Chemistry For Your Life

#188 In this episode, hosts Melissa and Jam dive into the basics of vitamins. They discuss the origins of vitamins, why they are labeled with letters, and the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. The episode also touches on the history of vitamin regulation, the necessity of supplementing vitamins, and the impact of diet on vitamin intake. Finally, they challenge listeners to assess the variety of plant-based foods they consume in a week to promote a healthier diet. 00:00 Introduction to Vitamins 00:27 What Are Vitamins? 01:40 Types of Vitamins: Water Soluble vs Fat Soluble 07:10 Sources of Vitamins 10:19 The History and Naming of Vitamins 20:16 The Importance of Vitamins and Supplements 24:51 Optimal Vitamin Intake 25:10 The Role of Multivitamins 26:04 Diet Trends and Nutrient Deficiency 28:39 Understanding Vitamins 31:14 Fat-Soluble vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins 32:50 The Importance of Dietary Variety 36:57 Personal Diet Challenges 43:07 Engage with Us! References from this episode:   We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter!   Thanks to our monthly supporters Jessie Reder Ciara Linville J0HNTR0Y Jeannette Napoleon Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Sarah Moar Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips 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 ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

In this engaging discussion, hosts tackle listener questions about the science of yogurt-making and its essential ingredients. They explore the fascinating topic of water safety during emergencies, giving insights into critical practices. The episode highlights the importance of community engagement in environmental issues and reflects on the positive feedback from dedicated listeners. Additionally, there's a light-hearted focus on chemistry's role in everyday life, emphasizing its relevance and fun in fostering connections.

#187 This episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life' delves into the fascinating world of gray hair, exploring its chemistry and biological processes. Hosts Melissa and Jam share personal anecdotes about encountering gray hair before diving into a detailed explanation of how hair turns gray. They discuss the roles of melanin, melanocytes, and enzymes like tyrosinase in hair pigmentation, and how an imbalance in hydrogen peroxide levels within hair follicles can lead to gray hair. Additionally, the episode touches on the impact of genetics and the possible effects of stress and cigarette smoking on graying. They wrap up with some fun discussions on making pizzas and interacting with their community of listeners. 00:00 Opening Banter: Discovering Gray Hair 00:26 Diving Into the Science of Gray Hair 01:22 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 02:49 Exploring the Chemistry of Hair Color 03:26 Understanding Melanin and Hair Pigmentation 07:07 The Process of Hair Coloration 09:59 Unraveling the Mystery of Gray Hair 11:27 A Deep Dive into the Molecular Mechanisms 19:18 Explaining the Gray Hair Phenomenon with an Analogy 26:28 Diving into Project Blueprint: A Self-Experimentation Journey 27:05 The Science of Reversing Gray Hair: An In-Depth Look 32:38 Exploring the Impact of Stress and Smoking on Hair Color 36:02 The Fascinating World of Hair Under a Microscope 39:59 Sharing Personal Stories and Tips for Outdoor Adventures 44:29 A Culinary Adventure: Making the Perfect Pizza 50:51 Supporting Chemistry Education: A Call to Action References from this episode: Hair under a microscope pics - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/hair-under-the-microscope-knots-and-splits-can-you-fix-them--99642210476262734/ https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1096/fj.08-125435 https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Simplified-pathways-of-tyrosine-derived-melanin-synthesis-showing-enzymatic-steps-subject_fig2_337820571 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8610071/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033715/ https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i10/Gray-Hair-Blame-Natural-Bleaching.html https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/melanin/3008682.article https://youtu.be/oCtdFSAgKCY   We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter!   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 ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Explore the fascinating science behind why we perceive certain smells as bad. Discover why unpleasant odors linger while delightful scents fade away. Delve into the chemistry of thiols and their connection to rotten eggs, plus hear about the surprising role of copper in enhancing our sense of smell. The hosts sprinkle in personal anecdotes and fun facts, making the complex world of olfactory receptors engaging. Alongside their olfactory explorations, they even touch upon films, connecting the art of cinema to the wonders of chemistry.

Dive into the curious world of 'old people smell' and uncover the science behind it! Discover how aging alters body odors through compounds like nonanol. Explore cultural influences on scent perception and the role of hygiene. The discussion also highlights emotional connections tied to smell, including nostalgic aromas and personal anecdotes. With a sprinkle of humor and community shoutouts, the hosts tackle misconceptions and celebrate the complexity of human olfactory experiences!

In this lively discussion, the hosts tackle Reddit questions about chemistry, including a straightforward explanation of moles. They share personal anecdotes on the challenges of discussing complex topics with family, especially during gatherings. The conversation dives into the dilemma of pursuing a PhD, weighing its sacrifices and what it truly means for aspiring professors. Throughout, the importance of clear communication in science shines, prompting reflection on connecting with non-experts in meaningful ways.

Dive into the fascinating world of composting! Discover how compost transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich material, and learn the critical balance of nitrogen and carbon for success. Explore the shocking statistics on food waste and understand how composting can alleviate landfill issues. Get practical tips for creating a thriving compost system at home and hear personal anecdotes that highlight its environmental benefits. Plus, uncover the essential role community engagement plays in making composting accessible to everyone!

Sunglasses do more than make you look cool; they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Learn about the chemistry behind polarized lenses and how they filter out glare for better vision. The discussion highlights the significance of polycarbonate lenses in preventing UV damage. Personal anecdotes enhance the understanding of the practical importance of effective eyewear, while listeners are encouraged to embrace the all-season utility of their shades. The blend of science and everyday relevance makes sunglasses a fascinating topic!

Discover the mesmerizing science behind the Northern Lights! The discussion unveils how atmospheric gases interact with solar particles to create these stunning light displays. Delve into the impacts of solar storms on technology and the community's resilience during outages. Personal anecdotes add humor and relatability as the speakers reflect on memory, workspace dynamics, and the importance of small community actions. Enjoy a blend of science and heartfelt stories while exploring this breathtaking natural phenomenon.

Dive into the fascinating world of chemistry as listeners ask about the science behind purple shampoo and its color-correcting magic. Discover why red hair dye fades faster and learn about cinnamon's surprising behavior in hot drinks. The hosts tackle the transformation of liquids to solids, unpacking the molecular mysteries involved. Plus, they discuss environmental concerns connected to petroleum waste, inviting audience feedback to enhance community engagement in exciting scientific exploration!