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Chain Reaction by ACS: Daily Summaries Delivered
by American Chemical Society
Chain Reaction 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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 3 days ago29 min
Better Science Through Belonging: Chemistry at Its Core, Episode 4
This episode explores inclusion and belonging through conversations with leaders from three scientific societies: NOBCChE, AISES, and SACNAS. Bridgette Shannon reflects on becoming the first Black woman to earn a chemistry Ph.D. at the University of Arkansas and the importance of being authentically yourself while creating space for quieter voices. Mary Jo Ondrechen discusses how community and cultural identity can help scientists overcome feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome. Ingrid M...
- 1 weeks ago24 min
Where Safety Meets Sustainability: Chemistry at Its Core, Episode 3
“Sustainability” has become quite the buzzword, but what does it mean in the world of chemistry? In this episode of Chain Reaction, we explore ACS’ core value of sustainability through two conversations that reveal how chemistry can help solve some of society’s biggest challenges while keeping people and the planet safe. First, we hear from Amy Cannon, co-founder and executive director of Beyond Benign and the recipient of the first degree in green chemistry. Amy shares her unexpected path in...
- 2 weeks ago23 min
Always a Student: Chemistry at Its Core, Episode 2
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,...
- 3 weeks ago31 min
When Passion Meets Real Life: Chemistry at Its Core, Episode 1
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 1, 20261 min
Teaser: Chemistry at Its Core
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...
- Sep 17, 202614 min
[Bonus] When a Last Resort Antibiotic Fails: The Drugs That Shape Us
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 3, 202641 min
From Insulin to GLP-1s — a Peptide Saga: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 4
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 ...
- Aug 27, 202656 min
Three Theories of Depression and the Promise of Psychedelics: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 3
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...
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About Chain Reaction by ACS
Chain Reaction 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.
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