Chemistry For Your Life

#018 Rebroadcast This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of aluminum foil. Why doesn’t it feel hot when we take it out of the oven? How does it cool down so quickly? We harken back to a previous episode about specific heat a few times in this episode, listen to that one by clicking here. 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 http://scienceline.ucsb.edu/getkey.php?key=703 Dr. Weber PhD in Physical Chemistry, University of North Texas Chemistry, Edition 1 - Julia Burdge Melissa's Previous Knowledge   Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Chelsea Morelos Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz 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   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#225 Melissa and Jam take a break from traditional chemistry topics to delve into chemistry-related stories from Reddit. They discuss a funny sunscreen mishap, give advice to a student struggling in chemistry, and navigate complex interpersonal situations involving TA duties and friend dynamics. Throughout the episode, they provide insightful commentary and useful advice, all while keeping the conversation light and engaging. They also promote their new 'chemist Tree' holiday sweater and remind listeners of the importance of supporting their show. 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Sweater Promotion 01:57 Reddit Stories: Chemists and Academia 04:23 Reddit Story: Sunscreen Mishap 10:14 Reddit Story: Office Hours Tips 14:29 Reddit Story: Organic Chemistry Lab Etiquette 15:58 The Backpack Incident 16:25 Student's Mental Struggles 17:01 Lab Safety and Regulations 17:52 Handling Student Complaints 19:07 Empathy and Support for Students 23:00 Navigating Negative Feedback 23:48 Sharing Notes and Tutoring Ethics 32:37 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement 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 Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Chelsea Morelos Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Question and Response 72 Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of listener questions about chemistry-related topics. They discuss the differences between conductors, semiconductors, and superconductors, and delve into why minty things feel cold and spicy things feel hot. The duo also addresses the safety of silica gel packets, the potency of skunk spray, and the phenomenon of microplastics. They answer questions from their Patreon community and Instagram followers, touching on the unique properties of Helium-3 and providing tips on polishing silver jewelry. The episode features a blend of informative discussions and humorous anecdotes, making chemistry accessible and entertaining for everyone. 00:00 Introduction and Questions Overview 01:54 Diving into Semiconductors and Superconductors 04:46 Silica Gel and Safety Concerns 09:54 The Science Behind Minty Cool and Spicy Hot 13:40 Addressing Unfinished Business 13:55 Instagram Questions: Skunks and Their Potent Smell 15:47 Instagram Questions: Microplastics and Forensics 17:39 Instagram Questions: Helium-3 and Its Uses 19:55 Instagram Questions: Polishing Silver Jewelry 21:28 Email Question: Sourdough Bread Making Tips 25:32 Wrapping Up 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 the Episode: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11856799/#B9-jcm-14-01345 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/hydrocolloid https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5788207/ Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Chelsea Morelos Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind popular hydrocolloid bandages and pimple patches. They discuss the composition and functionality of these bandages, exploring how polymers and polar groups work to keep wounds moist and free from external contaminants. The episode also highlights the trend of using pimple patches, especially among teens, and addresses the additional features some patches include, such as microneedles with active ingredients. Melissa shares personal anecdotes about dealing with skin issues and Jam reflects on his own experiences with sickness. The episode concludes with a shout-out to their community members and the importance of public support in keeping the show running. 00:00 The Painful Reality of Pimples 00:59 Pimple Patches: The New Trend 04:00 Shingles: A Personal Experience 07:52 The Science Behind Hydrocolloid Bandages 22:33 Analogies and Polymers 24:32 Hydrocolloid Bandages and Wound Care 26:43 Pimple Patches and Active Ingredients 30:01 Personal Stories and Sickness 35:55 Birthdays and Personal Preferences 40:44 Community and Support 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 the Episode: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11856799/#B9-jcm-14-01345 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/hydrocolloid https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5788207/ Thanks to our monthly supporters Amanda Raymond Emily Morrison Kyle McCray Justine Emily Hardy Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Chelsea Morelos Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#127 Rebroadcast If you've ever had acne, you've probably tried some creams or washes with "benzoyl peroxide" somewhere on the label. How is it that this specific ingredient is helpful for fighting acne? What is happening at the molecular level when we apply some benzoyl peroxide to our acne? Let's find out!   References from this episode https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3791156/ https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(81)70004-5/pdf https://youtu.be/_Mlv2Q_HiM0 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537220/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21076800/ https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/topics/neuroscience/benzoyl-peroxide https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/issues/2016-2017/December%202016/chemmatters-dec2016-acne.pdf https://youtu.be/KrMbwDil1hc https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC171487/pdf/aac00071-0086.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5697687/#jde13996-bib-0006 https://youtu.be/IyxTc0iZ6V8?t=1066s https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5697687/#jde13996-bib-0006   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 Emily Morrison Kyle McCray 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   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melissa and Jam delve into the intricate phenomenon of static electricity. They discuss their own experiences with static shocks and static cling, particularly in the winter months. They explain the concept of contact electrification and the tribal electric effect, providing basic explanations along with why these do not fully account for everything we observe. They highlight recent scientific research, revealing that much about static electricity remains a mystery, including why it occurs more in some materials than others and how friction affects it. The podcast also explores practical examples and ways static electricity impacts everyday life, such as in winter clothing, camp blankets, coffee grinding, and even industrial settings. 00:00 Introduction and Winter Talk 00:24 Static Shock Experiences 01:39 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life 03:49 Understanding Static Electricity 06:06 Static Electricity in Everyday Life 12:14 Recent Research on Static Electricity 18:44 Understanding Static Electricity 19:26 Challenges in Studying Static 20:19 Experiments and Observations 22:58 Static in Everyday Life 24:28 Water and Static Electricity 25:58 Personal Experiences with Static 28:52 Conclusion and Community Engagement 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 the Episode: https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2019/09/solving-the-longstanding-mystery-of-how-friction-leads-to-static-electricity  https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00298-7  https://www.sciencealert.com/we-finally-know-what-creates-static-electricity-after-thousands-of-years  https://link.aps.org/accepted/10.1103/PhysRevLett.123.116103  https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/environment-general-science/how-can-i-stop-getting-static-shocks  https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2025/january/research-update-generating-electricity-from-tacky-tape.html  https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.2c05629  https://case.edu/news/why-does-rubbing-balloon-your-hair-make-it-stick  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08530-6  https://youtu.be/-Buz6Sp2YTg  https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/only_you_can_prevent_combine_fires https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c03656 Thanks to our monthly supporters Emily Morrison Kyle McCray 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melissa and Jam discuss the top three kitchen products and habits Melissa avoids and loves based on her expertise in chemistry. She advises against using Teflon or non-stick cookware, vintage plastics, and recycling dirty materials. Instead, she encourages using cast iron pans, glass storage containers, and proper recycling practices. Melissa also shares her fondness for composting and its benefits. The episode wraps up with a hint at future editions focused on other household products and cosmetics. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Concerns 01:06 Chemist's Top Three Avoidances 02:49 Avoiding Teflon and Non-Stick 03:34 Avoiding Vintage Plastic 05:14 Avoiding Dirty Recycling 07:33 Chemist's Top Three Favorites 08:31 Bonus: The Joy of Composting 13:11 Wrapping Up and Listener Engagement 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 Emily Morrison Kyle McCray 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melissa and Jam discuss the chemistry behind Poopourri Toilet Spray. Melissa explains how the spray works by forming a non-polar oil layer on top of water, preventing smelly polar molecules like skatole and sulfur compounds from escaping into the air. They also touch upon the practical applications and personal experiences of using the product, making everyday bathroom visits more pleasant. Throughout the episode, the hosts delve into the chemistry of solubility and intermolecular forces, providing an engaging and informative lesson on an often-overlooked subject. 00:00 Introduction to Poopourri Toilet Spray 00:30 Personal Experiences with Bathroom Sprays 01:05 Chemistry Behind Poopourri 06:37 The Science of Smelly Molecules 11:10 How Poopourri Works 17:31 Exploring Gas Density and Surface Tension 18:44 Summarizing the Chemistry Lesson 18:49 Understanding Smelly Compounds 20:49 The Role of Polar and Non-Polar Molecules 22:54 Effectiveness of Odor-Blocking Sprays 24:26 Discussing Memorable Smells 31:26 Wrapping Up 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 Thanks to our monthly supporters Emily Morrison Kyle McCray 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

#072 Rebroadcast You know what they say, everyone's experienced odors, and 99.99% of all odors smell. We have room sprays, candles, air fresheners, etc. But how can we absorb or eliminate bad smells? Can chemistry do it? How? 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  https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/outreach/celebrating-chemistry/2016-cced-celebrating-chemistry-english.pdf Structure-Scavenging Abilities of Cyclodextrin-Based Polyurethanes by Sandra K. Young, Peter L. Vajda, Eugene Napadensky, Dawn M. Crawford, James M. Sloan, and Samuel F. Trevino ACS - reactions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNIIxzR-d_Q&feature=youtu.be https://helix.northwestern.edu/blog/2015/06/take-whiff-chemistry#:~:text=Febreze%2C%20along%20with%20many%20other,cyclodextrin%20(%CE%B2%2Dcyclodextrin).&text=The%20cyclodextrin%20molecule%20can%20be,oily%E2%80%9D%20and%20immiscible%20with%20water Thanks to our monthly supporters Emily Morrison Kyle McCray 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   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Melissa and Jam delve into the science behind lip balm, investigating whether products like Chapstick and Burt's Bees are beneficial or if they could be causing more harm. They explore the ingredients commonly found in these products, discuss what to avoid for chapped lips, and share dermatologist-recommended alternatives for effective lip care. 00:00 Introduction to the Lip Balm Scam 00:44 Meet the Hosts and Podcast Introduction 01:37 Community Shoutout and Announcements 04:07 The Chapstick Scam Inquiry 08:17 Understanding Chapped Lips 09:50 Ingredients in Lip Balms 16:42 Burt's Bees and Other Lip Balm Brands 23:31 The Irritation Dilemma 23:49 Ingredients to Look For 24:23 Chapstick vs. Burt's Bees 26:31 Petroleum Jelly Insights 29:36 Dermatologist Recommendations 32:01 Personal Lip Care Tips 38:14 Cosmetic Preferences and Hair Care 43:57 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://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/allergens-cosmetics#common https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/heal-dry-chapped-lips https://www.burtsbees.com/product/beeswax-lip-balm/ (in the stick form) https://www.burtsbees.com/product/moisturizing-retro-lip-balm-tin/#792850651531-Beeswax (in the tin form)  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3120007/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8060673/ https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/sial/p5566?srsltid=AfmBOorfW5-Pot-l-yKCmfHp7Nco5xawnc8sXApICL2UfdR-Q6h9wQYb https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/sds/aldrich/w266507?userType=undefined https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?partNumber=AC119111000&countryCode=US&language=en https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34561893/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3120007/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15569527.2023.2275022 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/521353_5?form=fpf https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27090066/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ics.12583 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cod.13131 https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15569527.2023.2275022 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6064031/ https://www.chapstick.com/products/chapstick-classic-lip-moisturizer Thanks to our monthly supporters Emily Morrison Kyle McCray 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.