Chemistry For Your Life

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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#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:

1. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/


2. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-airplane-windows-dont/#:~:text=Gravity%20tends%20to%20keep%20air,hypoxia%2C%20or%20lack%20of%20oxygen.


3. https://cen.acs.org/safety/consumer-safety/Periodic-Graphics-chemistry-airplane-air/102/i26


4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207472/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hM9P1_Xuayk&t=1s


5. https://www.acs.org/catalyzing-change/when-a-good-relationship-turns-toxic-ozone-on-airplanes.html


6. https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/UEET/StudentSite/dynamicsofflight.html


7. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/how-things-work-cabin-pressure-2870604/


8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1272559/


9. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306987713003204?casa_token=15eE-dbT_SsAAAAA:tapMXnm3_aFXzlYYcuqITcGuq2beGzm8jvGido_IzMZZMdhezweqXyayesk3VBVrg_cq9luDCg

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