#203

In this episode, Jam recounts a humorous yet enlightening story of accidentally taking a dog-sized dose of Benadryl and the sleepy consequences that followed. Melissa, a chemist, dives deep into the chemistry of antihistamines, explaining the difference between first-generation (drowsy) and second-generation (non-drowsy) antihistamines. The episode covers the role of histamine in the body's allergic reactions and how different antihistamines interact with histamine receptors. Melissa elucidates the chemical structures of these medicines and how their polarity affects their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, ultimately influencing whether they cause drowsiness.

00:00 A Benadryl Mishap
02:12 Understanding Antihistamines
03:28 The Science Behind Benadryl
04:55 How Antihistamines Work
10:41 Non-Drowsy Antihistamines
18:29 Personal Allergy Experiences
27:52 Allergy Medication Preferences
35:11 Supporting the Show

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Question and Response 63

In this episode Melissa and Jam embark on an 'Ask a Chemist' segment, delving into the ethics surrounding the field of chemistry and addressing listener questions. They discuss managing discussions on the dark side of chemistry, why certain chemicals emit characteristic colors in the flame test, and share personal experiences regarding the toughest classes in their educational journeys. The episode also features listener interactions about nostalgic glow-in-the-dark items and anecdotes about the complexities and joys of studying and practicing chemistry. Join them for an engaging exploration of the ethical dimensions of chemistry and the field's fascinating nuances.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:15 Addressing the Ethics of Chemistry
07:29 Fun Chemistry Questions
09:03 Personal Stories and Hardest Classes
18:39 Nostalgic Glow-in-the-Dark Items
21:54 Community Engagement and Closing Remarks

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• Chelsea M
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• Erica B
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• Sarah M
• Rachel R
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• Katrina B
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#202

Melissa and Jam dive into a fun and educational holiday-themed activity using poinsettia plants. They explore the chemistry behind these festive plants, specifically focusing on anthocyanins, which are pigments that give the leaves their red color and act as pH indicators. The episode includes a hands-on experiment that listeners can try at home to visualize how different household items can change the color of poinsettia leaves. Perfect for a holiday break activity that educates and entertains both kids and adults.

00:00 Introduction to Holiday Activities
00:24 The Poinsettia Plant: A Festive Icon
01:21 Chemistry Behind Poinsettias
02:35 Historical and Cultural Significance
04:36 Anthocyanins and Plant Pigments
07:54 Understanding Light Absorption
11:47 Interactive Chemistry Lesson
18:52 Exploring the Fascinating World of Light and Color
19:50 Understanding the Science Behind Color Perception
22:10 Fun Science Experiments with Kids
22:56 Making Poinsettia Tea: A Step-by-Step Guide
24:37 Creating Homemade pH Paper
26:14 Testing Household Items for Acidity and Basicity
27:42 Interactive Chemistry Activities for All Ages
37:09 Wrapping Up: Chemistry Fun for the Holidays

References from this episode:

1. https://www.compoundchem.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/17-%E2%80%93-Poinsettia-Plant-Indicator.pdf
2. https://bibliotecadigital.ipb.pt/bitstream/10198/3206/1/artigo%20Food%20Chemistry,%2063,%201998,%20435-440.pdf
3. http://lib3.dss.go.th/fulltext/Journal/J.agri.food%20chem/1999/no.1p1-216/1999v47n1p67-70.pdf
4. https://www.compoundchem.com/2013/12/16/poisonous-poinsettia-ph-indicators/
5. https://youtu.be/ORl6EKQI1ws
6. https://www.nature.com/scitable/blog/plantchemcast/the_dark_myth_of_the/
7. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/epdf/10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00113?ref=article_openPDF
8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154322000734

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