Distillations
Series produced by Distillations
Science + Culture + History
Each episode of Distillations takes a deep dive into a moment of science-related history in order to shed light on the present. Produced by the Science History Institute.
170 Pieces
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In this episode, we'll get a window on all things bovine – in some cases, literally. From the strange evolution of lactose tolerance to a look at ...
- Added: Jul 08, 2011
- Length: 12:16
In this episode Distillations welcomes guest producer Ari Daniel Shapiro, host of the podcast Ocean Gazing, who takes us on a tour of the ocean, re...
- Added: Jun 10, 2011
- Length: 12:17
We bring you some of our favorite segments from past Distillations episodes: mesmerism, the impacts of climate change, and why its chic to be a geek.
- Added: Aug 09, 2011
- Length: 14:53
We bring you some of our favorite segments from past Distillations episodes: Palmer the Poisoner, medicinal maggots, and the placebo effect.
- Added: Jul 24, 2011
- Length: 12:52
In the midst of Japan's nuclear crisis, it's easy to forget that radioactive isotopes are often employed to save human lives. In this episode we lo...
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 12:24
This episode wonders if it's becoming chic to be a geek. First, we see how pop culture portrayals of scientists have boosted their reputations with...
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 11:21
In this episode we learn about lesser-known women in the sciences. We start with Dorothy Hodgkin, the third woman to win a Nobel Prize in chemistry...
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 11:56
One of this century's great challenges will be mitigating the effects of our steadily warming planet. In this episode we explore the consequences o...
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 12:53
In this episode, we celebrate April Fools' Day with a little medical trickery. First, we learn about Franz Mesmer's questionable 18th-century cures...
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 11:04
From primetime to print, forensic scientists are usually depicted as courtroom heroes, but their real-life work makes for more than a thrilling sto...
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 14:31
In honor of Black History Month, we reveal the lesser known accomplishments of George Washington Carver, and also pull from our oral history collec...
Bought by WKSU, Radio Catskill, and WETD
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 11:57
- Purchases: 3
In this episode we learn about how the mass production of oil paints spawned a new artistic movement and get a tour of artist Dove Bradshaw's studio.
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 12:00
Rubber has played a shockingly dramatic role in our political and military history. In this episode we revisit the consequences of the natural rubb...
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 12:36
In this episode we learn about the history and future of nuclear power, in the U.S. and abroad.
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 11:12
In this episode we are visited by the ghosts of chemistry's past, present, and future, who teach us about Greek fire, red sludge, and the future of...
Bought by WTJU
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 13:46
- Purchases: 1
In this episode we learn about yoga and acupuncture.
Bought by WTJU
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 09:10
- Purchases: 1
This episode will have your skin crawling… literally. In honor of Halloween we bring you a show revealing a scarier (and squirmier) side of science.
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 15:30
In this episode we pay tribute to the periodic table. We talk to Sam Kean, author of the best-selling book The Disappearing Spoon; hear an excerpt ...
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 14:04
Before pharmaceuticals existed, all medicines had to come from natural sources—like plants. On this episode, we focus on such remedies.
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 13:15
We continue to bring you some of our favorite segments from past episodes of Distillations: Senescence, Richard Holmes, and Boy Rocketeer.
- Added: Jan 16, 2012
- Length: 14:06