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 ...
How do Tums make us feel better? (And why do they make us burp?)
#114 Rebroadcast
Tums, alka seltzer, and other antacids: they're simple, they've been around for a long time, but they're a tried and true method for helping our stomachs. But how do they work? What's the chemistry behind these unsung heroes?
References from this episode
Chemistry Julia Burdge
Biochemistry 4th edition by Garret & Grisham
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-carbonation-time/
http://websites.umich.edu/~chemstu/content_weeks/F_06_Week10/p848.pdf
https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/outreach/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2021-ncw/fizz-race.html
https://youtu.be/7VJ4cRWCpDw?t=1s
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Elizabeth P
Sarah M
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Katrina B
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27:31
What's the Chemistry Inside Sourdough Bread?
#204
In this episode Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating biochemistry behind sourdough bread. They explore the role of microorganisms, including different strains of yeast and bacteria, in the fermentation process. The discussion covers how these organisms contribute to the unique flavors and textures of sourdough, and addresses common questions from listeners about its health benefits, the impact of tap water, and the variability of sourdough starters. The episode combines scientific insights with personal anecdotes about sourdough baking, shedding light on why this bread is so special and why it has gained popularity.
00:00 Introduction to Sourdough Curiosities
00:50 Meet the Hosts and Episode Inspiration
01:16 Listener Questions and Sourdough Popularity
02:48 The Science Behind Sourdough
03:18 Microorganisms in Bread Making
03:43 The Role of Yeast and Fermentation
07:33 Sourdough Starters and Fermentation Process
13:02 The Symbiotic Relationship in Sourdough
16:00 Recap and Listener Questions
20:18 The Art and Chemistry of Sourdough
22:02 Challenges and Rewards of Sourdough Baking
24:46 Sourdough Microbiome and Health Benefits
31:24 Impact of Water on Sourdough
32:55 Sourdough Preservation and Final Thoughts
36:39 Community Engagement and Support
References from this episode:
https://www.acs.org/pressroom/reactions/library/the-ultimate-donut-battle-cake-vs-yeast.html
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/single-celled-science-yeasty-beasties/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8125/
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/acute-impact-of-ingestion-of-breads-of-varying-composition-on-blood-glucose-insulin-and-incretins-following-first-and-second-meals/A4C860D917A29E4C784B4B2E16C8D0CB
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3317179/#B18https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.68.2.623-633.2002
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3317179/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10103004/
https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/science/article/pii/S2161831322013023
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1230043/full?trk=public_post_comment-text
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.989421/full
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6345887/
https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/spectrum.01121-23
https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/nutrition-technology/science-sourdough-and-how-jar-microbes-could-help-keep-your-bread-fresher-longer
https://youtu.be/C_mU2slhltI
https://youtu.be/yp_iaxtLCZs
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-science-of-sourdough-how-microbes-enabled-a-pandemic-pastime/
Thanks to our monthly supporters
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Elizabeth P
Sarah M
Rachel R
Letila
Katrina B
Suzanne P
Venus R
Lyn S
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Brian K
Emerson W
Kristina G
Timothy P
Steven B
Chris and Claire S
Chelsea B
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--------
41:06
Ask a Chemist: Why do carrots cause hiccups? (and other questions)
Ask a Chemist #64
In this bonus edition of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam tackle intriguing questions from listeners. They delve into why some people hiccup when eating carrots, the fascinating uses of poinsettias in food packaging, the role of benzene as a carcinogen, and the controversies surrounding hydrogen-rich water bottles. Additionally, they explain how catalysts work and respond to various chemistry-related inquiries from their engaged audience.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:10 Why Do People Hiccup When They Eat Carrots?
06:18 The Dangers of Benzene in Dry Shampoo
08:07 Understanding Catalysts in Chemical Reactions
12:04 Debunking the Hydrogen Rich Water Cup
20:26 Supercritical Water and Viewer Comments
24:59 Poinsettias and pH Indicators
26:42 Conclusion and Listener Acknowledgements
References from this episode
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3504071/
https://synapse.koreamed.org/upload/synapsedata/pdfdata/0081jnm/jnm-18-123.pdf
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Julie S
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Autoclave
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Dorien V
Scott B
Jessie R
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J0HNTR0Y
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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 and Claire S
Chelsea B
Avishai B
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--------
29:44
Why does Benadryl make us sleepy?
#203
In this episode, Jam recounts a humorous yet enlightening story of accidentally taking a dog-sized dose of Benadryl and the sleepy consequences that followed. Melissa, a chemist, dives deep into the chemistry of antihistamines, explaining the difference between first-generation (drowsy) and second-generation (non-drowsy) antihistamines. The episode covers the role of histamine in the body's allergic reactions and how different antihistamines interact with histamine receptors. Melissa elucidates the chemical structures of these medicines and how their polarity affects their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, ultimately influencing whether they cause drowsiness.
00:00 A Benadryl Mishap
02:12 Understanding Antihistamines
03:28 The Science Behind Benadryl
04:55 How Antihistamines Work
10:41 Non-Drowsy Antihistamines
18:29 Personal Allergy Experiences
27:52 Allergy Medication Preferences
35:11 Supporting the Show
Thanks to our monthly supporters
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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
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Chelsea B
Avishai B
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★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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--------
38:30
Ask a Chemist: How can fire have different colors? (and other questions)
Question and Response 63
In this episode Melissa and Jam embark on an 'Ask a Chemist' segment, delving into the ethics surrounding the field of chemistry and addressing listener questions. They discuss managing discussions on the dark side of chemistry, why certain chemicals emit characteristic colors in the flame test, and share personal experiences regarding the toughest classes in their educational journeys. The episode also features listener interactions about nostalgic glow-in-the-dark items and anecdotes about the complexities and joys of studying and practicing chemistry. Join them for an engaging exploration of the ethical dimensions of chemistry and the field's fascinating nuances.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:15 Addressing the Ethics of Chemistry
07:29 Fun Chemistry Questions
09:03 Personal Stories and Hardest Classes
18:39 Nostalgic Glow-in-the-Dark Items
21:54 Community Engagement and Closing Remarks
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Julie S
Heather R
Autoclave
Chelsea M
Dorien V
Scott B
Jessie R
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J0HNTR0Y
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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 and Claire 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
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.