This episode explores lifelong learning, one of ACS’s core values, through conversations with two educators whose careers have been shaped by curiosity and growth. High school chemistry teacher Amiee Modic reflects on 40-plus years in the classroom, sharing how hobbies like baking, sailboat racing, and reading continue to teach her new skills and inform her teaching. ACS education professional Karen Trimmer then discusses returning to school mid-career, finding purpose in mission-driven work,...
Oct 15
23 min
This episode kicks off a special Chain Reaction miniseries exploring the American Chemical Society’s core values, beginning with a deep dive into “passion for science.” Miniseries co-host Shane Hanlon interviews former ACS President Judy Giordan, who shares how childhood curiosity about how things work took her from chemistry research to leading innovation teams at companies including Polaroid and PepsiCo. The episode also features chemist Annabelle Lolinco, a AAAS Science and Technology Poli...
Oct 8
31 min
What do passion for science, lifelong learning, sustainability, and inclusion and belonging look like in action? The latest miniseries focuses on people who exemplify some of the values that are most important to the American Chemical Society. From one person’s childhood science aspirations being shaped by the Cold War to another’s pioneering work in green chemistry, these episodes will provide a window into the ideas and lives of people molding chemistry’s future. Transcripts and episode sou...
Oct 1
1 min
On this bonus episode we answer a listener's question about antibiotic resistance arising from agriculture by diving into the story of colistin, an antibiotic that is used as a last resort treatment. When colistin resistance was first reported in animals and humans, the public health community was understandably panicked, prompting governments to take action to regulate its use. Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction
Sep 17
14 min
If you’re on social media, you may feel bombarded by influencers promoting peptides for a range of ailments so broad it almost seems like a brand-new trend. But peptide-based therapies actually date back to 1922, when insulin was first administered to treat diabetes. But it wasn’t until semaglutide (better known as Ozempic) entered the market that peptides truly captured public attention. In today’s episode, we explore how what chemists and other scientists learned from insulin paved the way ...
Sep 3
41 min
In the late 1950s, a tuberculosis drug was repurposed as the world’s first antidepressant. Then the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) Prozac ushered in a new era of antidepressants. Today SSRIs are some of the most widely prescribed drugs in the country, but gaps still exist in our biological understanding of mental health, the overall efficacy of antidepressants, and predicting serious side effects. In response, some scientists and physicians are turning to different classes of d...
Aug 27
56 min
The discovery of sex hormones in the 1930s led to the development of female birth control, a widely used class of drugs that reshaped cultural norms surrounding fertility and bodily autonomy. But contraception remains largely the responsibility of women. On today’s episode: the evolution of birth control and the future of male contraception. Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction
Aug 20
40 min
Through a few serendipitous discoveries, antibiotics changed the course of history by turning deadly infections into manageable sicknesses. But it didn’t take long for bacteria to begin outsmarting these wonder drugs. On today’s episode: The fascinating world of antibiotics and the efforts to tackle antibiotic resistance, including using AI to come up with new drugs that will only become more essential. Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction
Aug 13
50 min
You’ve likely relied on a drug at one point or another, whether it be a prescribed medication or something over the counter. The upcoming miniseries of Chain Reaction explores the history, impact, and future of major drug classes, including antibiotics, birth control, antidepressants, and GLP-1s. Margot and Sam will chat with experts about the history and scientific breakthroughs behind these medicines and the ongoing research that could shape the next generation of drugs. Transcripts a...
Aug 6
1 min
This bonus episode continues the celebration of the American Chemical Society’s 150th anniversary by spotlighting two remarkable ACS presidents whose work helped shape public health in very different ways. Hosts Margot and Shane trade stories about these pioneering chemists. Harvey Wiley, ACS president in the 1890s, investigated dangerous food additives like formaldehyde and borax and presided over the infamous “Poison Squad” experiments. He was part of the impetus behind the “Wiley Act...
Jul 23
18 min
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