Chemistry For Your Life

#079 Rebroadcast Glass. The more you look at it, the more clear it becomes that it holds some serious mysteries. So what really is glass? Is it a liquid? How is it different from typical solids? Does it flow and ooze over time? Is that why old windows are thicker at the bottom? Let's find out! Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife.co...

#231 Why is ice so slippery? Is it because of a layer of water on top, or is it something more complex? Join us as we dive into the chemistry behind icy surfaces, inspired by a curious 5-year-old's question. You'll hear about experimental findings, the special properties of water, and even some amusing snow day memories. Perfect for anyone who's ever wondered why ice makes us slip and slide! 00:00...

Why can birds sit on electrical wires without getting shocked? What's the chemistry behind cake mix versus baking from scratch? Why do some materials create more fire than others? Melissa and Jam tackle these questions and more, drawn from curious listeners and the 'Explain Like I'm Five' subreddit, in this engaging episode of Chemistry for Your Life. Plus, find out how popular TV shows might be i...

#230 Winter has us longing for warmer weather. BUT when it's a hot day how do fans keep us cool? Do fans actually lower the air temperature? What role does evaporative cooling play? Find out how the movement of air molecules around your body is the key to feeling cooler. Plus, discover some fascinating insights into energy distribution, the impact of fans on air conditioning, and even some fun per...

#037 Rebroadcast It's the lesson we've all had to learn the hard way. The pain our mouths feel when we take a treacherous swig of the post-brush poison. This week, Melissa and Jam delve into all of our childhoods to figure out the chemistry of this infamous mixture. Why does it taste so bad? Who's fault is it, the toothpaste or the orange juice? Also while we're at it, why is it called toothpaste?...

#229 What makes wool an essential fabric for many people? Is lanolin truly antimicrobial, or is wool itself responsible for its famed properties? Join us as we unravel the complexities of wool and lanolin, diving into its chemical structure, historical anecdotes, and surprising anti-odor capabilities. Does wool really keep the bacteria at bay, or is there more to the story? Tune in and explore the...

Question and Response #74 Melissa and Jam dive into a series of fascinating chemistry questions submitted by listeners. They explore how food affects the absorption rate of alcohol in the blood, the science behind shelf-stable milk turning solid after opening, and why dogs' feet might smell like Fritos. The duo also answers an intriguing question about the risks of dental X-rays versus ultraviolet...

#077 Who's doing what to our salt? What's iodine, do we need it, why, and how do they get it in there? This week Melissa and Jam dive head first into figurative iodized salt dunes. Let's take a closer look at the chemistry of something so everyday, we hardly even think about it. References from this episode https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es0719071 https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/do...

#228 In this festive episode, Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating science behind why ribbons curl when pressed against a blade. The discussion covers polymers, their molecular structures, and the forces at play during this process. With a blend of personal holiday memories and a detailed analogy involving crocheted yarn, the duo makes complex chemistry accessible and fun for all listeners....

#227 Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind firecrackers and Christmas crackers. They discuss the key component, silver fulminate, explaining its unstable nature and how it reacts to create the explosive effects. The discussion also touches on the octet rule, formal charges, and isomers. Along with sharing personal experiences and pranks involving firecrackers, they also recount historica...

Ask a Chemist #73 Melissa and Jam tackle a range of listener questions covering a wide array of chemistry-related topics. They discuss the properties of polymers found in diapers, the science behind bubbles, the controversy surrounding cast iron vs. Teflon cookware, and the fascinating world of superconducting magnets. The episode also underscores the importance of ventilating your kitchen, the pe...

#226 Melissa and Jam delve into the intriguing world of X-rays. They start with relatable stories from the dentist's office and transition into a deep dive into how X-rays work. Key topics include the electromagnetic spectrum, how X-rays are generated, why some materials allow X-rays to pass through while others don't, and the potential risks associated with repeated exposure. They also share pers...

#018 Rebroadcast This week Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of aluminum foil. Why doesn’t it feel hot when we take it out of the oven? How does it cool down so quickly? We harken back to a previous episode about specific heat a few times in this episode, listen to that one by clicking here . Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel Check out our website at chemforyourlife...

#225 Melissa and Jam take a break from traditional chemistry topics to delve into chemistry-related stories from Reddit. They discuss a funny sunscreen mishap, give advice to a student struggling in chemistry, and navigate complex interpersonal situations involving TA duties and friend dynamics. Throughout the episode, they provide insightful commentary and useful advice, all while keeping the con...

Question and Response 72 Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of listener questions about chemistry-related topics. They discuss the differences between conductors, semiconductors, and superconductors, and delve into why minty things feel cold and spicy things feel hot. The duo also addresses the safety of silica gel packets, the potency of skunk spray, and the phenomenon of microplastics. They answer...

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind popular hydrocolloid bandages and pimple patches. They discuss the composition and functionality of these bandages, exploring how polymers and polar groups work to keep wounds moist and free from external contaminants. The episode also highlights the trend of using pimple patches, especially among teens, and addresses the additional features some pat...

#127 Rebroadcast If you've ever had acne, you've probably tried some creams or washes with "benzoyl peroxide" somewhere on the label. How is it that this specific ingredient is helpful for fighting acne? What is happening at the molecular level when we apply some benzoyl peroxide to our acne? Let's find out!   References from this episode https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3791...

Melissa and Jam delve into the intricate phenomenon of static electricity. They discuss their own experiences with static shocks and static cling, particularly in the winter months. They explain the concept of contact electrification and the tribal electric effect, providing basic explanations along with why these do not fully account for everything we observe. They highlight recent scientific res...

Melissa and Jam discuss the top three kitchen products and habits Melissa avoids and loves based on her expertise in chemistry. She advises against using Teflon or non-stick cookware, vintage plastics, and recycling dirty materials. Instead, she encourages using cast iron pans, glass storage containers, and proper recycling practices. Melissa also shares her fondness for composting and its benefit...

Melissa and Jam discuss the chemistry behind Poopourri Toilet Spray. Melissa explains how the spray works by forming a non-polar oil layer on top of water, preventing smelly polar molecules like skatole and sulfur compounds from escaping into the air. They also touch upon the practical applications and personal experiences of using the product, making everyday bathroom visits more pleasant. Throug...

#072 Rebroadcast You know what they say, everyone's experienced odors, and 99.99% of all odors smell. We have room sprays, candles, air fresheners, etc. But how can we absorb or eliminate bad smells? Can chemistry do it? How? Let's find out! ★ 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 In...

Melissa and Jam delve into the science behind lip balm, investigating whether products like Chapstick and Burt's Bees are beneficial or if they could be causing more harm. They explore the ingredients commonly found in these products, discuss what to avoid for chapped lips, and share dermatologist-recommended alternatives for effective lip care. 00:00 Introduction to the Lip Balm Scam 00:44 Meet t...

Melissa and Jam tackle a range of fascinating chemistry questions from their audience in this episode of 'Chemistry For Your Life'. They discuss why glass is transparent, how some foods make our mouth feel hot or cold, and the science behind decaffeinating coffee. Along the way, they share insights about their popular 'ghost holding an Erlenmeyer Flask' merch and highlight the importance of ad pla...

Melissa and Jam discuss the science behind moisturizers and how they help with dry skin. The conversation covers the role of occlusives like petroleum jelly, humectants such as glycerin, and emollients in skincare. They also explore the importance of staying hydrated and the effect of environmental factors on skin moisture. Listeners can learn about the distinct mechanisms that moisturizers use to...

Melissa and Jam explore the science behind shooting stars, unraveling the chemistry that turns space rocks into brilliant streaks of light in our night sky. They discuss how meteors heat up and glow as they enter Earth’s atmosphere, the difference between meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites, and share fun facts about colorful meteors and the surprising role of amino acids from space. The episode i...