Chemistry For Your Life

#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

1. Chemistry Julia Burdge


2. Biochemistry 4th edition by Garret & Grisham


3. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-carbonation-time/


4. http://websites.umich.edu/~chemstu/content_weeks/F_06_Week10/p848.pdf


5. https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/outreach/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2021-ncw/fizz-race.html


6. https://youtu.be/7VJ4cRWCpDw?t=1s

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• Chelsea M


• Dorien V


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• Jeannette N


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• Erica B


• Elizabeth P


• Sarah M


• Rachel R


• Letila


• Katrina B


• Suzanne P


• Venus R


• Lyn S


• Jacob T


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• Chelsea B


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• Hunter R

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#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:

1. https://www.acs.org/pressroom/reactions/library/the-ultimate-donut-battle-cake-vs-yeast.html


2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/single-celled-science-yeasty-beasties/


3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8125/


4. 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


5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3317179/#B18https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/aem.68.2.623-633.2002


6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3317179/


7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10103004/


8. https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/science/article/pii/S2161831322013023


9. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1230043/full?trk=public_post_comment-text


10. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.989421/full


11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6345887/


12. https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/spectrum.01121-23


13. https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/nutrition-technology/science-sourdough-and-how-jar-microbes-could-help-keep-your-bread-fresher-longer


14. https://youtu.be/C_mU2slhltI


15. https://youtu.be/yp_iaxtLCZs


16. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-science-of-sourdough-how-microbes-enabled-a-pandemic-pastime/

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• Erica B


• Elizabeth P


• Sarah M


• Rachel R


• Letila


• Katrina B


• Suzanne P


• Venus R


• Lyn S


• Jacob T


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• Kristina G


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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

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3504071/


2. https://synapse.koreamed.org/upload/synapsedata/pdfdata/0081jnm/jnm-18-123.pdf

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Julie S


• Heather R


• Autoclave


• Chelsea M


• Dorien V


• 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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

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#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

• Julie S


• Heather R


• Autoclave


• Chelsea M


• Dorien V


• 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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

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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


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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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife