#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/

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

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

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

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

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#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

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

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
• 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

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#202

Melissa and Jam dive into a fun and educational holiday-themed activity using poinsettia plants. They explore the chemistry behind these festive plants, specifically focusing on anthocyanins, which are pigments that give the leaves their red color and act as pH indicators. The episode includes a hands-on experiment that listeners can try at home to visualize how different household items can change the color of poinsettia leaves. Perfect for a holiday break activity that educates and entertains both kids and adults.

00:00 Introduction to Holiday Activities
00:24 The Poinsettia Plant: A Festive Icon
01:21 Chemistry Behind Poinsettias
02:35 Historical and Cultural Significance
04:36 Anthocyanins and Plant Pigments
07:54 Understanding Light Absorption
11:47 Interactive Chemistry Lesson
18:52 Exploring the Fascinating World of Light and Color
19:50 Understanding the Science Behind Color Perception
22:10 Fun Science Experiments with Kids
22:56 Making Poinsettia Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide
24:37 Creating Homemade pH Paper
26:14 Testing Household Items for Acidity and Basicity
27:42 Interactive Chemistry Activities for All Ages
37:09 Wrapping Up: Chemistry Fun for the Holidays

References from this episode:

1. https://www.compoundchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/17-%E2%80%93-Poinsettia-Plant-Indicator.pdf
2. https://bibliotecadigital.ipb.pt/bitstream/10198/3206/1/artigo%20Food%20Chemistry,%2063,%201998,%20435-440.pdf
3. http://lib3.dss.go.th/fulltext/Journal/J.agri.food%20chem/1999/no.1p1-216/1999v47n1p67-70.pdf
4. https://www.compoundchem.com/2013/12/16/poisonous-poinsettia-ph-indicators/
5. https://youtu.be/ORl6EKQI1ws
6. https://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/plantchemcast/the_dark_myth_of_the/
7. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/epdf/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00113?ref=article_openPDF
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154322000734

• 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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#075 Rebroadcast

Happy holidays, we hope you have a wonderful season whatever you celebrate! We've got a holiday related episode for you: LEDs. Well I guess we use them all year round, but they get an extra spotlight this time of year. What are they? How do they work? How are they different from other lights? Let's find out!

References from this episode

1. Inorganic Chemistry, Edition 4, Miessler and Tarr
2. https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/leds-to-light-up-the-world/3004661.article
3. https://cen.acs.org/materials/inorganic-chemistry/chemical-search-better-white-light/96/i46

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Julie S.
• Heather Ragusa
• 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
• Avishai Barnoy
• Hunter Reardon

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

#201

Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry behind air dusters. They explore the components inside these cans, and how the physical properties of these chemicals can lead to rapid evaporation, cold burns, and potential hazards. Listeners will learn about the processes of pressure and boiling, the potential dangers of misuse, and how these air dusters work to clean keyboards and other surfaces. The episode is inspired by listener questions and personal anecdotes, making the complex chemistry accessible and engaging.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Curiosity
01:10 Chemistry of Air Dusters
01:35 Listener Questions and Real-Life Examples
04:47 Chemistry Lessons: Gas and Liquid States
06:23 Pressure and Temperature Effects
14:13 Explaining the Air Duster Mechanism
23:02 Understanding Gas Molecules and Boiling
23:45 Potential Dangers of Compressed Air
24:46 Chemical Burns and Frostbite
25:49 Substance Abuse Concerns
29:14 Safe Alternatives for Cleaning Keyboards
31:43 Summary and Chemistry Recap
37:47 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
43:11 Supporting the Show and Closing Remarks

References from this episode:

1. https://www.medicinenet.com/is_your_child_or_teen_huffing/views.htm
2. https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/24/4/234/4733835?login=true
3. https://aacijournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13223-017-0202-0
4. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10550887.2022.2027207
5. https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/24/4/234/4733835
6. https://academic.oup.com/jbcr/article/28/6/909/4636891
7. https://youtu.be/pMPKnF8WHf8
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910720300086

• 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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Bonus Episode: Chemistry at Home 12 (Rebroadcast)

Here's another bonus episode dedicated to teaching a specific chemistry experiment you can do at home. This month, we see what happens when we combine chocolate and gum. Yep, you read that right. And yes, it's a little gross.

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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife