#202

Melissa and Jam dive into a fun and educational holiday-themed activity using poinsettia plants. They explore the chemistry behind these festive plants, specifically focusing on anthocyanins, which are pigments that give the leaves their red color and act as pH indicators. The episode includes a hands-on experiment that listeners can try at home to visualize how different household items can change the color of poinsettia leaves. Perfect for a holiday break activity that educates and entertains both kids and adults.

00:00 Introduction to Holiday Activities
00:24 The Poinsettia Plant: A Festive Icon
01:21 Chemistry Behind Poinsettias
02:35 Historical and Cultural Significance
04:36 Anthocyanins and Plant Pigments
07:54 Understanding Light Absorption
11:47 Interactive Chemistry Lesson
18:52 Exploring the Fascinating World of Light and Color
19:50 Understanding the Science Behind Color Perception
22:10 Fun Science Experiments with Kids
22:56 Making Poinsettia Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide
24:37 Creating Homemade pH Paper
26:14 Testing Household Items for Acidity and Basicity
27:42 Interactive Chemistry Activities for All Ages
37:09 Wrapping Up: Chemistry Fun for the Holidays

References from this episode:

1. https://www.compoundchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/17-%E2%80%93-Poinsettia-Plant-Indicator.pdf
2. https://bibliotecadigital.ipb.pt/bitstream/10198/3206/1/artigo%20Food%20Chemistry,%2063,%201998,%20435-440.pdf
3. http://lib3.dss.go.th/fulltext/Journal/J.agri.food%20chem/1999/no.1p1-216/1999v47n1p67-70.pdf
4. https://www.compoundchem.com/2013/12/16/poisonous-poinsettia-ph-indicators/
5. https://youtu.be/ORl6EKQI1ws
6. https://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/plantchemcast/the_dark_myth_of_the/
7. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/epdf/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00113?ref=article_openPDF
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154322000734

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#075 Rebroadcast

Happy holidays, we hope you have a wonderful season whatever you celebrate! We've got a holiday related episode for you: LEDs. Well I guess we use them all year round, but they get an extra spotlight this time of year. What are they? How do they work? How are they different from other lights? Let's find out!

References from this episode

1. Inorganic Chemistry, Edition 4, Miessler and Tarr
2. https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/leds-to-light-up-the-world/3004661.article
3. https://cen.acs.org/materials/inorganic-chemistry/chemical-search-better-white-light/96/i46

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#201

Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry behind air dusters. They explore the components inside these cans, and how the physical properties of these chemicals can lead to rapid evaporation, cold burns, and potential hazards. Listeners will learn about the processes of pressure and boiling, the potential dangers of misuse, and how these air dusters work to clean keyboards and other surfaces. The episode is inspired by listener questions and personal anecdotes, making the complex chemistry accessible and engaging.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Curiosity
01:10 Chemistry of Air Dusters
01:35 Listener Questions and Real-Life Examples
04:47 Chemistry Lessons: Gas and Liquid States
06:23 Pressure and Temperature Effects
14:13 Explaining the Air Duster Mechanism
23:02 Understanding Gas Molecules and Boiling
23:45 Potential Dangers of Compressed Air
24:46 Chemical Burns and Frostbite
25:49 Substance Abuse Concerns
29:14 Safe Alternatives for Cleaning Keyboards
31:43 Summary and Chemistry Recap
37:47 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
43:11 Supporting the Show and Closing Remarks

References from this episode:

1. https://www.medicinenet.com/is_your_child_or_teen_huffing/views.htm
2. https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/24/4/234/4733835?login=true
3. https://aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-017-0202-0
4. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10550887.2022.2027207
5. https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/24/4/234/4733835
6. https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/28/6/909/4636891
7. https://youtu.be/pMPKnF8WHf8
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910720300086

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Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 12 (Rebroadcast)

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 chocolate and gum. Yep, you read that right. And yes, it's a little gross.

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#200

In this episode Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating world of chewing gum. They start by discussing awkward combinations of food and gum, leading to an exploration of what gum is made of. The conversation covers the basics of gum composition, including the roles of sugar, flavor, and especially the gum base, which itself is made of polymers. They explain why gum doesn't dissolve in saliva and how flavors are eventually lost as they are absorbed by saliva. The hosts also talk about the environmental impact of gum and spotlight an innovative company that recycles used gum into new products. The episode is filled with personal anecdotes related to gum, enhancing the scientific discussion with engaging memories.

00:00 The Gum and Chocolate Dilemma
00:40 The Mystery of Natural vs. Unnatural Gum
01:07 Mint Preferences and Gum Curiosities
02:22 Introduction to the Chemistry of Gum
03:31 Podcast Introduction and Community Shoutouts
05:54 Teaching Experiences and Family Connections
08:50 Deep Dive into Gum Chemistry
22:13 The Science Behind Gum Flavor
23:08 Sugar-Free Gum and Flavor Retention
23:42 The Role of Chemists in Gum Production
24:37 Explaining Gum Chemistry
26:18 The Structure and Properties of Gum
29:47 Natural vs. Synthetic Gum
31:50 Recycling Gum: Gumdrop Limited
34:34 Gum in Our Digestive System
36:35 Gum-Related Memories
44:30 Conclusion and Listener Questions

References from this episode:

1. https://cen.acs.org/articles/96/i14/Recycling-used-gum-cycling-through.html?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=CEN&hootPostID=9a9a878b967d568f13944bd2bd2fa649
2. https://gumdropltd.com/
3. https://cen.acs.org/articles/85/i32/Chewing-Gum.html?utm_source=InLine&utm_medium=InLine&utm_campaign=CEN
4. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-172/subpart-G/section-172.615
5. https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/adventures-in-chemistry/secret-science-stuff/gum.html
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baC4iuD4gGU
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R6R_V9xkAo

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Question and Response 62

New College-Style Sweatshirt!

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!
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#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 Conclusion

References from this episode:

1. Organic chemistry by David R. Klein
2. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-wwii-propaganda-campaign-popularized-the-myth-that-carrots-help-you-see-in-the-dark-28812484/
3. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-wwii-propaganda-campaign-popularized-the-myth-that-carrots-help-you-see-in-the-dark-28812484/
4. https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/beta-carotene/3005712.article
5. 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!

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#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

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5884753/
2. https://www.usda.gov/codex
3. https://www.fda.gov/files/food/published/PDF---Guidance-for-Industry--Proper-Labeling-of-Honey-and-Honey-Products.pdf
4. Honey: Chemical composition, stability and authenticity, da Silva et. Al
5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.09.051

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#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 Support

References from this episode:

1. https://www.eia.gov/kids/for-teachers/lesson-plans/pdfs/GlowInTheDarkSecondary.pdf
2. https://youtu.be/V32ex9eCFHI
3. https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/strontium-aluminate/3008606.article
4. https://www.acs.org/molecule-of-the-week/archive/z/zinc-sulfide.html
5. 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!

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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 Shoutouts

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#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
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

1. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.2c06124
2. https://pubsapp.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/7824scit2.html
3. https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/08/07/faketan/
4. https://cen.acs.org/articles/96/i4/Whats-sunless-tanner-and-how-does-it-impart-that-faux-glow.html
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0143720822003709
6. 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!

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