Reactions

It’s a sinister condition that affects millions of Americans: addiction. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, food or gambling, it can ruin lives. In support of National Recovery Month, which calls attention to substance abuse issues and treatment services, Reactions takes a look at the chemistry behind addiction. If you or someone you know wants to get help, go to http://recoverymonth.gov to find resources.

Football is back, and with all the hard hits and tough tackles come renewed concerns about safety. Every NFL player is required to wear a helmet, but the helmets of today are a far cry from the leather creations from decades ago. To kick off this football season, Reactions looks at everything that goes into a football helmet and how chemistry helps keep players safe.

It’s the most important meal of the day. Or is it? Breakfast has been the topic of much debate. For years, we were told to eat a complete breakfast. But what does that even mean? Should a complete breakfast include eggs, or should you avoid them altogether? Does any of this apply to brunch?

You’re tired and you need an energy boost, but you don’t want the jitters from caffeine. What to do? In this week's video, we give you some chemistry-backed tips — one of which involves cats — to boost your productivity and stay awake without refilling the coffee cup.

Almost all of us have used some type of odor eliminator like Febreze to un-stink a room. These sprays can work wonders, but how do they actually work? Do they really remove the smell or just mask it?

Some of you folks out there know first hand that a cup of coffee almost immediately means a trip to the bathroom. But what's inside a cup of coffee that makes you have to go #2? Today on Reactions, we bring you the answer - to the best of our scientific knowledge. For more gross science, check out a channel called, what else, Gross Science! http://youtube.com/grossscienceshow

Tell 'em Reactions sent ya.

The Thing, Human Torch, Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic are back this summer! In the new reboot, the team gets its powers while in an alternate dimension. Here at Reactions, though, we stick to comic book canon. In this week’s video, we explain the original way the Fantastic Four got their power – radiation – with help from SciPop Talks.

If you don’t have a tattoo, you probably at least know someone who does — but what’s the chemistry behind tattoos? In this Reactions video we explore what tattoo ink is made of, why this body art is permanent (whether you like it or not) and other cool facts. For more information on tattoos, check out Claudia Aguirre's article: www.doctorclaudia.com/tattoos-and-skin-h­ealth.

Have you ever wished you could hide under an invisibility cloak like Harry Potter or conceal your car with a Klingon cloaking device like in Star Trek? In a special bonus episode of Reactions, we celebrate the International Year of Light by exploring the science behind light, sight and invisibility. Though we can’t make ourselves invisible yet, some promising research may light the way – or rather, bend the light away. This episode of Reactions was produced in collaboration with the journal ACS Photonics. For more information on ACS Photonics, please visit: http://pubs.acs.org/journal/apchd5. Additional information on the International Year of Light can be found at: http://www.light2015.org.

If you’re stumped in the wine aisle of the store, you’re not alone. Every bottle has unique nuances of taste and smell. How can something made of grapes smell buttery or taste like grass? Learn about the complex chemistry behind wine and then impress your friends at your next party thanks to Reactions. Big thanks to Azari Vineyards for letting the Reactions team check out their grapes! Visit them in Petaluma, California for a tasting!