Science

Chain Reaction by ACS

by American Chemical Society

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About the show

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

When Passion Meets Real Life: Chemistry at Its Core, Episode 1

October 8, 2026 · 32 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…
Teaser: Chemistry at Its Core

October 1, 2026 · 2 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…
[Bonus] When a Last Resort Antibiotic Fails: The Drugs That Shape Us

September 17, 2026 · 15 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…
From Insulin to GLP-1s — a Peptide Saga: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 4

September 3, 2026 · 42 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…
Three Theories of Depression and the Promise of Psychedelics: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 3

August 27, 2026 · 57 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…
Beyond the Pill: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 2

August 20, 2026 · 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…
The Antibiotics Boom, Bust, and Search for What's Next: The Drugs That Shape Us, Episode 1

August 13, 2026 · 51 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…
Teaser: The Drugs That Shape Us

August 6, 2026 · 2 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…