Chemistry For Your Life

#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: 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 ★ 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

#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 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/ 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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

#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: 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 ★ 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

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   Thanks 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 ★ 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

#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 References from this episode: 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 ★ 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

#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 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/   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 ★ 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  

#196 New College-Style Sweatshirt! 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 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 References from this episode: 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 ★ 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

Question and Response #60 New College-Style Sweatshirt! 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 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 References from this episode: 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 ★ 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

#195 New College-Style Sweatshirt! 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 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 References from this episode: 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 ★ 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

#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 ★ 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  

#194 In this episode of Chemistry for Your Life, Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind modern dental fillings. They explore how dentists use a combination of organic monomers and inorganic fillers to address cavities and the role of light-activated photoinitiators in hardening these materials. Melissa also shares her personal experiences and recent achievements, introduces new community members, and compares amusing dental scenes in pop culture. 00:00 Introduction and Dentist Experiences 00:38 Chemistry in Everyday Life 02:11 Community Updates and Announcements 04:44 Understanding Dental Fillings 08:39 The Science Behind Polymerization 19:08 The Role of Light in Dental Fillings 26:01 The Reaction Begins 26:22 Mixing Dental Materials 27:47 Personal Dental Experiences 30:51 Understanding Polymerization 35:42 Photo Initiators and Family Tangents 43:12 Pop Culture Dentist Moments 48:35 Wrapping Up and Community Shoutouts References from this episode: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed076p1497?ref=article_openPDF https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7867280/ 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 ★ 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

Question and Response #59 Reddit's Chemistry Questions Answered In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam dive into Reddit to answer chemistry-related questions. They explore why ice in a fizzy drink causes more fizz, how stainless steel removes onion smells from hands, when to email professors for recommendation letters, and discuss a controversial prank by an organic chemistry professor. The hosts provide insightful and engaging explanations while also sharing personal anecdotes and practical advice for students. 00:00 Introduction to Reddit Chemistry Questions 00:55 Why Does Ice Make Fizzy Drinks Fizz More? 03:09 How Does Stainless Steel Remove Onion Smell? 06:53 When to Email Professors About Recommendation Letters 10:19 Am I the Jerk for Pranking My Students? 23:06 Conclusion and Listener Engagement   Thanks to our monthly supporters 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 ★ 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

#193 In this episode of Chemistry for Your Life, hosts Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry of milk, focusing on the differences between raw and pasteurized milk. They discuss the processes of pasteurization and homogenization, how they affect the nutritional content of milk, and answer listener questions about raw milk's spoilage, nutritional values, and bacteria. The episode also highlights important safety considerations associated with consuming raw milk and addresses common misconceptions. The hosts also shout out their Patreon supporters and encourage others to join their community. 00:00 Introduction to Milk and Pasteurization 00:53 Listener Questions and Raw Milk Discussion 01:53 Shoutout to Patreon Member Scott B 02:38 Deep Dive into Pasteurization 05:29 Chemistry Lesson: Proteins and Pasteurization 22:27 Heating Milk at Home 23:30 Raw Milk: Myths and Facts 25:02 Pasteurization and Nutritional Content 29:22 Risks of Drinking Raw Milk 32:21 Homogenization Explained 38:18 Milk Hot Takes and Fun Facts 43:14 Conclusion and Community Shoutouts References from this episode: https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/as/as-612-w.pdf https://winnebago.extension.wisc.edu/2020/12/08/the-dangers-of-raw-milk/ https://realrawmilkfacts.com/raw-milk-news/sdsu-extension-raw-milk-and-home-pasteurization https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/pasteurization https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/22054181/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0362028X22128449?via%3Dihub https://pubsapp.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/7945sci2.html https://youtu.be/LFKVKshX5tQ https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/updates-highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza-hpai 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 ★ 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

#071 Rebroadcast It's time to crack into one of life's great mysteries: eggs. So what happens when we cook them?! How do they go from clear goo to white jiggle? This is a question we received long ago, and with topics this serious, we don't yoke around. So we waited until we could bring in an eggsperienced egg chef, Jason Cress, to figure out this topic with us. In Jam's opinion, Jason's insight on the topic of eggs just can't be beat. We know many of you guys may be busy with some (hopefully safe) version of Thanksgiving, but despite the holiday we couldn't pass on the chance to shell out another episode for you guys, especially for our friends around the world, who are just experiencing a regular ol' Thursday today. Well without further ado, let's ap-poach this mystery together. References from this episode Biochemistry  Garret & Grisham Fourth Edition https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00319 https://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/scibytes/why_do_eggs_hardboil/ https://askabiologist.asu.edu/activities/breaking-proteins https://chicagoacs.org/articles/126   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 ★ 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  

In this bonus game edition of 'Chemistry For Your Life', host Melissa, co-host Jam, and guest Claire embark on an entertaining journey of debunking or verifying popular 'fun facts' submitted by their listeners. The game, titled 'Fun Fact or Fake Factoid', involves dissecting quirky trivia ranging from the pollination of tomatoes to the weight of all ants versus humans, and the smell of old books. The episode blends humor, friendly competition, and scientific inquiry, including surprising personal anecdotes and genuine compliments. Special thanks are given to the show's Patreon supporters who contributed the intriguing facts for this episode. 00:00 Introduction and Game Setup 03:32 First Fun Fact: Tomato Pollination 07:15 Second Fun Fact: Ants vs. Humans 11:52 Third Fun Fact: The Smell of Old Books 13:49 The Smell of Old Books Explained 14:47 Vanilla and Dopamine Connection 15:26 Fun Fact: Glacial Ice and Freshwater 18:34 Longest Word Typed with Left Hand 22:12 The Egg Inside Your Grandma 25:13 Wrapping Up and Thank Yous References from this episode: https://nenativeplants.psla.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3415/2021/11/Constructing-Bee-Habitats-for-Crops-Benefiting-Buzz-Pollinators.pdf https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ent-0092 https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2201550119 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ac9016049 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10818928/ https://www.rd.com/article/longest-word-type-left-hand/ https://www.rogelcancercenter.org/fertility-preservation/for-female-patients/normal-ovarian-function#:~:text=Current%20knowledge%20indicates%20that%20females,number%20of%20eggs%20each%20month. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK26842/ We want to give a VERY special thanks to Claire for sharing her knowledge with us and for her most pleasant company! 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 ★ 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

Question and Response 58 In this bonus episode of Chemistry For Your Life, hosts Melissa and Jam are joined by Claire, an expert in pharmacology and neuroscience, to discuss the inner workings of antidepressants and answer additional questions from the previous episode. Claire shares her grad school experiences, highlighting the challenges and unique aspects of her biomedical sciences PhD program. They also delve into the complexities of drug side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and whether Adderall is addictive, offering nuanced insights throughout. The episode concludes with each sharing fun facts that live rent-free in their heads and an engaging community-inspired segment. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:36 Meet Claire: Grad School Experiences 03:10 Navigating Grad School Challenges 05:26 The Importance of Support Systems 06:25 Exploring Pharmacology and Neuroscience 09:52 Fun with Tattoos and Science 11:40 Understanding Drug Side Effects 17:00 Withdrawal Symptoms Explained 18:44 No Parents Allowed 19:19 Is Adderall Addictive? 19:53 Dopamine and ADHD 21:38 Adderall's Effects on the Body 28:32 Fun Facts and Listener Contributions 35:30 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements   References from this episode: Rope around the earth   We want to give a VERY special thanks to Claire for sharing her knowledge with us and for her most pleasant company! 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 ★ 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

#192 In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam introduce special guest Claire Caballero, a pharmacology and neuroscience PhD student, to discuss how antidepressants work. Claire explains the role of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and GABA in mental health, the mechanisms of various antidepressants such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and touches on the effects and side effects of drugs like Wellbutrin. The episode provides an insightful look at the chemistry and neuroscience behind how these medications help manage depression and anxiety. 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:52 Meet Claire: Our Expert in Pharmacology and Neuroscience 01:32 Understanding Pharmacology and Neurotransmission 05:16 The Role of Neurotransmitters in Anxiety and Depression 14:16 Deep Dive into Neurotransmitters: GABA, Dopamine, and Serotonin 17:10 Exploring the Mechanisms of Depression and Anxiety 22:21 Ready to Learn About Antidepressant Drugs? 33:20 Understanding SSRIs and Their Uses 34:14 How SSRIs Work in the Brain 36:23 Challenges and Side Effects of SSRIs 43:08 Exploring Tricyclic Antidepressants 48:35 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: The First Antidepressants 54:59 Benzodiazepines: Uses and Risks 01:00:01 Other Notable Drugs: Bupropion and Beta Blockers 01:05:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   References from this episode: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470159/#:~:text=Benzodiazepines%20are%20effective%20for%20sedation,potential%20to%20develop%20physical%20dependence. https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders/#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20are%20the%20most,develop%20symptoms%20before%20age%2021. https://mhanational.org/conditions/depression#:~:text=Major%20depression%20is%20one%20of,are%20affected%20by%20major%20depression. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db377.htm https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/ https://www.jneurosci.org/content/28/28/7040 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303399/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551683/#:~:text=Anxiety%20disorders%20such%20as%20panic,with%20decreased%20levels%20of%20GABA. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3684250/#:~:text=Neuroendocrine%20and%20Neurotransmitter%20Pathways&text=Well%2Ddocumented%20anxiolytic%20and%20antidepressant,of%20mood%20and%20anxiety%20disorders. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950973/#:~:text=The%20monoamine%2Ddeficiency%20theory%20posits,in%20the%20central%20nervous%20system. https://www.health.harvard.edu/depression/depression-chemicals-and-communication https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1476179306700246?via%3Dihub https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4610616/ 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 ★ 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

#191 In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam delve into captivating and practical fun facts about vitamin C. They discuss the recommended daily intake, its role in preventing scurvy, the surprising regulations on food labels, and the common foods that are rich in vitamin C. Furthermore, they explore its use as a preservative and potential benefits in skincare, emphasizing the essential need for a varied diet to maintain optimal health. They also share personal anecdotes and considerations for supplementing vitamin C through diet and topical applications. 00:00 Introduction to Fun Facts About Vitamin C 01:12 Daily Vitamin C Requirements and Deficiency 02:30 Vitamin C in Foods and Supplements 03:16 Personal Vitamin C Intake Stories 06:54 High Vitamin C Foods 12:49 Vitamin C Needs for Different Lifestyles 15:12 Challenges in Vitamin C Research 15:58 Vitamin C as a Preservative 17:09 Topical Application of Vitamin C 18:07 Vitamin C and Wound Healing 19:10 Vitamin C in Skincare 20:38 Vitamin C Supplements: Do You Need Them? 22:56 Personal Experiences with Vitamin C 25:46 Favorite Vitamins and Their Impact 27:57 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts on Vitamins 29:00 Credits and Acknowledgements   References from this episode: Biochemistry, 4th edition Garrett & Grisham https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/ https://youtu.be/3e2JYMNS_W4?t=477s https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ob/c9ob01646e https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com/2019/02/05/episode-19-scurvy-thanks-a-lot-evolution/ 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 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 ★ 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

#035 Rebroadcast Do you like apples? Ever wonder why they turn brown when you cut them? This week, Melissa and Jam explore this very question. What's going on in these apples? Where does the brown come from? Is it a good or bad thing? Does it taste different? Is the brown actually apple tears from the pain of being cut? And how do you like them apples?   References from this episode Science Experiment: The Brown Apple Project - 4-H Purification and Characterization of Polyphenol Oxidase from Banana (Musa sapientum L.) Pulp - Chang-Peng YangShuji FujitaMD AshrafuzzamanNaoko NakamuraNobuyuki Hayashi Nonbrowning GM apple cleared for market - Emily Waltz, Nature Biotechnology Why Do Avocados Turn Brown? – The Chemistry of Avocados - Compound Chemistry Browning Inhibition in Fresh-cut ‘Fuji’ Apple Slices by Natural Anti-browning Agents Inhibition of Apple-Slice Browning by 4-Hexylresorcinol - Yaguang LuoGustavo and Barbosa-Cánovas Department Of Agriculture Approves First Genetically Modified Apple, Which Resists Turning Brown - Britt E. Erickson, Chemical & Engineering News 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/ 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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ ★ Buy cool chemistry merch! ★

#190 In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam delve into the role of vitamin C in the immune system and examine whether taking mega doses of the vitamin can help with common colds. Melissa, a seasoned chemist, explains the chemistry behind oxidation, reduction, and free radicals, and how vitamin C's properties make it crucial for immune function. The discussion also covers historical context, including Linus Pauling's theories, and recent scientific findings on vitamin C's effectiveness. Throughout the episode, Melissa and Jam use analogies and discuss various studies while also previewing future episodes on vitamin C's other benefits and common questions. 00:00 Introduction to Vitamin C and Collagen 00:57 Meet the Hosts: Melissa and Jim 01:43 Podcast Background and Corrections 04:01 Vitamin C Part Two: Immune System and Megadoses 07:56 Chemistry Lesson: Oxidation and Reduction 15:57 Vitamin C's Role in the Immune System 22:18 The Bat Signal Analogy 23:51 Vitamin C and Immune Cells 24:27 Oxidative Stress and Damage 27:02 Vitamin C Deficiency and Cold Symptoms 28:24 Vitamin C and Physical Stress 33:12 Elderberry and Cold Symptoms 36:08 Upcoming Vitamin C Topics 37:14 Summer Plans and Wrap-Up   References from this episode: Biochemistry, 4th edition Garrett & Grisham https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/ https://youtu.be/3e2JYMNS_W4?t=477s https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ob/c9ob01646e https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com/2019/02/05/episode-19-scurvy-thanks-a-lot-evolution/ 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 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 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com Watch our episodes on YouTube Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife