Distillations is the Science History Institute’s critically acclaimed flagship podcast. We take deep dives into stories that range from the serious to... more
ALS is a fatal neurological disease that kills motor neurons. Even though it was first described more than 150 years... more
In 1973 a bombshell study appeared in the premier scientific journal Science. It was called “On Being Sane in... more
For more than 100 years, biologists who suggested that some cancers may be caused by viruses were the pariahs of... more
In 1973 biochemist Bruce Ames created a simple test that showed if chemicals had the potential to cause cancer. The... more
Ozempic and others in this family of drugs are nothing short of miraculous. Meant to treat Type 2 Diabetes, the... more
The impact of cars on wildlife extends beyond roadkill, affecting species that never venture near roads. Car noise disrupts bird... more
In 1856, Henry Perkin's attempt to synthesize quinine led to something very different: a vibrant purple dye. Perkin’s mauve revolutionized... more
The color pink has long been in vogue, and when Barbie hit theaters in 2023, its appeal only increased. But... more
For centuries people have been drawn to the potential healing powers of colored light. From a civil war general to... more
In his epic poem, The Odyssey, Homer mentions the colors black, white, red, and yellow. But despite numerous mentions of the... more