Tiny Matters Podcast By Multitude cover art

Tiny Matters

Tiny Matters

By: Multitude
Listen for free

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 Natural History Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • [BONUS] Reef balls and peanut allergy immunotherapy: Tiny Show and Tell Us #43
    Mar 25 2026

    In this episode of Tiny Show and Tell Us, we explore a listener's experience with peanut allergy immunotherapy — what it is, how the therapy works, and the odd and fascinating history of allergy treatments, including a 19th‑century scientist who shoved grass pollen up his own nose. Then we chat about “reef balls” made of oyster shells and concrete. These mini artificial reefs are being used to restore marine habitats and, in some cases, also hold cremated remains.

    Check out Simple and Clean here or wherever you listen to podcasts!

    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.

    Show more Show less
    19 mins
  • The Mothers of Gynecology: The centuries that led to today’s Black maternal mortality crisis
    Mar 18 2026

    In this special crossover episode, Tiny Matters welcomes Alexis Pedrick, host of Distillations from the Science History Institute. You’ll hear the Distillations episode “The Mothers of Gynecology” — a powerful investigation into the racist origins of gynecology and the ongoing maternal health care crisis that disproportionately affects Black mothers. Through interviews with historians, clinicians, midwives, doulas, and public health researchers, the episode traces how racist myths about Black bodies — especially beliefs about pain tolerance — continue to shape medical care and outcomes. Following the episode, we unpack some of what you’ll hear, from the horrific exploitation of enslaved women by J. Marion Sims, to modern-day disparities that affect even the wealthiest, most famous Black mothers, including Beyoncé and Serena Williams.

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

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 21 mins
  • A new podcast joining the fam: Chain Reaction by ACS!
    Mar 13 2026

    Chain Reaction is a new podcast from the American Chemical Society that links chemistry’s past to its future, revealing how this ever‑evolving science shapes the world around us, from the materials we use every day to the environment that we depend on. Each episode brings fresh perspectives and personal stories from chemists, engineers, and other scientists, as well as historians who guide us through pivotal moments in chemistry’s history. Together, we’ll uncover chemistry’s surprising connections, explore its interdisciplinary impact, and see how past discoveries set off the breakthroughs of today and the future.

    Whether you’re a student, an experienced scientist, or simply curious, Chain Reaction will show you how chemistry fits into the bigger picture — and why it matters now more than ever. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! acs.org/chainreaction

    Exec producer: Sam Jones

    Producer: Margot Wohl

    Researcher: Bec Roldan

    Production support: Michael David and Matthew Radcliff

    Cover art: Joe Butera

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

    Show more Show less
    9 mins
All stars
Most relevant
I’ve listened to half the episodes and I just started it today! I Recomend it.

Amazing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

Love Sam from ACS reactions. I'm sure this production will be awesome! good luck!

will be waiting for your first episode

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.