The NanoPod

Ever wish your house windows were actually solar panels? Ever wonder what doctors can do with soccer-ball-shaped molecules? And what's the deal with crystals. . . and plastics. . . and computer chips?

Even if you've never asked yourself any of these questions, now is a great time to dive into the world of solids! Through materials chemistry, we can learn all about the makeup of the physical world and the evolution of modern technology. The science isn't slowing down, so let's go!

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Email your thoughts, suggestions, or corrections to [email protected]. For transcriptions and sources visit shorturl.at/bjtuB.

Ever wish your phone battery actually lasted you the entire day? Or wondered what sorts of batteries we use in electric vehicles? Portable electronics and electric cars both use Nobel-prize-winning lithium-ion batteries!! Now, if only scientists could figure out how to make them better –– so let’s see what they’re working on!!

Email your thoughts, suggestions, or corrections to [email protected]. For transcriptions and sources for this episode visit shorturl.at/cquL8.

Marilyn Monroe wasn’t lying when she said diamonds are a scientist’s best friend –– how else would we be able to create the largest pressures ever recorded on earth??!!

We can use diamonds in solar cells and lasers... and we can’t forget that they are one of the hardest materials known to humankind. There is so much to learn about these sparkly little gemstones so let’s jump right in!

Email your thoughts, suggestions, or corrections to [email protected]. For transcriptions and sources for this episode visit shorturl.at/mrISU.