Reactions

After April showers, we get May flowers — just in time for Mother’s Day. Sadly, after a few days, that wonderful bouquet may start wilting. Thankfully, Reactions has picked out the best science-backed tips to maximize the freshness of your cut flowers.

Many people have turned to over-the-counter teeth-whitening treatments, while some have made a trip to the dentist. This week, Reactions looks at the chemistry of a brighter smile.

In this episode, Sophia Cai chats about the chemistry of your why natural hair color turns white, and how scientists may be able to slow that graying down.

We know poisonous snakes are dangerous, but what exactly makes venom so powerful? Evolutionary biology tells us why venom is useful for snakes, but chemistry tells us how venom works. This week, Reactions sheds some light on the proteins in venom, as well as its potential medical uses.

It’s one of the most popular beverages in the world, and many of us rely on it to stay awake every day. But not every cup of coffee is created equal. From the bean to the brew, science can help you get the perfect cup. This week, Reactions goes on a quest for better coffee through chemistry. Special thanks to William Sefton and Cait Lowry at The Coffee Bar - http://www.thecoffeebardc.com/.

You use it everyday, hopefully twice, but do you know how toothpaste works? In another installment of our Reactions Q and A series, we talk about what gets your chompers clean. Plus, many of you have asked what we look like, and what we do around here, so we answer that question too! Thanks for subscribing and keep the questions coming in the comments.

Reactions viewer Peter Sterckx asked us, "Why do metal things corrode?" Great question. It's number two in our Reactions Q and A series. And did you know that metals actually PREFER to be rusted? Believe it. And while you're believing it, be sure to leave your questions in the comments and we will try to get to them all!

Why do wasps become more aggressive after you kill one of the hive members? The answer is the same reason why you should be wary of bees that smell like bananas. This week, Reactions answers viewers’ chemistry questions like these with some short and sweet chemistry.

Virginia Tech researchers helped prove that lead levels were dangerously high in Flint’s tap water, even when government officials denied the problem. We visited the researchers to see how they're using standard analytical chemistry to try and make water safer.

Synthetic drugs such as “bath salts,” “K2” or “Spice” have made unsettling headlines lately, with reports of violent, erratic behavior and deaths after people have used the substances. Why are these synthesized drugs so dangerous, and why aren’t there more regulations? In this week’s Reactions, we answer these questions by examining the chemistry of two kinds of synthetic drugs: bath salts and synthetic marijuana. Correction in video - While Kratom is a plant, and not synthetic, it is listed as a Drug and Chemical of Concern by the DEA, and is marketed as a synthetic drug at gas stations and other vendors.