big Adventure
01:06 Interview: Bathroom Products
04:06 The Fluoridation Debate
13:05 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to Mia Lobel, Joe Rucker, and Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Nov 12, 2012 • 15min
Episode 160: Teflon
Treasure or toxin? Today we follow Teflon's rise from happy accident to indispensable tool at work, home, and even war.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:42 Introduction
01:24 The Origins of Teflon
08:46 Interview: Post-War Teflon
14:36 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to Bob Kenworthy, Hilary Domush, Sarah Hunter-Lascoskie, and Amy Kraft for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Oct 29, 2012 • 12min
Episode 159: Kean on Genes
Today we welcome back author Sam Kean to discuss the secrets and surprises contained in our DNA. He talks to Distillations’ executive producer Jennifer Dionisio.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:31 Introduction
01:33 Interview: The Violinist’s Thumb
11:44 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to Jennifer Dionisio for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Oct 15, 2012 • 14min
Episode 158: The Alchemical Quest
On today's show a special conversation between two alchemy experts: James Voelkel, who curated CHF's exhibit The Alchemical Quest, and Lawrence Principe, author of The Secrets of Alchemy.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:36 Introduction
01:40 Interview: The Alchemical Quest
13:20 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to James Voelkel for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Oct 1, 2012 • 0sec
Episode 157: Smoke and Mirrors
On today's show we track the evolution of smog from symbol of industrial progress to public health catastrophe.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:39 Introduction
01:23 Interview: A Sign of Progress
05:08 Donora
14:16 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to Daniel Tkacik, Ellis Robinson, and Jacqueline Boytim for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Sep 17, 2012 • 0sec
Episode 156: Hard to Stomach
On today's show we test your gag reflex. First an exploration of rank, funky cheeses made from your own body's bacteria. Then the history of how distaste evolved into disgust.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:50 Introduction
01:41 South By South Swab
11:40 Distaste and Disgust
14:45 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to Lindsay Patterson and Jacqueline Boytim for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.

Sep 4, 2012 • 16min
Episode 155: Shipwrecks
Ahoy, mateys. Join us on the ocean floor. On today's show we look at sunken ships: how they are preserved, and what they can tell us about civilizations from the past.
SHOW CLOCK
00:00 Opening Credits
00:50 Introduction
01:35 Wrecked!
10:10 Undersea Time Capsules
14:49 Closing Credits
CREDITS
Special thanks to Diane Hope, Michal Meyer, and Anne Fredrickson for researching this show. Additional credits available at chemheritage.org/distillations.