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.
Episodes
[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 an
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
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 seriou
Beyond the Pill: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 2
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
The Antibiotics Boom, Bust, and Search for What's Next: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 1
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 ess
Teaser: The Drugs That Shape Us
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 medi
[Bonus] The Poison Squad and Urinalysis: The Fascinating Lives of ACS Presidents Harvey Wiley and Helen M. Free
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 ove
A Conversation with Chemical Kim: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 4
To cap off this special #ACS150 miniseries, we chat with chemistry educator, science communicator, and social media creator Kim Hilton — better known as Chemical Kim (follow @chemicalkim).Kim reflects on her unexpected path into teaching, from struggling to understand chemistry as a college student to becoming a professor who has spent three decades helping others discover their place in STEM. The
Chemistry in the New Space Age: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 3
Space is the place . . . for chemistry! ACS president-elect Chris Bodurow and three colleagues chat about the role of chemistry in space exploration and how they ended up working in such an exciting field. Luke Roberson, Ken Savin, and George Rodriguez highlight the expanding space industry, the technologies that chemistry has enabled in space, and how chemistry might change the industry in the fu
Mentoring Across Generations: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 2
ACS president Rigoberto Hernandez invites colleagues to speak about mentorship, communication, and the human side of science. One of Rigoberto’s former students, Ashley Ringer McDonald, talks about the power of multi-directional mentorship and the importance of nurturing growth and confidence in students. Michelle Francl and Rigoberto discuss the evolving role of theoretical chemistry, the need to
Breaking Barriers: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 1
This episode of Chain Reaction launches a special series celebrating the American Chemical Society’s 150th anniversary. Immediate past president, Dorothy Phillips, interviews three chemists whose journeys emphasize resilience, representation, and inclusion. Cary Supalo, a blind chemist, describes overcoming barriers in education and research by developing collaborative techniques and accessible te
Teaser: Chemistry is Everyone
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the American Chemical Society, our upcoming miniseries features the past, present, and future presidents of ACS in conversation with colleagues about topics they’re passionate about, including mentorship, representation, and … space! Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction
[Bonus] From the Cutting Room Floor: Anthrax Decontamination Following the 2001 Attacks
In the inaugural “From the Cutting Room Floor” — where we take parts of interviews that didn’t quite fit in our regular episodes — we talk about anthrax. Well not exactly… we talk about what happens with the chemicals that we use to kill anthrax. In 2001, some high profile people like news anchors and senators received mail laced with anthrax — a spore-forming bacteria that can be deadly. Afterwar
Does Earth Have Limits?: The Chemistry of Pollution, Episode 4
Pollution is only one way humans are altering our planet. There’s climate change, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and much more. Earth system scientists, including biological oceanographer Katherine Richardson, developed the nine planetary boundaries, a framework to understand what Earth systems are critical for life, and what will happen if human-caused changes to our planet continue. Katherin
The Soil and Superfund Sites Beneath Us: The Chemistry of Pollution, Episode 3
Water and air pollution may capture the headlines, but there’s another threat looming beneath our feet: soil. We farm on it, build cities on it, and pull water from it. But pollutants from industrial waste, mining, and trash settle in soil, wreaking havoc on existing ecosystems and threatening our food and water supply. Soil and environmental chemist Owen Duckworth shares how chemists study soil,
It’s a Watery World: The Chemistry of Pollution, Episode 2
We live in a watery world; 71% of Earth is covered in water. But humans have polluted Earth’s water for decades with pollutants like plastic, oil, and drugs. Marine chemist Chris Reddy guides us through what happens to the ocean during human-caused spills – from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to the X-Press Pearl plastic spill – and how the ocean recovers. But our oceans aren’t the only waters at
The Air We (Want to) Breathe: The Chemistry of Pollution, Episode 1
In the first episode of our series on pollution, we’re turning to the very thing necessary for human life: air. Environmental engineer Pete DeCarlo introduces us first to the tools chemists use to study the air, including the early innovations by chemist Arnold Beckman. These tools alarmed us to the problem of air pollution and its impact on human health, from the smog derived from cars in Los Ang
Teaser: The Chemistry of Pollution
In this miniseries, Chain Reaction takes listeners on a sweeping journey through the hidden chemistry of pollution—above us, around us, and beneath our feet.The series begins with the air we breathe, tracing how chemists developed tools to detect invisible pollutants and how those discoveries revealed major public health crises, from urban smog and industrial emissions to the often‑overlooked dang
[Bonus] Egg cars, butterfly opsins and mosquito brains: Get to know host Margot Wohl
In this special bonus episode of Chain Reaction, meet the voices behind the American Chemical Society’s newest chemistry podcast. Host and producer Margot Wohl and executive producer Sam Jones introduce themselves, share their journeys from science research to science communication, and explain why Chain Reaction by ACS exists in the first place.Sam talks about launching ACS’s long‑running podcast
150 Years of ACS: The Origin Story of Chemistry, Episode 4
For 150 years, the American Chemical Society has been a pillar of the chemistry field, supporting students and professionals through major world events and scientific developments. The 2025 president of ACS, Dorothy Phillips, joins to discuss the future of the society while also bringing us along on her trailblazing journey through chemistry. Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreactio
The Modern Chemist: The Origin Story of Chemistry, Episode 3
For centuries, chemistry in the United States was for one kind of a person: The white man. But now, after decades of progress, chemistry is more inclusive than ever.Historian Laura Puaca reveals how wars, feminist movements, and shifting societal expectations opened long‑closed doors for women in science. As feminism changed women's role in chemistry, other social movements were advancing the
The Chemists’ Wars: The Origin Story of Chemistry, Episode 2
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
From Alchemy to Atoms: The Origin Story of Chemistry, Episode 1
In this debut episode of Chain Reaction, we go on a thrilling journey through the earliest chapters of chemistry’s history starting with the quest to make gold from abundant metals. Chemical historian Larry Principe guides us through the winding past of alchemy – its evolution across Greek, Islamic, and European traditions, and the secrecy, symbolism, and ambition that defined the craft. From code
Introducing: Chain Reaction by ACS
Introducing Chain Reaction, a podcast by 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 gui
