Episodes

  • How does *color* film photography work??
    Jul 24 2025

    In this continuation of our two-part series, Melissa and Jam dive into the intriguing chemistry behind color film and Polaroid photography. The episode picks up from the previous discussion on black and white film, focusing on color theory and how it applies to both traditional and instant photography. Listeners will learn about the science of additive and subtractive colors, how multiple layers of dye-sensitized silver halide work together to capture images, and the unique processes involved in developing these images. For those fascinated by the intersection of chemistry and photography, this episode is a must-listen.

    00:00 Introduction and Recap
    01:42 Understanding Color Theory
    05:08 Additive and Subtractive Colors
    07:00 Color Photography Basics
    08:45 Film Development Process
    13:03 Negative and Positive Images
    17:33 Practical Applications and Examples
    23:28 Understanding Negative Images in Photography
    24:26 Principles of Color Photography
    25:22 Exploring Color Negatives and Filters
    27:14 Layers and Sensitizers in Color Film
    29:51 The Development Process of Color Film
    34:22 Introduction to Polaroid Photography
    35:20 The Chemistry Behind Polaroid Development
    40:06 Fascination with Photography and Color Theory
    40:50 Favorite Black and White TV Shows
    44:12 Closing Remarks and Community Shoutouts

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    References from this episode:

    1. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed052p622?ref=article_openPDF
    2. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00400
    3. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed081p694
    4. https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/making-a-photographic-print-using-silver-chloride/454.article
    5. https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/metals%20and%20nonmetals/chemmatters-feb2006-digital-photo.pdf
    6. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Steiger/publication/279964154_CHEMICAL_SENSITIZATION_OF_SILVER_BROMIDE/links/5a7d8b55aca272341aef2f6f/CHEMICAL-SENSITIZATION-OF-SILVER-BROMIDE.pdf
    7. https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ncw/chemistry-of-polaroids.html
    8. https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i12/Instant-Film.html
    9. https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/land-instant-photography.html
    10. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed051p72?ref=article_openPDF

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    50 mins
  • Ask a Chemist: Is Baking Soda and Vinegar a Cleaning Myth? (And other questions)
    Jul 17 2025

    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 mins
  • What is the chemistry of film photography?
    Jul 10 2025

    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:

    1. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed052p622?ref=article_openPDF
    2. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00400
    3. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/ed081p694
    4. https://edu.rsc.org/experiments/making-a-photographic-print-using-silver-chloride/454.article
    5. https://www.acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/articlesbytopic/metals%20and%20nonmetals/chemmatters-feb2006-digital-photo.pdf
    6. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Rolf-Steiger/publication/279964154_CHEMICAL_SENSITIZATION_OF_SILVER_BROMIDE/links/5a7d8b55aca272341aef2f6f/CHEMICAL-SENSITIZATION-OF-SILVER-BROMIDE.pdf
    7. https://www.acs.org/education/celebrating-chemistry-editions/2024-ncw/chemistry-of-polaroids.html
    8. https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i12/Instant-Film.html
    9. https://www.acs.org/education/whatischemistry/landmarks/land-instant-photography.html
    10. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/epdf/10.1021/ed051p72?ref=article_openPDF

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    55 mins
  • What gives curly hair its curl?
    Jul 3 2025

    #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

    1. Biochemistry, Edition 4 - Garret and Grisham
    2. The Chemistry of Hair - C. S. Whewell, Ph.D., F.R.I.C., F.T.I.
    3. The Science of Curls - Leidamarie Tirado-Lee
    4. Bad Hair Days? Chemistry to the Rescue - Marlene M. Gutierrez

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    28 mins
  • Are organic vegetables healthier for you?
    Jun 26 2025

    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:

    1. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC5837313/
    2. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/colorectal-cancer-rising-younger-adultshttps://
    3. www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htmhttps://
    4. 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
    5. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC7019963/#notes3
    6. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC7146625/
    7. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC7146577/
    8. https://pmc-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/articles/PMC3546364/
    9. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-157-5-201209040-00007
    10. https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-158-4-201302190-00018
    11. https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2013-2014/genetic-organic-food.html
    12. 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
    13. https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/pesticide-residue
    14. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/10.1021/jf103902t

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    58 mins
  • Ask a Chemist: Explain it like I'm five?
    Jun 19 2025

    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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    30 mins
  • Is it safe to use weed killer (Roundup)?
    Jun 12 2025
    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.articlehttps://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/how-a-herbicide-illustrates-the-many-ways-chemicals-are-put-to-the-test/4021190.articlehttps://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 glyphosatehttps://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 interesthttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abf7482 Thanks to our monthly supporters Vince WJulie S.Heather RAutoclaveChelsea MDorien VDScott BJessie RCiara LJ0HNTR0YJeannette NCullyn RErica BElizabeth PSarah MRachel RLetilaKatrina BSuzanne PVenus RLyn SJacob TBrian KEmerson WKristina GTimothy PSteven BChris and Claire SChelsea BAvishai BHunter 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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    35 mins
  • Are we breathing recycled air on airplanes?
    Jun 5 2025

    #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

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    References from this episode:

    1. https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/Periodic-Graphics-chemistry-airplane-air/102/i26
    2. https://www.acs.org/catalyzing-change/when-a-good-relationship-turns-toxic-ozone-on-airplanes.html
    3. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/full/10.1021/es3046795
    4. https://youtu.be/hM9P1_Xuayk?t=107s
    5. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf
    6. https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/cer/OzonePassengerCabins.pdf
    7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3683839/

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    40 mins