Chemistry In Its Element

Why do the Blue Ridged Mountains inspire so many songs? Maybe it's because of the Isoprene that gives them their blue hue...

Emilie Steinmark tells us about gluten and gluten intolerance

Simon Cotton explains the explosive history and the dangers to health of the weight-loss drug, 2,4-dinitrophenol

Brian Clegg introduces an exotic chemical dynasty: the Vanadium oxides

Simon Cotton on the compound that turns a shrinking violet into a hero: Adrenaline

Brian Clegg tells us about a silicone gel, which can sometimes be a bit silly

Raychelle Burks introduces a red dye with a prickly history.

If life hands you lemons, make lemonade – or you could make citric acid, a very useful commodity chemical according to Andrew Turley

Brian Clegg on sodium sulfate, known as 'the miraculous salt' because of its strong laxative effects.

Tempted by a tipple of home-brewed moonshine? Andrew Turley examines the risks associated with drinking methanol.

Brian Clegg investigates a compound that calms inflamed joints and excites the stressed brain: Cortisol

Ben Valsler examines the chemicals at the heart of one of the latest cosmetic & food additive scare stories: Parabens

Matt Gunther investigates a clear, colourless gas responsible for thousands of deaths in the Great War: Phosgene

It rendered walls of pyramids and helps remove unwanted hair - Brian Clegg introduces a compound with many names - Calcium hydroxide

From a glamorous necklace to cutting edge body armour - Helen Scales investigates the properties of nacre

Brian Clegg smooths out the wrinkles over the darling of the cosmetic industry, hyaluronic acid

How do mussels stick tight and weather the constant ocean waves? Helen Scales discovers mussel adhesive proteins

Brian Clegg introduces a compound steeped in faded Victorian glamour – acetylene

Simon Cotton examines a compound banned in warfare but still used by police to disperse crowds: CS gas

It's the strongest known biological material and one of the earliest pigments - Helen Scales discovers goethite