About this episode

The episode explores lesser-known moments in science history that have influenced current breakthroughs.

Take a trip through chemical space and time with C&EN's award-winning podcast: Inflection Point. Our show leans on C&EN's 100-year archive to trace today's headline topics back to their disparate and surprising roots. In each episode, David and Gina explore three lesser-known moments in science history that ultimately led us to current-day breakthroughs. With help from expert C&EN reporters, this show examines how discoveries from our past have shaped our present and will change our future. Subscribe to Inflection Point now on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you get your podcasts.

People in this episode

Hosts: David, Gina

Topics covered

• science history
• chemical discoveries
• C&EN archive
• science breakthroughs
• time travel

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: C&EN

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• Retinol: The magical molecule's bizarre history · May 20, 2026 · 33 min
• Bonus: Celebrating 1 year of Inflection Point! · March 23, 2026 · 31 min
• The electric innovations that brought lithium-ion batteries online · December 17, 2025 · 38 min

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