Main content

The Rise of Novichok Agents

This week Science in Action looks at the history of chemical weapons and in particular the development of novichok agents.

This week Science in Action looks at the history of chemical weapons and in particular the development of novichok agents. Roland Pease speaks to Will England from the Washington Post who first reported on the new type of chemical weapons in the early 1990’s. We also hear from Vil Mirzayanov, the scientist who first disclosed information about the work of the nerve agents, known as novichoks, in Russian labs. Hamish Bretton-Gordon, the former commander of the UK Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Regiment takes us through the history of chemical weapons while Professor of Pharmacology from Reading University, Gary Stephens, explains the effects of novichok agents on the body.

Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Ania Litchtarowicz

Picture: Chemical Weapons, Russia, Credit: Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Mon 2 Apr 2018 00:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 29 Mar 2018 19:32GMT
  • Fri 30 Mar 2018 04:32GMT
  • Fri 30 Mar 2018 06:32GMT
  • Fri 30 Mar 2018 10:32GMT
  • Fri 30 Mar 2018 14:32GMT
  • Sun 1 Apr 2018 01:32GMT
  • Mon 2 Apr 2018 00:32GMT

Podcast