Chemistry For Your Life

• 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. ★ 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   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. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD 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 ★ ★ 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  

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• 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 ★ 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 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 Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD 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 ★ ★ 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

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• 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 ★ 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 Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD 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 ★ ★ 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

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• Is it safe to use weed killer (Roundup)?

  Melissa and Jam discuss the multifaceted debate surrounding the use of the widely known weed killer, Roundup, specifically its active ingredient, glyphosate. Prompted by a listener's question, they explore the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of glyphosate, including its effectiveness in agriculture, potential health risks, and environmental impacts. They delve into scientific studies, regulatory concerns, and personal anecdotes to provide a comprehensive overview of this controversial herbicide. 00:00 Introduction to Weed Killers 01:34 Listener's Question on Glyphosate 03:24 Understanding Glyphosate 08:32 The Good and Bad of Glyphosate 11:09 Health Concerns and Controversies 18:44 Whistleblowing and Evidence on Glyphosate 19:05 Human Health Impacts of Glyphosate 20:37 Environmental Effects of Glyphosate 23:00 Regulatory Considerations and Future Actions 26:16 Personal Decisions and Practical Advice 31:12 Community Engagement and Support ★ 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 References from this episode: https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/glyphosate/6885.article https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/how-a-herbicide-illustrates-the-many-ways-chemicals-are-put-to-the-test/4021190.article https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/science/article/pii/S2152265021001518#coi0001 - Note that The author has been paid as an expert in glyphosate litigation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8223940/ Note that author PB acted as consultant for glyphosate producers, on matters not related to glyphosate https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11354939/#notes5 Not notes here, but they essentially said it seems like we need more studies, there seems to be some correlation.  https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/science/article/pii/S0048969717330279?casa_token=0V1BAIP8ZFgAAAAA:0O5yGT0FK4sbuZBIhieomHGxbm-0Y_Y7VtoPEaHFcArD9FS3aczcDKHV0nU7KfwA0erzOVNHwA#s0080 - Some salaries paid for by organizations, wasn’t clear their relationship to glyphosate, but no disclosure or conflict of interest statement was made here.  https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/9/4605 - No conflicts of interest https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abf7482 Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD 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 ★ ★ 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

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• Are we breathing recycled air on airplanes?

  #212 Melissa and Jam explore the concept of ozone and its impact on air quality in airplanes. Melissa explains the chemical reaction of ozone, why it's significant in organic chemistry, and how it can lead to discomfort in air travel by interacting with the oils on our skin. They also discuss various tips for flying and the potential benefits of noise-canceling headphones and lounge access for frequent flyers. The episode sheds light on why people often feel unwell on planes, highlighting the Pigpen Effect, where leftover oils from previous passengers can react with ozone to create a micro-cloud of pollutants. 00:00 Introduction to Ozone Lysis 00:09 Ozone Lysis in Organic Chemistry 00:25 Personal Anecdotes and Misconceptions 01:10 Ozone and Airplane Discomfort 01:49 Chemistry of Airplane Air 02:41 Ozone Lysis and Human Interaction 06:44 Catalytic Converters in Airplanes 11:58 The Pigpen Effect 16:50 Historical Context and Modern Concerns 18:38 Recap and Further Discussion 20:23 Understanding the Pigpen Effect 20:58 Chemical Reactions of Aldehydes and Ketones 22:11 Volatility and Airplane Air Quality 22:42 The Gross Reality of Airplane Seats 23:31 Airplane Hygiene and Mask-Wearing 25:08 Flying Tips and Tricks 29:54 Travel Credit Cards and Lounge Access 34:36 Sleeping on Planes and Noise-Canceling Headphones 37:43 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement ★ 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 References from this episode: https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/Periodic-Graphics-chemistry-airplane-air/102/i26 https://www.acs.org/catalyzing-change/when-a-good-relationship-turns-toxic-ozone-on-airplanes.html https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/full/10.1021/es3046795 https://youtu.be/hM9P1_Xuayk?t=107s https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683839/ Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince W Julie S. Heather R Autoclave Chelsea M Dorien VD 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 ★ ★ 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

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