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Chemistry For Your Life


Chemistry For Your Life

What is the chemistry of film photography?

Thu, 10 Jul 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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What gives curly hair its curl?

Thu, 03 Jul 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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Are organic vegetables healthier for you?

Thu, 26 Jun 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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Ask a Chemist: Explain it like I'm five?

Thu, 19 Jun 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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Is it safe to use weed killer (Roundup)?

Thu, 12 Jun 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


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References from this episode:



  1. https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/glyphosate/6885.article

  2. https://www.chemistryworld.com/opinion/how-a-herbicide-illustrates-the-many-ways-chemicals-are-put-to-the-test/4021190.article

  3. https://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.

  4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8223940/ Note that author PB acted as consultant for glyphosate producers, on matters not related to glyphosate

  5. https://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. 

  6. 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. 

  7. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/23/9/4605 - No conflicts of interest

  8. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abf7482





Thanks to our monthly supporters



  • Vince W

  • Julie S.

  • Heather R

  • Autoclave

  • Chelsea M

  • Dorien VD

  • Scott B

  • Jessie R

  • Ciara L

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  • Jeannette N

  • Cullyn R

  • Erica B

  • Elizabeth P

  • Sarah M

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  • Letila

  • Katrina B

  • Suzanne P

  • Venus R

  • Lyn S

  • Jacob T

  • Brian K

  • Emerson W

  • Kristina G

  • Timothy P

  • Steven B

  • Chris and Claire S

  • Chelsea B

  • Avishai B

  • Hunter R



★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
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Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com


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