Chemistry For Your Life

Question and Response #67 Melissa and Jam dive into a series of chemistry-related questions from their audience. From understanding why wintergreen mints spark in the dark to the science of pregnancy tests and heavy water, the episode covers a broad range of fascinating topics. They also discuss the role of moisturizers, dispel myths about chapstick, and explore the curious case of tumor-related hormones. Additionally, the hosts answer questions related to their educational resources and touch on the advantages of lifelong learning. Join them for an engaging discussion that satisfies both everyday curiosity and scientific intrigue. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:33 Chemistry for Your Life Podcast Begins 00:52 Chemistry Support and Wired Videos 02:23 First Question: Fluorescence and Braces 07:26 Second Question: HCG and Tumors 10:57 Third Question: Heavy Water 12:39 Discussion on Heavy Water and Isotopes 18:06 Movie Reference: The Rookie 20:35 Formal Request: Watch Oppenheimer 21:39 Discussing Movies and Activities 21:59 The Vine and Oppenheimer 23:18 Film Photography Plans 24:07 Moisturizers and Dry Skin 25:53 Chapstick Myths 27:59 Teaching at UNT 30:55 Birdwatching and Lifelong Learning 34:08 Updating the Website 37:39 Resources for Educators 39:49 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements ★ 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

#211 Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind increased flatulence on airplanes. They explore how changes in air pressure affect gas expansion in the human body, leading to more frequent gas release during flights. The discussion covers the physiology of high altitude flatus expulsion (HAFE), personal anecdotes, and practical advice for managing this phenomenon. Additionally, they touch on how airplane cabin air is regulated and hint at more topics related to airplane air quality in the next episode. 00:00 The Unpleasant Reality of Airplane Odors 01:02 Introducing the Chemistry Behind Airplane Gas 01:51 Meet the Hosts and Episode Dedication 02:30 Listener's Question: Why So Gassy on Flights? 03:47 Exploring Air Pressure and Gas Expansion 05:59 The Science of Airplane Cabin Pressure 15:02 Personal Stories and Practical Examples 18:15 Balancing Safety and Comfort in Airplane Cabin Pressure 19:33 The Impact of Carbon Filters on Airplane Seats 20:02 Personal Anecdotes: The Struggles of Holding in Gas 22:53 The Science Behind Gas Pain and Altitude Sickness 29:53 Travel Tips and Memorable Plane Stories 34:41 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 References from this episode: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-airplane-windows-dont/#:~:text=Gravity%20tends%20to%20keep%20air,hypoxia%2C%20or%20lack%20of%20oxygen. https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/Periodic-Graphics-chemistry-airplane-air/102/i26 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207472/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM9P1_Xuayk&t=1s https://www.acs.org/catalyzing-change/when-a-good-relationship-turns-toxic-ozone-on-airplanes.html https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/UEET/StudentSite/dynamicsofflight.html https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1272559/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987713003204?casa_token=15eE-dbT_SsAAAAA:tapMXnm3_aFXzlYYcuqITcGuq2beGzm8jvGido_IzMZZMdhezweqXyayesk3VBVrg_cq9luDCg 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

Chemistry at Home: Chromatography Rebroadcast Originally Published June 29, 2020 Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens when we combine markers, coffee filters, and water. Let's do chemistry! Watch the experiment 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   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  

#210 Melissa and Jam dive into the science of home pregnancy tests. They explore the process in which these tests detect the presence of the hormone HCG, which signals a positive pregnancy result. The episode explains the roles of capillary action, antibodies, and enzymes in the test's operation and discusses the specificity needed to avoid false positives and negatives. The hosts also share personal anecdotes related to pregnancy tests and offer gratitude to their supportive community. This episode offers a fascinating look at how everyday chemistry impacts our lives in important ways. ★ 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 00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences with Pregnancy Tests 00:17 Curiosity and Chemistry in Everyday Life 04:18 Acknowledging the Community and Supporters 05:09 The Science Behind Pregnancy Tests 06:33 How Pregnancy Tests Detect Hormones 13:19 Ensuring Accuracy in Pregnancy Tests 22:56 Introduction to the Blue and Yellow Balls Analogy 24:12 Understanding the Antibody Mechanism 26:45 Biotin and Its Impact on Test Results 29:33 Personal Stories and Fun Facts 32:06 The Benefits of the Pee Style Device 37:29 Conclusion and Listener Engagement References from this episode: https://www.acs.org/pressroom/reactions/library/how-do-pregnancy-tests-work.html https://www.compoundchem.com/2018/11/09/pregnancy-tests/ https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/technical-documents/technical-article/clinical-testing-and-diagnostics-manufacturing/ivd-manufacturing/intro-horseradish-peroxidase-hrp-applications?srsltid=AfmBOorCr6_j7sKr8ZBm3jQa4Rz-PdxyabPLY4OO-KtQJZESFXpdRe19#lateral-flow-assays https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555922/ https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/life-science/protein-biology/protein-biology-learning-center/protein-biology-resource-library/pierce-protein-methods/overview-elisa.html#:~:text=The%20most%20commonly%20used%20enzyme,an%20HRP%20or%20AP%20conjugate. 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

Ask a Chemist #66 Melissa and Jam dive into a range of listener-submitted questions exploring everyday chemistry. Topics include the chemistry behind toasting herbs, the effect of gravity on elemental bonds, the purpose and ethics of creating elements with short half-lives, and the effectiveness of cough medicine. They also discuss potential causes of mysterious holes in clothing, the debate on food dyes, and the impact of politics on scientific research funding. The hosts wrap up by addressing various listener questions and sharing some heartwarming and supportive messages from their audience. ★ 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 00:00 Introduction 01:24 Toasting Herbs: The Chemistry Behind the Flavor 03:05 Gravity's Role in Chemical Bonding 06:44 The Ethics of Creating New Elements 10:17 How Cough Medicine Works 13:06 The Debate on Food Dyes 15:57 The Yellow Cheese Phenomenon 16:35 Colorful Ceviche and Natural Foods 17:58 Chemistry Hot Takes and Listener Questions 19:03 Cleaning Lab Counters and Acid Holes 21:10 Listener Feedback and Podcast Reflections 25:33 Impact of Politics on Science Funding 29:19 Encouraging Messages from Listeners 30:40 Supporting the Podcast and Final Thanks References from this episode: https://www.rsc.org/news-events/community/2017/jan/new-elements/ 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

#209 Melissa and Jam dive into the fascinating chemistry behind how plants transport water from their roots to their leaves, effectively defying gravity. They explore processes such as capillary action and the cohesion tension mechanism, citing a primary source from Nature journal. Melissa and Jam also touch on key chemistry concepts like water polarity, hydrogen bonding, and osmosis, providing examples from everyday life. Jam shares a personal story about germinating an apple seed with his son, while Melissa discusses her adventures in native plant gardening. The episode concludes with a shoutout to their Patreon supporters and details on upcoming Chemistry for Your Life merch. ★ 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 00:00 Introduction and Tea Talk 00:17 Plants Defying Gravity 01:05 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life 01:20 Listener Question: Chemistry of Pregnancy Tests 02:11 Capillary Action in Everyday Life 03:57 Personal Stories and Plant Enthusiasm 05:15 Chemistry Lessons: Water Polarity and Hydrogen Bonds 10:32 Water Transport in Plants: Xylem and Capillary Action 16:00 Transpiration and Water Loss in Plants 23:32 Curiosity About Soil and Water Content 24:23 Water Movement in Trees 26:53 Understanding Osmosis 28:37 Practical Applications of Osmosis 31:12 Capillary Action and Plant Water Transport 33:15 Fun Plant Stories and Experiments 41:11 Supporting the Show and Community References from this episode: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890856711009531 https://www.gao.gov/assets/hrd-82-3.pdf https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/23026007/ https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/FDA-bans-red3-food-drugs/103/web/2025/01 https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/october-2015/articial-dyes.html https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/Editorial-Fewer-risky-food-colors/102/i26 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10502305/ 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

#098 Rebroadcast Original Air Date: June 3, 2021 Could histamine and antihistamines do more than just affect our allergies? Actually yes. Today we discuss new and recent research in the world of histamine, and believe us, there's some really cool stuff.   References from this episode https://cen.acs.org/articles/91/web/2013/06/Tracking-Histamine-Levels-Glowing-Nanosensors.html https://cen.acs.org/articles/92/web/2014/12/Chemical-Cocktail-Lures-Bedbugs-Coaxes.html https://cen.acs.org/pharmaceuticals/antibiotics/Common-allergy-drug-makes-resistant/97/i24 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b05515 https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/molecule-of-the-week/archive/h/histamines.html https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.9b03300     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 ★ ★ 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

#097 Rebroadcast Most of us know the feeling. But what are we actually experiencing when we experience allergies? How does being around plants and pollen make us all sniffly? Why does this beautiful season have such a dark side? Let's find out.   References from this episode https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538528/ https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/histamine/3005799.article https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/molecule-of-the-week/archive/h/histamine.html https://cen.acs.org/articles/93/i19/Periodic-Graphics-Allergies-Antihistamines.html   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 ★ ★ 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  

#208 Melissa and Jam dive deep into the topic of FDA regulations, particularly focusing on food additives like red food dye. They discuss the complexities of the FDA's approval process, the Delaney Clause, and recent changes in the regulation of red dye number 3, which has been banned in response to cancer risks found in rats. They also delve into how other countries like the UK and Canada are ahead of the U.S. in reevaluating approved substances. The episode includes personal anecdotes and a discussion on the role of public awareness in influencing FDA policies. They wrap up with a lighthearted conversation about sprinkles and favorite dyed foods. 00:00 Introduction and FDA Discussion 00:36 Podcast Banter and Hat Story 02:42 FDA's Role and Food Additives 04:48 Red Food Dye Controversy 11:33 FDA Trustworthiness and Public Perception 18:29 Comparing Food Regulations: US vs. Canada 18:50 Trusting the FDA: A Personal Take 20:02 Challenges Faced by the FDA 20:56 Rebranding the FDA: A Fun Idea 22:16 Sprinkles and Donuts: A Sweet Debate 26:51 Favorite Dyed Foods 30:44 Podcast Wrap-Up and Community Shoutouts References from this episode: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890856711009531 https://www.gao.gov/assets/hrd-82-3.pdf https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/23026007/ https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/FDA-bans-red3-food-drugs/103/web/2025/01 https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/october-2015/articial-dyes.html https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/Editorial-Fewer-risky-food-colors/102/i26 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10502305/ Thanks to our monthly supporters Julie S Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien V 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

Question and Response 65 Melissa and Jam delve into a variety of interesting chemistry-related questions sourced from Reddit. They explore why farts stop smelling over time, the non-oily nature of Castile soap, why cookies and candies remain safe to eat at room temperature, and the mechanics behind rice cookers. They also discuss how opening a bottle can freeze its contents and offer reassurance to a chemistry Ph.D. student worried about forgetting basic chemistry knowledge. The episode is filled with insightful explanations, humor, and chemistry support, answering the everyday scientific queries of curious Reddit users. 00:00 Introduction and Reddit Questions Overview 01:44 Where Does a Fart Go? 04:01 Why Cookies and Candy Don't Spoil Quickly 07:31 How Do Rice Cookers Work? 10:52 Why Does Opening a Bottle Freeze the Contents? 15:16 How is Castile Soap Not Oily? 17:18 Forgetting Basic Chemistry as a PhD Student 24:35 Conclusion and Listener Engagement Thanks to our monthly supporters Julie S Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien V 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