Chemistry For Your Life

Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating chemistry behind fireflies' bioluminescence. They explore how fireflies produce light through a complex series of chemical reactions involving specific molecules like luciferin and enzymes like luciferase. The discussion extends to how these mechanisms find applications in scientific research, such as identifying tumors in mice. The episode is interspersed with nostalgic summer stories, making it a blend of chemistry education and personal anecdotes. 00:00 Nostalgic Summer Evenings 00:33 Fireflies and Childhood Wonder 01:04 Introduction to Firefly Chemistry 02:22 Shoutout to Ash and Podcast Tips 03:58 Diving into Bioluminescence 04:52 The Chemistry Behind Firefly Light 11:17 Understanding Acid-Base Reactions 16:13 The Role of Luciferase 18:43 The Unstable Four-Membered Ring 28:39 Understanding Molecular Structures 29:33 The Instability of Molecular Rings 33:39 Fireflies and Bioluminescence 40:53 Applications in Medical Science 45:37 Nostalgic Summer Memories 52:48 Supporting the Show and Final Thoughts ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife References from this episode: https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/luciferin/3005839.article https://www.science.org/content/article/watch-chemistry-behind-how-fireflies-glow https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.258103 https://youtu.be/pTPMwZK2-yM https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.5b03820 https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/jp301910p https://chemistry-europe-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1002/cphc.201300330 https://chemistry-europe-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1002/cphc.201200195 https://iubmb-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1002/iub.134 https://chemistry-europe-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1002/cbic.200500443 https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/rainbow-makers/3003381.article https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/f/firefly-luciferin.html Thanks to our monthly supporters Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Chelsea Morelos Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder Ciara Linville J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Lyn Stubblefield Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Melissa and Jam dive into a variety of listener-submitted questions. They discuss the science behind fluffy shave ice versus mainland shaved ice, the effectiveness and safety of ozone treatments for smoke smells, and the potential impact of glyphosate on human health. They also explore the chemistry of everyday items like rinse aid in dishwashers, different types of soap, and even hypothetical scenarios involving bleach and gasoline. Melissa provides insights based on her knowledge as a chemist, offering a fascinating look into the chemistry of our everyday life. 00:00 Introduction and Listener Questions 00:29 Chemistry of Shave Ice 06:58 Ozone Treatment for Cigarette Smell 12:15 Glyphosate and Its Effects 21:32 Rinse Aid in Dishwashers 24:02 Concerns About Rinse Safety 24:24 Exploring Cleaning Products 26:26 Differences in Soaps and Shampoos 27:27 Chemistry of Hair and Skin Products 32:59 Hypothetical: Bleach vs. Gasoline 37:17 Listener Shoutouts and Anniversary 42:27 Chemistry of Erasable and Invisible Inks 45:22 Supporting the Podcast ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD Scott B Jessie R Ciara L J0HNTR0Y Jeannette N Cullyn R Erica B Elizabeth P Sarah M Rachel R Letila Katrina B Suzanne P Venus R Lyn S Jacob T Brian K Emerson W Kristina G Timothy P Steven B Chris and Claire S Chelsea B Avishai B Hunter R ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Melissa and Jam explore the science behind why sweat is salty. They discuss personal experiences with sweating, the types of sweat glands, and the chemical processes involved in sweat production. The episode explains how osmosis, ion channels, and salt concentrations contribute to the movement of sweat through sweat glands to the skin's surface. They also touch on evolutionary aspects and the role of sweat in cooling the body. For anyone curious about the chemistry of everyday life, this episode offers an accessible and intriguing explanation. 00:00 Introduction: Why is Sweat Salty? 00:27 Personal Experiences with Sweat 01:32 The Science Behind Sweat 02:00 Meet the Hosts 02:20 Types of Sweat Glands 04:30 How Sweat Reaches the Skin 07:31 The Role of Salt in Sweat 14:20 Health Indicators in Sweat 17:01 Understanding Osmosis and Interstitial Fluid 17:39 Evolutionary Perspective on Sweating 20:01 Mechanism of Sweat Glands 22:41 Sweat Composition and Function 27:39 Personal Sweating Experiences 33:47 Supporting the Show and Community ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife References from this episode: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6773238/ https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/lc/d3lc00874f#cit23 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsnano.4c10344 Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD Scott B Jessie R Ciara L J0HNTR0Y Jeannette N Cullyn R Erica B Elizabeth P Sarah M Rachel R Letila Katrina B Suzanne P Venus R Lyn S Jacob T Brian K Emerson W Kristina G Timothy P Steven B Chris and Claire S Chelsea B Avishai B Hunter R ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#050 This week, Melissa and Jam once again look under the armpits of society, this time to explore sweat. Is it cool? Well does it keep us cool? How? At what cost? Is there more to sweat than meets the eye? Can you drink it? Grab your sweat bands and let's hit the track Paulie Bleeker.   References from this episode Flexible and Superwettable Bands as a Platform toward Sweat Sampling and Sensing - Analytical Chemistry - Xuecheng He, Tailin Xu, Zhen Gu, Wei Gao, Li-Ping Xu, Tingrui Pan, and Xueji Zhang A Fully Integrated and Self-Powered Smartwatch for Continuous Sweat Glucose Monitoring - ACS Sensors - Jiangqi Zhao, Yuanjing Lin, Jingbo Wu, Hnin Yin Yin Nyein, Mallika Bariya, Li-Chia Tai, Minghan Chao, Wenbo Ji, George Zhang, Zhiyong Fan, and Ali Javey General Chemistry, Edition 2 - Flowers, Theopold, Langley, Robinson Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife. Email us at chemforyourlife@gmail.com And check out our chill, simple little website at https://chemforyourlife.transistor.fm/ Thanks to our monthly supporters Ciara Linville J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Sarah Moar Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Nelly Silva Venus Rebholz Lyn Stubblefield Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Emerson Woodhall Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Bri McAllister Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this continuation of our two-part series, Melissa and Jam dive into the intriguing chemistry behind color film and Polaroid photography. The episode picks up from the previous discussion on black and white film, focusing on color theory and how it applies to both traditional and instant photography. Listeners will learn about the science of additive and subtractive colors, how multiple layers of dye-sensitized silver halide work together to capture images, and the unique processes involved in developing these images. For those fascinated by the intersection of chemistry and photography, this episode is a must-listen. 00:00 Introduction and Recap 01:42 Understanding Color Theory 05:08 Additive and Subtractive Colors 07:00 Color Photography Basics 08:45 Film Development Process 13:03 Negative and Positive Images 17:33 Practical Applications and Examples 23:28 Understanding Negative Images in Photography 24:26 Principles of Color Photography 25:22 Exploring Color Negatives and Filters 27:14 Layers and Sensitizers in Color Film 29:51 The Development Process of Color Film 34:22 Introduction to Polaroid Photography 35:20 The Chemistry Behind Polaroid Development 40:06 Fascination with Photography and Color Theory 40:50 Favorite Black and White TV Shows 44:12 Closing Remarks and Community Shoutouts ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife References from this episode: https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed052p622?ref=article_openPDF https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00400 https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed081p694 https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/making-a-photographic-print-using-silver-chloride/454.article https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/metals%20and%20nonmetals/chemmatters-feb2006-digital-photo.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Steiger/publication/279964154_CHEMICAL_SENSITIZATION_OF_SILVER_BROMIDE/links/5a7d8b55aca272341aef2f6f/CHEMICAL-SENSITIZATION-OF-SILVER-BROMIDE.pdf https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ncw/chemistry-of-polaroids.html https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i12/Instant-Film.html https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/land-instant-photography.html https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed051p72?ref=article_openPDF Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD Scott B Jessie R Ciara L J0HNTR0Y Jeannette N Cullyn R Erica B Elizabeth P Sarah M Rachel R Letila Katrina B Suzanne P Venus R Lyn S Jacob T Brian K Emerson W Kristina G Timothy P Steven B Chris and Claire S Chelsea B Avishai B Hunter R ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of questions and corrections from their listeners. They dive into topics such as the effectiveness of baking soda and vinegar as cleaning agents, the science behind kombucha carbonation, the structural differences in Panko breadcrumbs, and how polymer clays harden in the oven versus air dry clay. They also explore fun anecdotes from the community about glow-in-the-dark items and discuss how Monster energy drinks can explode when frozen. The episode provides valuable insights into everyday chemistry while addressing common myths and misconceptions. 00:00 Introduction and Teasers 00:34 Corrections and Community Feedback 02:14 Kombucha Fermentation Discussion 10:31 Baking Soda and Vinegar Cleaning Debate 15:45 Adhesives for Panko Breadcrumbs 16:59 Greek Yogurt and Panko Breadcrumbs Recipe 18:02 The Science Behind Panko Breadcrumbs 19:10 Ozone Layer and COVID-19 Impact 21:43 Exploding Monster Energy Drinks 23:44 Mel's Research and Published Articles 25:23 Polymer Clays and Air Dry Clays 26:50 Alternative Career Choices 31:30 Listener Anecdotes and Community Engagement 34:51 Supporting the Show and Final Thoughts ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD Scott B Jessie R Ciara L J0HNTR0Y Jeannette N Cullyn R Erica B Elizabeth P Sarah M Rachel R Letila Katrina B Suzanne P Venus R Lyn S Jacob T Brian K Emerson W Kristina G Timothy P Steven B Chris and Claire S Chelsea B Avishai B Hunter R ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating chemistry behind film photography. They reminisce about their childhood experiences with analog cameras and discuss the shift to digital cameras. Melissa, a chemist, explains the complex chemical processes involved in capturing and developing photos on film, focusing on the role of light-sensitive silver bromide. The episode also includes shout-outs to community members who spurred the topic and closes with personal stories and favorite film photos. Get ready to explore the intersection of chemistry and photography while revisiting nostalgia from the days of film cameras. 00:00 Nostalgia: From Film to Digital Cameras 00:38 The Shift to Digital Photography 01:52 Introduction to the Podcast 02:01 Shoutouts and Listener Requests 12:32 The Chemistry Behind Film Photography 28:03 Amplifying the Latent Image 28:24 Creating the Negative 29:11 Fixing the Image 29:51 Understanding the Negative 30:30 Inverting the Negative 31:15 Early Photography Challenges 32:12 Explaining the Process 33:21 Chemical Reactions in Film Development 34:44 Scanning and Developing Film 41:15 Personal Film Photography Stories 51:29 Supporting the Show ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife References from this episode: https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed052p622?ref=article_openPDF https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00400 https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed081p694 https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/making-a-photographic-print-using-silver-chloride/454.article https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/metals%20and%20nonmetals/chemmatters-feb2006-digital-photo.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Steiger/publication/279964154_CHEMICAL_SENSITIZATION_OF_SILVER_BROMIDE/links/5a7d8b55aca272341aef2f6f/CHEMICAL-SENSITIZATION-OF-SILVER-BROMIDE.pdf https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ncw/chemistry-of-polaroids.html https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i12/Instant-Film.html https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/land-instant-photography.html https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed051p72?ref=article_openPDF Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD Scott B Jessie R Ciara L J0HNTR0Y Jeannette N Cullyn R Erica B Elizabeth P Sarah M Rachel R Letila Katrina B Suzanne P Venus R Lyn S Jacob T Brian K Emerson W Kristina G Timothy P Steven B Chris and Claire S Chelsea B Avishai B Hunter R ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#027 Rebroadcast Originally Published January 23, 2020 This week, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry of something that may not seem like chemistry at first: hair. Curly hair to be specific. What makes hair curl? Also what is hair in the first place? Why can hair be so radically different? Alright curly girls, curly guys, and curly folks, let's find out. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife   References from this episode Biochemistry, Edition 4 - Garret and Grisham The Chemistry of Hair - C. S. Whewell, Ph.D., F.R.I.C., F.T.I. The Science of Curls -  Leidamarie Tirado-Lee Bad Hair Days? Chemistry to the Rescue - Marlene M. Gutierrez     Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD Scott B Jessie R Ciara L J0HNTR0Y Jeannette N Cullyn R Erica B Elizabeth P Sarah M Rachel R Letila Katrina B Suzanne P Venus R Lyn S Jacob T Brian K Emerson W Kristina G Timothy P Steven B Chris and Claire S Chelsea B Avishai B Hunter R ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife  

Dive into the intriguing world of organic versus non-organic foods. Discover what 'organic' truly means according to USDA standards, and unravel common myths surrounding pesticides. Learn that prioritizing fruits and vegetables in your diet is more crucial than their organic status. The hosts also share practical washing tips to reduce pesticide residues. Plus, highlights of the dietary benefits of produce consumption, especially in preventing chronic diseases, keep the conversation lively and informative!

This episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life' features Melissa and Jam tackling various chemistry questions sourced from the 'Explain Like I'm Five' subreddit. They aim to explain complex chemistry concepts in a manner even a 5-year-old could understand. Questions discussed include why water isn't flammable, how carbonation works, the nature of colors and atoms, cooking processes, caloric changes during cooking, and why drawings on a steamy mirror reappear. The episode emphasizes simplifying complex ideas and making chemistry relatable to everyday life. 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:50 Explaining Chemistry Like You're Five 01:31 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life 02:30 Why Isn't Water Flammable? 07:00 How Does Carbonation Work? 09:48 Are Atoms Different Colors? 13:12 What Happens When Cooking Food? 14:14 Understanding the Science of Cooking 15:12 The Chemistry Behind Frying and Toasting 16:35 Exploring the Role of Ingredients in Cooking 17:57 Calories and Cooking: What Changes? 22:49 The Mystery of Steamy Mirror Drawings 27:06 Wrapping Up and Community Thanks ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD Scott B Jessie R Ciara L J0HNTR0Y Jeannette N Cullyn R Erica B Elizabeth P Sarah M Rachel R Letila Katrina B Suzanne P Venus R Lyn S Jacob T Brian K Emerson W Kristina G Timothy P Steven B Chris and Claire S Chelsea B Avishai B Hunter R ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife