Elementary

Fuse FM Podcasts

Probably Manchester's best student-run science-themed radio show and podcast! Every episode is themed around a particular chemical element.

Presenters Fergus, Carys and Joe chat about what makes each element interesting and what it is used for, as well as playing science games and interviewing real-life scientists about their research.

Think science and fun repel like particles with the same electric charge? Think again!

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9 episodes
Updated Jan 17, 2020

Episodes9

Newest first

Jan 17, 2020 · 33 min
S1E9 - Episode #9 - Mercury
Joe and Fergus chat about all things mercury and find that there's much more to it than just thermometers! It's been used since ancient times - some thought it was the key to eternal life, despite its poisonous nature. Find out more in this week's episode.
Jan 17, 2020 · 34 min
S1E8 - Episode #8 - Uranium
In this episode we welcome Colby to talk about nuclear power. Could it be the solution to the climate emergency? We also discuss a darker side of uranium - nuclear weapons - and play Science Fact or Science Fiction and Secret Scientist.
Dec 3, 2019 · 33 min
S1E7 - Episode #7 - Fluorine & Chlorine
We've got a double whammy for you this week! Fluorine and Chlorine are elemental cousins. They're both halogens, highly reactive elements that sit in the penultimate column of the periodic table. In this episode, we talk about why fluorine is added to water and chlorine's deadly use as a chemical weapon. Plus the usual games or Science Fact or Science Fiction and Secret Scientist!
Nov 26, 2019 · 34 min
S1E6 - Episode #6 - Carbon
Carbon, element number 6, is the basis of all known lifeforms. The carbon cycle is a process which shows how carbon is reused and recycled throughout the Earth's ecosystem. But humans are messing with the system - we're releasing extra carbon dioxide into the system through burning foosil fuels, and chopping down forests which absorb CO2. Our presenters chat about why this is a problem and what needs to be done to fix it. We also interview the amazing Alice, who has previously worked in zoos on conservation related public engagement.
Nov 16, 2019 · 28 min
S1E5 - Episode #5 - Arsenic
It's been called the king of poisons and poison of kings, but did you know that arsenic is used in car batteries and semiconductors? Or that it is an essential dietary requirement for hamsters? This week Carys and Joe are joined by guest host Elizabeth to chat about the toxic element. They also play the usual games: "Science Fact or Science Fiction?" and "Secret Scientist".
Nov 5, 2019 · 25 min
S1E4 - Episode #4 - Iron
Fergus, Carys and and guest host William discuss iron. Iron has been used to make tools for thousands of years, but it also is vitally important for transporting oxygen around your body. "In The News" also makes a return appearance and, as always, there's a game of "Science Fact or Science Fiction?"
Oct 29, 2019 · 30 min
S1E3 - Episode #3 - Nitrogen
This week our hosts are joined by guests Samuel and Becky to talk all things Nitrogen. We hear about how nitrogen seems to turn up everywhere - from pharmaceuticals, to explosives, to DNA!
Oct 22, 2019 · 28 min
S1E2 - Episode #2 - Oxygen
This week Fergus, Carys and Joe discuss oxygen, the third most abundant element in the universe by mass. Listen to find out about oxygen bars, fire and the ozone layer! Plus a look at science "In The News", the return of "Science Fact or Science Fiction?" and a new game called "Secret Scientist".
Oct 16, 2019 · 30 min
S1E1 - Episode #1 - Hydrogen
For the first ever episode of Elementary, we look at the number one element. No, literally, hydrogen is number one on the periodic table... The simplest element there is, hydrogen is also the most abundant. In this episode we meet our presenters for the first time, as well as discovering hydrogen's possible use as a clean fuel, how it powers the Sun, and how it has a darker side. There's also the first game of "Science Fact or Science Fiction?" This podcast is powered by Pinecast.