#097 Rebroadcast

Most of us know the feeling. But what are we actually experiencing when we experience allergies? How does being around plants and pollen make us all sniffly? Why does this beautiful season have such a dark side? Let's find out.

References from this episode

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538528/
2. https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/histamine/3005799.article
3. https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/molecule-of-the-week/archive/h/histamine.html
4. https://cen.acs.org/articles/93/i19/Periodic-Graphics-Allergies-Antihistamines.html

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#208

Melissa and Jam dive deep into the topic of FDA regulations, particularly focusing on food additives like red food dye. They discuss the complexities of the FDA's approval process, the Delaney Clause, and recent changes in the regulation of red dye number 3, which has been banned in response to cancer risks found in rats. They also delve into how other countries like the UK and Canada are ahead of the U.S. in reevaluating approved substances. The episode includes personal anecdotes and a discussion on the role of public awareness in influencing FDA policies. They wrap up with a lighthearted conversation about sprinkles and favorite dyed foods.

00:00 Introduction and FDA Discussion
00:36 Podcast Banter and Hat Story
02:42 FDA's Role and Food Additives
04:48 Red Food Dye Controversy
11:33 FDA Trustworthiness and Public Perception
18:29 Comparing Food Regulations: US vs. Canada
18:50 Trusting the FDA: A Personal Take
20:02 Challenges Faced by the FDA
20:56 Rebranding the FDA: A Fun Idea
22:16 Sprinkles and Donuts: A Sweet Debate
26:51 Favorite Dyed Foods
30:44 Podcast Wrap-Up and Community Shoutouts

References from this episode:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890856711009531
2. https://www.gao.gov/assets/hrd-82-3.pdf
3. https://pubmed-ncbi-nlm-nih-gov.libproxy.library.unt.edu/23026007/
4. https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs
5. https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/FDA-bans-red3-food-drugs/103/web/2025/01
6. https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/october-2015/articial-dyes.html
7. https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/Editorial-Fewer-risky-food-colors/102/i26
8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10502305/

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Question and Response 65

Melissa and Jam delve into a variety of interesting chemistry-related questions sourced from Reddit. They explore why farts stop smelling over time, the non-oily nature of Castile soap, why cookies and candies remain safe to eat at room temperature, and the mechanics behind rice cookers. They also discuss how opening a bottle can freeze its contents and offer reassurance to a chemistry Ph.D. student worried about forgetting basic chemistry knowledge. The episode is filled with insightful explanations, humor, and chemistry support, answering the everyday scientific queries of curious Reddit users.

00:00 Introduction and Reddit Questions Overview
01:44 Where Does a Fart Go?
04:01 Why Cookies and Candy Don't Spoil Quickly
07:31 How Do Rice Cookers Work?
10:52 Why Does Opening a Bottle Freeze the Contents?
15:16 How is Castile Soap Not Oily?
17:18 Forgetting Basic Chemistry as a PhD Student
24:35 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

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#207

Melissa and Jam explore why gasoline doesn't freeze in extremely low temperatures while water and other substances do. They delve into the concepts of intermolecular forces, polarity, and how impurities can affect the freezing and melting points of substances. The discussion includes a comparison of the behavior of different substances at varying temperatures, and a light-hearted conversation on favorite liquids that can exist in both liquid and solid states. They also hint at upcoming merchandise related to the topic.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:43 Why Gasoline Doesn't Freeze
03:10 Chemistry Behind Freezing and Melting
06:43 Intermolecular Forces Explained
15:44 Practical Implications and Fun Facts
20:46 Listener Questions and Closing Remarks

References from this episode:

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#011 Rebroadcast

Why is honey sticky but salt isn’t? What’s the difference between things that stick and things that just feel sticky? In this episode, Melissa and Jam dive into the chemistry behind adhesion, cohesion, and the forces that make substances cling to surfaces (and to our fingers). They explore intermolecular forces, viscosity, and why some things are nearly impossible to separate once they’re bonded. Plus, Jam shares a hilarious mix-up of words, and Melissa breaks down why this topic turned out to be trickier than expected!

Topics Covered:

• The difference between adhesion and cohesion

• Intermolecular forces: the unseen power behind stickiness

• Why some things feel sticky while others are just stuck

• How temperature and viscosity affect our experience of stickiness

• Why hydrogen bonding plays a key role in making substances cling

• Listener-submitted answers on the “scientific word for sticky”

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#206

Melissa and Jam address a listener's question about the FDA's reliability in approving products. They discuss the intersection of chemistry, government, and society, focusing on FDA's role in regulating food and drugs. The episode includes a deep dive into the historical thalidomide tragedy, the improvements in the FDA's approval process since then, and the nuances of trusting FDA-approved products. Through personal insights, they emphasize the complexities and challenges faced by the FDA in ensuring public safety.

00:00 Introduction: What is the FDA Up To?
00:18 Listener's Question: Trusting FDA Approvals
01:11 Deep Dive: FDA's Role and Responsibilities
03:35 Case Study: Cold Medicine and Phenylephrine
04:18 Thalidomide: A Historical Lesson
10:11 The Role of Frances Kelsey
13:44 FDA's Evolution and Current Challenges
23:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

References from this episode:

1. https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/biological-sciences-articles/courageous-physician-scientist-saved-the-us-from-a-birth-defects-catastrophe
2. https://www.gao.gov/assets/hrd-82-3.pdf
3. https://www.fda.gov/food/hfp-constituent-updates/fda-revoke-authorization-use-red-no-3-food-and-ingested-drugs
4. https://cen.acs.org/food/food-ingredients/Editorial-Fewer-risky-food-colors/102/i26

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Ask a Chemist #64

Melissa and Jam delve into intriguing chemistry questions posed by their listeners. They explore whether all salts are salty, the chemistry of gunshot residue and fingerprinting, and the reactions between chemicals and sound waves. Special guest Maison, Melissa's husband, joins to discuss sourdough starter cultures and answer sourdough-related queries. The episode concludes with insightful comments from their Chemmunity members and reassurances about their well-being amid late-night recordings.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:45 First Listener Question: Gunshot Residue and Fingerprinting
02:46 Is All Salt Salty?
15:28 Chemistry and Sound Waves
18:28 Sourdough Questions Begin
21:32 Sourdough Myths: Stainless Steel Debate
23:36 Acidity and Metal Reactions
27:47 Sourdough and Gluten-Free Misconceptions
29:40 Starting a Sourdough Business
31:22 Sourdough Starter Names and Maintenance
33:39 Maison's Sourdough Journey
42:06 Late Night Recording Concerns
44:41 Community Shoutouts and Closing Remarks

References from this episode:

1. https://pubs-acs-org.libproxy.library.unt.edu/doi/full/10.1021/acs.joc.1c00805
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7919833/

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#205

Jam and Melissa discuss the complexities and consequences of recent executive orders surrounding science funding. Melissa provides insight into how these changes impact university research, faculty positions, and broader society. The duo also highlights the historical context and importance of DEI in academia, emphasizing the broader implications of funding uncertainties on current and future science initiatives.

00:00 Introduction and Special Occasions
00:20 Current Issues in Science Funding
01:10 Host Background and Experience
02:19 Impact of Executive Orders on Science
04:21 Broader Impacts and DEI in Grants
14:03 Indirect Costs and University Funding
16:44 Trickle-Down Effects on Academia
27:03 Importance of DEI Initiatives
40:16 Conclusion and Further Reading

References from this episode:

1. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00365-z
2. https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:42%20section:1862p-14%20edition:prelim)
3. https://cen.acs.org/education/Racial-ethnic-diversity-US-chemistry/98/i43

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