Ask a Chemist: Is Baking Soda and Vinegar a Cleaning Myth? (And other questions)
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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36:21
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36:21
What is the chemistry of film photography?
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:
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed052p622?ref=article_openPDF
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00400
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed081p694
https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/making-a-photographic-print-using-silver-chloride/454.article
https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/metals%20and%20nonmetals/chemmatters-feb2006-digital-photo.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Steiger/publication/279964154_CHEMICAL_SENSITIZATION_OF_SILVER_BROMIDE/links/5a7d8b55aca272341aef2f6f/CHEMICAL-SENSITIZATION-OF-SILVER-BROMIDE.pdf
https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ncw/chemistry-of-polaroids.html
https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i12/Instant-Film.html
https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/land-instant-photography.html
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed051p72?ref=article_openPDF
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
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Autoclave
Chelsea M
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Scott B
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Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
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 ★
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55:28
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55:28
What gives curly hair its curl?
#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
Biochemistry, Edition 4 - Garret and Grisham
The Chemistry of Hair - C. S. Whewell, Ph.D., F.R.I.C., F.T.I.
The Science of Curls - Leidamarie Tirado-Lee
Bad Hair Days? Chemistry to the Rescue - Marlene M. Gutierrez
Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
Julie S.
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Autoclave
Chelsea M
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Scott B
Jessie R
Ciara L
J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
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 ★
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28:18
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28:18
Are organic vegetables healthier for you?
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:
https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC5837313/
https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/colorectal-cancer-rising-younger-adultshttps://
www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htmhttps://
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
https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC7019963/#notes3
https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC7146625/
https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC7146577/
https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC3546364/
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-157-5-201209040-00007
https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-158-4-201302190-00018
https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2013-2014/genetic-organic-food.html
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
https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/pesticide-residue
https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/jf103902t
Thanks to our monthly supporters
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Sarah M
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57:52
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57:52
Ask a Chemist: Explain it like I'm five?
This episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life' features Melissa and Jam tackling various chemistry questions sourced from the 'Explain Like I'm Five' subreddit. They aim to explain complex chemistry concepts in a manner even a 5-year-old could understand. Questions discussed include why water isn't flammable, how carbonation works, the nature of colors and atoms, cooking processes, caloric changes during cooking, and why drawings on a steamy mirror reappear. The episode emphasizes simplifying complex ideas and making chemistry relatable to everyday life.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:50 Explaining Chemistry Like You're Five
01:31 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life
02:30 Why Isn't Water Flammable?
07:00 How Does Carbonation Work?
09:48 Are Atoms Different Colors?
13:12 What Happens When Cooking Food?
14:14 Understanding the Science of Cooking
15:12 The Chemistry Behind Frying and Toasting
16:35 Exploring the Role of Ingredients in Cooking
17:57 Calories and Cooking: What Changes?
22:49 The Mystery of Steamy Mirror Drawings
27:06 Wrapping Up and Community Thanks
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Thanks to our monthly supporters
Vince W
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Autoclave
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J0HNTR0Y
Jeannette N
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 ★
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Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com
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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.