Chemistry For Your Life
299 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 254 ratingsA podcast that helps you understand the fascinating chemistry hidden in your everyday life.
Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? Or how soap gets your hands clean? What really is margarine, or why do trees change colors in the fall? Melissa is a chemist, and to answer these questions she started a podcast, called Chemistry for your life!
In each episode Melissa explains the chemistry behind one of life’s mysteries to Jam, who is definitely not a chemist, but she explains it in a way that is easy to understand, and totally fascinating.
If you’re someone who loves learning new things, or who wonders about the way the world works, then give us a listen.
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Episodes
Ask a Chemist: Can you dissolve a liquid into a solid? (and other questions)
April 04, 2024 08:10 - 30 minutes - 28 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 54 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to your comments and questions about dissolving, purple shampoo, coal ash, and petroleum waste. 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 shadow Emerson Woodhall Kris...
Did the FDA eliminate Forever Chemicals? (PFAS Part 5!)
March 28, 2024 08:16 - 37 minutes - 33.9 MB#183 We're adding another chapter to the PFAS series! There's new information from the FDA that we've got to talk about,. It's about the PFAS that coat food wrappers. What does it mean? Is it good news? Is it enough? Let's talk about it! References from this Episode https://cen.acs.org/materials/coatings/PFAS-paper-food-packaging/99/i36 https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/market-phase-out-grease-proofing-substances-containing-pfas https://www.fda.gov/food/process...
Why do things fade in the sun?
March 21, 2024 09:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB#081 Rebroadcast The sun. It's nice, it's warm, it helps things grow, it helps us see, it helps us exist in the first place. But it's also a massive burning molten ball of radiation and ultraviolet rays. So how does our mysterious yellow friend fade the poor items we leave outside? Let's find out. Don't hurt us, yellow friend. References from this episode https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/item/why-does-ultraviolet-light-cause-color-to-fade/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/top...
What's the REAL reason we can't look at a solar eclipse?
March 14, 2024 08:12 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB#182 There's an eclipse coming to the US in April! Which means we'll all be getting that reminder to NOT LOOK AT THE ECLIPSE WITHOUT PROPER EYE PROTECTION. But why is that? At the molecular level, what happens to our eyes if we look at the eclipse? And how does eye protection prevent damage to our eyes? Let's find out! References from this Episode https://cen.acs.org/articles/95/i33/Chemistry-explains-shouldnt-stare-solar-eclipse-without-protection.html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih....
Ask a Chemist: How does purple shampoo work, or does it? (and other questions)
March 07, 2024 09:35 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 53 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to your comments and questions about purple shampoo, salt on icy roads, msg, and more! 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 shadow Emerson Woodhall Kristina Gotf...
What is Vitamin D? And what does it have to do with the sun?!
February 29, 2024 09:37 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB#181 Have you heard about Vitamin D? Has someone ever told you that you need it and it's really important? Have you ever wondered why? And have you ever wondered what the heck THE SUN has to do with Vitamin D? Well rise and shine it's time to finally get to the bottom of this. References from this Episode https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/shining-a-light-on-vitamin-d/3004782.article https://www.bcm.edu/news/how-to-get-vitamin-d-without-spending-too-much-time-in-the-sun ht...
Why do plants die in freezing weather?
February 22, 2024 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MB#085 Rebroadcast Well here in Texas, we just suffered through an intense freeze. And many a plant became a casualty of the cold, but why? What's going on at the molecular level that causes freezing temperatures to be bad for many plants? And is talking about this even chemistry? Let's find out. References from this episode https://climate.ncsu.edu/edu/FrostFreeze https://wtamu.edu/~cbaird/sq/2014/01/15/why-dont-trees-freeze-and-burst-in-the-winter-like-cold-pipes/ https://aggi...
What's up with Fahrenheit, Celsius, and... Kelvin?
February 15, 2024 09:09 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MB#180 Depending on where you live, you may use Fahrenheit or Celsius to measure temperature, but how did these measurements come about, why are they different, and seriously, who is Kelvin? References from this Episode https://highschoolenergy.acs.org/what-is-energy/thermometers.html 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...
Ask a Chemist: Why do metals look metallic? (and other questions!)
February 08, 2024 09:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 52 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to your comments and questions about metals, kombucha, learning styles, condiments, and more! Reference from this episode: https://radiolab.org/podcast/g-miseducation-larry-p. 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 R...
How do infrared thermometers work?
February 01, 2024 09:29 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB#179 Over the past few years infrared thermometers have started being EVERYWHERE. So as we've cracked open the conversation on thermometers we've got to find out, how do infrared thermometers work? How are they different from other kinds? References from this Episode https://highschoolenergy.acs.org/what-is-energy/thermometers.html 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 he...
How do we see our breath in the air?
January 25, 2024 09:51 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB#074 This time of year, it's a common occurrence, something so common that we might not even wonder about it anymore. But really, why do we see our breath in the air when it's cold? We see steam from cooking things and boiling water, but our breath isn't that hot, so why do we see it? What does temperature have to do with it? Let's find out. References from this episode https://www.childrensmuseum.org/blog/why-can-i-see-my-breath-when-it%E2%80%99s-cold https://helix.northwester...
Thermometers: what is the chemistry behind them?
January 18, 2024 10:02 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MB#178 Thermometers tell us what temperature something is. But how do the thermometers know what the temperature is? Who tells the thermometers? Or rather, how do thermometers accurately gauge what the temperature is, consistently, in high heat and super cold? Let's find out. References from this Episode https://highschoolenergy.acs.org/what-is-energy/thermometers.html We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check ...
Bonus: How do "forever chemicals" sneak into our clothes? (and other questions)
January 11, 2024 10:03 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 51 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to your comments and questions about PFAS/forever chemicals, the periodic table, chemistry and engineering, and more! 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 shadow ...
Bonus: How do "forever chemicals" sneak into our clothes?
January 11, 2024 10:03 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBTry Formulate! Shampoo and Conditioner custom formulated for your exact hair type, your specific needs, and your scent preference! Created using... chemistry, of course! When you sign up for Formulate, you get a discount for being a Chemistry For Your Life listener AND you help support the podcast with every order! We are big fans of Formulate, try it today and your hair will thank you. www.chemforyourlife.com/formulate - - - - - - - - - - - Bonus Episode: Question and Response ...
What is yogurt?
January 04, 2024 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MB#177 Yogurt, sometimes known as thick milk. But what is it really? What happens at the molecular level, how does it become yogurt? And while we're at it, what is sour cream? Let's talk about these dairy substances. References from this Episode https://youtu.be/uJEkb4Hq5jY https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234682/ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/they_did_what_to_your_milk https://extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/documents/8836/fs173emakingyogurt.pdf https://www....
What is cheese? And what does it have in common with soap?
December 28, 2023 09:44 - 26 minutes - 24.8 MB#104 Rebroadcast Seriously what the heck is cheese? It's a question we've all wondered, but most of us only ever know that it's from milk—but what else? How do we turn milk into cheese? What's going on at the chemical level? And why do cheeses taste different from each other? Let's find out. References from this episode http://pubsapp.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/7806sci2.html? https://youtu.be/CkSPL5I3E0Y https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(87)80207-2/abstr...
What even is cinnamon?
December 21, 2023 10:08 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MB#176 We're in the portion of the year where cinnamon finds its way into many things we eat and drink: our pies, our tea, our coffee, our wassail, our candles, etc. But what is cinnamon really? What's going on with it at the molecular level? What makes it unique? Let's find out References from this Episode https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/cinnamaldehyde/4012943.article https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8433798/ We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister...
Bonus: What's the chemistry of kombucha? (and other questions)
December 14, 2023 10:07 - 39 minutes - 35.7 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 50 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to your comments and questions about mosquitos, kombucha, coated cookware, and more! 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 shadow Emerson Woodhall Kristina Gotfre...
What even is MSG? Is it bad for you?
December 07, 2023 10:51 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MB#175 MSG! The ingredient many of us reference but few of us know anything about. What is it? Why does it make things taste so good? What's in it? Is it bad for us? If not, why does everyone think it is? References from this Episode https://youtu.be/VJw8r_YWJ9k https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/08/25/msg/ https://www.nature.com/articles/1602526 https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/glutamate/3005790.article https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sci...
Why do onions make you cry?
November 30, 2023 10:18 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MB#016 Rebroadcast This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of onion tears, the emotional reaction we all have, against our will, when cutting onions. Grab some tissues, this one's gonna burn. References from this episode https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf60174a009 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acschembio.7b00336 https://www.nature.com/articles/419685a https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/05/science/onions-crying-chemicals.html http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/p...
Why does(n't) turkey make you sleepy?
November 23, 2023 09:55 - 39 minutes - 54.1 MB#174 For many folks in the US, today is a day where we eat Turkey! And many times the factoid/rumor makes the rounds that eating turkey makes you sleepy... but does it? Let's get into it, and fair warning, it's not as simple as you think. References from this Episode Biochemistry, 4th edition, by Garrett & Grisham, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-does-turkey-make-you-sleepy/ https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/tryptophan/4010774.article We want ...
Bonus: Acronyms and Mom Memories (chemmunity style)
November 16, 2023 09:47 - 26 minutes - 49 MBBonus Episode: Chemmunity Style For this month's bonus episode we don't have questions, so we're recording an episode in the style of our secret supporter-only podcast. Check it out and enjoy an extra episode. 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 shadow Eme...
Why do we stir things to dissolve them?
November 09, 2023 09:04 - 43 minutes - 79.1 MB#173 What is freeze-drying? How can something be both frozen and dried? How does it differ from just freezing, or just drying? And is it just for astronauts? Let's get into it! References from this Episode https://www.acs.org/middleschoolchemistry/lessonplans/chapter5/lesson6.html#:~:text=The%20added%20energy%20in%20the%2Csucrose%20molecules%20to%20vibrate%20faster. We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check o...
Why does water form droplets?
November 02, 2023 07:34 - 33 minutes - 31.1 MB#020 Rebroadcast This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of water and intermolecular forces. Why does it form into droplets? Why can you fill a glass of water just above the rim and it not spill over? How are some things water proof or water resistant? References from this episode General Chemistry: Principles, Patterns, and Applications - Saylor foundation Chemistry, Edition 2 - Flowers, Theopold, Langley, Robinson Lotus Leaf Inspires Waterproofing Scheme, Scientific A...
What is freeze drying?
October 26, 2023 08:09 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MB#172 What is freeze-drying? How can something be both frozen and dried? How does it differ from just freezing, or just drying? And is it just for astronauts? Let's get into it! References from this Episode https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.5b05841 https://cen.acs.org/articles/86/i39/Instant-Coffee.html https://www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/prospect/ontology.asp?id=CMO:0001553&MSID=b501961c https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7603155/#:~:text=Freeze%2Ddrying%2C...
Bonus: Can geckos stick to teflon? (And other questions about PFAS)
October 19, 2023 08:21 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 49 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to your comments and questions all about PFAS aka Forever Chemicals! References https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/hazardous/docs/pfas/pfasgardproduce.pdf https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2020-ncw/gecko.html#:~:text=The%20non%2Dstick%20coating%20used,the%20spatulae%20of%20a%20gecko. https://www.npr.org/2023/01/19/1150023002/thin...
Are learning styles real?
October 12, 2023 08:19 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB#171 What ways do you like to learn? Have you ever thought that you're more of a visual learner? Or what about an auditory learner? Why do you think that? What if we told you that whatever way you prefer to learn, might not actually make a notable difference in your learning. It's a touchy topic with some spicy science. Let's get into it! References from this Episode https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1539-6053.2009.01038.x https://career.ucsf.edu/sites/g/files/tkssr...
What is margarine? How is it different from butter?
October 05, 2023 08:42 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB#003 Rebroadcast Melissa and Jam discuss margarine and what the heck it is, and how it's different from butter, and if it is actually made in the "country" in a "crock" or not. 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 shadow Emerson Woodhall Kristina Gotfredse...
Can forever chemicals be destroyed? (PFAS part 4)
September 28, 2023 08:13 - 43 minutes - 39.4 MB#170 So is there any hope of destroying forever chemicals? Once we've made these super resilient molecules, can we finally figure out how to unmake them? And if so, how? Well the good news is yes, they can be destroyed, and the methods are fascinating. References from this Episode https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/how-to-put-an-end-to-forever-chemicals-and-annihilate-pfas-pollution/4016018.article https://www.acs.org/pressroom/presspacs/2023/january/farewell-to-forever-destroy...
How does numbing cream work? (and other questions)
September 21, 2023 08:10 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBHalloween exclusive shirt! We made a shirt with a ghost holding an Erlenmeyer flask! The perfect combo of chemistry and halloween! Check it out now: chemforyourlife.com/store - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Bonus Episode: Question and Response 48 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about shoes, freeze-drying, water filters, botox, and more! Thanks to our monthly supporters Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips...
Bonus: How does numbing cream work? (and other questions)
September 21, 2023 08:10 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 48 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about shoes, freeze-drying, water filters, botox, and more! 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 shadow Emerson Woodhall Kristina Gotfr...
What can we do now about "forever chemicals?" (PFAS part 3)
September 14, 2023 08:18 - 37 minutes - 34.2 MB#169 Time for some action. This week on our "forever chemicals" aka PFAS series, get ready to talk about what we can do about PFAS. Can we get rid of them? Can we filter them? Destroy them? Once and for all? Let's find out. References from this Episode https://www.epa.gov/pfas/meaningful-and-achievable-steps-you-can-take-reduce-your-risk https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/reducing-pfas-drinking-water-treatment-technologies https://www.fda.gov/food/process-contaminants-food/ques...
Are cast iron pans as cool as people say?
September 07, 2023 08:02 - 41 minutes - 37.9 MB#045 Rebroadcast The continuation of the unexpected cookware chemistry saga: cast iron. This week, Melissa and Jam discuss multiple aspects of cast iron chemistry. What is cast iron? Why do some people love it so much? How does it work? Is it better than other cookware? If you haven't listened to our two teflon "prequel" episodes, click here! References from this episode Let's Settle This! How to Care for Cast-Iron - American Chemical Society - Reactions The Food Lab - J. Kenji ...
The history of “forever chemicals,” how did we get here? (PFAS part 2)
August 31, 2023 08:15 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MB#168 Continuing our series on "forever chemicals" aka PFAS, we explore how we got into this situation. Where did PFAS come from? Why were they made? Were there any signs of PFAS being a problem early on? Let's investigate. References from this Episode https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ptfe/3005920.article?adredir=1 https://www.teflon.com/en/news-events/history https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7530144/ https://www.investors.dupont.com/news-and-media/press-rele...
Bonus: Why does coffee spoil faster than tea? (and other questions)
August 24, 2023 08:04 - 35 minutes - 32.4 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 47 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about silicone, coffee, pizza stones, hotdogs, and more! 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 shadow Emerson Woodhall Kristina Gotfreds...
What are "forever" chemicals? (aka PFAs) And are they bad? (PFAS part 1)
August 17, 2023 08:47 - 44 minutes - 40.6 MB#167 Have you heard of "forever" chemicals? Or PFAS, or PFOAS, or Teflon, or a bunch of other associated names and labels? Or have you ever used nonstick cookware, or a modern rain coat, or the countless other items that use PFAS today? Well if you couldn't tell by the questions, it's almost certain that you have interacted with PFAS in your life. What are they? Why are they everywhere? Is it a big deal? Let's get into it. References from this Episode https://youtu.be/tqKEG5LxPiY...
Is it safe to use teflon pans?
August 10, 2023 08:50 - 38 minutes - 35.7 MB#041 Ok! So now that you know how teflon works (see last week's episode if you missed it), now it's time to discuss the equally important question: is it safe to use?? Are there any potential side-effects to using it? Can scratching teflon cause it to have an affect on our food, or even worse, on us? If there are potential dangers to teflon, is there any way to avoid them? Help! This week, Melissa and Jam delve into this topic, and tiptoe through the allegations to give you some th...
What is silicone?
August 03, 2023 08:22 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MB#166 At some point, silicone snuck onto the scene and found its way into many of our kitchens. It seems kinda like rubber, kinda like plastic, but somehow different. But how? Is silicone better, worse, or just different? What's going on at the molecular level, and can that tell us why silicone started replacing many kitchen utensils? References from this Episode https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/14/silicon https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/silicones/3005950.articl...
Bonus: Are my shoes chemistry? (and other questions)
July 27, 2023 08:38 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 46 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about rubber, cold brew coffee, crystals, greenhouse gases, and more. 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 shadow Emerson Woodhall Kris...
What is dietary fiber?
July 20, 2023 08:53 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MB#165 Fiber. Dietary Fiber. Fiber optic internet. We all probably know that fiber is good for you, good for digestion etc. But why? Also what is fiber really? Why do some foods have it and others don't? Is it actually helpful for digestion? If so, why? Let's find out! References from this episode https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jf101021s https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234933/#:~:text=Dietary%20fibers%20a%20are%20mainly,fiber%20in%20plant%20cell%20walls. https://pubs.rsc...
What is jam? (and jelly and preserves etc.)
July 13, 2023 08:58 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MB#087 Rebroadcast Jams, jellies, preserves, marmalade. So many kinds of fruit spreads, but how are they made? How do they go from fruit to gooey spread? How are they delicious? What the chemistry here, and how has it been going on long before we understood it? References from this episode https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/pectin/3005903.article https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/jam https://extension.psu.edu/pectins-role-in-making-jam-and-jelly https://pub...
What is rubber?
July 06, 2023 08:22 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MB#164 Something some common and useful in our everyday lives, from gloves to toy balls, what even is rubber? What makes it rubber, and what makes it different and unique from other substances? Also, where does it come from? Let's find out. References from this episode https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/rubber/3005929.article https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/stretch-it-how-does-temperature-affect-a-rubber-band/ https://youtu.be/n2zOdsxC_eo https://youtu.be/54-rMC...
Bonus: 1,000,000 Downloads! - YouTube Live Replay
June 29, 2023 08:13 - 1 hour - 65.2 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 45 This month we have a special bonus episode. To celebrate reaching 1,000,000 downloads, we hung out with a bunch of podcast listeners on YouTube Live and answered questions and had a blast. Check it out if you missed it! 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 Stu...
Why DO mosquitos bite some people more than others? (new research!)
June 22, 2023 08:22 - 43 minutes - 39.7 MB#163 We've talked about mosquitos many times around here, why they bite us, how they find us, how to prevent them from biting us, etc. One thing that's struck us is that research about some of those big questions is ongoing and always evolving. And we just came across some super new research about why mosquitos bite some people more than others, you won't want to miss this! References from this episode https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/why-mosquitoes-prefer-...
Do mosquitos bite some people more than others?
June 15, 2023 08:55 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MB#052 Rebroadcast This week, Melissa and Jam continue the topic of mosquitos (If you missed last week's, listen to it first). It's time to answer the age-old, every-summer question. Why do some people get bitten by mosquitos more than other people? Or maybe, does this really happen in the first place? If so why? What factors do mosquitos look for, compare, and choose by? Let's get to the bottom of this. References from this episode https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(10)...
Bonus: Why is butter yellow? (and other questions)
June 08, 2023 08:15 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 44 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about butter, popcorn, vinegar and baking soda, being a dad, and more! 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 shadow Emerson Woodhall Kri...
What is the greenhouse effect?
June 01, 2023 08:37 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB#162 Here's another summer topic, if you live in a somewhat warmer climate area, you've undoubtedly notice that cars can get insanely hot during the summer. We live in Texas, and cars can get so hot that it's dangerous. What the heck is going on there? We all know this to be the case, but why exactly? Let's talk about it. References from this episode https://www.acs.org/climatescience/climatesciencenarratives/what-is-the-greenhouse-effect.html#:~:text=All%20gases%20whose%20molecu...
Why does carbonated water have a taste?
May 25, 2023 08:43 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MB#026 Rebroadcast This week, Melissa and Jam discuss part of an often requested topic: carbonation. Does it have a taste? Like why does carbonated water taste different than flat water? And what is carbonation in the first place? Does it give you unusually long life? How is it so refreshing? We answer some of those questions. References from this episode The Taste of Carbonation - Jayaram Chandrashekar, David Yarmolinsky, Lars von Buchholtz, Yuki Oka, William Sly, Nicholas J. P. ...
What is popcorn?
May 18, 2023 08:31 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MB#161 Summer's here, blockbusters are coming out, people will be headed to the movies, and nothing goes better with a movie... than popcorn. At least that's how we feel around here. But what even is popcorn? Are the kernels just like regular corn? How do they pop to become popcorn? What even is the stuff we're eating? Can someone please tell me what's going on?? Let's dig in. References from this episode https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/bm049220l https://www.sciencedirect.com/sci...
Bonus: Can coffee get HOTTER in an insulated mug? (and other questions)
May 11, 2023 08:17 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBBonus Episode: Question and Response 43 In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about coffee in thermoses, yeast, intermolecular forces, plastic wrap, and more! 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 shadow Emerson Woo...