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Chemistry For Your Life
Melissa and Jam, Bleav
A 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.
- 28 minutes 59 secondsAsk a Chemist: Why are crystals rare? (and other questions)
Question and Response 62
In this special bonus episode of Chemistry for Your Life, Melissa and Jam dive into listener-submitted questions, covering everything from the rarity of crystals and the chemistry of sourdough to the science behind melting ice on roads in Canada. Along the way, they explore fun tangents about nostalgic movies, glow-in-the-dark nostalgia, and much more. It’s an eclectic mix of chemistry, pop culture, and community interaction!
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 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
21 November 2024, 10:35 am - 51 minutes 54 secondsDo carrots help us see better?
#199
In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry behind the popular belief that eating carrots improves night vision. They take a deep dive into the scientific processes, including how beta carotene from carrots is converted into vitamin A, then into rhodopsin, and how this helps with night vision. They also discuss the historical context of this belief, dating back to World War II propaganda, and expand their discussion to include other fall foods rich in beta carotene, such as pumpkins and sweet potatoes. The episode also touches on fun facts, personal anecdotes, and a special shout-out to a new community member.
00:00 Introduction to the Fun Chemistry Topic
00:17 The Carrot Myth and World War II Propaganda
01:19 Matching Outfits and Personal Stories
06:36 Shoutout to New Community Member
07:14 The Science Behind Carrots and Vision
26:22 Vitamin A and Night Vision
27:47 Explaining the Chemistry of Beta Carotene
29:07 The Process of Beta Carotene Conversion
30:27 Understanding Rhodopsin Formation
31:07 The Role of Vitamin A in Vision
41:29 Fun Facts and Fall Foods
48:56 Supporting the Podcast and Community
50:11 Acknowledging Supporters and ConclusionReferences from this episode:
- Organic chemistry by David R. Klein
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-wwii-propaganda-campaign-popularized-the-myth-that-carrots-help-you-see-in-the-dark-28812484/
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-wwii-propaganda-campaign-popularized-the-myth-that-carrots-help-you-see-in-the-dark-28812484/
- https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/beta-carotene/3005712.article
- https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2181967#:~:text=The%20key%20step%20in%20vitamin,of%20all%2Dtrans%2Dretinal.
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
- Scott B
- 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
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
14 November 2024, 10:12 am - 33 minutes 54 secondsWhat makes honey crystallize?
#055 Rebroadcast
Ever notice that honey crystalizes? Isn't that like super weird? Why does it do that? This week, Melissa and Jam risk getting stuck in this question.
References from this episode
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5884753/
- https://www.usda.gov/codex
- https://www.fda.gov/files/food/published/PDF---Guidance-for-Industry--Proper-Labeling-of-Honey-and-Honey-Products.pdf
- Honey: Chemical composition, stability and authenticity, da Silva et. Al
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.09.051
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
7 November 2024, 9:42 am - 42 minutes 14 secondsHow do things glow in the dark?
#198
In this special Halloween episode Melissa and Jam explore the spooky yet fascinating world of glow-in-the-dark chemistry. The discussion delves into nostalgic aspects of Halloween, focusing particularly on phosphorescence and the forbidden transitions that cause electrons to glow. The chemistry behind these glowing phenomena is explained with engaging analogies, making complex concepts more accessible. They also share their favorite glow-in-the-dark items from childhood, connecting science with personal memories. The episode is a fun and informative dive into the eerie light of glow-in-the-dark materials.
00:00 Spooky Halloween Introduction
00:42 The Science of Glow in the Dark
05:07 Understanding Electron Excitation
16:10 The Forbidden Transition
20:25 Exploring Electron Excitation
21:41 Forbidden Transitions and Rare Materials
22:21 Space Analogies and Electron Behavior
24:35 Creative Analogies for Electron States
26:02 Recap and Detailed Explanation
33:06 Glow-in-the-Dark Nostalgia
39:24 Listener Engagement and SupportReferences from this episode:
- https://www.eia.gov/kids/for-teachers/lesson-plans/pdfs/GlowInTheDarkSecondary.pdf
- https://youtu.be/V32ex9eCFHI
- https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/strontium-aluminate/3008606.article
- https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/z/zinc-sulfide.html
- Physical Chemistry by Levine, 6th edition
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
- Scott B
- 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
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
31 October 2024, 9:02 am - 26 minutes 23 secondsAsk a Chemist: Why do self-tanners smell weird? (and other questions)
Question and Response 61
New College-Style Sweatshirt! And Spooky Chemistry Shirts Are Back!
In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam address a variety of intriguing listener questions. They cover topics such as the chemical processes behind self-tanners and why early formulations could result in uneven appearances, the unique properties and phase changes of dry ice, and the complexities surrounding high fructose corn syrup. The discussion spans the importance of physical chemistry, the societal pressures linked to beauty standards, and the exfoliating benefits of chemical peels. Positive feedback from viewers is acknowledged, and the hosts encourage further engagement via questions and Patreon membership.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:35 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life
01:26 Listener Questions: Tanning and Self-Tanning
06:54 Chemistry Behind Self-Tanners
08:09 More Listener Questions: Self-Tanner Reactions
11:13 The Smell of Self-Tanners
12:09 Scariest Chemistry Class
12:36 Understanding Small Particle Physics
13:33 Physical Chemistry and Thermodynamics
14:41 Chemical Peels Explained
15:34 Is Fructose Bad for You?
16:29 The Science of Dry Ice Sublimation
22:09 Listener Questions and Comments
24:15 Supporting the Show and Community ShoutoutsThanks to our monthly supporters
- Heather Ragusa
- Autoclave
- Chelsea Morelos
- Dorien Vdb
- Scott B
- 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
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
24 October 2024, 10:39 am - 48 minutes 3 secondsHow does spray tan stain our skin?
#196
New College-Style Sweatshirt! And Spooky Chemistry Shirts Are Back!
Melissa and Jam explore the fascinating chemistry behind self tanners. They take listeners on a journey from the discovery of the key sugar in self tanners in the 1960s by Dr. Eva Wittgenstein to the present-day scientific understanding. The episode delves into the Maillard reactions, typically known for browning food, explaining in simple terms how similar reactions color the skin when self tanners are used. Additionally, the hosts discuss the molecular structure of carbohydrates, the generation of free radicals, and the temporary UV sensitivity following self-tanner application. Interactive elements like pop quizzes and listener shout-outs keep the discussion engaging and educational, while also touching on recent studies and encouraging community support. The episode is a blend of fun facts, thorough biochemistry, and practical advice for achieving a safe, sun-kissed look.
00:00 Introduction to Tanning and Self-Tanners
References from this episode:
00:41 The Chemistry Behind Self-Tanners
03:14 History and Discovery of Self-Tanners
04:34 The Maillard Reaction Explained
13:17 Debate on the Maillard Reaction in Self-Tanners
24:40 Application and Effects of Self-Tanners
28:15 The Importance of Sunscreen
28:55 Fun Facts About Tanning
30:06 Pop Quiz Time!
31:15 Rewards and Treats
31:57 Dr. Pepper Shake Discussion
34:22 Quiz Results and Reflections
41:11 Listener Questions and Bonus Episode Tease
42:22 Merchandise Shoutout and Closing Remarks- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.2c06124
- https://pubsapp.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/7824scit2.html
- https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/08/07/faketan/
- https://cen.acs.org/articles/96/i4/Whats-sunless-tanner-and-how-does-it-impart-that-faux-glow.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0143720822003709
- Garrett & Grisham’s Biochemistry Textbook
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
- Scott B
- 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
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
17 October 2024, 9:10 am - 35 minutes 44 secondsWhat makes jalapeños spicy, and what other crazy properties do they have?
#048 Rebroadcast
New College-Style Sweatshirt!
And the Ghost Halloween Design is Back!This week, Melissa and Jam dive into spiciness. What is it? Is it a flavor? Is it a feeling? Is it both? Is it more? Why can some people handle more than others? Does spiciness have any benefits?
References from this episode
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/vanilloids
- Solomon’s Organic Chemistry 11th edition
- Analogues of Capsaicin with Agonist Activity as Novel Analgesic agents; Structure-Activity Studies 2. The Amide Bond “B-Reigion” byWalpole et. al
- Similarities and Differences in the Structure−Activity Relationships of Capsaicin and Resiniferatoxin Analogues by Walpole et. al
- Detailed Analysis of the Binding Mode of Vanilloids to Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type I (TRPV1) by a Mutational and Computational Study by Ohbuchi et. al
- The Art and Science of Organic andNatural Products Synthesis - by Nicolau et. al
- https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/reactions/videos/2015/why-are-hot-peppers-hot-and-how-milk-helps.html
Thanks to our monthly supporters
- Scott B
- 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
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
10 October 2024, 9:08 am - 49 minutes 29 secondsWhy does ibuprofen take so long to work?
#196
Melissa and Jam delve into the science behind ibuprofen, exploring why it takes around 30 minutes to work. The discussion covers the chemistry of ibuprofen, including the concept of chiral molecules and enantiomers—molecules with mirror-image forms—highlighting how only one form of ibuprofen works effectively. The episode explains why both forms are included in the medication due to production challenges and discusses recent findings about ibuprofen's potential in cancer treatment. Additionally, the show features various fun facts about ibuprofen, aspirin comparisons, environmentally friendly production methods, and more.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
References from this episode:
05:07 Chemistry Lesson: Handedness of Molecules
17:52 Ibuprofen's Chiral Nature and Its Effects
19:15 The Racemic Mixture of Ibuprofen
24:06 The Wastefulness of Chemistry
24:29 Challenges of Purifying Enantiomers
25:16 Economic and Environmental Considerations
26:28 Understanding Ibuprofen's Handedness
27:26 The Debate on Enantiomer Separation
34:45 Fun Facts About Ibuprofen
39:55 Green Chemistry and Ibuprofen
45:42 Community and Closing Remarks- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276492/
- https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/TPWKY-Episode-29-Aspirin.pdf
- https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ibuprofen/4011375.article
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/epdf/10.1021/bi010045s?ref=article_openPDF
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4355401/ 6. Garret & Grisham Biochemistry Textbook
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
- Scott B
- 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
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
3 October 2024, 9:52 am - 29 minutes 55 secondsAsk a Chemist: Does raw milk have more bacteria? (and other questions)
Question and Response #60
In this episode of 'Ask a Chemist' on the Chemistry for Your Life podcast, hosts Melissa and Jam tackle a diverse range of fun and fascinating chemistry questions. Topics include the differences between oxygen in water and air, the properties of jello, the mystery behind glitter, and the impact of pasteurization on milk safety. The episode also addresses more complex inquiries such as infrared spectroscopy and the oxidative stability of whole grain flour.
00:00 Introduction to Ask a Chemist
References from this episode:
02:39 The Pasteurization Question
08:51 What Makes Jello Jello?
10:06 Oxygen in Water vs. Air
12:40 The Mystery of Glitter
15:46 Infrared Spectroscopy and Northern Lights
18:29 Oxidation in Flour
22:17 Collagen and Muscle Building
26:06 Listener Reviews and Closing Remarks- https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/l.vanloon
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
- Autoclave
- Chelsea M
- Dorien V
- Scott B
- 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
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
26 September 2024, 8:56 am - 43 minutes 22 secondsHow do pain killers relieve pain?
#195
In this episode of Chemistry For Your Life, hosts Melissa and Jam delve into the science behind ibuprofen, a common pain reliever. They discuss the role of prostaglandins in inflammation, how ibuprofen inhibits the cox enzyme to reduce pain, and the body's natural immune response. They also share personal anecdotes about meeting listeners, their favorite types of ibuprofen, and explore plans for future episodes about other pain relievers.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote
References from this episode:
01:00 Meet the Hosts
01:11 Exciting Announcements
02:46 Listener Shoutout
05:41 Understanding Pain and Inflammation
06:48 The Role of Prostaglandins
14:38 How Ibuprofen Works
18:15 Personal Experiences with Pain
21:16 Preview of Next Episode
22:10 Understanding Pain and Inflammation
23:07 The Role of Prostaglandins
24:50 Enzymes and Their Functions
27:11 How Ibuprofen Works
35:11 Personal Experiences with Ibuprofen
40:42 Supporting the Show and Final Thoughts- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4276492/
- https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/TPWKY-Episode-29-Aspirin.pdf
- https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ibuprofen/4011375.article
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/epdf/10.1021/bi010045s?ref=article_openPDF
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4355401/ 6. Garret & Grisham Biochemistry Textbook
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
- Scott B
- 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
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
19 September 2024, 9:12 am - 30 minutes 7 secondsWhy do we use fluoride on our teeth?
#060
Chances are you've heard the word "fluoride" said in reference to your teeth. At the dentists office, on your bottle of mouthwash, maybe you've heard it's in tap water? But what is it, what's so special about it, and how does it help our teeth? Does it make them whiter, stronger, or what? Let's find out.
References from this episode
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/la4008558
- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/fluoride-superhero
- General Chemistry 2nd edition Flowers, Theopold, Langley, Robinson
Thanks to our monthly supporters
- Autoclave
- Chelsea Morelos
- Dorien Vdb
- Scott Beyer
- 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
Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
Watch our episodes on YouTube
Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife
12 September 2024, 9:33 am - More Episodes? Get the App
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