S1E6 - Episode #6 - Carbon

Joe and Fergus chat about all things mercury and find that there's much more to it than just thermometers! It's been used since ancient times - some thought it was the key to eternal life, despite its poisonous nature. Find out more in this week's episode.

In this episode we welcome Colby to talk about nuclear power. Could it be the solution to the climate emergency? We also discuss a darker side of uranium - nuclear weapons - and play Science Fact or Science Fiction and Secret Scientist.

We've got a double whammy for you this week! Fluorine and Chlorine are elemental cousins. They're both halogens, highly reactive elements that sit in the penultimate column of the periodic table. In this episode, we talk about why fluorine is added to water and chlorine's deadly use as a chemical weapon. Plus the usual games or Science Fact or Science Fiction and Secret Scientist!

Carbon, element number 6, is the basis of all known lifeforms. The carbon cycle is a process which shows how carbon is reused and recycled throughout the Earth's ecosystem. But humans are messing with the system - we're releasing extra carbon dioxide into the system through burning foosil fuels, and chopping down forests which absorb CO2. Our presenters chat about why this is a problem and what needs to be done to fix it. We also interview the amazing Alice, who has previously worked in zoos on conservation related public engagement.

It's been called the king of poisons and poison of kings, but did you know that arsenic is used in car batteries and semiconductors? Or that it is an essential dietary requirement for hamsters? This week Carys and Joe are joined by guest host Elizabeth to chat about the toxic element. They also play the usual games: "Science Fact or Science Fiction?" and "Secret Scientist".

Fergus, Carys and and guest host William discuss iron. Iron has been used to make tools for thousands of years, but it also is vitally important for transporting oxygen around your body. "In The News" also makes a return appearance and, as always, there's a game of "Science Fact or Science Fiction?"

This week our hosts are joined by guests Samuel and Becky to talk all things Nitrogen. We hear about how nitrogen seems to turn up everywhere - from pharmaceuticals, to explosives, to DNA!

This week Fergus, Carys and Joe discuss oxygen, the third most abundant element in the universe by mass. Listen to find out about oxygen bars, fire and the ozone layer! Plus a look at science "In The News", the return of "Science Fact or Science Fiction?" and a new game called "Secret Scientist".

For the first ever episode of Elementary, we look at the number one element. No, literally, hydrogen is number one on the periodic table... The simplest element there is, hydrogen is also the most abundant. In this episode we meet our presenters for the first time, as well as discovering hydrogen's possible use as a clean fuel, how it powers the Sun, and how it has a darker side. There's also the first game of "Science Fact or Science Fiction?" This podcast is powered by Pinecast.