エピソード

  • Ask a Chemist: What would be worse, drinking bleach or gasoline? (and other questions)
    2025/08/14

    Melissa and Jam dive into a variety of listener-submitted questions. They discuss the science behind fluffy shave ice versus mainland shaved ice, the effectiveness and safety of ozone treatments for smoke smells, and the potential impact of glyphosate on human health. They also explore the chemistry of everyday items like rinse aid in dishwashers, different types of soap, and even hypothetical scenarios involving bleach and gasoline. Melissa provides insights based on her knowledge as a chemist, offering a fascinating look into the chemistry of our everyday life.

    00:00 Introduction and Listener Questions
    00:29 Chemistry of Shave Ice
    06:58 Ozone Treatment for Cigarette Smell
    12:15 Glyphosate and Its Effects
    21:32 Rinse Aid in Dishwashers
    24:02 Concerns About Rinse Safety
    24:24 Exploring Cleaning Products
    26:26 Differences in Soaps and Shampoos
    27:27 Chemistry of Hair and Skin Products
    32:59 Hypothetical: Bleach vs. Gasoline
    37:17 Listener Shoutouts and Anniversary
    42:27 Chemistry of Erasable and Invisible Inks
    45:22 Supporting the Podcast

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    49 分
  • Why is sweat salty?
    2025/08/07

    Melissa and Jam explore the science behind why sweat is salty. They discuss personal experiences with sweating, the types of sweat glands, and the chemical processes involved in sweat production. The episode explains how osmosis, ion channels, and salt concentrations contribute to the movement of sweat through sweat glands to the skin's surface. They also touch on evolutionary aspects and the role of sweat in cooling the body. For anyone curious about the chemistry of everyday life, this episode offers an accessible and intriguing explanation.

    00:00 Introduction: Why is Sweat Salty?
    00:27 Personal Experiences with Sweat
    01:32 The Science Behind Sweat
    02:00 Meet the Hosts
    02:20 Types of Sweat Glands
    04:30 How Sweat Reaches the Skin
    07:31 The Role of Salt in Sweat
    14:20 Health Indicators in Sweat
    17:01 Understanding Osmosis and Interstitial Fluid
    17:39 Evolutionary Perspective on Sweating
    20:01 Mechanism of Sweat Glands
    22:41 Sweat Composition and Function
    27:39 Personal Sweating Experiences
    33:47 Supporting the Show and Community

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    References from this episode:

    1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6773238/
    2. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/lc/d3lc00874f#cit23
    3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsnano.4c10344

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    37 分
  • How does sweat cool us down?
    2025/07/31

    #050

    This week, Melissa and Jam once again look under the armpits of society, this time to explore sweat. Is it cool? Well does it keep us cool? How? At what cost? Is there more to sweat than meets the eye? Can you drink it? Grab your sweat bands and let's hit the track Paulie Bleeker.

    References from this episode

    1. Flexible and Superwettable Bands as a Platform toward Sweat Sampling and Sensing - Analytical Chemistry - Xuecheng He, Tailin Xu, Zhen Gu, Wei Gao, Li-Ping Xu, Tingrui Pan, and Xueji Zhang
    2. A Fully Integrated and Self-Powered Smartwatch for Continuous Sweat Glucose Monitoring - ACS Sensors - Jiangqi Zhao, Yuanjing Lin, Jingbo Wu, Hnin Yin Yin Nyein, Mallika Bariya, Li-Chia Tai, Minghan Chao, Wenbo Ji, George Zhang, Zhiyong Fan, and Ali Javey
    3. General Chemistry, Edition 2 - Flowers, Theopold, Langley, Robinson
    Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife. Email us at chemforyourlife@gmail.com And check out our chill, simple little website at https://chemforyourlife.transistor.fm/

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    26 分
  • How does *color* film photography work??
    2025/07/24

    In this continuation of our two-part series, Melissa and Jam dive into the intriguing chemistry behind color film and Polaroid photography. The episode picks up from the previous discussion on black and white film, focusing on color theory and how it applies to both traditional and instant photography. Listeners will learn about the science of additive and subtractive colors, how multiple layers of dye-sensitized silver halide work together to capture images, and the unique processes involved in developing these images. For those fascinated by the intersection of chemistry and photography, this episode is a must-listen.

    00:00 Introduction and Recap
    01:42 Understanding Color Theory
    05:08 Additive and Subtractive Colors
    07:00 Color Photography Basics
    08:45 Film Development Process
    13:03 Negative and Positive Images
    17:33 Practical Applications and Examples
    23:28 Understanding Negative Images in Photography
    24:26 Principles of Color Photography
    25:22 Exploring Color Negatives and Filters
    27:14 Layers and Sensitizers in Color Film
    29:51 The Development Process of Color Film
    34:22 Introduction to Polaroid Photography
    35:20 The Chemistry Behind Polaroid Development
    40:06 Fascination with Photography and Color Theory
    40:50 Favorite Black and White TV Shows
    44:12 Closing Remarks and Community Shoutouts

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    References from this episode:

    1. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed052p622?ref=article_openPDF
    2. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00400
    3. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed081p694
    4. https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/making-a-photographic-print-using-silver-chloride/454.article
    5. https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/metals%20and%20nonmetals/chemmatters-feb2006-digital-photo.pdf
    6. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Steiger/publication/279964154_CHEMICAL_SENSITIZATION_OF_SILVER_BROMIDE/links/5a7d8b55aca272341aef2f6f/CHEMICAL-SENSITIZATION-OF-SILVER-BROMIDE.pdf
    7. https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ncw/chemistry-of-polaroids.html
    8. https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i12/Instant-Film.html
    9. https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/land-instant-photography.html
    10. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed051p72?ref=article_openPDF

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    50 分
  • Ask a Chemist: Is Baking Soda and Vinegar a Cleaning Myth? (And other questions)
    2025/07/17

    Melissa and Jam tackle a variety of questions and corrections from their listeners. They dive into topics such as the effectiveness of baking soda and vinegar as cleaning agents, the science behind kombucha carbonation, the structural differences in Panko breadcrumbs, and how polymer clays harden in the oven versus air dry clay. They also explore fun anecdotes from the community about glow-in-the-dark items and discuss how Monster energy drinks can explode when frozen. The episode provides valuable insights into everyday chemistry while addressing common myths and misconceptions.

    00:00 Introduction and Teasers
    00:34 Corrections and Community Feedback
    02:14 Kombucha Fermentation Discussion
    10:31 Baking Soda and Vinegar Cleaning Debate
    15:45 Adhesives for Panko Breadcrumbs
    16:59 Greek Yogurt and Panko Breadcrumbs Recipe
    18:02 The Science Behind Panko Breadcrumbs
    19:10 Ozone Layer and COVID-19 Impact
    21:43 Exploding Monster Energy Drinks
    23:44 Mel's Research and Published Articles
    25:23 Polymer Clays and Air Dry Clays
    26:50 Alternative Career Choices
    31:30 Listener Anecdotes and Community Engagement
    34:51 Supporting the Show and Final Thoughts

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    36 分
  • What is the chemistry of film photography?
    2025/07/10

    Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating chemistry behind film photography. They reminisce about their childhood experiences with analog cameras and discuss the shift to digital cameras. Melissa, a chemist, explains the complex chemical processes involved in capturing and developing photos on film, focusing on the role of light-sensitive silver bromide. The episode also includes shout-outs to community members who spurred the topic and closes with personal stories and favorite film photos. Get ready to explore the intersection of chemistry and photography while revisiting nostalgia from the days of film cameras.

    00:00 Nostalgia: From Film to Digital Cameras 00:38 The Shift to Digital Photography 01:52 Introduction to the Podcast 02:01 Shoutouts and Listener Requests 12:32 The Chemistry Behind Film Photography 28:03 Amplifying the Latent Image 28:24 Creating the Negative 29:11 Fixing the Image 29:51 Understanding the Negative 30:30 Inverting the Negative 31:15 Early Photography Challenges 32:12 Explaining the Process 33:21 Chemical Reactions in Film Development 34:44 Scanning and Developing Film 41:15 Personal Film Photography Stories 51:29 Supporting the Show

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    References from this episode:

    1. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed052p622?ref=article_openPDF
    2. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00400
    3. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed081p694
    4. https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/making-a-photographic-print-using-silver-chloride/454.article
    5. https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/metals%20and%20nonmetals/chemmatters-feb2006-digital-photo.pdf
    6. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Steiger/publication/279964154_CHEMICAL_SENSITIZATION_OF_SILVER_BROMIDE/links/5a7d8b55aca272341aef2f6f/CHEMICAL-SENSITIZATION-OF-SILVER-BROMIDE.pdf
    7. https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ncw/chemistry-of-polaroids.html
    8. https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i12/Instant-Film.html
    9. https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/land-instant-photography.html
    10. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed051p72?ref=article_openPDF

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    55 分
  • What gives curly hair its curl?
    2025/07/03

    #027 Rebroadcast
    Originally Published January 23, 2020

    This week, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry of something that may not seem like chemistry at first: hair. Curly hair to be specific. What makes hair curl? Also what is hair in the first place? Why can hair be so radically different? Alright curly girls, curly guys, and curly folks, let's find out.

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    References from this episode

    1. Biochemistry, Edition 4 - Garret and Grisham
    2. The Chemistry of Hair - C. S. Whewell, Ph.D., F.R.I.C., F.T.I.
    3. The Science of Curls - Leidamarie Tirado-Lee
    4. Bad Hair Days? Chemistry to the Rescue - Marlene M. Gutierrez

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    28 分
  • Are organic vegetables healthier for you?
    2025/06/26

    Melissa and Jam dive into the definition and implications of organic foods. They explore what organic means according to USDA standards, dissect common misconceptions about pesticide use, and discuss whether organic produce is actually healthier. This detailed analysis includes Melissa's scientific research process and draws on trusted sources to clarify the nuanced debate around organic foods. Learn about the importance of fruit and vegetable intake, regardless of whether they are organic, and get practical tips for washing produce to minimize pesticide residue.

    00:00 Introduction and Recap
    00:21 Discussing Organic Foods
    00:46 Podcast Setup and Personal Anecdotes
    01:41 Health and Diet Insights
    04:12 Research and Credibility
    07:59 Understanding Organic Standards
    22:34 Organic Pesticides and Misconceptions
    26:11 Scientific Pettiness and Review Articles
    27:41 Engaging Media and Petty Scientists
    29:19 Pesticide Residues in Organic vs. Non-Organic Foods
    35:14 Nutritional Content of Organic Foods
    38:44 Health Impacts and Misconceptions
    43:47 Practical Advice and Final Thoughts
    55:12 Listener Questions and Community Support

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    References from this episode:

    1. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC5837313/
    2. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/colorectal-cancer-rising-younger-adultshttps://
    3. www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htmhttps://
    4. www.aap.org/en/patient-care/environmental-health/promoting-healthy-environments-for-children/food-safety/https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cen-v078n011.p011
    5. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC7019963/#notes3
    6. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC7146625/
    7. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC7146577/
    8. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC3546364/
    9. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-157-5-201209040-00007
    10. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-158-4-201302190-00018
    11. https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2013-2014/genetic-organic-food.html
    12. https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/environment/organic-does-not-mean-pesticide-free.html
    13. https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/pesticide-residue
    14. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/jf103902t

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    58 分