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Tiny Matters

Tiny Matters

Written by: Multitude
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About this listen

Science shapes every facet of our lives, but so much of its influence is overlooked or buried in the past. Tiny Matters is an award-winning science podcast from the American Chemical Society about tiny things — from molecules to microbes — that have a big and often surprising impact on society, past and present. From deadly diseases to forensic toxicology to the search for extraterrestrial life, hosts and former scientists Sam Jones and Deboki Chakravarti embrace the awe and messiness of science and its significance, asking questions like, "how was IVF invented?," "what do glaciers tell us about Earth’s ancient past?," and "why is smallpox the only human infectious disease we’ve eradicated?" New episodes every Wednesday wherever you listen to podcasts.

© © 2025 Tiny Matters
Biological Sciences Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • [BONUS] 'Mitochondrial Eve' and birds stealing anti-bird spikes: Tiny Show and Tell Us #41
    Feb 25 2026

    In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we talk about the crafty corvids that steal anti‑bird spikes to build chaotic, spiky nests and “Mitochondrial Eve” — the most recent common maternal ancestor of modern humans. Get ready for stories of sandwich‑stealing gulls, Deboki being held hostage by a peacock, and the Mitochondrial Eve/Y Chromosomal Adam romcom no one asked for.

    We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured.

    A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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    15 mins
  • From ancient grain mills to massive offshore turbines: Why wind energy was — and still is — a big deal
    Feb 18 2026

    For over a thousand years, humans have been harnessing wind energy. It may have begun with small, grain‑grinding windmills in ancient Persia, but today you might spot Hoover‑Dam‑sized offshore turbines as you drive along the east coast. How did we get here? In this episode of Tiny Matters, we explore the first electric wind turbines built in the late 1800s, how government policies in the 1970s and ’80s shaped the modern wind industry, and why giant offshore wind farms are suddenly in the news. We also clear up misinformation stemming from a Hollywood blockbuster as well as what we know about the impact of wind farms on whales, birds and bats.

    In this episode, we explore the surprising origins and evolution of one of modern medicine’s most important tools: the clinical trial. We follow the development of experimental design across centuries to modern day randomized controlled trials and the debates about their limitations, trying to answer the question, “How do we know whether a treatment truly works?”

    Send us your science facts, news, or other stories for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Tiny Show and Tell Us bonus episode. And, while you're at it, subscribe to our newsletter!

    All Tiny Matters transcripts and references are available here.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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    37 mins
  • [BONUS] Dandelion rubber tires and a fentanyl vaccine: Tiny Show and Tell Us #40
    Feb 11 2026

    In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we explore a listener’s tip about a new source of tire rubber — the Russian dandelion — and the science behind what makes it such an incredible and sustainable source of natural latex rubber. Then we answer a listener’s question about a vaccine for fentanyl that will stop the drug from reaching the brain, preventing overdose.

    We need your stories — they're what make these bonus episodes possible! Write in to tinymatters@acs.org *or fill out this form* with your favorite science fact or science news story for a chance to be featured.

    A transcript and references for this episode can be found at acs.org/tinymatters.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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    14 mins
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