The ChemPod

Brought to you by The ChemPod

0.0 (0)
Education
Updated Biweekly

An outlet for the curious minds of potential scientists, a platform for your eager questions to be answered, a home to all life-long learners - that is what the ChemPod is here for! From the periodic table to the latest breakthroughs in science, join us as we dive into the world of molecules and reactions. Perfect for science students and enthusiasts alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 29

The Evolution of Cars

This podcast explores the evolution of cars- elucidating the transformation from the early steam engine to today's electric cars. This episode, discovers why innovations in cars were needed by explaining how have been made more convenient over time and impacted society. So tune in to understand the journey of cars through history and the significance of these innovations to our daily lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 25

Thermodimorphic Fungi

On this episode of the Chempod, we dive into one of the most overlooked kingdoms: fungi, specifically, a group of them, known as thermodimorphic fungi. These fungi have the ability to change from mould to yeast based on the stimulus of temperature. We explore what thermodimorphism means, the reasons to why certain fungi have this trait, and how exactly it occurs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 11

THE INTERVIEW: Valerie Ho

For this special episode of The Chempod, we’re joined by Harrow alumna Valerie Ho. As a former Head Girl and a veteran member of our team, previously producing an episode on spectroscopy, Valerie is now preparing to head to Oxford to study Chemistry. Before she leaves, we’ll sit down to discuss what it truly means to be passionate about Chemistry, practical advice on academic success, the EPQ, and academic competitions, and how to truly embrace the school's motto of academic excellence for life and leadership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 27

The Chemistry Behind Love

This episode covers the biology and chemistry of the three stages of love, lust, attraction and attachment, not as feelings, but as a cascade of chemical events. It then looks at what happens on a molecular level during heartbreak, and finally, it explores whether we could, in theory, synthesise the feeling of love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 13

The Chemistry of the Impossible Blue LED

Blue LED isn’t just about the screen you are currently reading this from; it’s a scientific puzzle across three decades and the missing ingredient to making white light. So why was red and green LEDs much easier to make, while making a stable and efficient blue LED was considered a scientific nightmare? In this episode, we are diving into why blue LED is so special and how it was finally made thanks to the persistence of Japanese-American electronic engineer Shuji Nakamura. Linking closely to chemistry, the success of the blue LED could not have happened if not for the unique properties of gallium nitride (GaN), energy bands and gaps, creating n and p-type GaN as well as the use of nitrogen gas in the making of the crystal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 16

BIOLOGY EDITION: Chemically Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Could your own cells be the key to curing untreatable diseases? In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge world of Chemically Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (CiPSCs). We break down how scientists are moving past the ethical dilemmas of embryonic cells and the risks of transplant rejection by reprogramming adult somatic cells back to an embryonic-like state. We dive into the mechanics of pluripotency, explaining how the famous Yamanaka factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc—work together to remodel DNA and reset a cell’s identity. Discover why chemical induction is taking the pharmaceutical world by storm, offering a safer, cheaper, and more consistent way to manufacture stem cells without the need for genetic modification. Finally, we look at the real-life impact: from drug discovery for diseases like ALS to cell therapy for Parkinson’s and Diabetes. Join us as we explore a future where a patient’s own cells become their most powerful medicine! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 2

THE INTERVIEW: Ms Davidson

In this special edition episode of The Chempod, we sit down with the remarkable Miss Davidson to explore her unique and inspiring journey in STEM. From her early days as a quiet student at school to her time studying Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, Miss Davidson’s path was anything but predictable. Discover how her fascination with the world around her led her from the halls of her university to becoming a loudspeaker engineer at KEF, where she combined her love for physics and sound. We delve into the science of acoustics and the thrill of designing cutting-edge audio technology. Now a dedicated physics teacher at Harrow, Miss Davidson shares her passion for the scientific method and offers invaluable advice for all aspiring scientists. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 16

The Chemistry of Forensics

From a targeted attack at sunrise to the high-tech forensic labs, this episode pulls back the yellow tape to reveal the chemistry of crime-solving. We explore the critical toolkit of forensic scientists, starting with the high-stakes difference between quick presumptive tests—like the pink-turning Kastle-Meyer test—and the definitive confirmatory tests that hold up in a court of law. We dive into the investigation of firearms, explaining how the Modified Griess Test uncovers invisible gunpowder residue and how GC-MS technology creates a "molecular fingerprint" to identify unknown substances. Finally, we demystify the world of DNA analysis, from the "copy machine" power of PCR to the specialised Y-STR testing used to isolate genetic profiles. Whether it’s analysing a stained kitchen knife or searching the CODIS database for a match, discover how hard evidence ensures justice is served. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trailer

What's The ChemPod All About?

New to The ChemPod? Listen to this introductory episode to find out more on what The ChemPod entails! If you have any episode suggestions or any questions please go to this link: https://forms.gle/WPPvNGdzWf3XZG3S7 Thanks as always for listening :) Host sand Editors for specific episodes are mentioned within them Moderator: Alana Podcast theme music by Transistor.fm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An outlet for the curious minds of potential scientists, a platform for your eager questions to be answered, a home to all life-long learners - that is what the ChemPod is here for! From the periodic table to the latest breakthroughs in science, join us as we dive into the world of molecules and reactions. Perfect for science students and enthusiasts alike. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creator

Brought to you by The ChemPod
Years Active

2023 - 2026
Episodes

23
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2023 The ChemPod
Show Website

The ChemPod