https://simplecast.com Bringing Chemistry to Life Conversations with the brightest chemical minds — Join us in educational chats with some of the most fascinating and influential scientists in the world. Learn about their personal stories, notable contributions, and an enthusiasm for discovery that unites them all. Covering various fields and industries, this is a podcast for anyone who wants to learn more about science and the brilliant minds advancing it. 2024 - Bringing Chemistry to Life en Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:00:12 +0000 https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Bringing Chemistry to Life https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/7a191b39-13c9-4374-8a06-b81bf2ca67b4/b3aadc69-3afa-4293-bf6b-88e7505bf115/3000x3000/podcast-series-banner-3000x3000-v3rev-lgbctlsize.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html episodic Conversations with the brightest chemical minds — Join us in educational chats with some of the most fascinating and influential scientists in the world. Learn about their personal stories, notable contributions, and an enthusiasm for discovery that unites them all. Covering various fields and industries, this is a podcast for anyone who wants to learn more about science and the brilliant minds advancing it. Thermo Fisher Scientific false https://feeds.simplecast.com/SeqJpuK3 chemicals, electronic chemicals, chemical synthesis, polymer chemistry, analytical chemistry, atmospheric, bctl, biochemistry, lauren zarzar, carbohydrates, chemical engineering, chemistry, cora young, electrochemistry, fine chemicals, frank liebfarth, lab chemicals, paolo braiuca, polymers, science with a twist, semiconductor, steven townsend, talented 12, thermo fisher, tina li, will tarpeh, discovery, resonance, solar, enzymes, biology, cross-coupling, nickel, gold, microwaves, diversity in chemistry, renewable, plasmonic, moore's law, outer space, haber-bosch, nitrification, thermochromic, stem, macrolides, underrepresentation in science, pollution, space dust, self-assembling, biorthogonal, medicinal chemistry, stereochemistry, pathogen, surface chemsitry, birch reduction, iridium, green chemistry, waste, linear economy, women in science, health, reagents, tuberculosis, metabolomics, virus, iron, pharmacokinetics, mof, screening libraries, natural compounds, mining, environment, remediation, process, circular economy, cancer, solid phase chemistry, chemical diversity, radical polymerization, industry, undruggable, covid, innovation, free radical, inorganic chemistry, nobel prize, sustainability, energy, mycobacteria, nitrogen, chemical modeling, pfas, astrochemistry, coffee, perovskites, microchips, drugs, motivation, microprocessors, artificial intelligence, composites, radio telescope, biocompatibility, ai, spectra, directed evolution, chemists, rational design, urban wastewater, chalchogenides, silicon, catalysis, chemical biology, organometallic, bismuth, chevrel phases, antiviral, chemical cartography, organic synthesis, international, etching, nano materials, chemotherapy, academia, transistor, boron, orthogonal, efficiency, solutions, computational chemistry, pharmacodynamics, magnesium, electrocatalysis, non-terrestrial chemistry, creativity, mass spectrometry, immunology, photovoltaic, fluorescence, photocatalysis, microscopy, germanium, machine learning, ethics, multivariate, chirality, professor, biocatalysis, main group elements, berylium, star dust, co2, sulphonamides Thermo Fisher Scientific lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com 777f8c7d-88d6-4008-8b02-ec5f096a2c26 The last element – signing off with gratitude According to the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy of a system will always increase. For a layperson, this means that all things must come to pass and nothing lasts forever. Since no person or thing can evade the laws of physics, this also applies to Bringing Chemistry to Life. 

In this final message from Paolo, the series’ creator and host, we hear about how the series started and how it’s been fueled by the passion of guests, host, and listeners, alike. It is with gratitude that we reflect on the 55 episodes of great science, and great people, that we’ve been able to capture and share. Many of the conversations are timeless, but for now we say, goodbye. Thank you for being part of the journey!

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]]> Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Thermo Fisher Scientific) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html According to the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy of a system will always increase. For a layperson, this means that all things must come to pass and nothing lasts forever. Since no person or thing can evade the laws of physics, this also applies to Bringing Chemistry to Life. 

In this final message from Paolo, the series’ creator and host, we hear about how the series started and how it’s been fueled by the passion of guests, host, and listeners, alike. It is with gratitude that we reflect on the 55 episodes of great science, and great people, that we’ve been able to capture and share. Many of the conversations are timeless, but for now we say, goodbye. Thank you for being part of the journey!

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The Archives:

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]]> The last element – signing off with gratitude Thermo Fisher Scientific 00:02:40 After five incredible seasons of amazing guests and sharing captivating conversations, the time has come to conclude Bringing Chemistry to Life. In this final message from the series’ creator and host, Paolo, he recalls how the series began, the impact it has had on him, as well as how grateful he is to you, the listener, who have made the series possible. After five incredible seasons of amazing guests and sharing captivating conversations, the time has come to conclude Bringing Chemistry to Life. In this final message from the series’ creator and host, Paolo, he recalls how the series began, the impact it has had on him, as well as how grateful he is to you, the listener, who have made the series possible. • bringing chemistry to life • bctl • chemicals • research • podcast • host • farewell • thermo fisher scientific • lab chemicals false full 14 5 9f1617dc-c389-4419-a444-cfbb20864b40 Plastic electronics, digitized materials, and other sustainable solutions Join us for this look into materials chemistry, developed under the guiding principles of sustainability and a systems approach.

Dr. Zlatka Stoeva, Co-founder and Managing Director of DZP Technologies, discovered her love of chemistry out of boredom as a child. She then traveled to unknown lands to master her science and discover the value of mentors while doing amazing work on lithium-ion battery chemistry. A stint in the technology transfer office at Cambridge showed her how fundamental research can be translated into real-world solutions that can change lives, and this inspired her to start her own company.

In providing CRO services and developing IP to help companies address market needs using unique materials, Stoeva and her colleagues approach problems with a systems mindset that is common in engineering, but not always chemistry. We hear about their work in “plastic electronics” that leverage biological materials and consider sustainability aspects while delivering results. We also hear about their exciting work using graphene materials to produce digitized materials that can code information about how they’re made and their interactions with the environment.

Check out this great episode that balances a wonderful personal story, amazing science, and great bits of advice to guide your science and career development!

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]]> Wed, 2 Oct 2024 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Zlatka Stoeva, Paolo Braiuca, Matt Ferris) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Join us for this look into materials chemistry, developed under the guiding principles of sustainability and a systems approach.

Dr. Zlatka Stoeva, Co-founder and Managing Director of DZP Technologies, discovered her love of chemistry out of boredom as a child. She then traveled to unknown lands to master her science and discover the value of mentors while doing amazing work on lithium-ion battery chemistry. A stint in the technology transfer office at Cambridge showed her how fundamental research can be translated into real-world solutions that can change lives, and this inspired her to start her own company.

In providing CRO services and developing IP to help companies address market needs using unique materials, Stoeva and her colleagues approach problems with a systems mindset that is common in engineering, but not always chemistry. We hear about their work in “plastic electronics” that leverage biological materials and consider sustainability aspects while delivering results. We also hear about their exciting work using graphene materials to produce digitized materials that can code information about how they’re made and their interactions with the environment.

Check out this great episode that balances a wonderful personal story, amazing science, and great bits of advice to guide your science and career development!

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]]> Plastic electronics, digitized materials, and other sustainable solutions Zlatka Stoeva, Paolo Braiuca, Matt Ferris 00:33:17 Startup companies often focus on a specific technology they think will meet market needs. However, Dr. Zlatka Stoeva, Co-founder and Managing Director of DZP Technologies, will tell you that identifying a market need and coming up with the chemistry and technology to satisfy it is the better approach. Meet this intriguing chemist with a unique past and a bright future whose work aims to provide sustainable material solutions to a variety of real-world problems. Startup companies often focus on a specific technology they think will meet market needs. However, Dr. Zlatka Stoeva, Co-founder and Managing Director of DZP Technologies, will tell you that identifying a market need and coming up with the chemistry and technology to satisfy it is the better approach. Meet this intriguing chemist with a unique past and a bright future whose work aims to provide sustainable material solutions to a variety of real-world problems. manufacturing method, entrepreneur, electronic properties, solar cells, biological materials, technology transfer, waste, digitized materials, li-ion, systems engineering, materials science, solar panel, plastic electronics, sustainability, polymer electrolytes, co-founder, early adopters, funding, graphene electronics, sustainable chemistry, ochem, mentors, organic chemistry, cro, recycling, market need, outsourcing r&d, safety, solid-state battery, startup, wearable devices, flexible electronics, batter chemistry, bulgaria, academia, lithium battery, chemical additives, innovation, chemical formulation, optical properties, commercialization, chemistry, reuse false full 13 5 18014eea-cdc0-4f0d-8233-c0096c52a3df The rise and adoption of biocatalysis Some debate that synthetic organic chemistry strategies have become stale, but Dr. Todd Hyster of Princeton University's Hyster Lab disagrees.

Todd fell in love with organic chemistry early in his education, but it wasn’t until he got turned on to enzyme catalysis that he found his true calling. He’s built a career using engineered enzymes to facilitate chemical transformations that would otherwise not be possible. Specifically, he and his team focus on photo-enzymatic catalysis where they use a combination of light and engineered proteins to drive new chemical transformations.

Join us to learn about his work, the methods involved, and the types of transformations being accomplished, which is beyond enantioselective synthesis, by the way. This stimulating conversation delves into the tactical and philosophical aspects of the synthetic chemistry, enzyme catalysis, and even the realities of academic funding and industry collaboration. 

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]]> Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Todd Hyster, Matt Ferris, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Some debate that synthetic organic chemistry strategies have become stale, but Dr. Todd Hyster of Princeton University's Hyster Lab disagrees.

Todd fell in love with organic chemistry early in his education, but it wasn’t until he got turned on to enzyme catalysis that he found his true calling. He’s built a career using engineered enzymes to facilitate chemical transformations that would otherwise not be possible. Specifically, he and his team focus on photo-enzymatic catalysis where they use a combination of light and engineered proteins to drive new chemical transformations.

Join us to learn about his work, the methods involved, and the types of transformations being accomplished, which is beyond enantioselective synthesis, by the way. This stimulating conversation delves into the tactical and philosophical aspects of the synthetic chemistry, enzyme catalysis, and even the realities of academic funding and industry collaboration. 

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]]> The rise and adoption of biocatalysis Todd Hyster, Matt Ferris, Paolo Braiuca 00:34:09 Directed evolution and enzyme catalysis have opened up new possibilities for synthetic organic chemistry. Dr. Todd Hyster, Professor of Chemistry and Principal Investigator of the Hyster Lab at Princeton University, uses engineered enzymes in chemical synthesis, expanding the chemist’s toolkit, and enabling radical chemical transformations that traditional methods can’t achieve. In this conversation, Todd and Paolo connect like old friends and share some amazing insights. Directed evolution and enzyme catalysis have opened up new possibilities for synthetic organic chemistry. Dr. Todd Hyster, Professor of Chemistry and Principal Investigator of the Hyster Lab at Princeton University, uses engineered enzymes in chemical synthesis, expanding the chemist’s toolkit, and enabling radical chemical transformations that traditional methods can’t achieve. In this conversation, Todd and Paolo connect like old friends and share some amazing insights. amino acid residue, machine learning, ligand, enzyme substrate, biaryl couplings, pharmaceutical chemistry, radical chemistry, new ideas, chemical group interconversion, challenging problems in chemistry, collaboration, synthetic strategies, protein, industry, native proteins, postdoc wages, molecular transformation, iterative site saturation mutagenesis, photo-enzymatic catalysis, homology model, molecular complexity, photochemical reaction, flavin-dependent ene-reductases, enantioselective synthesis, electro-synthetic chemistry, buchwald-hartwig reaction, grant funding, protein structure, protein cofactor, directed evolution, ereds, engineered proteins, agro-chemistry, transition metal catalysis, protein-directed evolution, electrochemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, enzyme, academia, suzuki cross-coupling, biocatalysis, medicinal chemistry, codon, princeton, sp3-sp3 bond formation, catalysis, sitagliptin transaminase false full 12 5 ceabd8f7-9774-49ed-8c70-5653621654d9 The metrology aspects of PFAS Early in her career, Dr. Jessica Reiner realized that she cared more about ensuring the accuracy of the measurements she was making than making the measurements themselves. This realization, combined with experience in working with PFAS, led to her current role as Research Chemist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Join us to hear an insider’s perspective on the PFAS topic, with a deep dive into the analytical methods used to detect, quantify, and identify PFAS species. Jessica and her team use LC-MS, anion exchange chromatography, and other orthogonal methods in their work and they focus on creating, validating, and maintaining reference materials (RM) and standard reference materials (SRM) that are used to help ensure that PFAS measurements are accurate and comparable with those made in other laboratories around the world. From challenges around defining a PFAS, to creating a stable, ultra-low concentration standard, to detecting ultra-high concentrations PFAS, Jessica provides an ace analytical chemist’s perspective grounded in the metrology of it all.

As always, and in addition to the great science, you’ll get to learn about Jessica’s personal career path, the ups and downs of her work, and hear her advice for career development. 

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]]> Wed, 21 Aug 2024 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Jessica Reiner, Paolo Braiuca, Matt Ferris) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Early in her career, Dr. Jessica Reiner realized that she cared more about ensuring the accuracy of the measurements she was making than making the measurements themselves. This realization, combined with experience in working with PFAS, led to her current role as Research Chemist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Join us to hear an insider’s perspective on the PFAS topic, with a deep dive into the analytical methods used to detect, quantify, and identify PFAS species. Jessica and her team use LC-MS, anion exchange chromatography, and other orthogonal methods in their work and they focus on creating, validating, and maintaining reference materials (RM) and standard reference materials (SRM) that are used to help ensure that PFAS measurements are accurate and comparable with those made in other laboratories around the world. From challenges around defining a PFAS, to creating a stable, ultra-low concentration standard, to detecting ultra-high concentrations PFAS, Jessica provides an ace analytical chemist’s perspective grounded in the metrology of it all.

As always, and in addition to the great science, you’ll get to learn about Jessica’s personal career path, the ups and downs of her work, and hear her advice for career development. 

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]]> The metrology aspects of PFAS Jessica Reiner, Paolo Braiuca, Matt Ferris 00:33:55 The persistence of PFAS chemicals and their implications to the environment and our health are hot topics. But, there is so much more to understand about these chemicals. What are PFAS exactly? How can we tell whether the measurements in each study are accurate and comparable to those in other studies? Great science is being done by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and Dr. Jessica Reiner, Research Chemist at NIST, to help us arrive at more reliable data. She and her team develop and maintain reference materials (RM) and standard reference materials (SRM) for use in calibration and interlaboratory comparison studies. Together, let's get into the nitty gritty of this topic. The persistence of PFAS chemicals and their implications to the environment and our health are hot topics. But, there is so much more to understand about these chemicals. What are PFAS exactly? How can we tell whether the measurements in each study are accurate and comparable to those in other studies? Great science is being done by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) and Dr. Jessica Reiner, Research Chemist at NIST, to help us arrive at more reliable data. She and her team develop and maintain reference materials (RM) and standard reference materials (SRM) for use in calibration and interlaboratory comparison studies. Together, let's get into the nitty gritty of this topic. per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, trace, low concentration, drinking water, collaboration, trace element contamination, cancer, persistent chemicals, food, degasser, reference materials, mass spectrometry, macro trends, vaccine resistance, liquid chromatography, analytical chemistry, orthogonal methods, contaminants, metrology, pcbs, stability, noaa, analytical standards, environmental chemistry, government funding, toxicology, defining pfas, high production volume chemicals, lc-ms, calibration curve, mentors, interlaboratory comparison, toxic chemicals, epa, fragrance additives, nist, chlorinated paraffins, forever chemicals, orthogonal measurements, fish tissue, certified reference materials, standards, toxicology endpoint, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, anion exchange, analytical methods, cdc, synthetic organic chemistry, carbon-fluorine bond, pfas, purity, regulation, high concentration false full 11 5 79b95add-fcba-4e70-9a00-80d8d63ae0ef The most interesting man in chemistry Bioconjugation of antibodies to drugs via chemical linkers is how antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are made. We’re joined by Matt Giese, Senior Scientist at Vector Laboratories, who talks us through the complex chemistry options and biodesign considerations that have to be considered and balanced when making a successful ADC.

How does one build the skillset to work in biodesign of ADCs you might ask? Well, Matt’s career path might not provide a clearcut roadmap like you might hope. That’s because Matt started his career as an auto mechanic, moved into art, went back to auto mechanics, worked as baggage handler and as a construction worker, all before ever finding chemistry. If you think that’s a convoluted path, just wait to hear about his academic and professional work journeys.  

You’ll revel in following this journey, and in the lessons and diverse skills learned along the way. Join us to hear it yourself, from who might just be the most interesting man in chemistry!

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]]> Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Matt Giese, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Bioconjugation of antibodies to drugs via chemical linkers is how antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are made. We’re joined by Matt Giese, Senior Scientist at Vector Laboratories, who talks us through the complex chemistry options and biodesign considerations that have to be considered and balanced when making a successful ADC.

How does one build the skillset to work in biodesign of ADCs you might ask? Well, Matt’s career path might not provide a clearcut roadmap like you might hope. That’s because Matt started his career as an auto mechanic, moved into art, went back to auto mechanics, worked as baggage handler and as a construction worker, all before ever finding chemistry. If you think that’s a convoluted path, just wait to hear about his academic and professional work journeys.  

You’ll revel in following this journey, and in the lessons and diverse skills learned along the way. Join us to hear it yourself, from who might just be the most interesting man in chemistry!

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]]> The most interesting man in chemistry Matt Giese, Paolo Braiuca 00:33:10 A chemist is not the profession most would guess when first meeting Matt Giese, and perhaps that’s because it wasn’t his first, second, or even third profession. Join us for this phenomenal conversation with Matt, Senior Scientist at Vector Laboratories, where he takes us through his very non-traditional career journey and shares lessons learned along the way. Now working to develop technologies to make antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), we dive into the chemistry of ADCs and the tightrope balance and skill needed to design these for success. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. A chemist is not the profession most would guess when first meeting Matt Giese, and perhaps that’s because it wasn’t his first, second, or even third profession. Join us for this phenomenal conversation with Matt, Senior Scientist at Vector Laboratories, where he takes us through his very non-traditional career journey and shares lessons learned along the way. Now working to develop technologies to make antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), we dive into the chemistry of ADCs and the tightrope balance and skill needed to design these for success. This is an episode you don’t want to miss. drug antibody ratio, synthetic chemistry, material science, disulfides, cannabinoid, click chemistry, dpeg, affinity peptides, cbd, hydrophilic, drug delivery, masters degree, biologics, dry rite, hetero bifunctional linkers, tube spectrometer, small molecules, nhs ester, primary antibody, maleimides, hormone receptor modulators, analytical chemistry, thc, hydrophobic, payload, off target toxicity, biodesign, spectroscopy, pathways, sulphonated dyes, bioconjugation, immunohistochemistry, secondary antibody, auto mechanic, putting in the reps, lc-ms, synthesis, scaffold, rebridging reagents, large molecules, glycan, diels alder, functionality, antibody drug conjugate, adc, unnatural amino acids, dynamic range, hplc, standards, gc-fid, native antibody, blue collar, copper click, tagging, hard work, functional groups, cultivar, ihc, reduction, aldehydes, stoichiometry, stochastic conjugation, peg linkers, cysteine, associates degree, artist, building molecules, linker architecture, peg, construction worker, dar, chelator, lysine, medicinal chemistry, drug development, terpenes, active ester reaction, chromatography false full 10 5 36bdc0d4-5690-41da-95b7-a4175b2914c4 Empowering women in the chemical industry We're diving into an important topic: the representation of women in STEM careers. Despite making up about 50% of the population, women hold only around 34% of STEM positions, with even fewer—approximately 25%—in the chemicals industry. Why is this the case, and what can be done to change it?

Kylie Wittle (Co-Founder & Operations Director of Women in Chemicals) and Amelia Greene (Co-Founder and Executive Director of Women in Chemicals), join us to explore this issue. Kylie and Amelia founded Women in Chemicals (WIC) to create opportunities and empower women in the chemicals industry. Initially driven by their personal experiences, over time, WIC has grown into a global resource supporting women and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within industry companies.

Join us as we explore the history of the chemicals industry, the current state of women's representation, and the ongoing efforts to ensure unbiased opportunities for women. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

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]]> Fri, 12 Jul 2024 12:05:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Kylie Wittle, Amelia Greene, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html We're diving into an important topic: the representation of women in STEM careers. Despite making up about 50% of the population, women hold only around 34% of STEM positions, with even fewer—approximately 25%—in the chemicals industry. Why is this the case, and what can be done to change it?

Kylie Wittle (Co-Founder & Operations Director of Women in Chemicals) and Amelia Greene (Co-Founder and Executive Director of Women in Chemicals), join us to explore this issue. Kylie and Amelia founded Women in Chemicals (WIC) to create opportunities and empower women in the chemicals industry. Initially driven by their personal experiences, over time, WIC has grown into a global resource supporting women and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within industry companies.

Join us as we explore the history of the chemicals industry, the current state of women's representation, and the ongoing efforts to ensure unbiased opportunities for women. Don't miss this insightful conversation!

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]]> Empowering women in the chemical industry Kylie Wittle, Amelia Greene, Paolo Braiuca 00:33:24 Kylie Wittl and Amelia Greene, co-founders of Women in Chemicals (WIC) met first as supplier and client but quickly connected over the gender gap they saw in the chemicals industry, the negative frame around chemicals, the need for more females in leadership positions, and the increased visibility to the women who were already in senior roles. They got to work and created WIC to give women a voice, resources, and improved opportunities in the industry. We'll talk about the ripple effect of their work and what being a woman in chemicals can mean. Kylie Wittl and Amelia Greene, co-founders of Women in Chemicals (WIC) met first as supplier and client but quickly connected over the gender gap they saw in the chemicals industry, the negative frame around chemicals, the need for more females in leadership positions, and the increased visibility to the women who were already in senior roles. They got to work and created WIC to give women a voice, resources, and improved opportunities in the industry. We'll talk about the ripple effect of their work and what being a woman in chemicals can mean. diversity, job benefits, organization, female leadership, action, partnership, advocacy, chemical supplier, resource group, disparity, recruiting, ally, chemical industry, leadership board, inclusion, empowering women, wic, chemical buyer, mentoring, generational preferences, members, woman of the year, representation, amplifying female voices, women in chemistry, woman of the week, female c suite, recognition, work life balance, reentering workforce, programming, advancement, community, childbearing, leadership, sponsoring, sales, opportunities, career development, chemistry false full 9 5 f1ba5a91-1287-46d7-9b04-534154165bb1 An expert-guided tour of battery chemistry Strap in for this charged up conversation. Battery chemistry is a topic we’ve touched on before and is one we’ve committed to exploring further in this season. This conversation with Dr. Heather Platt, Co-Founder and Chief Battery Scientist at Platt Engineering Solutions, takes us on an expert-guided tour of battery chemistry.

This conversation quickly moves us through battery chemistries like lead/acid and metal sulfides and into more modern mixed metal oxides with reversible chemistry. Our discussion of the pros and cons of various chemistries, including lithium-ion, touches on complex considerations including power density, voltage, global material sourcing, safety, and more. Manufacturing methods and the micro and nanostructures of battery materials are also discussed.

If you’re excited about the future of the battery field you’ll be sure to enjoy Heather’s views on up-and-coming battery technologies, including solid state and sodium-ion chemistries. 

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]]> Wed, 19 Jun 2024 19:30:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Heather Platt) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Strap in for this charged up conversation. Battery chemistry is a topic we’ve touched on before and is one we’ve committed to exploring further in this season. This conversation with Dr. Heather Platt, Co-Founder and Chief Battery Scientist at Platt Engineering Solutions, takes us on an expert-guided tour of battery chemistry.

This conversation quickly moves us through battery chemistries like lead/acid and metal sulfides and into more modern mixed metal oxides with reversible chemistry. Our discussion of the pros and cons of various chemistries, including lithium-ion, touches on complex considerations including power density, voltage, global material sourcing, safety, and more. Manufacturing methods and the micro and nanostructures of battery materials are also discussed.

If you’re excited about the future of the battery field you’ll be sure to enjoy Heather’s views on up-and-coming battery technologies, including solid state and sodium-ion chemistries. 

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]]> An expert-guided tour of battery chemistry Paolo Braiuca, Heather Platt 00:33:33 Battery expert and consultant, Dr. Heather Platt got interested in battery chemistry during her undergraduate studies and has been headlong in the battery industry ever since. During this great conversation with Paolo, she reviews the critical history of battery chemistry before discussing its current state. Lithium- vs. sodium-ion battery chemistry, the horizon for solid state batteries, global dynamics of the battery industry, and more is covered. Plus, Heather even shares her vision for the future of the industry. This will be an electrifying conversation, join us! Battery expert and consultant, Dr. Heather Platt got interested in battery chemistry during her undergraduate studies and has been headlong in the battery industry ever since. During this great conversation with Paolo, she reviews the critical history of battery chemistry before discussing its current state. Lithium- vs. sodium-ion battery chemistry, the horizon for solid state batteries, global dynamics of the battery industry, and more is covered. Plus, Heather even shares her vision for the future of the industry. This will be an electrifying conversation, join us! • battery, nmc, nanostructure, metal sulfides, lfp, expert, bagdad battery, mixed metal oxides, safety, polymeric electrolyte, career, anode, lithium-ion, ceramic, solvent, manufacturing, energy density, co-precipitation, nicad, cathode, sodium-ion, capacity, lead acid, electrolyte, voltage, solid state, global market dynamics, battery chemistry false full 8 5 51ce90c0-b3fc-4e7b-b702-cfa416a3cac5 Mid-season reveal: new episodes on battery tech, PFAS, and sustainability coming soon Join our host, Dr. Paolo Braiuca, as he chats with some of the most fascinating scientists around the globe doing trailblazing work in a variety of fields and industries. Learn about their personal stories, notable contributions, and the enthusiasm for discovery that unites them all. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to learn more about science and the brilliant minds advancing it.

Now in the fifth season of our podcast, in store are more inspiring conversations about trending topics with influential guest that chemists, students and science enthusiasts will undoubtedly find captivating. In the mid-season checkpoint, Paolo reflects on the evolution of the series and gives a glimpse of what’s to come. Diversity remains a priority but, there will be deeper looks at topics like battery technology, PFAS chemistry, chemical biology, and sustainability in organic chemistry. 

If you’re new to the podcast, now is the time to catch up and get ready for what’s to come. If you’re a loyal listener, Paolo has a special message for you and a humble request Regardless, we’re happy you found us and we’re looking forward to sharing more with you soon!

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]]> Wed, 15 May 2024 17:45:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Join our host, Dr. Paolo Braiuca, as he chats with some of the most fascinating scientists around the globe doing trailblazing work in a variety of fields and industries. Learn about their personal stories, notable contributions, and the enthusiasm for discovery that unites them all. This is a podcast for anyone who wants to learn more about science and the brilliant minds advancing it.

Now in the fifth season of our podcast, in store are more inspiring conversations about trending topics with influential guest that chemists, students and science enthusiasts will undoubtedly find captivating. In the mid-season checkpoint, Paolo reflects on the evolution of the series and gives a glimpse of what’s to come. Diversity remains a priority but, there will be deeper looks at topics like battery technology, PFAS chemistry, chemical biology, and sustainability in organic chemistry. 

If you’re new to the podcast, now is the time to catch up and get ready for what’s to come. If you’re a loyal listener, Paolo has a special message for you and a humble request Regardless, we’re happy you found us and we’re looking forward to sharing more with you soon!

Bonus content!

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  • Visit the episode website and request your free Bringing Chemistry to Life t-shirt.
  • Use Podcast Code: Bi0catalys1sin June or LabRatsRul3 in July

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]]> Mid-season reveal: new episodes on battery tech, PFAS, and sustainability coming soon Paolo Braiuca 00:06:21 We may be five seasons in, and we’re just getting started. In this special mid-season message, Paolo reminds us that Bringing Chemistry to Life is all about showcasing diverse areas of chemistry and shining a light on the people behind interesting science. Check out past episodes for a treasure trove of inspiring content and subscribe to get new episodes as they drop. Come join us for the ride! We may be five seasons in, and we’re just getting started. In this special mid-season message, Paolo reminds us that Bringing Chemistry to Life is all about showcasing diverse areas of chemistry and shining a light on the people behind interesting science. Check out past episodes for a treasure trove of inspiring content and subscribe to get new episodes as they drop. Come join us for the ride! circular economy, battery technology, chemistry education, bioaccumulation, chemical biology, nucleic acids, batteries, pfas, bringing chemistry to life, diversity, interdisciplinary, chromatography, brightest chemical minds, organometallic catalysis, biocatalysis, innovation, ai, podcast series, analytical methods, forever chemicals, bioorganic chemistry, environment, chemistry, bioconjugation, sustainability false trailer 5 1c4cbfbf-8fb9-4203-a155-052e783e4749 The life-altering impact of one chemist’s sabbatical Anyone that’s followed this podcast will know that Paolo’s final question to each guest is, “What advice would you like to share with younger scientists just starting their career?” Here, our guest, Dr. Monte Helm, professor of chemistry at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, shares advice that he clearly lives by, which is, “… be flexible ii your career and follow what you think you’ll be passionate about.” 

While Monte’s academic training is in inorganic chemistry, he’ll tell you he’s always cared about teaching as much as the subject itself. Join us to meet this lifelong learner and teacher, that’s parlayed his passion for phosphine chemistry and teaching into roles as a postdoctoral researcher, a professor at an undergraduate research institution, a deputy director at a national laboratory, and now a teaching-focused role at a community college. A set of roles that definitely demonstrates flexibility!

In addition to learning about the fundamental research Dr. Helm has done in crown-phosphine and phosphine ligand synthesis, we learn about his unconventional career path and the key role that mentors and sabbatical opportunities played in its development. He talks openly about the joys and challenges of each role, about his motivations for each career change, and his current love of teaching at a community college where he’s able to focus solely on teaching to students that may not have had positive primary educational experiences in science. 

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]]> Wed, 3 Apr 2024 14:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Monte Helm) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Anyone that’s followed this podcast will know that Paolo’s final question to each guest is, “What advice would you like to share with younger scientists just starting their career?” Here, our guest, Dr. Monte Helm, professor of chemistry at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, shares advice that he clearly lives by, which is, “… be flexible ii your career and follow what you think you’ll be passionate about.” 

While Monte’s academic training is in inorganic chemistry, he’ll tell you he’s always cared about teaching as much as the subject itself. Join us to meet this lifelong learner and teacher, that’s parlayed his passion for phosphine chemistry and teaching into roles as a postdoctoral researcher, a professor at an undergraduate research institution, a deputy director at a national laboratory, and now a teaching-focused role at a community college. A set of roles that definitely demonstrates flexibility!

In addition to learning about the fundamental research Dr. Helm has done in crown-phosphine and phosphine ligand synthesis, we learn about his unconventional career path and the key role that mentors and sabbatical opportunities played in its development. He talks openly about the joys and challenges of each role, about his motivations for each career change, and his current love of teaching at a community college where he’s able to focus solely on teaching to students that may not have had positive primary educational experiences in science. 

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]]> The life-altering impact of one chemist’s sabbatical Paolo Braiuca, Monte Helm 00:31:39 Dr. Monte Helm is not just an educator, but a life-long learner who embodies the true spirit of academic curiosity. With over 30 years of experience in research and teaching, his flexibility and willingness to take the scenic route; postdoctoral research roles, Deputy Director at a national laboratory and a couple of sabbaticals, made all the difference. In this episode, Paolo chats with Monte Helm, a respected Professor of Chemistry at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City about his journey through crown-phosphine and phosphine ligand synthesis research, and how mentors and sabbaticals played a vital role in his development. Tune in to learn about the joys and challenges of each role, and how Dr. Helm found his true calling in teaching at a community college. If you've ever felt uncertain about the conventional career path, this episode could give you the inspiration you need. Dr. Monte Helm is not just an educator, but a life-long learner who embodies the true spirit of academic curiosity. With over 30 years of experience in research and teaching, his flexibility and willingness to take the scenic route; postdoctoral research roles, Deputy Director at a national laboratory and a couple of sabbaticals, made all the difference. In this episode, Paolo chats with Monte Helm, a respected Professor of Chemistry at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City about his journey through crown-phosphine and phosphine ligand synthesis research, and how mentors and sabbaticals played a vital role in his development. Tune in to learn about the joys and challenges of each role, and how Dr. Helm found his true calling in teaching at a community college. If you've ever felt uncertain about the conventional career path, this episode could give you the inspiration you need. inorganic chemistry, single-molecule wires, community college, teaching, fort lewis college, covid, chiral polymers, double bonds, communication, research, pyrophoric, undergraduate research, education, main group elements, funding, pnnl, postdoc, chiral center, apprentice, borane, phosphine ligand synthesis, chemistry, applications, students, cyclic compounds, mentorship, remote teaching, sabbatical, phasphazane, phasphazenes, triple bonds false full 7 5 e3e0c6f2-2df5-4cc5-8238-4e57d3b079fc Cross-coupling, catalysis and one chemist’s move to tech Most of us don’t grow up across the street from a chemistry building or know from an early age that we want to be a scientist, but Alan Dyke, VP of Business Development for ProChem, Inc. (CTO of Boulder Scientific Company at the time of the interview) did and became a chemist. Dr. Alan Dyke, former colleague, and friend of Paolo’s, shares his career path and discusses the history and current state of the field of catalysis. 

With a father that taught university-level chemistry, and a brother in the field, it may not be surprising that Alan Dyke became a chemist, but it is surprising is that he’s considered to be the outcast of the family for choosing a commercial career instead of taking an academic route. But, as he’ll passionately reveal, there are upsides to choosing a non-academic career. 

Join us for a wonderful conversation where Paolo and Alan recount their shared history and the evolution of the catalysis field over recent decades. They discuss the evolution of homogeneous cross-coupling, biocatalysis, metathesis, and metallocene chemistry. Application of catalysis to fields as varied as pharmaceuticals and polymers is discussed, along with sustainability and other trends and dynamics in the field. Overcome your activation energy and join us!

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]]> Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Alan Dyke) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Most of us don’t grow up across the street from a chemistry building or know from an early age that we want to be a scientist, but Alan Dyke, VP of Business Development for ProChem, Inc. (CTO of Boulder Scientific Company at the time of the interview) did and became a chemist. Dr. Alan Dyke, former colleague, and friend of Paolo’s, shares his career path and discusses the history and current state of the field of catalysis. 

With a father that taught university-level chemistry, and a brother in the field, it may not be surprising that Alan Dyke became a chemist, but it is surprising is that he’s considered to be the outcast of the family for choosing a commercial career instead of taking an academic route. But, as he’ll passionately reveal, there are upsides to choosing a non-academic career. 

Join us for a wonderful conversation where Paolo and Alan recount their shared history and the evolution of the catalysis field over recent decades. They discuss the evolution of homogeneous cross-coupling, biocatalysis, metathesis, and metallocene chemistry. Application of catalysis to fields as varied as pharmaceuticals and polymers is discussed, along with sustainability and other trends and dynamics in the field. Overcome your activation energy and join us!

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]]> Cross-coupling, catalysis and one chemist’s move to tech Paolo Braiuca, Alan Dyke 00:35:21 Chemistry is a family affair with Dr. Alan Dyke, but instead of choosing an academic route like his dad and brother, he ventured into the technology industry. His story is a must listen for any chemist considering a commercial role. Currently VP of Business Development for ProChem Inc., Alan realized that instead of abandoning his scientific expertise, he could combine it with his commercial skills to take technology in new directions. A longtime friend and former colleague of Paolo’s, Alan gets the conversation rolling by talking about the advancements in fields such as homogeneous cross-coupling, biocatalysis, metathesis, and metallocene chemistry. Chemistry is a family affair with Dr. Alan Dyke, but instead of choosing an academic route like his dad and brother, he ventured into the technology industry. His story is a must listen for any chemist considering a commercial role. Currently VP of Business Development for ProChem Inc., Alan realized that instead of abandoning his scientific expertise, he could combine it with his commercial skills to take technology in new directions. A longtime friend and former colleague of Paolo’s, Alan gets the conversation rolling by talking about the advancements in fields such as homogeneous cross-coupling, biocatalysis, metathesis, and metallocene chemistry. api, ruthenium, polyethylene, pyrophoric, homogeneous, career, solvents, organic, asymmetric, qa, hydrogenation, continuous manufacturing, grignard, ligand, waste stream, enzymes, cto, cross coupling, scale, molybdenum, catalysis, opportunity, biocatalysis, environmental, academia, green chemistry, metathesis, chemistry, polymer, thia-fries rearrangement, industry, pharmaceutical, chemical manufacturing, metallocene, career path, market trends, synthesis, schlenk line, polyolefin, biotechnology, palladium, transformation, sustainability false full 6 5 1139a31a-870a-4509-bb42-bcbd249cd901 Flip the script. Meet your host, Paolo. Bringing Chemistry to Life is as much about the people behind the science as it is about the science itself. We’ve been remiss in sharing a bit more about the creator and host! In this unique episode we flip the script and move Paolo from the host chair to the guest chair to hear his story. 

From Paolo’s childhood memories watching his father fix electronics and his dreams of being in the NBA, he chats about developing into a skilled bioorganic chemist, working in biocatalysis and his contributions to international study programs. He describes the “God-like” powers that organic chemistry gave him, manipulating matter and creating things that didn’t exist before and how this led to becoming an R&D leader in a startup. 

Our protagonist’s story takes a turn when he discovers and becomes enamored with the “dark side” of science finding success in sales, product management, and product marketing roles, where we find him today. The origin story of Bringing Chemistry to Life is uncovered, fulfilling his aspiration of being a podcast host while keeping him connected to great science and market trends. Join us to meet Paolo, your host, learn what he gets from hosting the podcast, and what he hopes listeners get from it!

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]]> Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Matt Ferris) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Bringing Chemistry to Life is as much about the people behind the science as it is about the science itself. We’ve been remiss in sharing a bit more about the creator and host! In this unique episode we flip the script and move Paolo from the host chair to the guest chair to hear his story. 

From Paolo’s childhood memories watching his father fix electronics and his dreams of being in the NBA, he chats about developing into a skilled bioorganic chemist, working in biocatalysis and his contributions to international study programs. He describes the “God-like” powers that organic chemistry gave him, manipulating matter and creating things that didn’t exist before and how this led to becoming an R&D leader in a startup. 

Our protagonist’s story takes a turn when he discovers and becomes enamored with the “dark side” of science finding success in sales, product management, and product marketing roles, where we find him today. The origin story of Bringing Chemistry to Life is uncovered, fulfilling his aspiration of being a podcast host while keeping him connected to great science and market trends. Join us to meet Paolo, your host, learn what he gets from hosting the podcast, and what he hopes listeners get from it!

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A free thank you gift for our listeners! 

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]]> Flip the script. Meet your host, Paolo. Paolo Braiuca, Matt Ferris 00:33:05 In this special episode of Bringing Chemistry to Life, we turn the spotlight on our host Paolo Braiuca and put him in the guest chair. Paolo is not only a skilled bioorganic chemist and a Director of Global Market Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific, but he also has the gift of authenticity and accessibility that shines through his own story. He shares his personal journey from dreams of being an NBA star, to leading a startup R&D team, to switching to the “dark side” and a career in marketing. He also reveals how hosting the podcast keeps him connected to great science and brilliant scientists. In this special episode of Bringing Chemistry to Life, we turn the spotlight on our host Paolo Braiuca and put him in the guest chair. Paolo is not only a skilled bioorganic chemist and a Director of Global Market Development at Thermo Fisher Scientific, but he also has the gift of authenticity and accessibility that shines through his own story. He shares his personal journey from dreams of being an NBA star, to leading a startup R&D team, to switching to the “dark side” and a career in marketing. He also reveals how hosting the podcast keeps him connected to great science and brilliant scientists. r&d, research, podcast, organic synthesis, lab chemicals, dark side, product management, catalysis, computational chemistry, biocatalysis, creator, biochemistry, marketing, sales, startup, podcast, chemistry, host, industry, career path, father, engagement, dreamer false full 5 5 050a4ef5-d1aa-4126-86df-8eb36de3b602 Shining a photochemical light on undergraduate research With four seasons under our belt, we’ve heard some amazing stories about how our guests have found, or often “stumbled” into, their careers in science. We’ve also had many conversations where past guests have passionately discussed the importance of their early career teachers as well as what teaching does for them in their current careers. This conversation is squarely centered on these two topics, with a good dose of photochemistry mixed in too. 

We meet Dr. Izzy Lamb, Assistant Professor at Fort Lewis College, which is a small liberal arts school in Colorado with a primarily undergraduate student population. Izzy is entertainingly forthright in admitting that he’s often a bit surprised by his success in chemistry given that he was failing the topic in high school and was later accepted to only one of the six graduate programs he applied to. However, our conversation quickly uncovers why Izzy has been successful in what matters most to him—exploring photochemistry and training the next generation of chemists. 

Join us for this engaging look at how Izzy has built a thriving career in chemistry through perseverance, passion, and knowing what matters most to him. We learn about his career in photocatalysis and how he’s now adapting his research to better fit the resources and undergraduate students where he’s now working. A passion for teaching students in a way that gets them thinking and equipped to solve real-world problems is his priority, and we learn how he’s using a passion for understanding quantum yields of photochemical reactions to help inform more sustainable ways of doing chemistry.

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  • Use Podcast Code:  Ba++ery in January 2024 or liV4chem in February

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]]> Wed, 31 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Izzy Lamb) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html With four seasons under our belt, we’ve heard some amazing stories about how our guests have found, or often “stumbled” into, their careers in science. We’ve also had many conversations where past guests have passionately discussed the importance of their early career teachers as well as what teaching does for them in their current careers. This conversation is squarely centered on these two topics, with a good dose of photochemistry mixed in too. 

We meet Dr. Izzy Lamb, Assistant Professor at Fort Lewis College, which is a small liberal arts school in Colorado with a primarily undergraduate student population. Izzy is entertainingly forthright in admitting that he’s often a bit surprised by his success in chemistry given that he was failing the topic in high school and was later accepted to only one of the six graduate programs he applied to. However, our conversation quickly uncovers why Izzy has been successful in what matters most to him—exploring photochemistry and training the next generation of chemists. 

Join us for this engaging look at how Izzy has built a thriving career in chemistry through perseverance, passion, and knowing what matters most to him. We learn about his career in photocatalysis and how he’s now adapting his research to better fit the resources and undergraduate students where he’s now working. A passion for teaching students in a way that gets them thinking and equipped to solve real-world problems is his priority, and we learn how he’s using a passion for understanding quantum yields of photochemical reactions to help inform more sustainable ways of doing chemistry.

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A free thank you gift for our listeners! 

  • Visit the episode website and request your free Bringing Chemistry to Life t shirt.
  • Use Podcast Code:  Ba++ery in January 2024 or liV4chem in February

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  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> Shining a photochemical light on undergraduate research Paolo Braiuca, Izzy Lamb 00:33:00 Meet reluctant professor turned passionate educator, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Izzy Lamb. Lamb, who teaches at Fort Lewis College shares his zig zag path from punk to professor, and tells us how it’s his mission to make scientists by teaching how to think and understand the relationship of chemistry to the world around them. When not teaching, Lamb conducts research on photocatalysis and photochemistry, with the aim of contributing to a sustainable, greener future. His passion is contagious and you’ll enjoy his candor over how uncertainty converts to clarity with the help of a few dedicated teachers. Meet reluctant professor turned passionate educator, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Izzy Lamb. Lamb, who teaches at Fort Lewis College shares his zig zag path from punk to professor, and tells us how it’s his mission to make scientists by teaching how to think and understand the relationship of chemistry to the world around them. When not teaching, Lamb conducts research on photocatalysis and photochemistry, with the aim of contributing to a sustainable, greener future. His passion is contagious and you’ll enjoy his candor over how uncertainty converts to clarity with the help of a few dedicated teachers. passion, perspective, teaching, fort lewis college, mechanism, physical chemistry, birch reduction, undergraduate research, quantum yield, photocatalysis, atom transfer, catalyst, phenoxazine, led, photochemistry, cu boulder, nanomaterials, organic chemistry, radical polymerization, ultrafast spectroscopy, mathematics, oxidation, uv/vis, materials science, teaching, synthesis, mentor, curriculum false full 4 5 5fc9b05e-da00-423d-8dd9-ebb5ed1bb13e A high-performance career in liquid chromatography After realizing at a young age that rock and roll might be a better hobby than a career, our guest chose chemistry and chromatography as his path, and he’s rocked that career choice!

In this fun and engaging conversation, you’ll meet Frank Steiner, PhD, Senior Manager of Product Applications, and Scientific Advisor at Thermo Fisher Scientific, who has earned much respect for his contributions to the field of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). He and his team are customer number one for new HPLC products and generate much of the data used to support product launches. Steeped in the theory and fundamentals of HPLC, they provide us with a very approachable summary of the technique and considerations that must be balanced across diverse applications. 

Follow Frank and Paolo as they uncover insights on the evolutionary arc of HPLC, what challenges still exist, and why Frank believes it to be the technique that is most widespread and effective in affecting our lives. As always, we promise to let you get to know Frank, his personal story, and some bits of sage advice from a man that’s been there and done that. 

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A free thank you gift for our listeners! 

  • Visit the episode website and request your free Bringing Chemistry to Life t shirt
  • Use Podcast Code:  2023wrap in December 2023 or Ba++ery in January 2024

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]]> Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Frank Steiner, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html After realizing at a young age that rock and roll might be a better hobby than a career, our guest chose chemistry and chromatography as his path, and he’s rocked that career choice!

In this fun and engaging conversation, you’ll meet Frank Steiner, PhD, Senior Manager of Product Applications, and Scientific Advisor at Thermo Fisher Scientific, who has earned much respect for his contributions to the field of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). He and his team are customer number one for new HPLC products and generate much of the data used to support product launches. Steeped in the theory and fundamentals of HPLC, they provide us with a very approachable summary of the technique and considerations that must be balanced across diverse applications. 

Follow Frank and Paolo as they uncover insights on the evolutionary arc of HPLC, what challenges still exist, and why Frank believes it to be the technique that is most widespread and effective in affecting our lives. As always, we promise to let you get to know Frank, his personal story, and some bits of sage advice from a man that’s been there and done that. 

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A free thank you gift for our listeners! 

  • Visit the episode website and request your free Bringing Chemistry to Life t shirt
  • Use Podcast Code:  2023wrap in December 2023 or Ba++ery in January 2024

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]]> A high-performance career in liquid chromatography Frank Steiner, Paolo Braiuca 00:33:51 He loved rock and roll, but chemistry and chromatography became his jam. In this episode, you’ll meet rock star chemist, Frank Steiner, Thermo Fisher Scientific's Senior Manager of Product Applications and Scientific Advisor, an influential contributor in the field of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). He shares the pressures of testing pre and post launch HPLC products and the excitement of anticipating their impact. Any chemist can relate to the fundamental importance of chromatography which makes this engaging conversation between your host, Paolo Braiuca, and his guest an easy listen revealing why HPLC could be the most versatile and impactful technique in science. Please join us! He loved rock and roll, but chemistry and chromatography became his jam. In this episode, you’ll meet rock star chemist, Frank Steiner, Thermo Fisher Scientific's Senior Manager of Product Applications and Scientific Advisor, an influential contributor in the field of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). He shares the pressures of testing pre and post launch HPLC products and the excitement of anticipating their impact. Any chemist can relate to the fundamental importance of chromatography which makes this engaging conversation between your host, Paolo Braiuca, and his guest an easy listen revealing why HPLC could be the most versatile and impactful technique in science. Please join us! precise, uhplc, curiosity, selectivity, absorption, mechanism, application, mobile phase, pressure, separation, career, solvents, heat, speed, retention, photometric, optimization, gradient, chromatography, mixture, quantitative, particle size, stationary phase, advice, capacity, hplc, marketing, dispersion, pump, universal detector, detector, collaboration, data, capillary electrophoresis, column, omics, theory false full 3 5 23e47c7a-b332-4a01-ab70-36f1b9e58925 AI and the man catalyzing a bio-revolution Protein biology has always been grounded in the relationship between structure and function but how we determine structure has changed dramatically. While it’s still common to crystallize a protein for X-ray diffraction and then back calculate its structure, supercomputing-powered, AI-driven tools have revolutionized approaches to getting a protein structure and engineer proteins for uses such as biocatalysis. Amazing right, but how? By using wet lab data to train and then compute, protein structure based on their sequence alone, which is why talking with this episode’s guest is so interesting. 

In this episode, Dr. Ahir Pushpanath, Enzyme Technology Innovation Lead at Basecamp Research, explains his passion for gaming as the reason he got interested in this unique computational approach to chemical catalysis. He takes us through the field’s fascinating history, recent breakthroughs, and their immense potential. You’ll hear about the intersection of his personal mission to provoke a bio-revolution with his company’s mission to combine nature and AI. 

Today at Basecamp Research, Ahir and his team are working to remove global bias from protein-specific AI training sets by collecting samples and data from diverse locations, but their primary focus is to understand the why of protein evolution. Ultimately, they hope to someday be able to help make a protein for every conceivable function by incorporating environmental pressure aspects into their sequence/structure/function AI models.

 

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]]> Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Ahir Pushpanath) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Protein biology has always been grounded in the relationship between structure and function but how we determine structure has changed dramatically. While it’s still common to crystallize a protein for X-ray diffraction and then back calculate its structure, supercomputing-powered, AI-driven tools have revolutionized approaches to getting a protein structure and engineer proteins for uses such as biocatalysis. Amazing right, but how? By using wet lab data to train and then compute, protein structure based on their sequence alone, which is why talking with this episode’s guest is so interesting. 

In this episode, Dr. Ahir Pushpanath, Enzyme Technology Innovation Lead at Basecamp Research, explains his passion for gaming as the reason he got interested in this unique computational approach to chemical catalysis. He takes us through the field’s fascinating history, recent breakthroughs, and their immense potential. You’ll hear about the intersection of his personal mission to provoke a bio-revolution with his company’s mission to combine nature and AI. 

Today at Basecamp Research, Ahir and his team are working to remove global bias from protein-specific AI training sets by collecting samples and data from diverse locations, but their primary focus is to understand the why of protein evolution. Ultimately, they hope to someday be able to help make a protein for every conceivable function by incorporating environmental pressure aspects into their sequence/structure/function AI models.

 

Related episodes: 

 

Other episodes on catalysis:

 

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A free thank you gift for our listeners! 

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]]> AI and the man catalyzing a bio-revolution Paolo Braiuca, Ahir Pushpanath 00:34:51 How does one scientist’s passion for computer gaming shortcuts lead to a unique computational approach to chemical catalysis and become the basis for a bio-revolution? We ask Ahir Pushpanath, Enzyme Technology Innovation Lead at Basecamp Research, to explain. He reveals how his global childhood, an insatiable need to explore the unknown and remove bias from data sets from global exploration, resulted in a mission to produce a protein for every possible function. In this episode, we understand how nature + AI combine to create a powerful equation for discovery. As he shares his journey, the conversation brims with inspiration and Ahir reminds us all to think big. How does one scientist’s passion for computer gaming shortcuts lead to a unique computational approach to chemical catalysis and become the basis for a bio-revolution? We ask Ahir Pushpanath, Enzyme Technology Innovation Lead at Basecamp Research, to explain. He reveals how his global childhood, an insatiable need to explore the unknown and remove bias from data sets from global exploration, resulted in a mission to produce a protein for every possible function. In this episode, we understand how nature + AI combine to create a powerful equation for discovery. As he shares his journey, the conversation brims with inspiration and Ahir reminds us all to think big. computational biology, evolution, pressure, sequence, training data, crystallography, mission, machine learning, enzymes, nature, catalysis, catalyst, folding, function, biocatalysis, ai, wet lab, protein, structure, prediction, global bias, protein engineering false full 2 5 da4aa85c-9342-4b41-8cc1-5cc83171980c Batteries unplugged: past, present and the electrifying future Electricity undeniably changed the world and enabled countless other technologies. Now, via storage and mobile access to electrical energy, batteries are positioned to further enable us as a species. So, it is the perfect time to get to know battery technology innovator and entrepreneur, Dr. Simon Engelke, Founder and Chair of Battery Associates, as he shares his passion for sustainable battery innovation. Any battery enthusiast will feel recharged by this electrifying conversation about the past, present, and future of battery technology.  

As a child, Simon was fascinated with energy sources and storage and recalls playing with the fuel cell toy car from his father. In his teens, he indulged his entrepreneurial spirit by starting his first small company. Fast forward through his globally sourced academic training, always focused on electrochemistry and battery-related research, to find Simon leading a company at the forefront of the battery community and technology.  

In our conversation, Simon touches on battery fundamentals; how they work, how they’re produced, the various types, and the work involved in optimizing various components, as well as the geopolitical aspects of batteries. We got this insider to school us on how they’ve evolved, what’s next in battery technology and what’s needed from the global community to responsibly realize the potential that battery technology represents. 

Season 5 of Bringing Chemistry to Life starts now! 

Related episodes: 

Bonus content!

A free thank you gift for our listeners! 

  • Visit the episode website and request your free Bringing Chemistry to Life t shirt. 
  • Use Podcast Code:  AlwysL3rning in November 2023, 2023wrap in December 2023. 

About Your Host

Paolo Braiuca grew up in the North-East of Italy and holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from nearby esteemed University of Trieste, Italy. He developed expertise in biocatalysis during his years of post-doctoral research in Italy and the UK, where he co-founded a startup company. With this new venture, Paolo’s career shifted from R&D to business development, taking on roles in commercial, product management, and marketing. He has worked in the specialty chemicals, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical markets in Germany and the UK, where he presently resides.

He is currently the Director of Global Market Development in the Laboratory Chemicals Division at Thermo Fisher Scientific™ which put him in the host chair of the Bringing Chemistry to Life podcast. 

A busy father of four, in what little free time he has, you’ll find him inventing electronic devices with the help of his loyal 3D-printer and soldering iron. And if you ask him, he’ll call himself a “maker” at heart. 

We read every email so please share your questions and feedback with us! 

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]]> Wed, 29 Nov 2023 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Simon Engelke) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Electricity undeniably changed the world and enabled countless other technologies. Now, via storage and mobile access to electrical energy, batteries are positioned to further enable us as a species. So, it is the perfect time to get to know battery technology innovator and entrepreneur, Dr. Simon Engelke, Founder and Chair of Battery Associates, as he shares his passion for sustainable battery innovation. Any battery enthusiast will feel recharged by this electrifying conversation about the past, present, and future of battery technology.  

As a child, Simon was fascinated with energy sources and storage and recalls playing with the fuel cell toy car from his father. In his teens, he indulged his entrepreneurial spirit by starting his first small company. Fast forward through his globally sourced academic training, always focused on electrochemistry and battery-related research, to find Simon leading a company at the forefront of the battery community and technology.  

In our conversation, Simon touches on battery fundamentals; how they work, how they’re produced, the various types, and the work involved in optimizing various components, as well as the geopolitical aspects of batteries. We got this insider to school us on how they’ve evolved, what’s next in battery technology and what’s needed from the global community to responsibly realize the potential that battery technology represents. 

Season 5 of Bringing Chemistry to Life starts now! 

Related episodes: 

Bonus content!

A free thank you gift for our listeners! 

  • Visit the episode website and request your free Bringing Chemistry to Life t shirt. 
  • Use Podcast Code:  AlwysL3rning in November 2023, 2023wrap in December 2023. 

About Your Host

Paolo Braiuca grew up in the North-East of Italy and holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from nearby esteemed University of Trieste, Italy. He developed expertise in biocatalysis during his years of post-doctoral research in Italy and the UK, where he co-founded a startup company. With this new venture, Paolo’s career shifted from R&D to business development, taking on roles in commercial, product management, and marketing. He has worked in the specialty chemicals, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical markets in Germany and the UK, where he presently resides.

He is currently the Director of Global Market Development in the Laboratory Chemicals Division at Thermo Fisher Scientific™ which put him in the host chair of the Bringing Chemistry to Life podcast. 

A busy father of four, in what little free time he has, you’ll find him inventing electronic devices with the help of his loyal 3D-printer and soldering iron. And if you ask him, he’ll call himself a “maker” at heart. 

We read every email so please share your questions and feedback with us! 

  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> Batteries unplugged: past, present and the electrifying future Paolo Braiuca, Simon Engelke 00:34:31 Laptops, phones, cars all need batteries – making them essential to our everyday lives. But sustainable battery innovation is critical to a greener future and it’s what drives entrepreneur and innovator Simon Engelke. Linking research to industry, he gives his perspective on sustainability, geopolitics, and what’s next on a global scale. Whether you get charge out of chemistry or share Simon’s passion for a better battery, don’t miss this powerful first episode of Season 5 of Bringing Chemistry to Life. Laptops, phones, cars all need batteries – making them essential to our everyday lives. But sustainable battery innovation is critical to a greener future and it’s what drives entrepreneur and innovator Simon Engelke. Linking research to industry, he gives his perspective on sustainability, geopolitics, and what’s next on a global scale. Whether you get charge out of chemistry or share Simon’s passion for a better battery, don’t miss this powerful first episode of Season 5 of Bringing Chemistry to Life. battery, range, nmc, batteries, lfp, heating, safety, electrochemistry, degradation, electrical, anode, cobalt, optimization, global, energy density, value chain, charge, graphite, lithium, innovation, electricity, cathod, entrepreneurial, performance, nmp, production, electrolyte, energy, chemistry, molecular, sustainability, recharge false full 1 5 afde9f77-9735-4ba1-a4dc-71ae7019f634 The most famous unknown — the periodic table Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code S4_BCTL in August, StyTun3d in September, BrgChem2Lif in October, or AlwysL3rning in November, to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

Chemistry is often perceived as inaccessible and challenging, but there is one fundamental chemical construct that everybody knows – the periodic table of the elements. The periodic table is a chemical icon, that has transcended the boundaries of the chemical sciences to somehow become familiar, almost a staple in several aspects of everyday life. It is the foundation of every chemist’s knowledge, but not many understand its deeper meaning, let alone its history and philosophical significance. 

This is an exciting and unusual episode with one of the biggest names in chemistry, Eric Scerri, historian and scientist and the biggest living expert of the periodic table of the elements. 

The history and philosophy of chemistry are not common topics for Bringing Chemistry to Life, but this is an intriguing discussion that provides a deeper meaning and context to scientific research and chemistry in particular. In what may be our most thought-provoking episode yet we explore the relationship between chemistry and physics and revisit concepts that have been lost by modern scientists. We discuss what an element really is and the fundamental discoveries and progress that have been made over the years to influence chemical understanding and the periodic table. All this can explain how modern science really works and perhaps how we can teach it better. 

Our greatest season finale yet!

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]]> Wed, 9 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Eric Scerri) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code S4_BCTL in August, StyTun3d in September, BrgChem2Lif in October, or AlwysL3rning in November, to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

Chemistry is often perceived as inaccessible and challenging, but there is one fundamental chemical construct that everybody knows – the periodic table of the elements. The periodic table is a chemical icon, that has transcended the boundaries of the chemical sciences to somehow become familiar, almost a staple in several aspects of everyday life. It is the foundation of every chemist’s knowledge, but not many understand its deeper meaning, let alone its history and philosophical significance. 

This is an exciting and unusual episode with one of the biggest names in chemistry, Eric Scerri, historian and scientist and the biggest living expert of the periodic table of the elements. 

The history and philosophy of chemistry are not common topics for Bringing Chemistry to Life, but this is an intriguing discussion that provides a deeper meaning and context to scientific research and chemistry in particular. In what may be our most thought-provoking episode yet we explore the relationship between chemistry and physics and revisit concepts that have been lost by modern scientists. We discuss what an element really is and the fundamental discoveries and progress that have been made over the years to influence chemical understanding and the periodic table. All this can explain how modern science really works and perhaps how we can teach it better. 

Our greatest season finale yet!

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  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> The most famous unknown — the periodic table Paolo Braiuca, Eric Scerri 00:35:34 In this finale to season 4 we have an exceptional guest in Eric Scerri, a distinguished expert on the history and philosophy of chemistry. The thought-provoking conversation brings into question what really defines an element and if we truly understand the periodic table of elements and what it represents. This is a guest and an episode you’ll remember! In this finale to season 4 we have an exceptional guest in Eric Scerri, a distinguished expert on the history and philosophy of chemistry. The thought-provoking conversation brings into question what really defines an element and if we truly understand the periodic table of elements and what it represents. This is a guest and an episode you’ll remember! progress, philosophy, philosophy of science, mendeleev, physics, elements, periodic table, history false full 10 4 d5e48b6b-128a-42dc-a30b-58c7813b57ef C.R.E.A.M. – Chemistry rules everything around me Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code PaoloRKS in July, or S4_BCTL in August, to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

Some chemists just see the world around them in a different way. Where you see a pen, they see the polymer structure of its plastic body and the complex formulation of the ink. Where you see a building, they see the composite materials that make it and think about how the nano-scale structure of those materials define their macroscopic properties. Where you see a juicy burger, they see the proteins and complex chemicals that make its taste and texture so attractive.

In a nutshell, this is how Cate Levey sees the world around her. It’s a fascinating perspective that has taken her professional path down some paths less traveled. Engineered wood products, plant-based meat products, and carbon-negative aggregate for concrete have nothing to do with each other if you don’t look at things the way she does. To her they are they are all composite materials, where understanding and altering the chemistry at the nano, or sub-nano scale allows her to alter macroscopic functional properties to make amazing things happen. It’s where chemistry meets material science and where the science can really change the world around us.

Cate explains some of her groundbreaking work, but also offers a fresh perspective on how to pursue a career in science, following a true passion, and taking unbeaten paths.

We read every email so please share your questions and feedback with us! 

  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> Wed, 19 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Cate Levey) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code PaoloRKS in July, or S4_BCTL in August, to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

Some chemists just see the world around them in a different way. Where you see a pen, they see the polymer structure of its plastic body and the complex formulation of the ink. Where you see a building, they see the composite materials that make it and think about how the nano-scale structure of those materials define their macroscopic properties. Where you see a juicy burger, they see the proteins and complex chemicals that make its taste and texture so attractive.

In a nutshell, this is how Cate Levey sees the world around her. It’s a fascinating perspective that has taken her professional path down some paths less traveled. Engineered wood products, plant-based meat products, and carbon-negative aggregate for concrete have nothing to do with each other if you don’t look at things the way she does. To her they are they are all composite materials, where understanding and altering the chemistry at the nano, or sub-nano scale allows her to alter macroscopic functional properties to make amazing things happen. It’s where chemistry meets material science and where the science can really change the world around us.

Cate explains some of her groundbreaking work, but also offers a fresh perspective on how to pursue a career in science, following a true passion, and taking unbeaten paths.

We read every email so please share your questions and feedback with us! 

  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> C.R.E.A.M. – Chemistry rules everything around me Paolo Braiuca, Cate Levey 00:32:31 In this episode we talk with Cate Levey about her unique career path that’s allowed her to work with and influence very diverse composite materials. Her ability to consider and influence nano-scale chemistry to control macro-scale properties has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to products as varied as building products and food. Join us to meet Cate and hear her story. In this episode we talk with Cate Levey about her unique career path that’s allowed her to work with and influence very diverse composite materials. Her ability to consider and influence nano-scale chemistry to control macro-scale properties has allowed her to contribute meaningfully to products as varied as building products and food. Join us to meet Cate and hear her story. concrete, process chemistry, aggregate, composite materials, material science, carbon-negative aggregate, plant-based food, career development, scientific career false full 9 4 c8a2443b-4a4a-4ff9-a70e-07d25543b6e9 The electrifying chemistry of the nitrogen cycle Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code PaoloRKS in July to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

Moving from a linear economy, where things are made, used and discarded, to a circular one, based on recycling and reuse, is one of the most important and difficult challenges for our society. Cracking this problem and moving to a more sustainable way of living, while maintaining or even improving living standards, is key for the future of our planet.

With Matthew Liu, we go back to topics discussed in Episode 6 of Season 1 to look at one of the most important chemical elements, nitrogen. Reducing atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates is fundamental to our modern world. Nitrogen reduction makes possible to feed billions of people globally and it provides some of the most fundamental building blocks of modern chemistry. At the same time, it is one of the most energy-intense industrial processes, and its products, while essential and beneficial, eventually become environmental pollutants at the end of their lifecycle. 

An old technology might be the key to change this landscape. Electrochemistry is going through a renaissance and it’s a very promising tool to recover nitrogen and put it back into the economic circle. In our discussion with Matthew we discuss some breakthrough and novel electrochemical approaches, electrocatalysis in particular, and how they can impact the economy of developed and under-developed countries.

We read every email so please share your questions and feedback with us! 

  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Matthew Liu) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code PaoloRKS in July to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

Moving from a linear economy, where things are made, used and discarded, to a circular one, based on recycling and reuse, is one of the most important and difficult challenges for our society. Cracking this problem and moving to a more sustainable way of living, while maintaining or even improving living standards, is key for the future of our planet.

With Matthew Liu, we go back to topics discussed in Episode 6 of Season 1 to look at one of the most important chemical elements, nitrogen. Reducing atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates is fundamental to our modern world. Nitrogen reduction makes possible to feed billions of people globally and it provides some of the most fundamental building blocks of modern chemistry. At the same time, it is one of the most energy-intense industrial processes, and its products, while essential and beneficial, eventually become environmental pollutants at the end of their lifecycle. 

An old technology might be the key to change this landscape. Electrochemistry is going through a renaissance and it’s a very promising tool to recover nitrogen and put it back into the economic circle. In our discussion with Matthew we discuss some breakthrough and novel electrochemical approaches, electrocatalysis in particular, and how they can impact the economy of developed and under-developed countries.

We read every email so please share your questions and feedback with us! 

  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> The electrifying chemistry of the nitrogen cycle Paolo Braiuca, Matthew Liu 00:34:39 In this episode we revisit a topic from Season 1 with a fresh guest, Matthew Liu. Specifically, we take a hard look at the complex topic of nitrogen reduction. The conversation dives into the fundamental importance of this process for life, and how we have to become better at finding sustainable ways to recover nitrogen to create a circular economy. Matthew tells us about his work using electrocatalysis toward this goal. In this episode we revisit a topic from Season 1 with a fresh guest, Matthew Liu. Specifically, we take a hard look at the complex topic of nitrogen reduction. The conversation dives into the fundamental importance of this process for life, and how we have to become better at finding sustainable ways to recover nitrogen to create a circular economy. Matthew tells us about his work using electrocatalysis toward this goal. circular economy, denitrification, nitrogen pollution, water wastes, electrochemistry, linear economy, catalysis, environmental remediation, value recovery, nitrification, haber-bosch, environmental process chemistry, electrocatalysis, nitrogen false full 8 4 716ccfa0-65b0-4e80-aee2-8a8a30c31e71 From an F in chemistry to 40 years in chemicals Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code CoolCh3mShirt in June to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

We embrace this rare opportunity to sit and chat freely with someone who has lived and breathed the technical and business sides of the chemicals market for the last 40 years. Simon Pearce is a Senior Product Manager in Thermo Fisher Scientific and a man of a thousand stories. 

Join us for this entertaining and eye-opening journey into the origins of chemical diversity, a bit of history on the British chemicals market, and a first-hand account of changes and constants in the work over time. We cover a lot of ground in this interview, from the early days of compound screening libraries, to the mindset of managing a complex product portfolio. We speak about serendipity, the power of making the most of opportunities, and how chemistry looks different when framed by business requirements. As it’s often the case, it’s about humans interacting with each other, the people behind science, and the people behind the market. It doesn’t get more “Bringing Chemistry to Life” than that.

We read every email so please share your questions and feedback with us! 

  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> Wed, 7 Jun 2023 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Simon Pearce) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code CoolCh3mShirt in June to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

We embrace this rare opportunity to sit and chat freely with someone who has lived and breathed the technical and business sides of the chemicals market for the last 40 years. Simon Pearce is a Senior Product Manager in Thermo Fisher Scientific and a man of a thousand stories. 

Join us for this entertaining and eye-opening journey into the origins of chemical diversity, a bit of history on the British chemicals market, and a first-hand account of changes and constants in the work over time. We cover a lot of ground in this interview, from the early days of compound screening libraries, to the mindset of managing a complex product portfolio. We speak about serendipity, the power of making the most of opportunities, and how chemistry looks different when framed by business requirements. As it’s often the case, it’s about humans interacting with each other, the people behind science, and the people behind the market. It doesn’t get more “Bringing Chemistry to Life” than that.

We read every email so please share your questions and feedback with us! 

  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> From an F in chemistry to 40 years in chemicals Paolo Braiuca, Simon Pearce 00:33:53 Join us for a conversation with one of our own. We talk with Simon Pierce, who’s had a storied career in the chemicals market over the past 40 year. Simon has a compelling personal story and has seen it all. What’s more, he shares it all in an entertaining way that will have you wanting to share a pint him. Join us for a conversation with one of our own. We talk with Simon Pierce, who’s had a storied career in the chemicals market over the past 40 year. Simon has a compelling personal story and has seen it all. What’s more, he shares it all in an entertaining way that will have you wanting to share a pint him. new applications, chemicals collections, screening libraries, chemical business, product management, drug discovery, maybridge, organic chemistry, chemicals market false full 7 4 7f3a3d50-2511-4e70-8faf-753ece7b0ee8 Electronics for the human body Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code Scienc3Fwd in May to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

The modern revolutions of electronics and biotechnology are changing the world in dramatic ways. The incredible progress of electronics is changing the world external to our body, while biotechnology/genetics is promising to change it “internal” to our bodies. While these two revolutions have not quite met, chemistry is what could link them up. 

Imagine completely novel materials for interfacing electronics and the human body in a harmonious way. Be bold and open to new ideas, such as organic electronics with little or no use of semiconductors. Bio-electronics that can self-assemble, biodegrade after use, and leave no toxic trace behind. Imagine what this could mean for new generations of medical devices, diagnostic medicine, as well as robotics and other applications.

Exploring these ideas takes an inquisitive, enthusiastic, and creative polymer chemist with ambition, vision, a passion for science communication, and an incredible drive to succeed. Helen Tran is all of this and more. She speaks about her science and her desire to give back as much, or more, than she has received. Hear her views on the importance of mentorship and how having fun doing meaningful work remains a simple, powerful way to achieve something meaningful in life.

We read every email so please share your questions and feedback with us! 

  • Email helloBCTL@thermofisher.com

]]> Wed, 17 May 2023 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Helen Tran) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the code Scienc3Fwd in May to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

The modern revolutions of electronics and biotechnology are changing the world in dramatic ways. The incredible progress of electronics is changing the world external to our body, while biotechnology/genetics is promising to change it “internal” to our bodies. While these two revolutions have not quite met, chemistry is what could link them up. 

Imagine completely novel materials for interfacing electronics and the human body in a harmonious way. Be bold and open to new ideas, such as organic electronics with little or no use of semiconductors. Bio-electronics that can self-assemble, biodegrade after use, and leave no toxic trace behind. Imagine what this could mean for new generations of medical devices, diagnostic medicine, as well as robotics and other applications.

Exploring these ideas takes an inquisitive, enthusiastic, and creative polymer chemist with ambition, vision, a passion for science communication, and an incredible drive to succeed. Helen Tran is all of this and more. She speaks about her science and her desire to give back as much, or more, than she has received. Hear her views on the importance of mentorship and how having fun doing meaningful work remains a simple, powerful way to achieve something meaningful in life.

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]]> Electronics for the human body Paolo Braiuca, Helen Tran 00:32:14 This discussion with Dr. Helen Tran explores the intersection of electronics and biotechnology and helps to imagine how chemistry can be the bridge between these to create bio-electronics that could be harmonious with the human body. Join us to meet this innovative thinker and hear about her science as well as her philosophy science communication, the importance of mentorship, and defining success in a personal way. This discussion with Dr. Helen Tran explores the intersection of electronics and biotechnology and helps to imagine how chemistry can be the bridge between these to create bio-electronics that could be harmonious with the human body. Join us to meet this innovative thinker and hear about her science as well as her philosophy science communication, the importance of mentorship, and defining success in a personal way. bio-polymers, robotics, bio-electronics, self-assembly, electronics, bio-compatibility, material science, electronic-human interface, polymer chemistry, medical devices, polymers, bio-degradation false full 6 4 8ebb15ec-42a7-46af-bd99-a78ec5b8245f The Extra-Terrestrial Chemist Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the guest content sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

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Among the various chemical disciplines we have discussed so far, astrochemistry is by far the most surprising. And Chris Shingledecker is a surprisingly charming member of this relatively new and growing scientific niche. He’s managed to naturally balance his passions for chemistry, born from a chemical set received as a gift in his childhood, and for astronomy, that grew in him during middle school. This is a great story of someone who took his education and professional path in his own hands and gave it the shape he wanted to follow his interests and passions. 

Chris is now living the excitement of a new science. So many things to understand and explain given such fast progress in the field. We learn about what a young discipline astrochemistry is, where until three or four decades ago it was thought chemistry could not occur in outer space, and hear how Chis and his colleagues are quickly showing that chemistry beyond the boundaries of planet Earth is in fact extremely rich, diverse, and complex. 

This is a fascinating discussion about the story and the future of astrochemistry, a jump into new ideas about the origins of life on our planet and hypothetical other worlds. 

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]]> Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Chris Shingledecker) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the guest content sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl and use the codes below to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt (April = BCTLshirt, May = Scienc3Fwd). 

Among the various chemical disciplines we have discussed so far, astrochemistry is by far the most surprising. And Chris Shingledecker is a surprisingly charming member of this relatively new and growing scientific niche. He’s managed to naturally balance his passions for chemistry, born from a chemical set received as a gift in his childhood, and for astronomy, that grew in him during middle school. This is a great story of someone who took his education and professional path in his own hands and gave it the shape he wanted to follow his interests and passions. 

Chris is now living the excitement of a new science. So many things to understand and explain given such fast progress in the field. We learn about what a young discipline astrochemistry is, where until three or four decades ago it was thought chemistry could not occur in outer space, and hear how Chis and his colleagues are quickly showing that chemistry beyond the boundaries of planet Earth is in fact extremely rich, diverse, and complex. 

This is a fascinating discussion about the story and the future of astrochemistry, a jump into new ideas about the origins of life on our planet and hypothetical other worlds. 

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]]> The Extra-Terrestrial Chemist Paolo Braiuca, Chris Shingledecker 00:32:20 We once again venture into the unknow of astrochemistry via this awe inspiring conversation with Chris Shingledecker. He’s an ace story teller that seamlessly transitions from how he found this career, to the history of the field, and into the exciting discoveries that he and his colleagues are making. Chemistry is in fact happening in outer space, with a richness and diversity that you might not expect. Move beyond terrestrial chemistry with us in this mind-opening episode. We once again venture into the unknow of astrochemistry via this awe inspiring conversation with Chris Shingledecker. He’s an ace story teller that seamlessly transitions from how he found this career, to the history of the field, and into the exciting discoveries that he and his colleagues are making. Chemistry is in fact happening in outer space, with a richness and diversity that you might not expect. Move beyond terrestrial chemistry with us in this mind-opening episode. extra-terrestrial chemistry, chemical diversity, star dust, astrochemistry, non-terrestrial chemistry, chemical reactions, outer space, chirality in space, story of astrochemistry false full 5 4 3a2ec0ad-d8eb-4279-ac1a-f9eede1309ef Women in chemistry: learnings from one of the greatest Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

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Many discussions have that “ah ha moment” making them memorable. It doesn’t happen often that you get half a dozen of these moments in less than an hour. It’s conversations like this one that make running this podcast worthwhile and really fun. 

Lesley Yellowlees, Professor of Inorganic Electrochemistry at the University of Edinburgh, first woman President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and uber-accomplished chemistry with a never-ending list of academic and scientific achievements, needs no introduction. What needs attention is the many things she has to share and her unique style of doing so. She is personable and makes a palpable connection between herself and her science by sharing her journey through the experience, learnings, achievements, but also challenges and failures of one of the most influential chemists of today. 

We speak about electrochemistry, its long history and recent popularity, but also about the importance of fundamental research in fueling progress as well as scientists’ responsibility in communicating the value of science to the general public. All of this from someone that has been a pioneer in her field and dedicated herself to be the first of many, rather than a one-and-only. What Lesley Yellowlees has done, and continues to do, to level the opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups in STEM is regarded as a milestone in the history of the field of chemistry. And she reminds us, there is still a lot of work to do!

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]]> Wed, 5 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Lesley Yellowlees) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl  and use the code BCTLshirt to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt during March 2023. 

Many discussions have that “ah ha moment” making them memorable. It doesn’t happen often that you get half a dozen of these moments in less than an hour. It’s conversations like this one that make running this podcast worthwhile and really fun. 

Lesley Yellowlees, Professor of Inorganic Electrochemistry at the University of Edinburgh, first woman President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and uber-accomplished chemistry with a never-ending list of academic and scientific achievements, needs no introduction. What needs attention is the many things she has to share and her unique style of doing so. She is personable and makes a palpable connection between herself and her science by sharing her journey through the experience, learnings, achievements, but also challenges and failures of one of the most influential chemists of today. 

We speak about electrochemistry, its long history and recent popularity, but also about the importance of fundamental research in fueling progress as well as scientists’ responsibility in communicating the value of science to the general public. All of this from someone that has been a pioneer in her field and dedicated herself to be the first of many, rather than a one-and-only. What Lesley Yellowlees has done, and continues to do, to level the opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups in STEM is regarded as a milestone in the history of the field of chemistry. And she reminds us, there is still a lot of work to do!

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]]> Women in chemistry: learnings from one of the greatest Paolo Braiuca, Lesley Yellowlees 00:32:17 We’re graced with insights and perspectives from one of chemistry’s greats in this special episode. Lesley Yellowlees joins us to talk electrochemistry, the importance of diversity in science for solving grand challenges, and the responsibility that scientists have in being ambassadors of science to the general public. Join us to hear from, and learn from, one of the greats! We’re graced with insights and perspectives from one of chemistry’s greats in this special episode. Lesley Yellowlees joins us to talk electrochemistry, the importance of diversity in science for solving grand challenges, and the responsibility that scientists have in being ambassadors of science to the general public. Join us to hear from, and learn from, one of the greats! inorganic chemistry, science communication, women in chemistry, electrochemistry, women, rsc, spectroelectrochemistry, women in stem, royal society of chemistry, underrepresented groups false full 4 4 8c9a31e5-b0e8-4e8a-a485-8d95d80952b9 Chemistry, Computers, and Humans Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the guest content sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

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This started with a TV in the background showing Brazil playing Croatia in the World Cup quarter-finals, and ended with Brazil’s surprising defeat, to the dismay of our guest, Brazil-born Gabe Gomes. In the middle, the most approachable conversation you’ll ever hear about computational chemistry.

Gabe tries to solve real world problems using computers and it’s almost a paradox that such an extroverted, fun guy, in love with music and speaking so much about people, ends up investing his life in machine learning algorithms. Yet it takes courage, creativity, and daring to go in new directions and seek the next big problem at the interface of scientific disciplines.

Chemistry is a complex multivariate problem and resolving this complexity is the key to the fundamental understanding we need to advance the discipline. Gabe is a wonderful chaperone in our journey to discover how automation and optimization can be used not to replace chemists, but to free them to apply their skills where in matters most. Gabe is the living demonstration that computers and humans can be part of the same discourse.

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]]> Wed, 15 Mar 2023 06:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Gabe Gomes) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the guest content sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl  and use the code Chem2Life to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt during March 2023. 

This started with a TV in the background showing Brazil playing Croatia in the World Cup quarter-finals, and ended with Brazil’s surprising defeat, to the dismay of our guest, Brazil-born Gabe Gomes. In the middle, the most approachable conversation you’ll ever hear about computational chemistry.

Gabe tries to solve real world problems using computers and it’s almost a paradox that such an extroverted, fun guy, in love with music and speaking so much about people, ends up investing his life in machine learning algorithms. Yet it takes courage, creativity, and daring to go in new directions and seek the next big problem at the interface of scientific disciplines.

Chemistry is a complex multivariate problem and resolving this complexity is the key to the fundamental understanding we need to advance the discipline. Gabe is a wonderful chaperone in our journey to discover how automation and optimization can be used not to replace chemists, but to free them to apply their skills where in matters most. Gabe is the living demonstration that computers and humans can be part of the same discourse.

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]]> Chemistry, Computers, and Humans Paolo Braiuca, Gabe Gomes 00:33:02 If computational chemistry sounds intimidating or unapproachable, this interview with Dr. Gabe Gomes will change your mind. Gabe is super personable and talks about how his team is applying computers to automate parts of chemistry while still letting humans shine where we do what we do best. Join us to hear how chemistry will be done in the future and how we’ll get there! If computational chemistry sounds intimidating or unapproachable, this interview with Dr. Gabe Gomes will change your mind. Gabe is super personable and talks about how his team is applying computers to automate parts of chemistry while still letting humans shine where we do what we do best. Join us to hear how chemistry will be done in the future and how we’ll get there! artificial intelligence, multivariate problems, machine learning, computational chemistry, multivariate analysis, innovation, chemical modeling, efficiency false full 3 4 72617ab3-58e7-41bb-ad1a-78c8fb22809a The Father of Green Chemistry Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

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This is a big one. When one of the most influential chemists of a generation gives you a full hour of his time, you can say your chemistry podcast has made it!

This conversation with Paul Anastas (Yale University), the father of Green Chemistry, is an inspiration to think differently. He favors disrupting common rules and to stop accepting the status quo, given that the status quo is not sustainable.

The “green shift” towards sustainable processes in chemistry and engineering is the revolution than we can’t afford to miss. We do not need any more evidence. The silliness in the way we do things is in front of our eyes, we just need to be willing to look and see it. 

When we make 1000 kilograms of waste per kilograms or product, there is no future. When we keep producing, using, and discharging in a linear way, there is no future. When governments and private companies don’t embrace environmental responsibility as part of their performance metrics, there is no future.

Paul and his co-author Urvashi Bhatnagar have written The Sustainability Scorecard – How to Implement and Profit from Unexpected Solutions to outline the green chemistry principles that show the way to a sustainable future in chemistry. The pursuit of sustainability offers what they call “unexpected solutions;” leaps forwards that make new processes not only more sustainable, but also more efficient, cheaper, and more profitable. There are many great examples, with many more to come. 

Disrupt or be disrupted.

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]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Paul Anastas) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

This is a big one. When one of the most influential chemists of a generation gives you a full hour of his time, you can say your chemistry podcast has made it!

This conversation with Paul Anastas (Yale University), the father of Green Chemistry, is an inspiration to think differently. He favors disrupting common rules and to stop accepting the status quo, given that the status quo is not sustainable.

The “green shift” towards sustainable processes in chemistry and engineering is the revolution than we can’t afford to miss. We do not need any more evidence. The silliness in the way we do things is in front of our eyes, we just need to be willing to look and see it. 

When we make 1000 kilograms of waste per kilograms or product, there is no future. When we keep producing, using, and discharging in a linear way, there is no future. When governments and private companies don’t embrace environmental responsibility as part of their performance metrics, there is no future.

Paul and his co-author Urvashi Bhatnagar have written The Sustainability Scorecard – How to Implement and Profit from Unexpected Solutions to outline the green chemistry principles that show the way to a sustainable future in chemistry. The pursuit of sustainability offers what they call “unexpected solutions;” leaps forwards that make new processes not only more sustainable, but also more efficient, cheaper, and more profitable. There are many great examples, with many more to come. 

Disrupt or be disrupted.

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]]> The Father of Green Chemistry Paolo Braiuca, Paul Anastas 00:34:00 In this remarkable interview we meet Paul Anastas, the father of green chemistry, current professor at Yale University, former assistant administrator for the U.S. EPA, and former White House Science and Technology Policy advisor. Paul opens our eyes to the lack of sustainability in our current chemical processes and provides a roadmap of how we can create solutions that are both sustainable and profitable. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime interview that will motivate you to think differently. In this remarkable interview we meet Paul Anastas, the father of green chemistry, current professor at Yale University, former assistant administrator for the U.S. EPA, and former White House Science and Technology Policy advisor. Paul opens our eyes to the lack of sustainability in our current chemical processes and provides a roadmap of how we can create solutions that are both sustainable and profitable. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime interview that will motivate you to think differently. circular economy, waste, green engineering, 12 principles, linear economy, innovation, unexpected solutions, green chemistry, energy, efficiency, sustainability false full 2 4 ca1998c8-b3a9-4587-afb5-b936aa384d1e The Chemists' Charisma Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and guest content and resources, which includes links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

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We open Season 4 with a unique double interview with Dr. Steven Townsend (Vanderbilt University) and Dr. Frank Leibfarth (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). These are our original two guests from Season 1 of this series! 

Steve Townsend and Frank Leibfarth are two of the best chemists of the current generation as well as being incredibly charismatic and fun humans. With that said, this episode is a bit different in that it was a fun moment of connection and entertainment where we discuss things on the fringe of chemistry, tongue in cheek. As it happens, it became much more than that, a journey into personal history, motivation and drive, stories and reflections on great chemists of the past and present, and much more. The human element behind the science takes center stage in this episode for certain. One not to miss.

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]]> Wed, 1 Feb 2023 16:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Steve Townsend, Frank Leibfarth) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and guest content and resources, which includes links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt. 

We open Season 4 with a unique double interview with Dr. Steven Townsend (Vanderbilt University) and Dr. Frank Leibfarth (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). These are our original two guests from Season 1 of this series! 

Steve Townsend and Frank Leibfarth are two of the best chemists of the current generation as well as being incredibly charismatic and fun humans. With that said, this episode is a bit different in that it was a fun moment of connection and entertainment where we discuss things on the fringe of chemistry, tongue in cheek. As it happens, it became much more than that, a journey into personal history, motivation and drive, stories and reflections on great chemists of the past and present, and much more. The human element behind the science takes center stage in this episode for certain. One not to miss.

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]]> The Chemists' Charisma Paolo Braiuca, Steve Townsend, Frank Leibfarth 00:36:07 To start Season 4, Paolo does a dual interview with two of our first guests from this series. The conversation is jovial yet has great depth as is casually weaves from American football, to parenting, to leadership styles, to what motivates and drives these amazing chemists and humans. A unique and fun episode not to miss. To start Season 4, Paolo does a dual interview with two of our first guests from this series. The conversation is jovial yet has great depth as is casually weaves from American football, to parenting, to leadership styles, to what motivates and drives these amazing chemists and humans. A unique and fun episode not to miss. drive, chemists, professor, innovation, organic chemistry, academia, chemistry, development, personal history, motivation false full 1 4 e6a76341-ebca-468a-b389-ae6fd9162c4b On solid state materials, electrochemistry and the importance of roots Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Some people have an aura, which is something difficult to describe; some define it charisma, others call it charm. These are people you want to spend time with, because they make you feel good and always have something interesting to say. Jesus Velasquez is one of these people. A talented materials scientist, deeply attached to his motherland of Puerto Rico, and determined to give back what he feels life has given him.

Jesus’ science is as generous as he is and brings disruptive potential with it. He studies nanostructured solid materials, particularly the so-called chalcogenides (metal complexes containing group 8 elements) and Chevrel phases (MxMo6S8). These materials can be used for a variety of applications, the most promising being electrochemical reactions. Splitting water to generate hydrogen gas, or reducing carbon dioxide to methanol, are among these applications.

This is a scientifically stimulating, and yet warming conversation. We span from solid phase material synthesis and characterization to coaching and mentoring young talent from underrepresented communities. A great way to close season 3!

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]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Jesus Velazquez) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Some people have an aura, which is something difficult to describe; some define it charisma, others call it charm. These are people you want to spend time with, because they make you feel good and always have something interesting to say. Jesus Velasquez is one of these people. A talented materials scientist, deeply attached to his motherland of Puerto Rico, and determined to give back what he feels life has given him.

Jesus’ science is as generous as he is and brings disruptive potential with it. He studies nanostructured solid materials, particularly the so-called chalcogenides (metal complexes containing group 8 elements) and Chevrel phases (MxMo6S8). These materials can be used for a variety of applications, the most promising being electrochemical reactions. Splitting water to generate hydrogen gas, or reducing carbon dioxide to methanol, are among these applications.

This is a scientifically stimulating, and yet warming conversation. We span from solid phase material synthesis and characterization to coaching and mentoring young talent from underrepresented communities. A great way to close season 3!

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]]> On solid state materials, electrochemistry and the importance of roots Paolo Braiuca, Jesus Velazquez 00:37:42 We close season 3 with a charismatic and stimulating guest. Jesus Velasquez is a charming and talented materials scientist with deep roots to his motherland of Puerto Rico. Our conversation spans from his work with nanostructured solid materials that have potential to help address environmental issues, to his community outreach and commitment to give back, in every way he can. We close season 3 with a charismatic and stimulating guest. Jesus Velasquez is a charming and talented materials scientist with deep roots to his motherland of Puerto Rico. Our conversation spans from his work with nanostructured solid materials that have potential to help address environmental issues, to his community outreach and commitment to give back, in every way he can. chevrel phases, electrochemistry, water electrolysis, material science, solid phase chemistry, nanostructure materials, microwaves, carbon dioxide reduction, chalchogenides, hydrogen, electrocatalysis, water splitting false full 10 3 279ab9a2-71e4-4171-b420-53d52ec93548 Energy harvesting and self-sustainable greenhouses Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

While most love adventure, it still takes courage and determination to go find it and commit to it. Dr. Derya Baran, a Turkish native, who studied in Austria, Germany, and the UK before now working in Saudi Arabia, has ample courage and determination that have provided a life of adventure! 

This is one of our best explorations of the link between the person and the science. Derya, an academic researcher and entrepreneur, that can’t stop thinking about how her work can benefit people’s lives. She develops smart and functional materials for energy harvesting and conversion. Specifically, innovative organic materials with photovoltaic properties that can be used in challenging (hot and/or humid) environments and present unique properties of transparency, color, and ease of manufacturing, relative to traditional silica-based technologies. Her materials are enabling incredible concepts, such as self-sustainable greenhouses that can generate all the energy they need to enable agriculture in inhospitable environments.

There is a lot to like here… great science that promises to address very important global issues and the personal story of a smart, determined, woman, full of unlikely, brave choices. 

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]]> Wed, 6 Jul 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Derya Baran) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

While most love adventure, it still takes courage and determination to go find it and commit to it. Dr. Derya Baran, a Turkish native, who studied in Austria, Germany, and the UK before now working in Saudi Arabia, has ample courage and determination that have provided a life of adventure! 

This is one of our best explorations of the link between the person and the science. Derya, an academic researcher and entrepreneur, that can’t stop thinking about how her work can benefit people’s lives. She develops smart and functional materials for energy harvesting and conversion. Specifically, innovative organic materials with photovoltaic properties that can be used in challenging (hot and/or humid) environments and present unique properties of transparency, color, and ease of manufacturing, relative to traditional silica-based technologies. Her materials are enabling incredible concepts, such as self-sustainable greenhouses that can generate all the energy they need to enable agriculture in inhospitable environments.

There is a lot to like here… great science that promises to address very important global issues and the personal story of a smart, determined, woman, full of unlikely, brave choices. 

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]]> Energy harvesting and self-sustainable greenhouses Paolo Braiuca, Derya Baran 00:34:09 Join us for an episode that makes the link between the science, and the person behind the science, as clear as a hot day in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Derya Baran shares her adventurous path and background with us before talking us through her development and application of functional, non-silica-based materials with photovoltaic properties. Meet this amazing woman working to provide sustainability to us all. Join us for an episode that makes the link between the science, and the person behind the science, as clear as a hot day in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Derya Baran shares her adventurous path and background with us before talking us through her development and application of functional, non-silica-based materials with photovoltaic properties. Meet this amazing woman working to provide sustainability to us all. iyris, solar technology, opv, red sea farm, organic photovoltaics, green house, functional materials, silica, saudi arabia, energy harvesting, energy management true full 9 3 118f63db-66a6-472a-ab31-e3d93b7c5a2e Drugging the undruggable Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Chemical biology is a relatively recent discipline where thinking about biomolecules as big organic molecules isn’t shocking, but it was completely revolutionary just 3 or 4 decades ago. What is undeniable is that chemistry offers a new lens to observe, interact with and alter biological phenomena. Chemistry opens the possibility to understand biomolecules at the atomic level and to leverage traditional organic chemistry methods to change their function, ultimately influencing macroscopic biological phenomena.

Dr. Shanique Borteley Alabi has been thinking about how chemicals can influence humans ever since childhood observations of her grandfather at work in his pharmacy, in Ghana. She now uses chemistry to influence the interaction between cellular proteins by designing small molecules that work as “glues” for macromolecules. 

She spent her PhD developing “proteolysis targeted chimeras” (ProTaC), the use of small molecules with affinity for both a specific protein target and for kinases that tag proteins to initiate their degradation. She now works on similar concepts to selectively initiate and promote the interaction between natural proteins with the objective of amplifying specific natural pathways to treat disease. This is the frontier of drug development, going beyond simple competitive inhibition and promising a way to develop drugs for undruggable targets.

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]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Shanique Borteley Alabi) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Chemical biology is a relatively recent discipline where thinking about biomolecules as big organic molecules isn’t shocking, but it was completely revolutionary just 3 or 4 decades ago. What is undeniable is that chemistry offers a new lens to observe, interact with and alter biological phenomena. Chemistry opens the possibility to understand biomolecules at the atomic level and to leverage traditional organic chemistry methods to change their function, ultimately influencing macroscopic biological phenomena.

Dr. Shanique Borteley Alabi has been thinking about how chemicals can influence humans ever since childhood observations of her grandfather at work in his pharmacy, in Ghana. She now uses chemistry to influence the interaction between cellular proteins by designing small molecules that work as “glues” for macromolecules. 

She spent her PhD developing “proteolysis targeted chimeras” (ProTaC), the use of small molecules with affinity for both a specific protein target and for kinases that tag proteins to initiate their degradation. She now works on similar concepts to selectively initiate and promote the interaction between natural proteins with the objective of amplifying specific natural pathways to treat disease. This is the frontier of drug development, going beyond simple competitive inhibition and promising a way to develop drugs for undruggable targets.

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]]> Drugging the undruggable Paolo Braiuca, Shanique Borteley Alabi 00:34:09 With the expert help of Dr. Shanique Alabi, we dive into chemical biology and look at how applying organic chemistry approaches to biomolecule synthesis is expanding the frontier of drug discovery. Join us to learn about Shanique’s journey within science as well as her work in developing molecular glues that have promise to provide drugs for previously undruggable targets. With the expert help of Dr. Shanique Alabi, we dive into chemical biology and look at how applying organic chemistry approaches to biomolecule synthesis is expanding the frontier of drug discovery. Join us to learn about Shanique’s journey within science as well as her work in developing molecular glues that have promise to provide drugs for previously undruggable targets. drug development, protac, chemical biology, proteolysis, ligase, drug discovery, braf, monte rosa therapeutics, proteolysis targeted chimera, kinase, undruggable targets false full 8 3 3e2c2ccb-4d90-4036-946f-11075f735bca Shining a new light on chemistry Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Entrepreneurship in the blood, a fine mind, and a bold spirit makes for a life of successes and a great podcast episode as well! This is how we would describe Chern-Hooi Lim, a Malaysian chemical engineer who is thinking big and aiming to reshape the way we make molecules through the use of light. Chern-Hooi is an expert and innovator of photocatalysis. His organo-catalysts are a big departure from the more established precious metal-based ones and bring with them the promise of a new deal for synthetic chemistry.

This is a fascinating discussion about the present and future of chemistry. We discover how photocatalysis enables a new paradigm in chemistry, where we depart from fully reduced carbon sources and imitate nature in using oxidized carbon and light as the fundamental building blocks. We explore mild-condition Birch reduction, cross-coupling, and radical reactions. 

This is also a story of smart ideas and bold choices and a new perspective on the role entrepreneurship can play in science and technology. Another great discovery of a strong personality and the science that comes from it. more of the conversation!

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]]> Wed, 8 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Chern-Hooi Lim) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Entrepreneurship in the blood, a fine mind, and a bold spirit makes for a life of successes and a great podcast episode as well! This is how we would describe Chern-Hooi Lim, a Malaysian chemical engineer who is thinking big and aiming to reshape the way we make molecules through the use of light. Chern-Hooi is an expert and innovator of photocatalysis. His organo-catalysts are a big departure from the more established precious metal-based ones and bring with them the promise of a new deal for synthetic chemistry.

This is a fascinating discussion about the present and future of chemistry. We discover how photocatalysis enables a new paradigm in chemistry, where we depart from fully reduced carbon sources and imitate nature in using oxidized carbon and light as the fundamental building blocks. We explore mild-condition Birch reduction, cross-coupling, and radical reactions. 

This is also a story of smart ideas and bold choices and a new perspective on the role entrepreneurship can play in science and technology. Another great discovery of a strong personality and the science that comes from it. more of the conversation!

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]]> Shining a new light on chemistry Paolo Braiuca, Chern-Hooi Lim 00:31:39 Plug in your headphones and get ready for a great episode of BCTL where you’ll meet a entrepreneurial chemical engineer aiming to change the way we make molecules. Dr. Chern-Hooi Lim shares his path of professional development and quest to use light to make chemicals in more energy efficient ways. Tune in to meet a bold personality and learn about the science he’s doing. Plug in your headphones and get ready for a great episode of BCTL where you’ll meet a entrepreneurial chemical engineer aiming to change the way we make molecules. Dr. Chern-Hooi Lim shares his path of professional development and quest to use light to make chemicals in more energy efficient ways. Tune in to meet a bold personality and learn about the science he’s doing. radical reaction, birch reduction, co2, organocatalysis, c-n cross-coupling, photocatalysis, entrepreneurship, catalysis, radical polymerization, cross-coupling, future of chemistry, new iridium false full 7 3 6cf783f6-3b98-4416-aecb-3107aaa1bf56 A fresh perspective on the development of new drugs Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Antibiotics are an incredibly important class of drugs and possibly the most impactful, life-changing scientific innovation in history. However, microorganisms reproduce themselves very rapidly and can evolve in literal minutes. We can’t iterate science this quickly, which is the basis of increasing cases of antibiotic resistance that are a growing concern in modern medicine. 

Antibiotics are complex both chemically and in their biological function, which makes them hard to develop and a relatively unattractive pharmaceutical class from the business perspective. Like never before, we need a fresh perspective, and this is where Ziyang Zhang is leaving an impression. 

Ziyang is young, but incredibly productive and creative. Even before starting with his own research group (soon at Berkley), he has achieved so much and shown incredible chemical talent and thinking unlike anyone else’s. His new way of thinking can affect drug development strategies for antibiotics and beyond.

This is a captivating discussion with an incredible character, that fascinates with his understated style as he introduces us to his chemistry and his ideas. In a classic BCTL way, we explore his personal and professional path, his research into macrolide antibiotics, and his novel approach to selectively targeting brain cancer.

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]]> Wed, 25 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Ziyang Zhang, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Antibiotics are an incredibly important class of drugs and possibly the most impactful, life-changing scientific innovation in history. However, microorganisms reproduce themselves very rapidly and can evolve in literal minutes. We can’t iterate science this quickly, which is the basis of increasing cases of antibiotic resistance that are a growing concern in modern medicine. 

Antibiotics are complex both chemically and in their biological function, which makes them hard to develop and a relatively unattractive pharmaceutical class from the business perspective. Like never before, we need a fresh perspective, and this is where Ziyang Zhang is leaving an impression. 

Ziyang is young, but incredibly productive and creative. Even before starting with his own research group (soon at Berkley), he has achieved so much and shown incredible chemical talent and thinking unlike anyone else’s. His new way of thinking can affect drug development strategies for antibiotics and beyond.

This is a captivating discussion with an incredible character, that fascinates with his understated style as he introduces us to his chemistry and his ideas. In a classic BCTL way, we explore his personal and professional path, his research into macrolide antibiotics, and his novel approach to selectively targeting brain cancer.

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]]> A fresh perspective on the development of new drugs Ziyang Zhang, Paolo Braiuca 00:31:45 Meet Ziyang Zhang, a humble but brilliant chemist bringing a unique approach to antibiotic synthesis and selective targeting of brain cancer. In classic BCTL style, his discussion with Paolo touches on his unique personal and professional path, highlights his one-of-a-kind character, and illuminates us all on his exciting science. Meet Ziyang Zhang, a humble but brilliant chemist bringing a unique approach to antibiotic synthesis and selective targeting of brain cancer. In classic BCTL style, his discussion with Paolo touches on his unique personal and professional path, highlights his one-of-a-kind character, and illuminates us all on his exciting science. pharmacodynamics, drug distribution, cancer, drug design, brain cancer, pharmacokinetics, macrolides, mtor, glioblastoma, antibiotics, synthetic chemistry false full 6 3 c3c0a2b5-2645-4869-9704-ba0ac2ccf021 On the COVID pill and other process chemistry tales Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Process chemists are the silent heroes of modern pharmaceutical sciences. They take a drug molecule coming out of medicinal chemistry research and make sense of its chemical synthesis. With tight deadlines they often must completely reinvent chemical syntheses to meet strict efficiency and cost requirements necessary to move drugs to commercial production. It’s a challenging job that requires discipline and pragmatism, but a certain dose of chemical creativity at the same time.

Patrick Fier, from Merck, represents the perfect profile of a great process chemist. He makes the most of the incredible resources and the culture of innovation available at Merck. His chemistry is creative and intriguing, he shows that unique mix of disruptive thinking and disciplined determination that is needed to design state-of-the-art chemical syntheses. And his talent gave him the opportunity to lead the development of Molnupiravir, the so-called COVID pill, one of the most promising antivirals used in severe Coronavirus cases.

In this unique episode we have the rare opportunity to get to know a chemist who really played a key role in helping address the COVID pandemic. 

Keywords:  process chemistry, COVID, molnupiravir, COVID pill, pharmaceutical development, drug, antivirals, C-H functionalization, sulphonamides, phenol synthesis, medicinal chemistry, Merck Sharp & Dome

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]]> Wed, 11 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Patrick Fier) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Process chemists are the silent heroes of modern pharmaceutical sciences. They take a drug molecule coming out of medicinal chemistry research and make sense of its chemical synthesis. With tight deadlines they often must completely reinvent chemical syntheses to meet strict efficiency and cost requirements necessary to move drugs to commercial production. It’s a challenging job that requires discipline and pragmatism, but a certain dose of chemical creativity at the same time.

Patrick Fier, from Merck, represents the perfect profile of a great process chemist. He makes the most of the incredible resources and the culture of innovation available at Merck. His chemistry is creative and intriguing, he shows that unique mix of disruptive thinking and disciplined determination that is needed to design state-of-the-art chemical syntheses. And his talent gave him the opportunity to lead the development of Molnupiravir, the so-called COVID pill, one of the most promising antivirals used in severe Coronavirus cases.

In this unique episode we have the rare opportunity to get to know a chemist who really played a key role in helping address the COVID pandemic. 

Keywords:  process chemistry, COVID, molnupiravir, COVID pill, pharmaceutical development, drug, antivirals, C-H functionalization, sulphonamides, phenol synthesis, medicinal chemistry, Merck Sharp & Dome

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]]> On the COVID pill and other process chemistry tales Paolo Braiuca, Patrick Fier 00:31:50 Dr. Patrick Fier got a bit of a non-traditional start to his chemistry education and decided early that a career in academia wasn’t for him. Once he discovered pharmaceutical process chemistry, he found his purpose and passion for applying his creative approaches to organic synthesis. Hear his story and learn about his efforts to make Molnupiavir, the so-called COVID pill. Dr. Patrick Fier got a bit of a non-traditional start to his chemistry education and decided early that a career in academia wasn’t for him. Once he discovered pharmaceutical process chemistry, he found his purpose and passion for applying his creative approaches to organic synthesis. Hear his story and learn about his efforts to make Molnupiavir, the so-called COVID pill. covid, process chemistry, molnupiravir, phenol synthesis, covid pill, pharmaceutical development, c-h functionalization, antivirals, merck sharp & dome, medicinal chemistry, drug, sulphonamides false full 5 3 7067c7aa-d1ca-4e0c-a5df-86c9e61959ee Perovskites and the future of science in Mexico Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

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Perovskites are somewhat ambiguous compounds defined by general chemical formula and their three-dimensional structure. Yet their potential is huge; they represent the next generation of materials to harness the relationship between energy and light.

Like perovskites, the scientific landscape in Mexico is also a bit ambiguous. The lack of history and of an established scientific infrastructure make it hard to do research in the country. However, a there are promising, yet still isolated, success stories and spring of new talent, such as Diego Solis-Ibarra, that suggest a new dawn for Mexican science. 

The conversation with Diego is an amazing story of a brave and talented young man, with a deep connection to his roots and the determination to embrace challenges not many would even consider. He traded a relatively easy scientific career abroad for being the steward of the growing scientific culture in Mexico. His research is as punchy and disruptive as his personality. We learn about the amazing technology of perovskites, while discovering a great scientist’s profile.

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]]> Wed, 27 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Diego Solis Ibarra) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Perovskites are somewhat ambiguous compounds defined by general chemical formula and their three-dimensional structure. Yet their potential is huge; they represent the next generation of materials to harness the relationship between energy and light.

Like perovskites, the scientific landscape in Mexico is also a bit ambiguous. The lack of history and of an established scientific infrastructure make it hard to do research in the country. However, a there are promising, yet still isolated, success stories and spring of new talent, such as Diego Solis-Ibarra, that suggest a new dawn for Mexican science. 

The conversation with Diego is an amazing story of a brave and talented young man, with a deep connection to his roots and the determination to embrace challenges not many would even consider. He traded a relatively easy scientific career abroad for being the steward of the growing scientific culture in Mexico. His research is as punchy and disruptive as his personality. We learn about the amazing technology of perovskites, while discovering a great scientist’s profile.

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]]> Perovskites and the future of science in Mexico Paolo Braiuca, Diego Solis Ibarra 00:31:08 Diego Solis-Ibarra is a father, a husband, an athlete, and a world-class chemist. Tune in to meet Diego, hear his story of remarkable determination, and learn about the amazing work he’s doing to progress the real-world applications of perovskites. You’ll also get to learn about his efforts to elevate the chemistry game in his native Mexico. Diego Solis-Ibarra is a father, a husband, an athlete, and a world-class chemist. Tune in to meet Diego, hear his story of remarkable determination, and learn about the amazing work he’s doing to progress the real-world applications of perovskites. You’ll also get to learn about his efforts to elevate the chemistry game in his native Mexico. solar, mexico, science, material science, led, light, silicon, energy, scientific community, material chemistry, photovoltaic, perovskites false full 4 3 ffc57374-2035-448d-9abe-0d335e9d7442 Imagination and the chemistry of the things around us Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Alaaeddin is someone you can spend entire afternoons chatting with about life, experiences, and of course, science. His studies and career in chemistry brought him around the world, living, working, and studying in several countries, accumulating life learnings that made him the person and the scientist he is today.

Dr. Alsbaiee has worked in an industrial environment since his PhD and is not afraid of new challenges. His polymer chemistry background allowed him to work on some incredible applications, such as the materials of which turbine blades are made, or sophisticated methods to manufacture electronic microchips. 

This is a textbook Bringing Chemistry to Life conversation, where you can see the person in their science, you’ll learn about Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP), polymer chemistry, and their role in our everyday life as well as the importance of imagination in chemical research.

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]]> Wed, 13 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Alaaeddin Alsbaiee) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

Alaaeddin is someone you can spend entire afternoons chatting with about life, experiences, and of course, science. His studies and career in chemistry brought him around the world, living, working, and studying in several countries, accumulating life learnings that made him the person and the scientist he is today.

Dr. Alsbaiee has worked in an industrial environment since his PhD and is not afraid of new challenges. His polymer chemistry background allowed him to work on some incredible applications, such as the materials of which turbine blades are made, or sophisticated methods to manufacture electronic microchips. 

This is a textbook Bringing Chemistry to Life conversation, where you can see the person in their science, you’ll learn about Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP), polymer chemistry, and their role in our everyday life as well as the importance of imagination in chemical research.

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]]> Imagination and the chemistry of the things around us Paolo Braiuca, Alaaeddin Alsbaiee 00:32:22 Paolo talks with an energetic and super creative thinker applying his polymer chemistry talents to an impressively broad range of applications that span form wind turbine blade manufacturing to chemical mechanical planarization of semiconductors. Once again, you’ll get to learn about cutting-edge chemistry and the interesting person behind the science. If you’ve ever wondered how video games are related to chemistry, this is your episode! Paolo talks with an energetic and super creative thinker applying his polymer chemistry talents to an impressively broad range of applications that span form wind turbine blade manufacturing to chemical mechanical planarization of semiconductors. Once again, you’ll get to learn about cutting-edge chemistry and the interesting person behind the science. If you’ve ever wondered how video games are related to chemistry, this is your episode! cmp, scientific creativity, chemical mechanical planarization, polymer chemistry, semiconductor, imagination, wind turbines, polymers, international experience. false full 3 3 00db38a7-5dc4-41ef-9b49-5459ee1e6634 Making impossible molecules Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

For decades chemists have challenged themselves to reproduce in the lab incredibly complex molecules that can usually only be extracted from plants or other highly evolved (micro)organisms. These are often painfully complex efforts from researchers to design and execute multi-step chemical synthesis, where consideration must be given to intramolecular interactions from to multiple functional groups as well as many stability, configuration, and conformational issues. Yet this is how modern synthetic chemistry has evolved its toolbox of useful reactions and how skilled chemists exhibit creativity in addressing some of the most complex scientific problems.

Hans Renata left native Indonesia as a young child to study in Singapore and later emigrated to the US for his academic career, partly spent in the lab of a Nobel Prize recipient. Perseverance and the ability to adapt skills learned at an early age played that played a key role his becoming the chemist he is today: a chemist that make molecules everybody else struggles to imagine. Hans is known for his chemical creativity and his synthetic approaches look like nothing else out there. In this episode we discuss how combining traditional organic chemistry with the use of enzymes is at the foundation of his research and how this could change organic synthesis as we know it.

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]]> Wed, 30 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Hans Renata, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. 

You can access the extended video version of this episode via our YouTube channel to hear, and see, more of the conversation!

For decades chemists have challenged themselves to reproduce in the lab incredibly complex molecules that can usually only be extracted from plants or other highly evolved (micro)organisms. These are often painfully complex efforts from researchers to design and execute multi-step chemical synthesis, where consideration must be given to intramolecular interactions from to multiple functional groups as well as many stability, configuration, and conformational issues. Yet this is how modern synthetic chemistry has evolved its toolbox of useful reactions and how skilled chemists exhibit creativity in addressing some of the most complex scientific problems.

Hans Renata left native Indonesia as a young child to study in Singapore and later emigrated to the US for his academic career, partly spent in the lab of a Nobel Prize recipient. Perseverance and the ability to adapt skills learned at an early age played that played a key role his becoming the chemist he is today: a chemist that make molecules everybody else struggles to imagine. Hans is known for his chemical creativity and his synthetic approaches look like nothing else out there. In this episode we discuss how combining traditional organic chemistry with the use of enzymes is at the foundation of his research and how this could change organic synthesis as we know it.

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]]> Making impossible molecules Hans Renata, Paolo Braiuca 00:21:47 We continue season 3 with another phenomenal look at the fascinating people behind world-class science. Paolo talks with Dr. Hans Renata about his journey from Indonesia, to Singapore, to the U.S. and his unique approach of applying traditional organic chemistry, aided by enzymes, to synthesize complex and difficult products. We continue season 3 with another phenomenal look at the fascinating people behind world-class science. Paolo talks with Dr. Hans Renata about his journey from Indonesia, to Singapore, to the U.S. and his unique approach of applying traditional organic chemistry, aided by enzymes, to synthesize complex and difficult products. natural compounds, synthetic organic chemistry, organic synthesis, directed evolution, enzymes, nobel prize, biocatalysis, multidisciplinary research, plant biology, biology false full 2 3 732a645d-be3c-41fc-aaa3-a0386a492e68 Fuel the world with light - the wonders of nano-magnesium Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the video version of this episode via https://youtu.be/LtWghIdoeLo. 

One of the most difficult scientific concepts to grasp is how things behave differently in the macro- vs. the nano-scale. For example, everyone knows that gold is shiny and yellow, but gold nanoparticles suspended in a liquid (colloidal gold) are red. Dr. Emilie Ringe, a Canadian-born Assistant Professor at the University of Cambridge, travelled the world investing the best part of her still young career in studying one of these intriguing phenomena. She is an expert of the so-called plasmonic nano-materials, focusing specifically on magnesium. These materials can collect specific wavelengths of light and emit energy, behaving like nano antennas.

The potential applications are incredible, from an efficient way to apply localized energy to chemical reactions, to an innovative and benign cancer treatment. And in perfect Bringing Chemistry to Life style, the discovery of the science and the person go hand in hand, making for a great start of Season 3!

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]]> Wed, 16 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Emilie Ringe, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast/ to access the extended video version of this episode and the  episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest. You can also access the video version of this episode via https://youtu.be/LtWghIdoeLo. 

One of the most difficult scientific concepts to grasp is how things behave differently in the macro- vs. the nano-scale. For example, everyone knows that gold is shiny and yellow, but gold nanoparticles suspended in a liquid (colloidal gold) are red. Dr. Emilie Ringe, a Canadian-born Assistant Professor at the University of Cambridge, travelled the world investing the best part of her still young career in studying one of these intriguing phenomena. She is an expert of the so-called plasmonic nano-materials, focusing specifically on magnesium. These materials can collect specific wavelengths of light and emit energy, behaving like nano antennas.

The potential applications are incredible, from an efficient way to apply localized energy to chemical reactions, to an innovative and benign cancer treatment. And in perfect Bringing Chemistry to Life style, the discovery of the science and the person go hand in hand, making for a great start of Season 3!

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]]> Fuel the world with light - the wonders of nano-magnesium Emilie Ringe, Paolo Braiuca 00:28:22 To start Season 3, Paolo talks with Dr. Emilie Ringe. The Canadian-born materials chemist has travelled the world and invested the better part of her still early in studying plasmonics, the synthesis and characterization of plasmonic materials, and their applications. We learn how magnesium is unique in this space and how it is being applied to fuel chemistry and fight cancer. To start Season 3, Paolo talks with Dr. Emilie Ringe. The Canadian-born materials chemist has travelled the world and invested the better part of her still early in studying plasmonics, the synthesis and characterization of plasmonic materials, and their applications. We learn how magnesium is unique in this space and how it is being applied to fuel chemistry and fight cancer. magnesium, plasmonics, resonance, plasmonic effect, cancer, plasmonic nanomaterials, nano-material, catalysis, light, energy false full 1 3 5f0b76e0-d8a8-4ca9-a349-fa495600bd05 Season 3 Trailer Over 80,000 Laboratory Chemicals are now consolidated under the Thermo Scientific brand. This unified portfolio is now available at thermofisher.com/chemicals along with everything else you need to focus on your science. 

All of our podcast guests have been recognized by the C&EN Talented 12 program, presented by Thermo Fisher Scientific.  If you know an up and coming rock star of science we encourage you to nominate them for consideration in the selection of the 2022 class of Talented 12.  They could end up being a guest on Season 4 of our podcast!  Nominations close on March 14th so get your submission in today at cenm.ag/t12nom.

If you just can't wait for Season 3 to start to get your BCTL fix, you can binge back episodes and check out guest content recommendations that are always a part of our episode summary sheets. Access back episodes and summary sheets on our BCTL podcast page.

Don't forget that you can also request a free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt to represent your love for chemistry and the program. Request your shirt today at thermofisher.com/bctl.

 

 


 

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]]> Wed, 16 Feb 2022 16:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Over 80,000 Laboratory Chemicals are now consolidated under the Thermo Scientific brand. This unified portfolio is now available at thermofisher.com/chemicals along with everything else you need to focus on your science. 

All of our podcast guests have been recognized by the C&EN Talented 12 program, presented by Thermo Fisher Scientific.  If you know an up and coming rock star of science we encourage you to nominate them for consideration in the selection of the 2022 class of Talented 12.  They could end up being a guest on Season 4 of our podcast!  Nominations close on March 14th so get your submission in today at cenm.ag/t12nom.

If you just can't wait for Season 3 to start to get your BCTL fix, you can binge back episodes and check out guest content recommendations that are always a part of our episode summary sheets. Access back episodes and summary sheets on our BCTL podcast page.

Don't forget that you can also request a free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt to represent your love for chemistry and the program. Request your shirt today at thermofisher.com/bctl.

 

 


 

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]]> Season 3 Trailer Paolo Braiuca 00:04:33 Season 3 is coming in March! To hold you over until then, enjoy this short bit from Paolo about what to look forward to in our upcoming season and check out his ideas on how to engage with the program between now and our formal season start. Season 3 is coming in March! To hold you over until then, enjoy this short bit from Paolo about what to look forward to in our upcoming season and check out his ideas on how to engage with the program between now and our formal season start. t12, lab chemicals, talented 12, tshirt, bctl, laboratory chemicals, chemistry false trailer 3 3c4e559e-e43c-400d-bed6-7facaf2d8659 The chemical immunology revolution Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Dr. Lingyin Li is strong and determined and smart and brave. She knows that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and that challenges are just steps towards success. While she survived her fight with cancer, many people don’t. Her biochemistry research, however, is as brave as she is and offers the promise to revolutionize cancer treatment. This new way of thinking overcomes the limitations of the two main therapeutic approaches: the general toxicity of chemotherapy and the drug resistance of targeted therapy.

Lingying’s study of the cGAMP cascade is as new as it is disruptive, offering a completely new perspective on how we could use chemistry to activate our own immune system. This is opening the door to a completely novel approach to the use of immunotherapy as a targeted treatment for cancer and viral infections.

This interview is another great example of chemistry research defining new ways in an adjacent scientific discipline and, as it often happens in this podcast, an intriguing personal story. A perfect finale to close this exciting season 2 of Bringing Chemistry to Life, and a hint of more of what’s to come in our next season.

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]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Lingyin Li) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Dr. Lingyin Li is strong and determined and smart and brave. She knows that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and that challenges are just steps towards success. While she survived her fight with cancer, many people don’t. Her biochemistry research, however, is as brave as she is and offers the promise to revolutionize cancer treatment. This new way of thinking overcomes the limitations of the two main therapeutic approaches: the general toxicity of chemotherapy and the drug resistance of targeted therapy.

Lingying’s study of the cGAMP cascade is as new as it is disruptive, offering a completely new perspective on how we could use chemistry to activate our own immune system. This is opening the door to a completely novel approach to the use of immunotherapy as a targeted treatment for cancer and viral infections.

This interview is another great example of chemistry research defining new ways in an adjacent scientific discipline and, as it often happens in this podcast, an intriguing personal story. A perfect finale to close this exciting season 2 of Bringing Chemistry to Life, and a hint of more of what’s to come in our next season.

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]]> The chemical immunology revolution Paolo Braiuca, Lingyin Li 00:30:24 In this final episode of Season 2 you’ll meet Dr. Lingyin Li and learn about her disruptive work aiming to overcome traditional cancer therapeutic approaches. Her studies of the cGAMP cascade pathway are leading to ways to use chemistry to activate our own immune systems to fight cancer in a new way. As always, you get a great mix of an intriguing personal story and world-class science! In this final episode of Season 2 you’ll meet Dr. Lingyin Li and learn about her disruptive work aiming to overcome traditional cancer therapeutic approaches. Her studies of the cGAMP cascade pathway are leading to ways to use chemistry to activate our own immune systems to fight cancer in a new way. As always, you get a great mix of an intriguing personal story and world-class science! cancer, dmxaa, chemical immunology, virus, cgamp, chemotherapy, viral infections, pathway, biochemistry, enpp1, sting, immunology false full 11 2 bea93992-04a4-44ed-b069-a3a025df685a Bioorthogonal chemistry, tuberculosis, and making the best of opportunities Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Sometimes you feel like you missed an opportunity, or didn’t make the best out of it, or sometimes you feel like life is unfair and doesn’t offer any attractive chance. Then you hear stories like Mireille Kamariza’s and your perspective changes.

This is classic Bringing Chemistry to Life episode, where an incredible personal story is intertwined with great science. Dr. Mireille Kamariza, junior fellow at the Society of Fellows at Harvard University, is driven by her personal experience growing up in war-torn Burundi. She was given the opportunity to move to and study in the U.S., rose to the challenge becoming an expert in biorthogonal chemistry and developed a technology for a highly reliable, yet simple and affordable, detection method for tuberculosis. Now Mireille, nominated as one of Fortune Magazine’s most powerful women, wants to give back and aims at addressing the TB global health crisis thanks to her technology.

While listening to Mireille’s personal story alone is well worth your time, make no mistake, there is great chemistry here. Another brilliant example of chemistry at the interface with biology, where some of the most exciting results in modern science come from.

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]]> Wed, 6 Oct 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Mireille Kamariza, Paolo Brauica) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Sometimes you feel like you missed an opportunity, or didn’t make the best out of it, or sometimes you feel like life is unfair and doesn’t offer any attractive chance. Then you hear stories like Mireille Kamariza’s and your perspective changes.

This is classic Bringing Chemistry to Life episode, where an incredible personal story is intertwined with great science. Dr. Mireille Kamariza, junior fellow at the Society of Fellows at Harvard University, is driven by her personal experience growing up in war-torn Burundi. She was given the opportunity to move to and study in the U.S., rose to the challenge becoming an expert in biorthogonal chemistry and developed a technology for a highly reliable, yet simple and affordable, detection method for tuberculosis. Now Mireille, nominated as one of Fortune Magazine’s most powerful women, wants to give back and aims at addressing the TB global health crisis thanks to her technology.

While listening to Mireille’s personal story alone is well worth your time, make no mistake, there is great chemistry here. Another brilliant example of chemistry at the interface with biology, where some of the most exciting results in modern science come from.

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]]> Bioorthogonal chemistry, tuberculosis, and making the best of opportunities Mireille Kamariza, Paolo Brauica 00:31:29 In this classic episode of Bringing Chemistry to Life you’ll hear another unique life story that’s led to a super talented scientist doing chemistry that’s changing our world for the better. From a childhood in war-torn Burundi to being one of Fortune Magazine’s nominees of most powerful women, Dr. Mireille Kamariza’s story is one of inspiration and a lesson in resilience and seizing opportunity when it presents itself. Her cross-discipline work has led to the development of a simple and affordable diagnostic test for tuberculosis, which has a real chance of helping address this global health challenge. In this classic episode of Bringing Chemistry to Life you’ll hear another unique life story that’s led to a super talented scientist doing chemistry that’s changing our world for the better. From a childhood in war-torn Burundi to being one of Fortune Magazine’s nominees of most powerful women, Dr. Mireille Kamariza’s story is one of inspiration and a lesson in resilience and seizing opportunity when it presents itself. Her cross-discipline work has led to the development of a simple and affordable diagnostic test for tuberculosis, which has a real chance of helping address this global health challenge. biorthogonal chemistry, trehalose, tb detection, tuberculosis, microbiology, viral detection, fluorescence, mycobacteria, field detection, microscopy, tb, tb health crisis false full 10 2 123d0df2-8812-46df-af01-92b53c16177b Materials of tomorrow to recycle materials of today Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Every day, tons of potentially valuable materials are discarded in various waste streams simply because recycling them is more expensive than their recoverable value. Considering that finite resources such as precious metals are among these wastes, the opportunity appears obvious. 

Wendy Lee Queen, and American expat and passionate baseball player, leads the Laboratory for Functional Inorganic Materials at the EPFL in Lausanne, and has a potential solution. She is one of the leading experts of metal organic frameworks (MOF) and a pioneer of novel composite materials where MOFs and polymers in bead form provide an innovative way to fine tune affinity and selectivity for various chemical species of interest. These can be used to efficiently capture pollutants such as carbon dioxide, but also to recover valuable resources from water waste streams, such as precious metals.

Wendy’s research is a beautiful story of chemical innovation, where ground-breaking chemistry makes new things possible. And when these new things have the potential to change the way we look at our urban and industrial wastes, this is a moment chemistry is brought to life.

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]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Wendy Lee Queen) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Every day, tons of potentially valuable materials are discarded in various waste streams simply because recycling them is more expensive than their recoverable value. Considering that finite resources such as precious metals are among these wastes, the opportunity appears obvious. 

Wendy Lee Queen, and American expat and passionate baseball player, leads the Laboratory for Functional Inorganic Materials at the EPFL in Lausanne, and has a potential solution. She is one of the leading experts of metal organic frameworks (MOF) and a pioneer of novel composite materials where MOFs and polymers in bead form provide an innovative way to fine tune affinity and selectivity for various chemical species of interest. These can be used to efficiently capture pollutants such as carbon dioxide, but also to recover valuable resources from water waste streams, such as precious metals.

Wendy’s research is a beautiful story of chemical innovation, where ground-breaking chemistry makes new things possible. And when these new things have the potential to change the way we look at our urban and industrial wastes, this is a moment chemistry is brought to life.

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]]> Materials of tomorrow to recycle materials of today Paolo Braiuca, Wendy Lee Queen 00:32:42 This inspirational and interesting episode features Dr. Wendy Lee Queen who is an American expat now working and playing baseball in Switzerland. We learn about the importance of Wendy’s early career mentors, her passion for sports and competition, and her amazing work of creating and using composite materials to capture pollutants and reclaim precious resources. You’ll learn about metal organic frameworks (MOFs), how they’re created, the variation they can have, and their potential to help address some challenges faced by industry and the environment. This episode is an out of the park home run! This inspirational and interesting episode features Dr. Wendy Lee Queen who is an American expat now working and playing baseball in Switzerland. We learn about the importance of Wendy’s early career mentors, her passion for sports and competition, and her amazing work of creating and using composite materials to capture pollutants and reclaim precious resources. You’ll learn about metal organic frameworks (MOFs), how they’re created, the variation they can have, and their potential to help address some challenges faced by industry and the environment. This episode is an out of the park home run! circular economy, co2, environmental chemistry, urban waste, industrial waste, composite materials, metal organic framework, gold, mof, carbon dioxide, organometallic chemistry, remediation, polymers, waste water, precious metals, mining waste false full 9 2 d8fbf1d1-caf1-4d04-9b7e-d9bc8c73e1eb Sustainability as an entrepreneurial choice Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Sustainability is a trendy word that is often abused, especially when speaking about chemistry. Most commodity chemicals and their highly integrated value chains remain rooted in the oil feedstock. Until this changes, it will be difficult to move towards truly sustainable technologies. The use of renewable resources to produce valuable chemicals has promised a lot but delivered little so far. Dr. Kevin Barnett aims to change that, and his approach is radical and pragmatic at the same time. No real innovation is possible without commercial attractiveness. The obvious start is something that can be useful and commercially attractive right now. Something that can’t be easily obtained from the established value chain. That something is 1,5-pentanediol, a small but wondrous molecule.

After graduate school, Kevin took the entrepreneurial way and co-founded Pyran, a company focused on the production of useful commodity chemicals from renewable resources and already launched his first commercial product; 1,5-pentanediol of course! In this fascinating discussion, Paolo and Kevin discuss career choices, entrepreneurship as a credible option for chemistry graduates, the present and future of renewable resources, and the promise for a different chemistry of tomorrow.

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]]> Wed, 8 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Kevin Barnett) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Sustainability is a trendy word that is often abused, especially when speaking about chemistry. Most commodity chemicals and their highly integrated value chains remain rooted in the oil feedstock. Until this changes, it will be difficult to move towards truly sustainable technologies. The use of renewable resources to produce valuable chemicals has promised a lot but delivered little so far. Dr. Kevin Barnett aims to change that, and his approach is radical and pragmatic at the same time. No real innovation is possible without commercial attractiveness. The obvious start is something that can be useful and commercially attractive right now. Something that can’t be easily obtained from the established value chain. That something is 1,5-pentanediol, a small but wondrous molecule.

After graduate school, Kevin took the entrepreneurial way and co-founded Pyran, a company focused on the production of useful commodity chemicals from renewable resources and already launched his first commercial product; 1,5-pentanediol of course! In this fascinating discussion, Paolo and Kevin discuss career choices, entrepreneurship as a credible option for chemistry graduates, the present and future of renewable resources, and the promise for a different chemistry of tomorrow.

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]]> Sustainability as an entrepreneurial choice Paolo Braiuca, Kevin Barnett 00:30:51 Becoming the CTO of your own startup company may not be the most obvious first job in chemistry but that’s the exact path that Dr. Kevin Barnett has taken. Tune in to learn about him, his entrepreneurial career path, and the work he and his team are doing find a new way of making 1-5-pentanediol form renewable materials instead of petrochemical sources. Their radical approach combines novel chemistry with the real-world and scalable implementation of a chemical engineering mindset. Another exciting personal story mixed with great, world-changing chemistry! Becoming the CTO of your own startup company may not be the most obvious first job in chemistry but that’s the exact path that Dr. Kevin Barnett has taken. Tune in to learn about him, his entrepreneurial career path, and the work he and his team are doing find a new way of making 1-5-pentanediol form renewable materials instead of petrochemical sources. Their radical approach combines novel chemistry with the real-world and scalable implementation of a chemical engineering mindset. Another exciting personal story mixed with great, world-changing chemistry! chemical engineering, renewable resources, entrepreneurship, polymer chemistry, green chemistry, commodity chemicals, 1-5-pentanediol, sustainable chemistry, sustainability false full 8 2 3ded8a1b-f9e3-4948-9b34-3e06122b8283 Fresh urban water Great scientists look at the world around them, identify problems and think about how their area of expertise can provide a solution. This is what Jessica Ray does. In her native St. Louis, she experienced regular urban flooding and grew up familiar with the problem of managing urban wastewater. When, later in life, her studies took her to California, she experienced the opposite problem of severe droughts. This is how she became interested in urban water and started applying her chemical engineering skills to deal with the problem of contaminants, such as PFAS, in urban waste waters.

The theme of the unsustainability of our linear economy – where things are made, used and discarded - returns to the podcast. This episode explores Jessica’s disruptive work on the development of cost-efficient methods for the treatment of storm water and other urban water wastes. It’s a surprising discovery of a smart combination of everyday materials and clever chemistry that promises to bring us one step closer to a more sustainable circular economy.

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]]> Wed, 25 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Jessica Ray, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Great scientists look at the world around them, identify problems and think about how their area of expertise can provide a solution. This is what Jessica Ray does. In her native St. Louis, she experienced regular urban flooding and grew up familiar with the problem of managing urban wastewater. When, later in life, her studies took her to California, she experienced the opposite problem of severe droughts. This is how she became interested in urban water and started applying her chemical engineering skills to deal with the problem of contaminants, such as PFAS, in urban waste waters.

The theme of the unsustainability of our linear economy – where things are made, used and discarded - returns to the podcast. This episode explores Jessica’s disruptive work on the development of cost-efficient methods for the treatment of storm water and other urban water wastes. It’s a surprising discovery of a smart combination of everyday materials and clever chemistry that promises to bring us one step closer to a more sustainable circular economy.

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]]> Fresh urban water Jessica Ray, Paolo Braiuca 00:33:22 If you’re concerned with water quality and are curious about how chemistry can help improve it, then this episode is for you. Dr. Jessica Ray is using creative thinking along with her full chemistry and chemical engineering skill set to develop and use new composite materials, as well as repurposing common materials, to remediate and clean up urban wastewater and storm water. This is yet another episode that touches on how chemistry can help our environment while moving us from a linear to a more sustainable circular economy. If you’re concerned with water quality and are curious about how chemistry can help improve it, then this episode is for you. Dr. Jessica Ray is using creative thinking along with her full chemistry and chemical engineering skill set to develop and use new composite materials, as well as repurposing common materials, to remediate and clean up urban wastewater and storm water. This is yet another episode that touches on how chemistry can help our environment while moving us from a linear to a more sustainable circular economy. circular economy, urban wastewater, wastewater, environmental chemistry, storm water, chemical engineering, pfas, urban water, linear economy, polymer chemistry, water, remediation, doffee false full 7 2 63924d9c-a21f-4fe4-93d1-656d31c0a8e4 The charm of the forgotten elements Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

There is one thing Robert Gilliard, Jr. refutes categorically; that there is no innovation in chemistry. As an innovator, he has made a career on the risky proposition of finding value in a part of the periodic table that has been historically underappreciated, the main-group elements. 

In his fearless exploration of the properties of bismuth, germanium, beryllium and boron, Robert is discovering new chemistries and inventing new applications. He believes in moving beyond the well of tried-and-true chemistry to explore less-traditional approaches and making them part of the standard chemistry toolset. 

This is a classic Bringing Chemistry to Life episode; one that those genuinely passionate about chemistry will love. Paolo and Robert speak about new properties, reactivities and applications in synthetic chemistry and material science, all coming from the “forgotten,” abundant and cheap main-group elements. A wonderful story of relentless pursuit of knowledge that proposes a vision for a very different chemistry of tomorrow.

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]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Robert Gilliard, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

There is one thing Robert Gilliard, Jr. refutes categorically; that there is no innovation in chemistry. As an innovator, he has made a career on the risky proposition of finding value in a part of the periodic table that has been historically underappreciated, the main-group elements. 

In his fearless exploration of the properties of bismuth, germanium, beryllium and boron, Robert is discovering new chemistries and inventing new applications. He believes in moving beyond the well of tried-and-true chemistry to explore less-traditional approaches and making them part of the standard chemistry toolset. 

This is a classic Bringing Chemistry to Life episode; one that those genuinely passionate about chemistry will love. Paolo and Robert speak about new properties, reactivities and applications in synthetic chemistry and material science, all coming from the “forgotten,” abundant and cheap main-group elements. A wonderful story of relentless pursuit of knowledge that proposes a vision for a very different chemistry of tomorrow.

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]]> The charm of the forgotten elements Robert Gilliard, Paolo Braiuca 00:32:24 This episode centers on the work of Dr. Robert Gilliard, Jr. and his innovative exploration of the main-group elements. The discussion will convince you that innovation in synthetic chemistry is definitely not dead by highlighting Robert’s team’s work to leverage abundant, but non-traditional elements such as bismuth, beryllium and others to enable new chemistries and expand the toolset for tackling some of our biggest challenges as mankind. This is a must for anyone looking for proof that chemistry is alive and thriving! This episode centers on the work of Dr. Robert Gilliard, Jr. and his innovative exploration of the main-group elements. The discussion will convince you that innovation in synthetic chemistry is definitely not dead by highlighting Robert’s team’s work to leverage abundant, but non-traditional elements such as bismuth, beryllium and others to enable new chemistries and expand the toolset for tackling some of our biggest challenges as mankind. This is a must for anyone looking for proof that chemistry is alive and thriving! chemistry toolset, germanium, main-group elements, chemical synthesis, boron, material science, beryllium, catalysis, innovation, bismuth, thermochromic, reagents false full 6 2 0ba789a8-5d3d-44d2-a038-cee5922c51ca Questioning the limits of Moore’s law Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

The unstoppable progress in computational power that we have experienced in the last few decades, and that has changed the world as we know it, is almost entirely due to the relentless efforts of cramming an increasing number of transistors in microprocessors. Moore’s law, predicting a linear increase in microchip transistor density, doubling every two years, has been consistently proven right, but we are now approaching physical limitations as resolution breaking the 5 nm barrier is quickly approaching molecular dimensions. This is why many think Moore’s law is dead and this is why Rudy Wojtecki and the conventions-challenging teams at IBM Almaden Research Center are working on developing new paradigms for the computers of the future.

Rudy is a polymer chemist by background and a true multidisciplinary scientist at heart. His work on self-assembling polymers and surface chemistry is innovating the way microchips are manufactured, and the way research is done at Almaden is providing a brilliant example of different scientific disciplines working together to accelerate progress.

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]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Rudy Wojtecki, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

The unstoppable progress in computational power that we have experienced in the last few decades, and that has changed the world as we know it, is almost entirely due to the relentless efforts of cramming an increasing number of transistors in microprocessors. Moore’s law, predicting a linear increase in microchip transistor density, doubling every two years, has been consistently proven right, but we are now approaching physical limitations as resolution breaking the 5 nm barrier is quickly approaching molecular dimensions. This is why many think Moore’s law is dead and this is why Rudy Wojtecki and the conventions-challenging teams at IBM Almaden Research Center are working on developing new paradigms for the computers of the future.

Rudy is a polymer chemist by background and a true multidisciplinary scientist at heart. His work on self-assembling polymers and surface chemistry is innovating the way microchips are manufactured, and the way research is done at Almaden is providing a brilliant example of different scientific disciplines working together to accelerate progress.

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]]> Questioning the limits of Moore’s law Rudy Wojtecki, Paolo Braiuca 00:30:11 The career path of Dr. Rudy Wojtecki spans from sequencing mitochondrial DNA, to use of atomic force microscopy, to NMR studies and on to applying his polymer chemistry skillset to help push the boundaries of nanoscale science at IBM. In this episode, Paolo and Rudy discuss how technology is pushing boundaries to produce semiconductor features into the low nanometer size range, which in turn brings up questions about the limits of Moore’s law. Tune in to learn about the diverse and interesting work our guest does at his dream job. The career path of Dr. Rudy Wojtecki spans from sequencing mitochondrial DNA, to use of atomic force microscopy, to NMR studies and on to applying his polymer chemistry skillset to help push the boundaries of nanoscale science at IBM. In this episode, Paolo and Rudy discuss how technology is pushing boundaries to produce semiconductor features into the low nanometer size range, which in turn brings up questions about the limits of Moore’s law. Tune in to learn about the diverse and interesting work our guest does at his dream job. artificial intelligence, almaden, self-assembling, etching, surface chemistry, ibm, microprocessors, polymer chemistry, ai, microchips, moore's law, electronic chemistry, sam, transistors, polymers false full 5 2 5712f72c-c507-4db7-8c40-a2f13535a376 The chemistry of outer space Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

The only chemistry we know is what we can experience on our planet, or is it? Brett McGuire is among the pioneers looking beyond the Earth’s atmosphere and discovering a surprising and fascinatingly complex chemical world that defies imagination and provides intriguing new insights into the origin of the chemistry we know. 

In one of our most fascinating episodes yet, Paolo and Brett discuss astrochemistry, the study of chemistry in outer space. Chemistry in space is unique because it is atmosphere and solvation free, and temperature is really low. By scanning radio telescope spectra, astrochemists are discovering hundreds of complex organic molecules in the spaces between stars and are developing intriguing new theories on the origin of our chemical reservoir, the reasons for biological L- chirality, and how life could vary in different parts of the universe. 

If you’re tempted to dismiss this as mere curiosity, you will be surprised by how efforts to study chemistry happening light years away from our planet are often the key to revolutionizing chemistry here on Earth.

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]]> Wed, 14 Jul 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Brett McGuire, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

The only chemistry we know is what we can experience on our planet, or is it? Brett McGuire is among the pioneers looking beyond the Earth’s atmosphere and discovering a surprising and fascinatingly complex chemical world that defies imagination and provides intriguing new insights into the origin of the chemistry we know. 

In one of our most fascinating episodes yet, Paolo and Brett discuss astrochemistry, the study of chemistry in outer space. Chemistry in space is unique because it is atmosphere and solvation free, and temperature is really low. By scanning radio telescope spectra, astrochemists are discovering hundreds of complex organic molecules in the spaces between stars and are developing intriguing new theories on the origin of our chemical reservoir, the reasons for biological L- chirality, and how life could vary in different parts of the universe. 

If you’re tempted to dismiss this as mere curiosity, you will be surprised by how efforts to study chemistry happening light years away from our planet are often the key to revolutionizing chemistry here on Earth.

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]]> The chemistry of outer space Brett McGuire, Paolo Braiuca 00:30:09 This episode’s chemistry is literally out of this world. Brett McGuire is an astrochemist that uses a mixture of laboratory work, modelling, and microwave and radio telescopes to gather rotational spectra data to study the chemistry of outer space. This fascinating conversation touches on the origins of life, the uniqueness of chemistry in space, the various approaches astochemists take in their work and how astrochemistry has driven the field of nanochemistry here on Earth. This is a must hear, far out, episode! This episode’s chemistry is literally out of this world. Brett McGuire is an astrochemist that uses a mixture of laboratory work, modelling, and microwave and radio telescopes to gather rotational spectra data to study the chemistry of outer space. This fascinating conversation touches on the origins of life, the uniqueness of chemistry in space, the various approaches astochemists take in their work and how astrochemistry has driven the field of nanochemistry here on Earth. This is a must hear, far out, episode! chemical reservoir, astrochemistry, bilogical chirality, chirality, rotational spectra, radio telescope, stereochemistry, outer space, space, spectrometry, origin of life false full 4 2 13640671-d4c6-4623-9825-314c16d341c6 Rethinking catalysis Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Modern synthetic chemistry relies on a rich toolbox of chemical transformations, among which catalytic reactions play a prominent role. Yet, despite all the many successes, innovation in the field has seemingly slowed down, the focus moving to exploring variations and application scope of well-established catalysts based on a limited number of reliable transition metals.

Josep Cornella, from the Max Planck Institute in Mülheim an der Ruhr, is an innovator. He is not loyal to a specific element or a specific catalyzed reaction. He has a non-discriminatory approach to catalysis, where the key is choosing the catalytic approach to do what he wants/needs rather than figuring out what he can do with his catalyst of choice. 

This episode is a declaration of love for catalysis as a driver for innovation in organic synthesis. Paolo and Josep discuss using the elements the Earth has given us in creative new ways, from making air-stable nickel zero (Ni(0)) complexes to the unexpected use of bismuth as a completely novel catalyst, opening the box of possibilities by removing the biases from overreliance on well established – and old – concepts.

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]]> Wed, 30 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Josep Cornella) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Modern synthetic chemistry relies on a rich toolbox of chemical transformations, among which catalytic reactions play a prominent role. Yet, despite all the many successes, innovation in the field has seemingly slowed down, the focus moving to exploring variations and application scope of well-established catalysts based on a limited number of reliable transition metals.

Josep Cornella, from the Max Planck Institute in Mülheim an der Ruhr, is an innovator. He is not loyal to a specific element or a specific catalyzed reaction. He has a non-discriminatory approach to catalysis, where the key is choosing the catalytic approach to do what he wants/needs rather than figuring out what he can do with his catalyst of choice. 

This episode is a declaration of love for catalysis as a driver for innovation in organic synthesis. Paolo and Josep discuss using the elements the Earth has given us in creative new ways, from making air-stable nickel zero (Ni(0)) complexes to the unexpected use of bismuth as a completely novel catalyst, opening the box of possibilities by removing the biases from overreliance on well established – and old – concepts.

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]]> Rethinking catalysis Paolo Braiuca, Josep Cornella 00:31:30 If you think synthetic organic chemistry lacks innovation, then check out this episode where Paolo talks with Dr. Josep Cornella about the ways he and his team are breathing innovation into modern synthetic chemistry. Dr. Cornella’s non-discriminatory approach to catalysis has enabled him to do amazing things, including making air-stable nickel zero complexes and using non-traditional catalysts such as bismuth to open new doors and break away from established catalytic reactions. If you think synthetic organic chemistry lacks innovation, then check out this episode where Paolo talks with Dr. Josep Cornella about the ways he and his team are breathing innovation into modern synthetic chemistry. Dr. Cornella’s non-discriminatory approach to catalysis has enabled him to do amazing things, including making air-stable nickel zero complexes and using non-traditional catalysts such as bismuth to open new doors and break away from established catalytic reactions. nickel zero, organic synthesis, main group elements, air stable, catalytic cycle, catalysis, nickel, innovation, bismuth false full 3 2 77207da1-5d45-4227-8a49-9481531619f6 Why do things happen where they do? Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Laura-Isobel McCall is a chemical cartographer. She has a fundamental question: why are chemical responses to an external stimulus, such as a pathogen, different depending on the organ, tissue and even different areas of the same tissue? 

Her curiosity and talent for working at the interface between scientific disciplines led her to develop innovative ways to build three-dimensional maps of the chemical composition of organisms. This is what is defined as chemical cartography and it allows us to understand complex interactions and interplay of host and pathogen metabolism.

This episode explores the complex relationship between living organisms and the environment around them. A deep understanding of the metabolic response to exogenous chemicals can ultimately enable the design of better drugs but also generates a new set of ethical questions.  Metabolomics, or each person’s chemical map, not only define who we are (like genomics does), but also what we have done, and what we have been in contact with over the course of our lives.

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]]> Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Laura-Isobel McCall) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

Laura-Isobel McCall is a chemical cartographer. She has a fundamental question: why are chemical responses to an external stimulus, such as a pathogen, different depending on the organ, tissue and even different areas of the same tissue? 

Her curiosity and talent for working at the interface between scientific disciplines led her to develop innovative ways to build three-dimensional maps of the chemical composition of organisms. This is what is defined as chemical cartography and it allows us to understand complex interactions and interplay of host and pathogen metabolism.

This episode explores the complex relationship between living organisms and the environment around them. A deep understanding of the metabolic response to exogenous chemicals can ultimately enable the design of better drugs but also generates a new set of ethical questions.  Metabolomics, or each person’s chemical map, not only define who we are (like genomics does), but also what we have done, and what we have been in contact with over the course of our lives.

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]]> Why do things happen where they do? Paolo Braiuca, Laura-Isobel McCall 00:28:17 If chemical cartography is a new term to you, you’re likely not alone. In this episode Paolo talks with Dr. Laura-Isobel McCall about what chemical cartography is and how it’s helping us start to better understand an organism’s complex and location-dependent response to external stimuli such as simple chemicals as well a pathogens. The conversation touches Dr. McCall’s fundamental LC-MS metabolomic work, its use and application through chemical cartography to understanding Chagas disease, and to the ethical concerns of using highly personal metabolomic fingerprinting data. If chemical cartography is a new term to you, you’re likely not alone. In this episode Paolo talks with Dr. Laura-Isobel McCall about what chemical cartography is and how it’s helping us start to better understand an organism’s complex and location-dependent response to external stimuli such as simple chemicals as well a pathogens. The conversation touches Dr. McCall’s fundamental LC-MS metabolomic work, its use and application through chemical cartography to understanding Chagas disease, and to the ethical concerns of using highly personal metabolomic fingerprinting data. drugs, chagas disease, mass spectrometry, metabolic response, 3d, ethics, ms, pathogen, chemical map, metabolomics, chemical cartography false full 2 2 9ed6ec41-a529-4fb1-a03e-3e075e61bf9e Chemistry: a modern American dream Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

There are exciting stories of life-changing experiences thanks to science, or through science. And then there is Osvaldo’s story. Osvaldo Gutierrez, now assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at University of Maryland, could not really foresee his future as an award-winning chemist when, as a child, he left Mexico to move to the United States. 

This episode tells an inspiring story of personal development through hard work, perseverance and talent – a real and modern American dream. But it’s not just a tale of a kid from humble origins becoming an accomplished chemist and a role model for the younger generations, this is also a story of scientific excellence. Paolo and Osvaldo discuss the present and future of catalysis, how base metals such as iron could displace precious metals but also offer novel options for synthetic organic chemists and how combining computational and experimental chemistry is a promising way to gain the fundamental understanding necessary to introduce some much-needed innovations in modern organic synthesis.

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]]> Wed, 2 Jun 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Osvaldo Gutierrez, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

There are exciting stories of life-changing experiences thanks to science, or through science. And then there is Osvaldo’s story. Osvaldo Gutierrez, now assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at University of Maryland, could not really foresee his future as an award-winning chemist when, as a child, he left Mexico to move to the United States. 

This episode tells an inspiring story of personal development through hard work, perseverance and talent – a real and modern American dream. But it’s not just a tale of a kid from humble origins becoming an accomplished chemist and a role model for the younger generations, this is also a story of scientific excellence. Paolo and Osvaldo discuss the present and future of catalysis, how base metals such as iron could displace precious metals but also offer novel options for synthetic organic chemists and how combining computational and experimental chemistry is a promising way to gain the fundamental understanding necessary to introduce some much-needed innovations in modern organic synthesis.

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]]> Chemistry: a modern American dream Osvaldo Gutierrez, Paolo Braiuca 00:35:07 To start season 2, Paolo talks with Dr. Osvaldo Gutierrez about his amazing and inspirational journey of personal and professional growth. The conversation touches on topics as varied as the challenges of progressing academically as an undocumented immigrant, to the use iron and other less traditional catalysts, to the use of computational chemistry to further chemical understanding and bring innovation to modern organic synthesis. To start season 2, Paolo talks with Dr. Osvaldo Gutierrez about his amazing and inspirational journey of personal and professional growth. The conversation touches on topics as varied as the challenges of progressing academically as an undocumented immigrant, to the use iron and other less traditional catalysts, to the use of computational chemistry to further chemical understanding and bring innovation to modern organic synthesis. synthetic organic chemistry, american dream, mexico, organic synthesis, iron catalysis, base metal catalysis, catalysis, computational chemistry, iron false full 1 2 14b09ea6-14dd-4cc9-957d-b5917a78bc58 Nanometric mega-libraries For decades the pharmaceutical industry has synthesized millions of molecular entities in the pursuit of novel biological activities. These huge compound libraries have always been considered a treasure trove of potential new drugs for a plethora of new therapeutic targets. With the huge progress in laboratory automation and high-throughput technology over the last decade, library screening remains a key drug discovery strategy. The size of these libraries and their handling present however multiple challenges, starting from the synthesis and screening speed, storage space, and annotation required when working with Singleton compounds. A clever alternative finds inspiration from biology and leverages the DNA information storage power. This is known as DNA Encoded Libraries, or DELs. Dr. Katelyn Billings is a pioneer of this technology that offers a number of advantages, starting from the possibility of working on the nanoscale in as little as a few microliters to make and screen millions of molecules as a pool. In this episode we learn about how DELs work and discuss their advantages, challenges and the promise of combining data from DEL screens with machine learning to disrupt modern drug discovery.

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

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]]> Wed, 5 May 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Katelyn Billings, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html For decades the pharmaceutical industry has synthesized millions of molecular entities in the pursuit of novel biological activities. These huge compound libraries have always been considered a treasure trove of potential new drugs for a plethora of new therapeutic targets. With the huge progress in laboratory automation and high-throughput technology over the last decade, library screening remains a key drug discovery strategy. The size of these libraries and their handling present however multiple challenges, starting from the synthesis and screening speed, storage space, and annotation required when working with Singleton compounds. A clever alternative finds inspiration from biology and leverages the DNA information storage power. This is known as DNA Encoded Libraries, or DELs. Dr. Katelyn Billings is a pioneer of this technology that offers a number of advantages, starting from the possibility of working on the nanoscale in as little as a few microliters to make and screen millions of molecules as a pool. In this episode we learn about how DELs work and discuss their advantages, challenges and the promise of combining data from DEL screens with machine learning to disrupt modern drug discovery.

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

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]]> Nanometric mega-libraries Katelyn Billings, Paolo Braiuca 00:31:45 The use of DNA Encoded Libraries (DELs) is helping to advance the screening of molecular libraries for potential therapeutic targets. Dr. Katelyn Billings from ZebiAI Therapeutics, now part of Relay Therapeutics, discusses the fundamentals of DELs, their application and their advantages with Paolo in this informative and engaging episode. The use of DNA Encoded Libraries (DELs) is helping to advance the screening of molecular libraries for potential therapeutic targets. Dr. Katelyn Billings from ZebiAI Therapeutics, now part of Relay Therapeutics, discusses the fundamentals of DELs, their application and their advantages with Paolo in this informative and engaging episode. artificial intelligence, pooled screening, dels, drug design, dna encoded library, radical coupling, photocatalysis, drug discovery, library screening, ai, drug screening, medicinal chemistry false full 10 1 a69a05f5-5c7a-4103-a004-eb7075c7c464 Watching chemistry as it happens Life is the result of an incredibly complex mix of chemical reactions, all happening at the same time, influencing each other. These apparently chaotic and incomprehensible systems are elegantly regulated at organ, tissue and even cellular and sub-cellular level. Most of these chemical phenomena are not fully understood and the scale and complexity of the micro-environment where they happen often prevent scientific observations without perturbing them. This is where out-of-the-box chemical thinking can make a difference, and this is what Dr. Peng Zou has dedicated his research efforts to. Smart use of chemical tags can allow us to literally visualize chemical phenomena inside the cell as they happen, using relatively straightforward technologies such as fluorescence microscopy. One reaction at a time, Peng’s team is developing detailed cellular maps and achieving significant advances in the comprehension of the cell’s chemical machinery. This episode is masterful example of how chemistry can advance biological knowledge.

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

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]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Peng Zou, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Life is the result of an incredibly complex mix of chemical reactions, all happening at the same time, influencing each other. These apparently chaotic and incomprehensible systems are elegantly regulated at organ, tissue and even cellular and sub-cellular level. Most of these chemical phenomena are not fully understood and the scale and complexity of the micro-environment where they happen often prevent scientific observations without perturbing them. This is where out-of-the-box chemical thinking can make a difference, and this is what Dr. Peng Zou has dedicated his research efforts to. Smart use of chemical tags can allow us to literally visualize chemical phenomena inside the cell as they happen, using relatively straightforward technologies such as fluorescence microscopy. One reaction at a time, Peng’s team is developing detailed cellular maps and achieving significant advances in the comprehension of the cell’s chemical machinery. This episode is masterful example of how chemistry can advance biological knowledge.

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

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]]> Watching chemistry as it happens Peng Zou, Paolo Braiuca 00:31:04 In this conversation with Dr. Peng Zou, from Peking University, we learn about the clever use of smart biochemical tags to help visualize localized chemistry within cells. Peng also discusses the truly international and collaborative aspects of chemistry. In this conversation with Dr. Peng Zou, from Peking University, we learn about the clever use of smart biochemical tags to help visualize localized chemistry within cells. Peng also discusses the truly international and collaborative aspects of chemistry. fluorescence microscopy, nucleic acids, cellular mechanisms, biorthogonal engineering, proteins, tags, cellular chemistry, molecular tags, biochemistry, fluorescence, voltage spike, visualization false full 9 1 614429e3-86d2-4534-b10b-9315646b5ef9 Chemical computers and other tales from a theoretical mind Theoretical chemistry is one of those subjects that can intimidate even the most passionate experimental chemist. Complex theories rooted in super-advanced mathematics to model a chemical bond length are not everyone’s cup of tea. Yet it does not have to be like that and it takes brilliant minds like Brenda Rubenstein’s to make it so elegantly obvious. Brenda and Paolo’s discussion is as approachable as it gets; a surprisingly eye-opening discovery of how theory can have profound effects on experimental practice. Brenda talks through her efforts in finding the right balance between molecular simulations’ theoretical rigor and their practical utility, and opening the door to her incredible creative thinking and courage in pursuing disruptive ideas. Her novel paradigm for the computer of the future, where chemistry is used to achieve massive increases in data storage density compared to traditional semiconductor technologies, represents truly out-of-the-box. As if all this wasn’t enough, we also find a brilliant example of social responsibility in Brenda’s commitment to change lives of children from low-income background through facilitating access to STEM education. An unmissable episode.

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

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]]> Wed, 7 Apr 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Brenda Rubenstein, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Theoretical chemistry is one of those subjects that can intimidate even the most passionate experimental chemist. Complex theories rooted in super-advanced mathematics to model a chemical bond length are not everyone’s cup of tea. Yet it does not have to be like that and it takes brilliant minds like Brenda Rubenstein’s to make it so elegantly obvious. Brenda and Paolo’s discussion is as approachable as it gets; a surprisingly eye-opening discovery of how theory can have profound effects on experimental practice. Brenda talks through her efforts in finding the right balance between molecular simulations’ theoretical rigor and their practical utility, and opening the door to her incredible creative thinking and courage in pursuing disruptive ideas. Her novel paradigm for the computer of the future, where chemistry is used to achieve massive increases in data storage density compared to traditional semiconductor technologies, represents truly out-of-the-box. As if all this wasn’t enough, we also find a brilliant example of social responsibility in Brenda’s commitment to change lives of children from low-income background through facilitating access to STEM education. An unmissable episode.

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

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]]> Chemical computers and other tales from a theoretical mind Brenda Rubenstein, Paolo Braiuca 00:34:59 Dr. Brenda Rubenstein from Brown University is definitely the most theoretically oriented scientist we've interviewed but her conversation with Paolo is quite approachable and entertaining. They discuss her views on the balance of theory and practical utility, her novel work on chemical computing, and her work to make STEM education more available to low-income students. Dr. Brenda Rubenstein from Brown University is definitely the most theoretically oriented scientist we've interviewed but her conversation with Paolo is quite approachable and entertaining. They discuss her views on the balance of theory and practical utility, her novel work on chemical computing, and her work to make STEM education more available to low-income students. monte carlo simulations, stem, computation, theoretical chemistry, molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics, education, molecular simulations, binary code, access to education, chemical computing, computers, data storage density false full 8 1 231dde51-d6ad-4b58-998d-4261ed7cbf13 Stronger magnets, stronger science Since the elucidation of the DNA structure by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1951, the importance of understanding the three-dimensional structure of biomolecules has become obvious. Over the last few decades scientists have resolved the structure of thousands of complex biomolecules enabling incredible innovations in drug design, biological and medical sciences. X-Ray crystallography has been the key technique, but in recent years Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) has emerged as an additional, complementary approach. Dr. Loren Andreas explains to us how NMR has grown to be the technology of choice as it has expanded its field of application from liquid solutions to condensed systems. The discussion is a surprising discovery of how progress in engineering and instrument design has completely changed the landscape in structural biology. Modern NMR allows scientists to study molecules in complex systems, simulating more closely their natural environment, including interaction between them. This episode offers an exciting glimpse of the future, through a few examples from today’s science.

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

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]]> Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Loren Andreas) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Since the elucidation of the DNA structure by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1951, the importance of understanding the three-dimensional structure of biomolecules has become obvious. Over the last few decades scientists have resolved the structure of thousands of complex biomolecules enabling incredible innovations in drug design, biological and medical sciences. X-Ray crystallography has been the key technique, but in recent years Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) has emerged as an additional, complementary approach. Dr. Loren Andreas explains to us how NMR has grown to be the technology of choice as it has expanded its field of application from liquid solutions to condensed systems. The discussion is a surprising discovery of how progress in engineering and instrument design has completely changed the landscape in structural biology. Modern NMR allows scientists to study molecules in complex systems, simulating more closely their natural environment, including interaction between them. This episode offers an exciting glimpse of the future, through a few examples from today’s science.

Visit https://thermofisher.com/bctl to register for your free Bringing Chemistry to Life T-shirt and https://www.alfa.com/en/chemistry-podcasts/ to access our episode summary sheet, which contains links to recent publications and additional content recommendations for our guest.

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]]> Stronger magnets, stronger science Paolo Braiuca, Loren Andreas 00:36:50 This conversation with Dr. Loren Andreas, from the Max Planck Institute, delves into the growing use of NMR to study condensed systems and to complement X-ray crystallography in illuminating our understanding of structural biology. Paolo and Loren also talk about the expat experience and how science is truly an international field of study. This conversation with Dr. Loren Andreas, from the Max Planck Institute, delves into the growing use of NMR to study condensed systems and to complement X-ray crystallography in illuminating our understanding of structural biology. Paolo and Loren also talk about the expat experience and how science is truly an international field of study. dynamic structure resolution, cellular models, protein-membrane interaction, model systems, x-ray diffraction crystallography, nmr, nuclear magnetic resonance, protein structure, biomolecules, structural biology, magic angle spinning false full 7 1 4d9d0e10-c963-4880-862c-9ea8f6371873 One person’s waste is another's treasure 80% of waste water gets discharged untreated, which causes some of the most urgent environmental issues facing our planet. However, Dr. William Tarpeh, nominated as one of The Root 100's most influential African Americans, views waste water is an incredible resource that contains many valuable components and represents an untapped economic opportunity in our world of finite resources. 

This episode is an intriguing discovery of how chemical engineering can transform our energy-intense linear economy, where materials are made, used and eventually discarded, into a new circular economy based on recovery value and a vision of eliminating waste altogether. 

William and Paolo speak about how selective adsorbent resins and electrochemical processes can completely change the chemical landscape and profoundly impact the global economy. This episode is a treasure trove of examples of how chemical innovation can change the world and how great science can translate into practical applications with immediate tangible benefits for human life and the environment.

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]]> Wed, 6 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (William Tarpeh, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html 80% of waste water gets discharged untreated, which causes some of the most urgent environmental issues facing our planet. However, Dr. William Tarpeh, nominated as one of The Root 100's most influential African Americans, views waste water is an incredible resource that contains many valuable components and represents an untapped economic opportunity in our world of finite resources. 

This episode is an intriguing discovery of how chemical engineering can transform our energy-intense linear economy, where materials are made, used and eventually discarded, into a new circular economy based on recovery value and a vision of eliminating waste altogether. 

William and Paolo speak about how selective adsorbent resins and electrochemical processes can completely change the chemical landscape and profoundly impact the global economy. This episode is a treasure trove of examples of how chemical innovation can change the world and how great science can translate into practical applications with immediate tangible benefits for human life and the environment.

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]]> One person’s waste is another's treasure William Tarpeh, Paolo Braiuca 00:31:37 This captivating conversation with Dr. Will Tarpeh from Stanford University centers on the how chemistry is finding ways to recover valuable resources from wastes. His innovative way of thinking stands to provide economic incentives to develop applications with tangible benefits for human life and the environment. This captivating conversation with Dr. Will Tarpeh from Stanford University centers on the how chemistry is finding ways to recover valuable resources from wastes. His innovative way of thinking stands to provide economic incentives to develop applications with tangible benefits for human life and the environment. circular economy, recovery value, denitrification, process chemistry, nitrogen pollution, environmental chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical engineering, pollution, ammonia, linear economy, nitrogen recovery, adsorption, environmental remediation, nitrification, haber-bosch, environment, water, selective adsorption, environmental process chemistry, waste water false full 6 1 bee0dc4b-a5bd-48c8-aa75-d20c76e8c32d What happens in the microscale doesn’t stay in the microscale Common phenomena, observed by most in their daily experience, can be surprisingly misunderstood and even mysterious! Genuine curiosity, an open mind, and good dose of creativity are the necessary ingredients for the most exciting scientific discoveries. This is the take-home message of our fascinating discussion with Dr. Lauren Zarzar, who studies microscale systems and their macroscopic effects. We find out what is behind the iridescence at the air-water interface, how this can be reproduced and controlled with many different types of emulsions, and how it could be used in novel paints and display technologies. We also discuss 3D printing at the nanoscale using lasers and how this can revolutionize materials science. The work of Dr. Zarzar is yet another great demonstration of how great science happens at the interface between different disciplines, with chemistry usually being one of them.

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]]> Wed, 9 Dec 2020 16:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Lauren Zarzar, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Common phenomena, observed by most in their daily experience, can be surprisingly misunderstood and even mysterious! Genuine curiosity, an open mind, and good dose of creativity are the necessary ingredients for the most exciting scientific discoveries. This is the take-home message of our fascinating discussion with Dr. Lauren Zarzar, who studies microscale systems and their macroscopic effects. We find out what is behind the iridescence at the air-water interface, how this can be reproduced and controlled with many different types of emulsions, and how it could be used in novel paints and display technologies. We also discuss 3D printing at the nanoscale using lasers and how this can revolutionize materials science. The work of Dr. Zarzar is yet another great demonstration of how great science happens at the interface between different disciplines, with chemistry usually being one of them.

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]]> What happens in the microscale doesn’t stay in the microscale Lauren Zarzar, Paolo Braiuca 00:32:37 This conversation with Dr. Lauren Zarzar of Penn State University delves into her creative and observational approach to chemistry and her lab’s study of understanding and controlling microscale systems to create macroscopic effects. This conversation with Dr. Lauren Zarzar of Penn State University delves into her creative and observational approach to chemistry and her lab’s study of understanding and controlling microscale systems to create macroscopic effects. adaptive microscale systems, diffraction, emulsions, physical chemistry, laser fabrication, chemical iridescence, photonics, reflectivity, 3d printing, material science, optical interference, optics, iridescence, materials chemistry, materials science, material chemistry, interface, microscale systems, interfacial chemistry false full 5 1 3b764bf8-f330-49cf-94e4-862a5856b025 Super smooth microchips If you thought chemistry is basically just boiling stinky mixtures in a flask, this is the episode for you. There is no better demonstration for how chemistry is foundational to practically all sciences and technologies. What Dr. Tina Li does at CMC Materials is finding new ways to ensure semiconductor layers in electronic components manufacturing are as smooth as possible, to allow the deposition of as many layers as possible on a single wafer. This is the key to enable increased complexity and computational power for all electronic devices. 

Dr. Li explains how this “sanding” at the nanoscale level works. Selective chemical reactions work in synergy with abrasion to achieve unbelievable levels of smoothness, measured in nanometers. We discuss the chemistry that helps enable our smartphones and computers, but also about a journey of professional and personal growth and what it means to do chemical research in an industrial environment.

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]]> Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Tina Li, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html If you thought chemistry is basically just boiling stinky mixtures in a flask, this is the episode for you. There is no better demonstration for how chemistry is foundational to practically all sciences and technologies. What Dr. Tina Li does at CMC Materials is finding new ways to ensure semiconductor layers in electronic components manufacturing are as smooth as possible, to allow the deposition of as many layers as possible on a single wafer. This is the key to enable increased complexity and computational power for all electronic devices. 

Dr. Li explains how this “sanding” at the nanoscale level works. Selective chemical reactions work in synergy with abrasion to achieve unbelievable levels of smoothness, measured in nanometers. We discuss the chemistry that helps enable our smartphones and computers, but also about a journey of professional and personal growth and what it means to do chemical research in an industrial environment.

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]]> Super smooth microchips Tina Li, Paolo Braiuca 00:29:37 This interview with Dr. Tina Li of CMC Materials delves into the science of chemical mechanical planarization of semiconductors and how it benefits all of us in our everyday lives. Paolo and Tina also discuss her career path and what a career in an non-academic environment is like. This interview with Dr. Tina Li of CMC Materials delves into the science of chemical mechanical planarization of semiconductors and how it benefits all of us in our everyday lives. Paolo and Tina also discuss her career path and what a career in an non-academic environment is like. semiconductor manufacturing, cmp, chemical mechanical planarization, chemical planarization, cmc materials, semiconductors, chemical polishing, chemical slurries, microchips, electronic chemistry, silicon, planarization, nanoscale polishing, microchip manufacturing, polishing pads, nanoscale planarization false full 4 1 cbe1b425-8268-409f-a4b9-4c0634760398 There's chemistry in the air! If you thought a career in science means spending your best years in a dark laboratory for long, boring hours doing routine experiments, think again! Dr. Cora Young, from York University in Toronto, does a significant part of her environmental chemistry work in the field. From measuring air quality in residential and business spaces, to going high altitude on airplanes, or doing measurements in forests and even in the Arctic. 

In this episode, we discuss research in the growing field of environmental chemistry, how it differs from traditional analytical chemistry, and what it means bringing high precision analysis out of controlled laboratory environments. Dr. Young sheds light on how analyzing air quality can have a profound impact on international regulations and quality of life. From understanding emissions of worrisome pollutants such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to how cooking at home can affect our health, this is a fascinating discovery of the chemistry of air.

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]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Cora Young) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html If you thought a career in science means spending your best years in a dark laboratory for long, boring hours doing routine experiments, think again! Dr. Cora Young, from York University in Toronto, does a significant part of her environmental chemistry work in the field. From measuring air quality in residential and business spaces, to going high altitude on airplanes, or doing measurements in forests and even in the Arctic. 

In this episode, we discuss research in the growing field of environmental chemistry, how it differs from traditional analytical chemistry, and what it means bringing high precision analysis out of controlled laboratory environments. Dr. Young sheds light on how analyzing air quality can have a profound impact on international regulations and quality of life. From understanding emissions of worrisome pollutants such as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to how cooking at home can affect our health, this is a fascinating discovery of the chemistry of air.

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]]> There's chemistry in the air! Paolo Braiuca, Cora Young 00:30:04 In this interview with Dr. Cora Young from York University, she and Paolo discuss her work in environmental chemistry to quantitate and do forensic tracing of persistent and problematic pollutants. This touches on the laboratory, modelling and field-based aspects of her work, which includes locations from the Arctic to the home kitchen. In this interview with Dr. Cora Young from York University, she and Paolo discuss her work in environmental chemistry to quantitate and do forensic tracing of persistent and problematic pollutants. This touches on the laboratory, modelling and field-based aspects of her work, which includes locations from the Arctic to the home kitchen. gas analysis, mass spectrometry, air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, environmental chemistry, pollution, pfas, air quality, polyfluoroalkyl substances, field chemistry, analytical chemistry, free radicals, home pollution, environmental oxidizers, forensic chemistry false full 3 1 f99538f7-15ec-4ae8-91c7-51c1909662c9 Reinventing plastics, one reaction at a time Polymer chemistry has been one of the main disruptive forces in the last few decades, having a profound impact on materials used in all applications, enabling new technologies and profoundly impacting everyone’s life. Polymers are at the core of modern material science and despite having generated some concerning environmental challenges, it’s hard to imagine a future without them. 

Dr. Leibfarth is one of the most creative minds in polymer chemistry today and he is leading some incredible innovation in the way these materials are made and applied. He shares a fascinating story of elite collegiate American football, science, inspiration and creativity, as well as where different disciplines converge and provide the disruptive force to change paradigms. 

Paolo and Frank discuss stereo-controlled polymerization, novel functionalization, exploration of structure-function relationships, as well as Frank's personal and professional growth.

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]]> Wed, 28 Oct 2020 15:00:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Paolo Braiuca, Frank Leibfarth) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Polymer chemistry has been one of the main disruptive forces in the last few decades, having a profound impact on materials used in all applications, enabling new technologies and profoundly impacting everyone’s life. Polymers are at the core of modern material science and despite having generated some concerning environmental challenges, it’s hard to imagine a future without them. 

Dr. Leibfarth is one of the most creative minds in polymer chemistry today and he is leading some incredible innovation in the way these materials are made and applied. He shares a fascinating story of elite collegiate American football, science, inspiration and creativity, as well as where different disciplines converge and provide the disruptive force to change paradigms. 

Paolo and Frank discuss stereo-controlled polymerization, novel functionalization, exploration of structure-function relationships, as well as Frank's personal and professional growth.

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]]> Reinventing plastics, one reaction at a time Paolo Braiuca, Frank Leibfarth 00:30:04 Interview with Dr. Frank Leibfarth from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill about his group's exciting work in polymer chemistry as well as topics related to his collegiate football career and the challenges of managing an academic lab in the era of COVID-19. Interview with Dr. Frank Leibfarth from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill about his group's exciting work in polymer chemistry as well as topics related to his collegiate football career and the challenges of managing an academic lab in the era of COVID-19. cationic polymerization, post-consumer waste, chiral catalysis, photocatalysis, chirality, polymerization, polymer properties, plastic, plastic waste, polymer functionalization, catalysis, stereochemistry, polymer chemistry, stereo-controlled polymerization, environment false full 2 1 73f7d4f8-a168-42ae-a330-3d3e4344d3dd Human milk - it's a matter of chemistry Human milk provides both nutritional and non-nutritional components tailored to the specific need of the infant at all phases of growth. It is a wonderful example of personalised medicine and diet and its complexity is only partially understood. The oligosaccharides contained in breastmilk have only recently emerged as potent pro- and anti-biotics and they are proven to have effects on several other physiological mechanisms and biological pathways, such as the immune system.

We discuss with Dr. Townsend, a leading scientist in this field, about these special carbohydrates’ properties, about their chemistry and the challenges of running ambitious multidisciplinary research at the interface between chemistry and biology. 

Dr. Townsend takes us on a surprising journey of personal development and scientific progress that could lead to a revolution in nutrition, the design of novel antimicrobial and antifungal drugs and even re-think contraception. 

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]]> Sun, 11 Oct 2020 07:37:00 +0000 lab.chemicals@thermofisher.com (Steven Townsend, Paolo Braiuca) https://www.thermofisher.com/chemistry-podcast.html Human milk provides both nutritional and non-nutritional components tailored to the specific need of the infant at all phases of growth. It is a wonderful example of personalised medicine and diet and its complexity is only partially understood. The oligosaccharides contained in breastmilk have only recently emerged as potent pro- and anti-biotics and they are proven to have effects on several other physiological mechanisms and biological pathways, such as the immune system.

We discuss with Dr. Townsend, a leading scientist in this field, about these special carbohydrates’ properties, about their chemistry and the challenges of running ambitious multidisciplinary research at the interface between chemistry and biology. 

Dr. Townsend takes us on a surprising journey of personal development and scientific progress that could lead to a revolution in nutrition, the design of novel antimicrobial and antifungal drugs and even re-think contraception. 

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]]> Human milk - it's a matter of chemistry Steven Townsend, Paolo Braiuca 00:30:51 Interview with Dr. Steven Townsend from Vanderbilt University covering his career path and current work leveraging organic chemistry and an interdisciplinary approach to understand the chemistry of human milk. Interview with Dr. Steven Townsend from Vanderbilt University covering his career path and current work leveraging organic chemistry and an interdisciplinary approach to understand the chemistry of human milk. contraception, nutrition, synthetic biology, carbohydrates, total synthesis, carbohydrate chemistry, interdisciplinary, human milk, oligosaccharides, biochemistry, organic chemistry, antimicrobial, antibiotics, life science false full 1 1