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Multitude

Tiny Matters

A Life Sciences , Science and Natural Sciences podcast

#12 in Life Sciences · 🇸🇪 #14 in Life Sciences · 🇿🇦
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About the show

Science shapes every facet of our lives, but so much of its influence is overlooked or buried in the past. Tiny Matters is an award-winning science podcast about the small science of big things. From the microbes behind deadly diseases to the molecules informing our search for extraterrestrial life, hosts and former scientists Sam Jones and Deboki Chakravarti embrace the awe and messiness of science and its significance both today and in the past, asking questions like, "Can you de-extinct a species?," "Will we ever live on Mars?," and "After decades, why don't we have a cure for HIV?" Tiny Matters is created by the American Chemical Society, a non-profit scientific organization based in Washington, D.C., and is produced by Multitude. New episodes every Wednesday, wherever you listen to podcasts.

Newest episodes

Cannibalism in nature: Brutal, but evolutionarily useful?

38 min

In nature, cannibalism is surprisingly common. Fish eat their offspring, insects consume their siblings, and some tadpoles transform into specialized cannibals with stronger jaws and a tooth. In this episode, we explore how cannibalism can shape entire ecosystems, influencing everything from fish populations to nutrient cycles, and why so many species are cannibalistic despite its costs. We discuss selfishness in nature, filial and sexual cannibalism, and the role of developmental plasticity in evolution.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing It Turns Out

2 min

We’d like to recommend a podcast called It Turns Out, hosted by award-winning journalist Kara Miller. The idea behind the show is that things we assume to be true are often far more complicated and surprising once you look at the research and talk to the experts who study them. We think you'll love it!

[CHAIN REACTION] Beyond the Pill: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 2

40 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. Listen to Chain Reaction by ACS wherever you get podcasts and at acs.org/chainreaction. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Similar podcasts

All episodes

The newest 50 of 201 episodes

Cannibalism in nature: Brutal, but evolutionarily useful?

38 min

In nature, cannibalism is surprisingly common. Fish eat their offspring, insects consume their siblings, and some tadpoles transform into specialized cannibals with stronger jaws and a tooth. In this episode, we explore how cannibalism can shape entire ecosystems, influencing everything from fish populations to nutrient cycles, and why so many species are cannibalistic despite its costs. We discuss selfishness in nature, filial and sexual cannibalism, and the role of developmental plasticity in evolution.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Introducing It Turns Out

2 min

We’d like to recommend a podcast called It Turns Out, hosted by award-winning journalist Kara Miller. The idea behind the show is that things we assume to be true are often far more complicated and surprising once you look at the research and talk to the experts who study them. We think you'll love it!

[CHAIN REACTION] Beyond the Pill: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 2

40 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. Listen to Chain Reaction by ACS wherever you get podcasts and at acs.org/chainreaction. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Colorful blood in nature and how a tick bite causes a meat allergy: Tiny Show and Tell Us #59

15 min

Why do humans have red blood, while other animals have green, purple, or even yellow blood? In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we explore the surprisingly colorful world of animal blood, from Antarctic ice fish with nearly transparent blood to green-blooded skinks and purple-blooded peanut worms. Then we enter tick territory and investigate how a tick bite leaves some people unable to eat red meat and other animal products. The answer involves a condition known as alpha-gal syndrome, where a tick bite can trigger an immune response to the alpha-gal sugar found in many mammals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[CHAIN REACTION] The Antibiotics Boom, Bust, and Search for What's Next: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 1

50 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. Listen to Chain Reaction by ACS wherever you get podcasts and at acs.org/chainreaction. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lil' extra on the feed: 'The Drugs That Shape Us,' from Chain Reaction

1 min

We'll be publishing a 4-episode miniseries from our sister podcast Chain Reaction over the course of the next 4 weeks! Where Tiny Matters episode span all the scientific fields, Chain Reaction has more of a chemistry focus — but it’s also packed with fascinating history and societal relevance that we know will appeal to our listeners. So we wanted to bring over a recent miniseries about the drugs that have shaped humanity. You’ve likely relied on a drug at one point or another, whether it be a prescribed medication or something over the counter. So this miniseries explores the history, impact, and future of major drug classes. The first episode is on including antibiotics, followed by birth control, then antidepressants including SSRI and we bring it all home with the very trendy highly impactful, and GLP-1s. You’ll hear from experts about the scientific breakthroughs behind these medicines and the ongoing research that could shape the next generation of drugs. Be sure to tune in! You can get all of Chain Reaction's episodes wherever you listen to podcasts and at acs.org/chainreaction See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Secrets in the peat: Ghost lights, bog bodies, and life built on death

35 min

For centuries, ghostly lights floating over bogs have appeared in folklore. Known by names including will-o'-the-wisp, corpse candles, and ‘Lantern Jack,’ they’ve inspired stories of supernatural tricksters leading travelers astray, sometimes to their doom. But in 2024, scientists finally uncovered the chemistry behind the phenomenon. From there, we travel deep into the strange world of bogs. These waterlogged landscapes help cool the planet and have preserved ancient artifacts — including human bodies — for thousands of years, helping teach us about what life was like many millennia ago, but also providing insight into some of the diseases that plague humanity today, including Alzheimer's. Related episodes you may enjoy:  Biofilms: The sticky, slimy communities behind some of medicine's toughest infectionsForaminifera: The one-celled predators that shaped our planet (and kept the receipts)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] The ‘Tyrant Lizard Queen’ and how evolution shaped our anxious brains: Tiny Show and Tell Us #58

32 min

Why does your brain sometimes react to a stressful meeting or traffic jam like you’re being hunted by a lion on the savannah? In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we explore the evolutionary roots of anxiety, why our internal alarm system sometimes misfires, and how treatments can help some people. Then paleontologist and author Riley Black joins the show to talk about her new book Tyrant Lizard Queen: The Love, Life, and Terror of Earth’s Greatest Carnivore. She shares why T. rex is a much more complicated dinosaur than the movie monster we’re used to seeing. We hear about how T. rex grew, hunted, weathered dramatic environmental changes, and fit into her ecosystem.  Related episodes you may enjoy:  Decoding dinosaur colors and the failure of postpartum care: Tiny Show and Tell Us #57Treating Depression: Then versus now and the SSRI debateSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The canaries in the coal mine: How sentinel species monitor our world

31 min

For decades, coal miners relied on canaries to warn them about deadly carbon monoxide underground. Canaries were retired from that work at the end of the 20th century, but today scientists still rely on certain organisms, referred to as sentinels, to reveal hidden environmental threats. In this episode, we trace the history of the canary in the coal mine to today and explore how researchers use songbirds, mussels, and oysters to monitor mercury, industrial pollution, and other contaminants that can linger in ecosystems for generations.  NOAA's Mussel Watch program is celebrating 40 years! Learn more here: https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/a-legacy-of-coastal-health-celebrating-40-years-of-noaas-national-mussel-watch-program/ Related episodes you may enjoy:  How do you save a species?: Breakthroughs from cheetahs, red wolves, and 'spicy' toadsDeep sea mining: Environmental uncertainty, ‘Law of the Sea,’ and shark potatoesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Decoding dinosaur colors and the failure of postpartum care: Tiny Show and Tell Us #57

19 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, a listener asks why maternal mortality rates in countries like the U.S. and Canada have risen while many other wealthy nations have seen them plateau or even decrease. We talk about postpartum health, racial disparities, access to care, and why support after birth can be just as important as care during pregnancy and delivery. Then we switch gears and discuss how we know the colors of some dinosaurs. The answer lies in tiny fossilized structures called melanosomes, which allowed researchers to reconstruct some of the colors of dinosaurs. Related episodes you may enjoy:  The Mothers of Gynecology: The centuries that led to today’s Black maternal mortality crisisDinosaur Fossils: Inspiring Jurassic Park and helping us predict Earth's futureSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you save a species?: Breakthroughs from cheetahs, red wolves, and 'spicy' toads

41 min

Cheetahs carry the genetic scars of an Ice Age bottleneck, red wolves are so rare that every egg matters, and harlequin frogs need their natural toxins restored before they can thrive in the wild again. But avoiding extinction requires far more than protecting habitat alone. In this episode, we talk with scientists at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to explore cutting-edge science helping these animals not just survive but thrive, including innovative reproductive technologies like ‘ovary-on-a-chip.’ Similar episodes you may enjoy: Extinction: Rethinking the dodo's demise, and could a supervolcano threaten humanity's future?What is de-extinction, really? Conservation, genetics, and lessons from 'dire wolves'See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Milking spiders and why this scientist’s grave is covered in gifts: Tiny Show and Tell Us #56

32 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we first discuss funnel-web spiders, who are among the most venomous spiders on Earth. Maybe somewhat paradoxically, their toxins are being studied to treat human disease and chronic pain. Then we talk with historian Claire Aubin about J. Willard Gibbs’ grave at Yale, where she’s a professor. Gibbs was a quiet scientific genius whose work transformed chemistry. He was also seemingly a very cool dude, and today his gravesite is decorated by students seeking good luck before exams.  Check out This Guy Sucked wherever you get podcasts! We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org or fill out this form with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biofilms: The sticky, slimy communities behind some of medicine's toughest infections

37 min

Biofilms are everywhere: your teeth, your kitchen sponge, and even medical implants. Scientists are uncovering how these highly organized microbial communities protect bacteria from antibiotics and the immune system, and how understanding their hidden lives could help us fight some of the scariest infections, particularly those that disproportionately impact people with cystic fibrosis. Learn more about CALM here. Check out Wow If True wherever you listen to podcasts! A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] ‘Drinking Grandma,’ digital cadavers and debunking a grave robbing myth: Tiny Show and Tell Us #55

23 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we explore the fascinating history of embalming, from ancient mummies to arsenic-laced funeral practices (that weren’t all that long ago!). Then we chat about cadaver dissection, the importance of Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings, and whether virtual reality could someday replace anatomy labs. Plus, what's the real story behind those creepy iron cages found above burial plots in old cemeteries? Learn more about CALM here. We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org or fill out this form with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Shroud of Turin: American Medieval x Tiny Matters crossover episode

1 hr 6 min

In this special bonus episode, we join American Medieval with host Matthew Gabriele, a professor of medieval studies and who knows about a LOT of history that we don’t. We're there to chat with Matt about some new science research surrounding the Turin Shroud — a cloth that many Christians believe was used to wrap Jesus after he was killed. The debates over this artifact are fascinating and the science only adds to it! So if you like science, history, and a little controversy, you’re going to love this episode.  American Medieval is a podcast about the Middle Ages, but with an American twist. Each week, Professor Matthew Gabriele is joined by expert guests to explore either some fascinating part of the medieval world, or some way Americans have used this period to help them understand themselves. Matthew Gabriele is a professor of Medieval History and an elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (UK). In addition to hosting the podcast "American Medieval," he’s the co-author of the books The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe (Harper Books, 2021), and Oathbreakers: The War of Brothers that Shattered an Empire and Made Medieval Europe (Harper Books, 2024). His new book, Violence: A Christian History, will be out with WW Norton in late 2027/ early 2028. Learn more about CALM here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Foraminifera: The one-celled predators that shaped our planet (and kept the receipts)

37 min

Single-celled marine organisms called foraminifera may be microscopic, but they've had a massive impact on life on Earth. They also leave behind intricate shells that have become part of a fossil record stretching back more than 500 million years. Today, they're one of the most powerful tools scientists have for reconstructing Earth's past climates, helping us put the current (alarming) state of our warming planet into context. Learn more about CALM here. Check out Pale Blue pod here or wherever you listen to podcasts! A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Dangerously tiny frequencies, endometriosis tests, and cookies made from ... plastic?: Tiny Show and Tell Us #54

25 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we discuss new blood tests and research into blood biomarkers that could make diagnosing endometriosis faster and less invasive. Next, we unpack subsynchronous resonance, a phenomenon that can damage power infrastructure, and is gaining new attention with so many AI data centers being built across the country. Then we hear from guest Emily Schneider who shares some delicious (maybe? You be the judge!) new research where scientists have engineered yeast to convert plastic waste and agricultural leftovers into cookies. We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org or fill out this form with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Giant viruses: How these amoeba-infecting behemoths are rewriting the rules of virology

36 min

Scientists spent decades searching for viruses by filtering out anything too large to be one. That strategy seemed to work well... until it didn't. When researchers discovered a microbe living inside an amoeba that looked like a bacterium but behaved like something else entirely, they uncovered a hidden world of giant viruses with massive genomes, unusual genes, and even their own viral parasites. In this episode, we dive into the discoveries that forced scientists to rethink what viruses are, how they evolve, and whether the rules historically used to define them still hold up. Check out Dreaming Against the Machine here or wherever you listen to podcasts! A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Fairy tale evolution and the 400(ish) year old elusive Greenland shark: Tiny Show and Tell Us #53

30 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we explore how scientists are using evolutionary methods to reconstruct the history of folktales like Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Beast, and Jack and the Beanstalk. Then guest Matt Gabriele, professor of medieval studies and host of the podcast American Medieval, shares his fascination with Greenland sharks, leading us into the science of radiocarbon dating, longevity genetics, and the ongoing debate over whether these elusive deep-sea predators truly live for 400 years or more. We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org or fill out this form with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From cow’s milk to blood banks: The surprising evolution of blood transfusions

35 min

Before modern blood transfusions, doctors tried some odd alternatives, including cow's milk. In this episode, we trace the fascinating history of blood transfusions, from risky animal experiments and failed milk injections to the discovery of blood types and disease screening. You'll hear how blood transfusions became one of medicine's safest procedures, why researchers are still debating exactly when patients need them, and what innovations could make blood easier to store, transport, and use in emergency situations including the military battlefield. Check out Dreaming Against the Machine here or wherever you listen to podcasts! A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Bread clip taxonomy and power poles on fire: Tiny Show and Tell Us #52

18 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we dive into the surprisingly elaborate world of occlupanids: the humble plastic bread bag clips that have inspired an entire taxonomy complete with Latin names, species classifications, and a community of collectors. Then, we investigate a strange power outage in central Texas, where power poles caught fire after a light drizzle. We unpack the science behind pole-top fires, the "Goldilocks" weather conditions that fuel them, and the surprising technologies being used to inspect and maintain power grids across the world.  We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Placebo: Why ‘fake’ treatments can have real power

37 min

A sugar pill shouldn't work as well as a real drug ... except sometimes it does. In this episode, we explore the fascinating science of the placebo effect and how expectations can shape biological outcomes. From open-label placebos and AI healthcare chatbots to the nocebo effect, we unpack what scientists know, what they still don't understand, and why the placebo response is still largely mysterious.  Check out Spirits here or wherever you listen to podcasts! A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] A pathology lab, a sausage duel, and the fascinating lives of yeast: Tiny Show and Tell Us #51

23 min

In this episode of Tiny Matters, a listener who works in a pathology lab explains how even the ickiest specimens become ho-hum with time, sending Sam and Deboki down a rabbit hole of pathology history and the bizarre life of Rudolf Virchow, the “father of pathology” who was also rumored to have brought worm-filled sausages to a duel. Then, a listener's sourdough experiments spark a conversation about yeast and how these microscopic organisms are the chemists behind tasty bread, beer, wine, and more. We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fireworks over millennia: From battlefields and royal displays to sustainable spectacles

30 min

In medieval Europe, people who worked with early cannons and gunpowder were viewed as untrustworthy, boorish outsiders. But just a few centuries later, as they began creating elaborate fireworks displays for royalty, they went from outcasts to artists. From black powder to modern low-smoke pyrotechnics, in this episode of Tiny Matters we look at the chemistry, engineering, and artistry behind one of humanity's favorite forms of celebration. We also learn how scientists are reinventing pyrotechnics with cleaner-burning compounds that deliver brighter colors and fewer emissions. And check out this video from our friends at Headline Science to get a behind the scenes tour of the Science History Institute’s new exhibit: Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks. Check out Simple and Clean here or wherever you listen to podcasts! A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] The ‘elite neutralizers’ immune to HIV and why galaxies ‘FART’: Tiny Show and Tell Us #50

16 min

This week on Tiny Show and Tell Us, a listener introduces us to "FARTs" — a silly acronym for galactic gas outflows — and sends us down a rabbit hole of dying stars and recycled cosmic gas in the early universe. Then we discuss the decades-long search for broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) that can target many HIV strains at once. One bNAb that looks promising is in clinical trials right now!  We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Collisions in space: Satellites, space debris, and the quest to clean up Earth's orbit

36 min

We tend to think of space as vast and mostly empty, yet the region just above Earth is far from it. In this episode, we explore the surprising congestion of low Earth orbit, where tens of thousands of satellites and millions of pieces of debris are hurtling around at incredible speeds. From a major satellite collision in 2009 to the looming threat of the Kessler Effect — where Earth’s orbit becomes so densely packed that collisions set off an unstoppable chain reaction — we unpack how even tiny fragments can cause massive damage to spacecraft, disrupt critical services, and potentially put astronauts and even us Earth dwellers at risk. We talk with scientists about creative solutions that could help tackle this growing problem, including space lasers, and we ask an important question: who is responsible for keeping space clean? Check out American Medieval here or wherever you listen to podcasts! A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] A nitrogen asphyxiation disaster and why ears are incredible: Tiny Show and Tell Us #49

23 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we unpack a tragic NASA accident in 1981 when technicians, preparing for the maiden voyage of Space Shuttle Columbia, were accidentally poisoned by nitrogen gas. Then guest Mischa Stanton takes us deep inside the human ear. We talk about how vibrations turn into thoughts via the cochlea and basilar membrane and dive into the fascinating world of logarithmic perception. Find Mischa at mischastanton.com. We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Challenger disaster: How a NASA tragedy led to a safer Artemis II

35 min

When Artemis II lifted off this past April, marking humanity’s return to the Moon, people across the world were captivated. It was a triumph decades in the making, but also shaped by painful loss. In this episode of Tiny Matters, we trace the legacy of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on its 40th anniversary, unpacking what went wrong both scientifically and organizationally, and how the event necessarily helped reshape NASA’s safety culture. We hear firsthand from astronaut Terry Hart, who flew on Challenger less than two years before the accident, and from NASA’s acting Chief of Safety and Mission Assurance, Nathan Vassberg, about how Challenger — and later, Columbia — reshaped the way NASA thinks about risk, and how those lessons were applied to Artemis II. We also hear from Vanessa Bentley, professor of applied ethics who teaches a course dissecting the conflict between managers and engineers that led to the tragedy. Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter! All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] The ‘Plankton Manifesto’ and the birth of MRI: Tiny Show and Tell Us #48

15 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we dive into the Plankton Manifesto and why these drifting, diverse organisms are so essential to life on Earth. Then we trace the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) roots of MRI, through a listener’s personal experience as a patient and chemist. Check out This Guy Sucked here or wherever you get podcasts! We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When movies caught fire: The history and science of nitrocellulose film

36 min

Did you know that over 75% of silent films have disappeared? The culprit: highly flammable film! We open this episode of Tiny Matters with a poker bet, a decades long grudge, and a garage full of film before we hop into the rise of nitrate (nitrocellulose) film and how it shaped film history. We chat with Robert Shanebrook, who literally wrote the book on Kodak film, and with collection manager Deborah Stoiber at the George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the oldest film archives. We talk about the science of preserving and conserving the nitrate films that have survived, and why it’s so important for keeping cultural memories alive. Did you know that ‘George Eastman, Kodak, and the Birth of Consumer Photography’ is a National Historic Chemical Landmark? Read more about it here.  Check out Wow if True here or wherever you listen to podcasts! A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Von Willebrand disease and how old is the air in your lungs?: Tiny Show and Tell Us #47

18 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, a listener asks: Could we still be carrying air from our very first breath? Deboki unpacks residual lung volume, gas exchange, and a forensic technique used to determine whether or not someone drowned. Then, the conversation turns to women’s health and bleeding disorders after a listener shares their experience living with Von Willebrand disease — the most common bleeding disorder. Sam explores what the condition is, how it was discovered, why it disproportionately affects women, and how normalizing heavy, painful periods is not just frustrating but has serious medical consequences. Check out Pale Blue Pod here or wherever you get podcasts! We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

‘Clean beauty’: Cosmetics, chemophobia and the anti-vax pipeline

34 min

In the early 1930s, a “new and improved” eyelash dye called Lash Lure blinded more than a dozen women, ultimately forcing the FDA to pass new regulations on cosmetics. Nearly a century later, beauty remains far safer than it was in the past, but you could argue that beauty marketing has become far more insidious, with vague language and chemophobic claims to push consumers toward products. In this episode, we chat with cosmetic chemist and science communicator Michelle Wong to unpack the booming “clean beauty” industry, including a conversation about parabens and fragrances and how chemophobia (a fear of chemicals) early in life can become a gateway to broader anti-science thinking, including anti-vax. You can follow Michelle at @LabMuffinBeautyScience on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube where she makes longer explainer videos.  Check out Wow if True here or wherever you listen to podcasts! A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] The Chemists’ Wars: The Origin Story of Chemistry

37 min

Have you checked out ACS' new podcast Chain Reaction? Today we're bringing Tiny Matters listeners one of our favorite episodes! Chemistry doesn’t just shape conflict — conflict shapes chemistry. And at no time in history is that more apparent than during the two world wars. Historian Alison McManus recounts how the race to weaponize toxic gases like chlorine and mustard gas transformed chemists into key military players, spurred industrial growth, and ignited an international arms race during WWI.  However, some battles of the world wars weren’t waged against an opposing army, but against diseases that soldiers caught while in combat. Journalist Karen Masterson reveals how WWII triggered a massive scientific mobilization — a secret, high‑stakes search for synthetic quinine and antimalarial drugs that would ultimately help seed the modern pharmaceutical industry. Packed with espionage, innovation, and ethical dilemmas, this episode uncovers how war accelerated chemistry in ways that still shape science today. Available wherever you get podcasts! Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Antarctic dinosaurs, blood restriction therapy, and an HIV prevention breakthrough: Tiny Show and Tell Us #46

41 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we welcome our first‑ever guest, podcast producer and dinosaur enthusiast Steven Ray Morris. Together, we dive into three wildly different stories. First, we explore a major advancement in HIV prevention: a newly approved twice‑yearly injectable drug called Lenacapavir. We chat about how it works, why it’s a huge shift from daily pills or monthly shots, and the challenges around global access. Next, Steven takes us deep into the (mostly chilly) past — to Antarctic dinosaurs! What scientists are learning about these dinos is shifting what we think we know about where, and how, dinosaurs lived. Finally, Deboki breaks down the science behind blood flow restriction therapy, a rehabilitation technique that helps injured muscles rebuild strength using lighter loads. As always, Tiny Matters is not giving anything that could be interpreted as medical advice! Deboki also reveals she’s into weightlifting. So yeah, don’t mess with Deboki!  You can find Steven and See Jurassic Right lots of places! Including Instagram, Apple Podcasts, Patreon and Etsy. Check out Spirits here or wherever you get podcasts! We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deep-sea mining: Environmental uncertainty, ‘Law of the Sea,’ and shark potatoes

43 min

In this episode, we dive into the murky, high‑stakes world of deep-sea mining — the practice of extracting valuable metals from the ocean floor. Deep-sea mining has been “just around the corner” for decades. So what’s the holdup? With the help of deep-sea ecologist Andrew Thaler and oceanography researcher Michael Dowd, we discuss what makes the deep ocean such a challenging place to operate, and unpack why polymetallic nodules have drawn so much interest, and why removing them could permanently alter ecosystems we barely understand. The episode also looks ahead, asking whether deep-sea mining is even necessary and what it could mean not just for Earth’s oceans, but for future resource extraction in places like Antarctica and the Moon. It’s a story about science, but also Victorian research ships, CIA cover stories, “shark potatoes,” and vast, untouched ecosystems.  Check out Dreaming Against the Machine here or wherever you listen to podcasts. Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter! All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] The history of Turner Syndrome and engineering food for bees: Tiny Show and Tell Us #45

15 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we trace the history of Turner Syndrome — from early clinical observations to the discovery of its chromosomal cause — highlighting how scientists began connecting symptoms to genetics long before DNA was fully understood. Then we follow up on a listener note about lab safety by explaining, at a molecular level, why dimethylmercury and prions are so dangerous to the human body. Ending on something more hopeful, we explore new research showing how engineered yeast could help give honey bees the nutrients they need to thrive. Team bees! Check out American Medieval here or wherever you listen to podcasts! We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How soap shaped civilizations — and ‘ruined’ famous art

30 min

In the heart of The Hague, Netherlands, the museum Mauritshuis displays some of the world’s most iconic art in its Royal Cabinet of Paintings, including ones from Rembrandt and Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. But there’s another oil painting by Vermeer that is also quite famous, called View of Delft — it's of his hometown, created around 1660. The painting is a cityscape — the only one Vermeer ever painted — a snapshot of the Dutch city of Delft from across the Schie River. In it you see the city’s beautiful architecture on full display, including buildings with striking red roofs. Well, at least they used to be red. Today they have a pink-ish hue and if you looked at the painting up close, you’d see that they are covered in white spots. And what may come as a surprise is that they are, in fact, soap. In today’s episode of Tiny Matters, we’re going to talk about the weird chemistry of soap, what ancient soap was like, and why scientists are finding soap in old oil paintings. Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter! All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Camel antibodies and colorful Greco-Roman statues: Tiny Show and Tell Us #44

16 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we explore the strange world of camelid antibodies—tiny, heavy-chain-only immune molecules that turned out to be incredibly useful for research and medicine. Then we chat about archaeochemistry and how pristine white Greco-Roman statues were once "garishly" painted. Using modern chemical techniques, scientists are revealing traces of vivid pigments like Egyptian blue. But how definitive are these reconstructions? Drama! Check out Wow if True here or wherever you listen to podcasts! We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stinky white gold, Haber-Bosch, and ‘peecycling’: How fertilizer shapes our world

42 min

Fertilizer… boring? Not on our watch! In this episode of Tiny Matters, we trace the history of fertilizer from the ‘Guano Wars’ to the invention of the Haber-Bosch process, one of the most impactful chemical breakthroughs in human history. Today, scientists and communities are rethinking how we handle nutrients, and asking: could our own urine help close the nutrient loop? We chat with chemist Leila Duman about why nitrogen is so hard to “fix,” how industrial fertilizer feeds billions (while unfortunately polluting waterways), and why the Haber-Bosch process is still essentially perfect. Then we head to Vermont’s Rich Earth Institute, where researchers are turning human urine into safe, effective fertilizer and reimagining waste as a resource. Check out Pale Blue pod! Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter! All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Reef balls and peanut allergy immunotherapy: Tiny Show and Tell Us #43

19 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we explore a listener's experience with peanut allergy immunotherapy — what it is, how the therapy works, and the odd and fascinating history of allergy treatments, including a 19th‑century scientist who shoved grass pollen up his own nose. Then we chat about “reef balls” made of oyster shells and concrete. These mini artificial reefs are being used to restore marine habitats and, in some cases, also hold cremated remains. Check out Simple and Clean here or wherever you listen to podcasts! We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Mothers of Gynecology: The centuries that led to today’s Black maternal mortality crisis

1 hr 21 min

In this special crossover episode, Tiny Matters welcomes Alexis Pedrick, host of Distillations from the Science History Institute. You’ll hear the Distillations episode “The Mothers of Gynecology” — a powerful investigation into the racist origins of gynecology and the ongoing maternal health care crisis that disproportionately affects Black mothers. Through interviews with historians, clinicians, midwives, doulas, and public health researchers, the episode traces how racist myths about Black bodies — especially beliefs about pain tolerance — continue to shape medical care and outcomes. Following the episode, we unpack some of what you’ll hear, from the horrific exploitation of enslaved women by J. Marion Sims, to modern-day disparities that affect even the wealthiest, most famous Black mothers, including Beyoncé and Serena Williams. Check out Spirits here or wherever you listen to podcasts. Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter! All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new podcast joining the fam: Chain Reaction by ACS!

8 min

Chain Reaction is a new podcast from the American Chemical Society that links chemistry’s past to its future, revealing how this ever‑evolving science shapes the world around us, from the materials we use every day to the environment that we depend on. Each episode brings fresh perspectives and personal stories from chemists, engineers, and other scientists, as well as historians who guide us through pivotal moments in chemistry’s history. Together, we’ll uncover chemistry’s surprising connections, explore its interdisciplinary impact, and see how past discoveries set off the breakthroughs of today and the future.  Whether you’re a student, an experienced scientist, or simply curious, Chain Reaction will show you how chemistry fits into the bigger picture — and why it matters now more than ever. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! acs.org/chainreaction Exec producer: Sam Jones Producer: Margot Wohl Researcher: Bec Roldan Production support: Michael David and Matthew Radcliff Cover art: Joe Butera See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] 5D storage in the ‘Memory of Mankind’ and the root of morning sickness: Tiny Show and Tell Us #42

16 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we go from nerdy house-party physics to the brutal realities of morning sickness (can you say range!). First, we unpack what 5D data storage is and debate what we’d personally toss into the “Memory of Mankind” salt mine in Austria. Then we tackle a listener’s question about whether science has any updates on what causes severe morning sickness.  We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inside expedition medicine: Keeping people alive in the harshest places on Earth

47 min

In 2019, Nathan Hudson-Peacock was serving as an expedition doctor to a group hiking in the Indian Himalayas. At around 17,000 feet, a climber suddenly went from having a mild headache to a life‑threatening cerebral edema. On top of that, a storm was closing in. So, what did he do? How do expedition doctors keep people alive in the harshest places on Earth? Tune in to this week’s episode to find out. In it, we chat with Nathan as well as high altitude physician Monica Piris, who has spent much of her time on Everest. We dig into the world of expedition medicine: the preparation, the danger, the breathtaking environments, and the moments that can reshape your understanding of the planet and the impact of climate change.  Listen to American Medieval: https://americanmedieval.com/ Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter! All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] 'Mitochondrial Eve' and birds stealing anti-bird spikes: Tiny Show and Tell Us #41

15 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we talk about the crafty corvids that steal anti‑bird spikes to build chaotic, spiky nests and “Mitochondrial Eve” — the most recent common maternal ancestor of modern humans. Get ready for stories of sandwich‑stealing gulls, Deboki being held hostage by a peacock, and the Mitochondrial Eve/Y Chromosomal Adam romcom no one asked for. We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From ancient grain mills to massive offshore turbines: Why wind energy was — and still is — a big deal

37 min

For over a thousand years, humans have been harnessing wind energy. It may have begun with small, grain‑grinding windmills in ancient Persia, but today you might spot Hoover‑Dam‑sized offshore turbines as you drive along the east coast. How did we get here? In this episode of Tiny Matters, we explore the first electric wind turbines built in the late 1800s, how government policies in the 1970s and ’80s shaped the modern wind industry, and why giant offshore wind farms are suddenly in the news. We also clear up misinformation stemming from a Hollywood blockbuster as well as what we know about the impact of wind farms on whales, birds and bats. Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter! All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Dandelion rubber tires and a fentanyl vaccine: Tiny Show and Tell Us #40

13 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we explore a listener’s tip about a new source of tire rubber — the Russian dandelion — and the science behind what makes it such an incredible and sustainable source of natural latex rubber. Then we answer a listener’s question about a vaccine for fentanyl that will stop the drug from reaching the brain, preventing overdose. We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The history of clinical trials: From fake exorcisms to testing today

36 min

In 1599, a family in a small French town claimed that their daughter was possessed by a demon called Beelzebub and, despite daily exorcisms, the demon possessing this woman was staying put. So France’s Henri IV set up a royal commission that would try something a little different. The woman would still receive exorcisms, complete with the normal exorcism accoutrements, but with a catch. The priest wouldn’t actually be Catholic, the water in the vessel would be ordinary water, and the Latin used wouldn’t be religious — it would be from Virgil’s famous poem Aeneid. That's because this wasn't actually an exorcism. It was an experiment built on a deceptively simple tool that scientists and doctors still use today to study new medical treatments: a placebo. In this episode, we explore the surprising origins and evolution of one of modern medicine’s most important tools: the clinical trial. We follow the development of experimental design across centuries to modern day randomized controlled trials and the debates about their limitations, trying to answer the question, “How do we know whether a treatment truly works?” Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter! All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

[BONUS] Bat periods and toxins from fungi: Tiny Show and Tell Us #39

14 min

In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we learn that humans aren’t the only mammals who menstruate. We explore the fulvous fruit bat’s 33‑day cycle, how reproductive biology differs across species, and why scientists still don’t fully understand why menstruation evolved in the first place. Then we take a deep dive into the world of mycotoxins: dangerous compounds produced by fungi. We cover how these toxins form, why they’re so hard to eliminate, and risks they pose to agriculture, livestock, and human health. We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured. A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The iron lung: How a hulking metal tube became the first machine to keep humans alive

41 min

It’s no exaggeration to say that polio shaped modern medicine. Before a vaccine was available, polio outbreaks left thousands of people paralyzed, with some unable to breathe. But, in 1928, the development of the iron lung meant that, for the first time, humans could rely on a machine to stay alive. In this episode, we trace the rise of polio in the early 20th century, the science behind the virus, and the race to save lives. From early resuscitation experiments to the unexpected inspiration behind the iron lung, we uncover the innovation, ethical dilemmas, and human stories that defined this era, hearing from two people whose early childhoods and families were dramatically shaped by the disease.  Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter! All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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