Question and Response #74

Melissa and Jam dive into a series of fascinating chemistry questions submitted by listeners. They explore how food affects the absorption rate of alcohol in the blood, the science behind shelf-stable milk turning solid after opening, and why dogs' feet might smell like Fritos. The duo also answers an intriguing question about the risks of dental X-rays versus ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Additionally, they discuss a fun science experiment involving dissolving candy canes in different liquids, providing a perfect activity for kids to learn about the world of chemistry. Special thanks to the community members and listeners whose questions keep the show engaging and informative.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
02:23 How Food Affects Alcohol Absorption
06:42 Shelf-Stable Protein Shakes
10:26 Why Do Dogs' Feet Smell Like Fritos?
14:49 The Risks of X-Rays
17:56 Understanding Dental X-Ray Radiation
18:39 Annual Radiation Dose and Safety
19:32 Comparing Risks: Dental Issues vs. X-Rays
20:12 Why X-Ray Technicians Use Shields
20:59 Explaining Radiation Risks to the Public
22:55 Fun Science Experiments for Kids
25:31 Explaining Polarity and Dissolution to Kids
30:47 Encouraging Scientific Curiosity in Children
34:41 Supporting the Show and Community Shoutouts

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References from the Episode:

1. https://youtu.be/30_QRAC6XOU
2. https://www.abc.ca.gov/education/licensee-education/alcohol-facts/#:~:text=Alcohol%20does%20not%20require%20digestion,Therefore%2C%20food%20slows%20intoxication.
3. https://www.epa.gov/radiation/radiation-sources-and-doses
4. https://www.epa.gov/radiation/calculate-your-radiation-dose
5. https://www.nrc.gov/about-nrc/radiation/around-us/doses-daily-lives
6. https://ehs.stanford.edu/manual/radiation-protection-guidance-hospital-staff/natural-sources-radiation#:~:text=Cosmic%20radiation%20comes%20from%20the,approximately%2028%20mrem%20per%20year.

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• Amanda Raymond
• Emily Morrison
• Kyle McCray
• Justine
• Emily Hardy
• Ash
• Vince W
• Julie S.
• Heather Ragusa
• Autoclave
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• Jessie Reder
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette Napoleon
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#077

Who's doing what to our salt? What's iodine, do we need it, why, and how do they get it in there? This week Melissa and Jam dive head first into figurative iodized salt dunes. Let's take a closer look at the chemistry of something so everyday, we hardly even think about it.

References from this episode

1. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es0719071
2. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed077p984#:~:text=The%20presence%20of%20iodine%20in,in%20preventing%20simple%20endemic%20goiter
3. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ed062p1016
4. https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/february-2016/salt-facts.html
5. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-drinking-too-much-water-can-kill/

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

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Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Amanda Raymond
• Emily Morrison
• Kyle McCray
• Justine
• Emily Hardy
• Ash
• Vince W
• Julie S.
• Heather Ragusa
• Autoclave
• Dorien VD
• Scott Beyer
• Jessie Reder
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette Napoleon
• Cullyn R
• Erica Bee
• Elizabeth P
• Rachel Reina
• Letila
• Katrina Barnum-Huckins
• Suzanne Phillips
• Venus Rebholz
• Jacob Taber
• Brian Kimball
• 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

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#228

In this festive episode, Melissa and Jam delve into the fascinating science behind why ribbons curl when pressed against a blade. The discussion covers polymers, their molecular structures, and the forces at play during this process. With a blend of personal holiday memories and a detailed analogy involving crocheted yarn, the duo makes complex chemistry accessible and fun for all listeners. They also share their favorite holiday traditions and movies, making this episode a blend of heartwarming stories and educational content.

00:00 Guess the Sound Game
01:37 Introducing the Topic: Curly Ribbon Science
03:51 Chemistry Behind Curly Ribbon
04:20 Polymers and Their Properties
05:59 Crochet Analogy for Polymers
12:23 Molecular Mechanics of Ribbon Curling
15:34 Practical Tips for Perfect Ribbon Curls
19:36 Holiday Reflections and Chemistry Recap
22:37 Understanding Polymer Behavior
24:28 Molecular Forces and Rearrangement
28:02 Holiday Traditions and Memories
36:33 Favorite Christmas Movies
40:37 Wrapping Up and Listener Shoutouts

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Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

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References from the Episode:

1. https://books.byui.edu/plastics_materials_a/plastic_high_strain_#:~:text=The%20molecular%20interpretation%20(in%20polymers,rupture%20and%20the%20sample%20breaks.
2. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02076https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-35809116.amp
3. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1514626113
4. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ba-1993-0233.ch005
5. https://courses.ems.psu.edu/matse81/node/2109

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Amanda Raymond
• Emily Morrison
• Kyle McCray
• Justine
• Emily Hardy
• Ash
• Vince W
• Julie S.
• Heather Ragusa
• Autoclave
• Dorien VD
• Scott Beyer
• Jessie Reder
• J0HNTR0Y
• Jeannette Napoleon
• Cullyn R
• Erica Bee
• Elizabeth P
• Rachel Reina
• Letila
• Katrina Barnum-Huckins
• Suzanne Phillips
• Venus Rebholz
• Jacob Taber
• Brian Kimball
• 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

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