#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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#110 Rebroadcast
Originally Published August 26, 2021

We've all heard about it. And most likely you've heard that it's in danger. But what is the ozone layer in the first place? And once we learn that, how about figuring out why it's in danger? Ok let's do it.

References from this episode

1. https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ozone/3005901.article
2. https://youtu.be/XGDU6RvUVuk
3. https://www-sciencedirect-com.libproxy.library.unt.edu/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/atmospheric-ozone
4. Solomon’s organic chemistry 11th edition
5. https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2012-2013/ozone-layer-our-global-sunscreen.html

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Question and Response #67

Melissa and Jam dive into a series of chemistry-related questions from their audience. From understanding why wintergreen mints spark in the dark to the science of pregnancy tests and heavy water, the episode covers a broad range of fascinating topics. They also discuss the role of moisturizers, dispel myths about chapstick, and explore the curious case of tumor-related hormones. Additionally, the hosts answer questions related to their educational resources and touch on the advantages of lifelong learning. Join them for an engaging discussion that satisfies both everyday curiosity and scientific intrigue.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:33 Chemistry for Your Life Podcast Begins
00:52 Chemistry Support and Wired Videos
02:23 First Question: Fluorescence and Braces
07:26 Second Question: HCG and Tumors
10:57 Third Question: Heavy Water
12:39 Discussion on Heavy Water and Isotopes
18:06 Movie Reference: The Rookie
20:35 Formal Request: Watch Oppenheimer
21:39 Discussing Movies and Activities
21:59 The Vine and Oppenheimer
23:18 Film Photography Plans
24:07 Moisturizers and Dry Skin
25:53 Chapstick Myths
27:59 Teaching at UNT
30:55 Birdwatching and Lifelong Learning
34:08 Updating the Website
37:39 Resources for Educators
39:49 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

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#211

Melissa and Jam delve into the chemistry behind increased flatulence on airplanes. They explore how changes in air pressure affect gas expansion in the human body, leading to more frequent gas release during flights. The discussion covers the physiology of high altitude flatus expulsion (HAFE), personal anecdotes, and practical advice for managing this phenomenon. Additionally, they touch on how airplane cabin air is regulated and hint at more topics related to airplane air quality in the next episode.

00:00 The Unpleasant Reality of Airplane Odors
01:02 Introducing the Chemistry Behind Airplane Gas
01:51 Meet the Hosts and Episode Dedication
02:30 Listener's Question: Why So Gassy on Flights?
03:47 Exploring Air Pressure and Gas Expansion
05:59 The Science of Airplane Cabin Pressure
15:02 Personal Stories and Practical Examples
18:15 Balancing Safety and Comfort in Airplane Cabin Pressure
19:33 The Impact of Carbon Filters on Airplane Seats
20:02 Personal Anecdotes: The Struggles of Holding in Gas
22:53 The Science Behind Gas Pain and Altitude Sickness
29:53 Travel Tips and Memorable Plane Stories
34:41 Wrapping Up and Listener Engagement

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References from this episode:

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Chemistry at Home: Chromatography Rebroadcast
Originally Published June 29, 2020

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 markers, coffee filters, and water. Let's do chemistry!

Watch the experiment here!

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Ask a Chemist #66

Melissa and Jam dive into a range of listener-submitted questions exploring everyday chemistry. Topics include the chemistry behind toasting herbs, the effect of gravity on elemental bonds, the purpose and ethics of creating elements with short half-lives, and the effectiveness of cough medicine. They also discuss potential causes of mysterious holes in clothing, the debate on food dyes, and the impact of politics on scientific research funding. The hosts wrap up by addressing various listener questions and sharing some heartwarming and supportive messages from their audience.

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00:00 Introduction
01:24 Toasting Herbs: The Chemistry Behind the Flavor
03:05 Gravity's Role in Chemical Bonding
06:44 The Ethics of Creating New Elements
10:17 How Cough Medicine Works
13:06 The Debate on Food Dyes
15:57 The Yellow Cheese Phenomenon
16:35 Colorful Ceviche and Natural Foods
17:58 Chemistry Hot Takes and Listener Questions
19:03 Cleaning Lab Counters and Acid Holes
21:10 Listener Feedback and Podcast Reflections
25:33 Impact of Politics on Science Funding
29:19 Encouraging Messages from Listeners
30:40 Supporting the Podcast and Final Thanks

References from this episode:

1. https://www.rsc.org/news-events/community/2017/jan/new-elements/

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#209

Melissa and Jam dive into the fascinating chemistry behind how plants transport water from their roots to their leaves, effectively defying gravity. They explore processes such as capillary action and the cohesion tension mechanism, citing a primary source from Nature journal. Melissa and Jam also touch on key chemistry concepts like water polarity, hydrogen bonding, and osmosis, providing examples from everyday life. Jam shares a personal story about germinating an apple seed with his son, while Melissa discusses her adventures in native plant gardening. The episode concludes with a shoutout to their Patreon supporters and details on upcoming Chemistry for Your Life merch.

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00:00 Introduction and Tea Talk
00:17 Plants Defying Gravity
01:05 Welcome to Chemistry for Your Life
01:20 Listener Question: Chemistry of Pregnancy Tests
02:11 Capillary Action in Everyday Life
03:57 Personal Stories and Plant Enthusiasm
05:15 Chemistry Lessons: Water Polarity and Hydrogen Bonds
10:32 Water Transport in Plants: Xylem and Capillary Action
16:00 Transpiration and Water Loss in Plants
23:32 Curiosity About Soil and Water Content
24:23 Water Movement in Trees
26:53 Understanding Osmosis
28:37 Practical Applications of Osmosis
31:12 Capillary Action and Plant Water Transport
33:15 Fun Plant Stories and Experiments
41:11 Supporting the Show and Community

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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