Chemistry For Your Life

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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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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• Katrina B


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• Lyn S


• Jacob T


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• Timothy P


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• Chelsea B


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• Hunter R

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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

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• Erica B


• Elizabeth P


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#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

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Vince W


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• Heather R


• Autoclave


• Chelsea M


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• Cullyn R


• Erica B


• Elizabeth P


• Sarah M


• Rachel R


• 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

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

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