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Artwork for The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element

The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element

Chemistry World
Atomic Radius
RAS
Click Chemistry
6PPD
Water
Vanadium
Seveso Disaster
Bayeux Tapestry
Montreal Protocol
Nobel Prize In Chemistry
Quantum Computing
Actinides
American Association For the Advancement Of Science
Plasma Chemistry
Membranes In Chemical Processing
Wool
Strait Of Hormuz
Chemical Recycling
Structural Color
Water-Repellent Polymer Films

The chemical breakdown is your biweekly source of the latest chemistry news, featuring discussions by our Chemistry World writers on the most exciting announcements and innovations in the field. Plus the full archive of Chemistry in its element – the audio tour of the periodic table and beyond. From Chemistry World, the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes643Founded10 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ChemistryNatural SciencesScience

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Artwork for The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element

Latest Episodes

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of balancing tyre chemistry and environmental safety, along with the first known example of naturally synthesized MOFs with Phillip Broadwith and Patrick Walter.

A chemical that keeps tyres from cracking i... more

This week we discuss a new light-controlled technique that creates structural color and water repellent properties in polymer films and discuss our low-stakes mistakes with Mason Wakley and Frankie Macpherson.

What do lotus leaves and plastic sheet... more

It's Nobel season again! And we're doing something a little different here on The chemical breakdown. Instead of our usual stories, in this episode we are turning the microphone to speculation and discussing who we think will be taking home the chemi... more

This week, we explore how molecular glues have revolutionized how we treat previously 'undruggable' cancers and explore how modern scientific techniques are teasing apart the mysteries of one of the most iconic historical artefacts with Phillip Broad... more

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Recent Guests

Phillip Broadwith
Business editor at Chemistry World
Chemistry World
Episode: A salmon-safe alternative to 6PPD & the first known example of naturally produced MOFs | The chemical breakdown podcast
Patrick Walter
News editor at Chemistry World
Chemistry World
Episode: A salmon-safe alternative to 6PPD & the first known example of naturally produced MOFs | The chemical breakdown podcast
Frankie Macpherson
Digital content assistant at Chemistry World
Chemistry World
Episode: Waterproof white inspired by nature & low-stakes mistakes | The chemical breakdown podcast
Mason Wakley
Science correspondent at Chemistry World
Chemistry World
Episode: Waterproof white inspired by nature & low-stakes mistakes | The chemical breakdown podcast
Mason Wakely
Chemistry World's science correspondent
Chemistry World
Episode: Nobel prize in chemistry 2026: predictions | The chemical breakdown podcast
Emma Puzi
Chemistry World's comment and careers editor
Chemistry World
Episode: Nobel prize in chemistry 2026: predictions | The chemical breakdown podcast
Philip Robinson
Editor of Chemistry World
Chemistry World
Episode: Nobel prize in chemistry 2026: predictions | The chemical breakdown podcast
Philip Broadwith
Business Editor, Chemistry World
Chemistry World
Episode: Drugging the 'undruggable' cancer proteins & conserving the Bayeux Tapestry | The chemical breakdown podcast
Neil Withers
Features Editor, Chemistry World
Chemistry World
Episode: Drugging the 'undruggable' cancer proteins & conserving the Bayeux Tapestry | The chemical breakdown podcast

Hosts

Most Frequent Chemistry World Hosts
A core set of Chemistry World hosts who guide the show, frequently co-hosting with editors and scientists to discuss breaking chemistry news, history segments, and policy implications.
Mason Wakley
Science correspondent and frequent host, known for interpreting policy landscapes and scientific context.
Mariana Knepper
Chemistry World Science Media Producer and frequent host, specializes in chemistry communications and editorial context.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 451 ratings
  • We miss you

    Sad that the series has ended, it was so interesting. Please come back!! 😭😭

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KJP08
    United States3 years ago
  • Educational and Entertaining!

    This podcast is perfectly bite sized. It presents chemical and historical information on various compounds and elements in an effective and entertaining manner. I particularly enjoy the multiple different narrators.

    Edit: just finished relistening to this podcast 2 years later, and it holds up just as well the second time through! I particularly enjoyed the comedic physical descriptors of the shapes of compounds.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Podcast Peruser
    Canada4 years ago
  • Extremely informative

    One of the best podcasts out there. Such a shame they stopped producing any more episodes. Please please please bring it back. This podcast is the SOLE REASON i decided to become a doctor of chemistry.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mudaser25
    United Kingdom5 years ago
  • Awesome

    Do you know how sometimes you go searching for podcasts, and click follow on the interesting titles so you can go back later? Sometimes you might not even pay attention to who produced it. No? I do this all the time.

    Imagine my great delight to hear Dr. Chris Smith is part of this. I will update this review when I get caught up.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    It's All Gooey and Sticky
    United States5 years ago
  • Finally returns after a long hiatus. One of the best podcasts.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    reticentnoodle
    5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate concise, digestible chemistry stories.
High regard for host expertise and science storytelling quality.
Positive feedback on the mix of history and modern chemistry.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A salmon-safe alternative to 6PPD & the first known example of naturally produced MOFs | The chemical breakdown podcast
Q: So Pat, give us some context here. How did the researchers come across this discovery in the first place? I mean, did we always know that this was out there or was this an accidental discovery?
Cable bacteria were already known, but the composition of their long conductive filaments was not. Researchers found that the filaments contain naturally produced metal-organic frameworks, previously thought to be human-made.
A salmon-safe alternative to 6PPD & the first known example of naturally produced MOFs | The chemical breakdown podcast
Q: Well, Phillip, how did this all start? When did we first realize that this was even an issue?
Salmon deaths had been investigated for years, and researchers identified the tire additive as the cause around 2020. Regulatory efforts in several regions have increased the need for a replacement.
Waterproof white inspired by nature & low-stakes mistakes | The chemical breakdown podcast
Q: Are there any concerns with this new material having similar issues? You know, how durable are these materials? How long do they last for?
The researchers are assessing durability and sustainability. Some samples have remained unchanged for one or two years, and biodegradable materials have also been used, but breakdown products and microplastic risks remain concerns.
Waterproof white inspired by nature & low-stakes mistakes | The chemical breakdown podcast
Q: How exactly does this work? Like, what is the process behind it?
Visible light initiates pore formation in commercially available polymer films, and a weak solvent expands the foam structure and forms tiny surface features that help repel water.
Drugging the 'undruggable' cancer proteins & conserving the Bayeux Tapestry | The chemical breakdown podcast
Q: So can you give us a bit of a background? Why are we targeting RAS and why has it been considered undruggable for so long?
RAS is a signalling protein central to cell division; its flat, featureless surfaces make traditional small-molecule binding difficult. The discussion explains how molecular glues and newer strategies aim to stabilize or disrupt Ras interactions, potentially slowing cancer progression and enabling treatments across multiple cancer types.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A chemistry-focused show that blends news, analysis, and deep dives across the field. Episodes cover cutting-edge research, industry trends, policy and funding shifts, and historical context, all framed through approachable explanations and narrative storytelling. Regular segments feature editors and correspondents from Chemistry World, with cross-disciplinary guests that illuminate how chemistry intersects with health, technology, environment, and science communication. The format often pairs timely science news with broader reflections on data integrity, funding, and the societal impact of scientific advances, making it a reliable resource for professionals, students, and science enthusiasts who want clear, informed perspectives on where ... more

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this podcast launched 10 years ago and published 643 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Phillip Broadwith
2. Patrick Walter
3. Frankie Macpherson
4. Mason Wakley
5. Mason Wakely
6. Emma Puzi
7. Philip Robinson
8. Philip Broadwith

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