Atoms & Elements: History of the Periodic Tab...

This episode details the key ingredients in fertilisers: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It outlines the chemical production of nitrogen-based fertilisers, specifically ammonium nitrate, highlighting its rich nitrogen content due to its dual sources. We explain that phosphat ...  Show more

In this episode, we look at plants and nitrogen.Plants require nitrogen to produce proteins necessary for growth. While the atmosphere is full of nitrogen gas, plants cannot directly utilise this form. Instead, they absorb soluble nitrates from the soil. Crop harvesting depletes ...  Show more

The periodic table is an invaluable tool for scientists across the planet -- but how does it work? In this episode, Allison and Robert explore the creation of the periodic table. Tune in to learn more about the history and structure of the periodic table.

In this week’s episode we pay tribute to the periodic table. We talk to Sam Kean, author of the best-selling book The Disappearing Spoon and hear an excerpt from Primo Levi’s book The Periodic Table.

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Everyone knows it when they see it. The classic “castle with turrets” periodic table is a beautiful and concise icon that contains a great deal of amazing information, if you only know how to read it. And even if you … <a href="http://99percentinvisible.prx.org/2011/02/04/99-i ...

This week we're celebrating 150 years of the Periodic Table - we'll find out how scientists uncovered the elements in the first place and what other mysterious materials may be waiting to be discovered. Plus a way to power up the body's own morphine-like chemicals, how microbes a ...  Show more