Displaying episodes 91 - 120 of 288 in total
Why does ice float on water?
Ice is water right? It's just that it's solid. So why does it float in liquid water? And also why does water expand when it freezes, when typically things contract whe...
What is sea level rise? (with Dr. Renee Collini)
This week, Melissa, Jam, and very special guest Renee Collini (Melissa's sister and climate scientist) delve into the important topic of sea-level rise. What causes it...
What is the chemistry of volcanoes?
The crazy, insane, scary, fascinating world of volcanoes is fully of chemistry! What is lava/magma? Why do some volcanoes ooze and others erupt? What causes the magma ...
Why are sand and water different temperatures at the beach?
Many of us have been in a situation where we are near a body of water (lake, ocean, pool etc), and you may have noticed that no matter what the temperature is outside,...
What is wind?
Wind is everywhere, we've all experienced it: soft breezes, strong gusts, cold fronts, warm fronts. But what is wind? What starts it? Where does it come from, and wher...
Bonus: Where does sand come from? (and other questions)
In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about CO2 and mosquitos, sand, light scattering, cooking eggs, and more!
What is lightning?
Lightning is something we're all used to. It's always just been an odd part of life. But think for a second, what even is it? It's just electricity, hanging out in the...
What do rainbows and mirages have in common?
This week, Melissa and Jam explore three very different, but related, light phenomena. We'll discuss situations when light can be bent, slowed down, and even broken. I...
What are clouds? And why do they look white?
Clouds. So fluffy. So wispy. So mysterious. What are they really? Why do they look white? How do they hold so much water for so long? Why do they float?
Bonus: Why is caffeine in shampoo? (and other questions)
In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about shampoo, microplastics, misunderstood chemicals, sports teams, ADHD medications,...
Why do people hate organic chemistry?
Well guess what, Melissa is a PhD Doctor now! And you know what that means? She gets to tell us more details about the research she did to get her PhD. Listen to hear ...
How can sunlight turn into electricity?
This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of solar energy. How do we capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity? Is it as super insanely cool as i...
How do ADHD and Adderall™ change the chemistry in our brains?
Well newsflash, the brain is complicated. And a surprising amount of what's going on in our brains is chemistry. But what about ADHD? What's happening in the chemistry...
Bonus: Animals have tears? (and other questions)
In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about lobsters, crying, lightening, colored fire, and more!
Is crying chemistry? (the fascinating science of tears)
Have you ever wondered what tears are? If not, is it because you think you already know? Chances are, you don't actually know what tears are! It's probably more comple...
Why does rain smell?
What's that smell? This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of smell. Now a lot of smell science has to do with our physiology and neurology. We'll talk some a...
Why do lobsters turn red? (when we cook them)
When you think of lobsters, you probably always imagine them being red. But they're only actually red after they die, or more specifically, after we cook them. Why? Is...
Bonus: What do sunscreen and paint have in common? (and other questions)
In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about soda bubbles, mentos, raisins, sunscreen, and more!
Why do sodas explode? (when we shake them)
We've all shaken up a carbonated drink, either accidentally or on purpose, so we all know what happens. But why? Why does simply shaking it agitate the carbonation so ...
Why is the sky blue?
This week, Melissa and Jam explore the oldest question in the book. But we're not going to answer it. Just kidding. Why the HECK is the sky blue? And also why are ther...
Bonus: Chemistry and Greek myths? (and other questions)
In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about greek myth analogies, hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, alkaline water, coffe...
Why do we use hydrogen peroxide? (and should we?)
For many people, hydrogen peroxide has been an essential first aid tool. Should it be? And before we answer that question, what even is hydrogen peroxide? How does it ...
How does bleach remove color?
How does bleach bleach stuff? Oh and also, what even is color? This week Melissa and Jam investigate these questions. What's the molecular makeup of color and then how...
Why are blue jeans actually dyed yellow?
Are you sitting down? Because we've got some news for you. Those blue jeans you own, they weren't actually dyed blue. They were dyed YELLOW. That doesn't make any sens...
Bonus: Is higher pH water better? (and other questions)
In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about stretching molecules, stigmas around organic chemistry, drinking higher pH (alka...
Why do Pop Rocks pop?
If you know what pop rocks are, then this episode will answer one of the greatest mysteries of your childhood. And if you've never heard of pop rocks, then you'll stil...
What are antioxidants and are they even good for you?
This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of antioxidants. What are they? Is it just magical stuff they put in sport drinks and workout supplements? Can you fin...
How does Benzoyl Peroxide fight acne?
If you've ever had acne, you've probably tried some creams or washes with "benzoyl peroxide" somewhere on the label. How is it that this specific ingredient is helpful...
Bonus: How do gasses dissolve in liquid? (and other questions)
In this month's bonus episode, Melissa and Jam respond to comments and questions about fluoride, decaf coffee, dissolving gasses, careers in chemistry, witnessing mome...
How is coffee decaffeinated?
Coffee Part 3! So we all know coffee has caffeine in it. But what if you want your coffee... without the caffeine? Is that as impossible as wanting to have your cake a...
