
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.
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 642 | Founded | 10 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ChemistryNatural SciencesScience | |||

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
This week, we discuss a study showing promise in applying CAR-T immunotherapy in bladder cancer tumours and breakdown how scientists have uncovered spectral signatures previously misassigned in carbon materials – with Frankie Macpherson and Mason Wak... more
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Sad that the series has ended, it was so interesting. Please come back!! 😭😭
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.
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.
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.
Finally returns after a long hiatus. One of the best podcasts.
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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 642 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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Recent guests on this podcast include:
1. Mason Wakely
2. Emma Puzi
3. Philip Robinson
4. Neil Withers
5. John Mayer
6. Dr. Yuku
7. Jamie Durrani
8. Mason Wakeley
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