About this episode

The episode discusses the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and potential explosives found at historic Antarctic bases.

In this episode, we bring the latest from the recent temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and discuss the presence of potential explosives at the historic Antarctic bases of explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott with Phillip Broadwith and Frances Briggs. The US and Iran have recently signed a form of agreement to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. But will this be enough to ease costs of resources, or has too much damage already been done? And, representatives from New Zealand have warned about the possible presence of explosive materials inside the Antarctic Laboratories left behind by explorers Robert Scott and Ernest Shakleton. We explain the chemistry underpinning the substances.

People in this episode

Guests: Phillip Broadwith, Frances Briggs

Topics covered

• Strait of Hormuz
• explosives
• Antarctic exploration
• Ernest Shackleton
• Robert Scott
• chemistry

Keywords

• Strait of Hormuz
• explosives
• Antarctic
• Ernest Shackleton
• Robert Scott
• chemistry
• shipping
• US
• Iran

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: US, Iran, New Zealand

Places: Strait of Hormuz, Antarctic

More episodes of Chemistry in its element

• A warning for US science & wool's chemical versatility | The chemical breakdown podcast · June 24, 2026 · 30 min
• Click chemistry marks 25 years & covalent bonding in the actinides | The chemical breakdown podcast · June 10, 2026 · 28 min
• Quantum computing & a mysterious contaminant in microplastics research | The chemical breakdown podcast · May 28, 2026 · 34 min
• Battery week 2026: The EV cathode race & battery-recycling | The chemical breakdown podcast · May 13, 2026 · 25 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Chemistry in its element podcast page.