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We're proud to present our first monthly video podcast! This month, we find out what goes on inside of the bug-eating pitcher plant, Nepenthes Alata.

It’s not a pleasant thought, but you’ve got billions of tiny critters living in your mouth. An entire ecosystem of bacteria live in there, and many of them have important roles in chewing and digestion. Now, scientists have found that bacteria in the mouth play a role in creating the distinctive flavors of certain foods.

Intro theme and various sound effects by Adam Dylewski; music by admiralbob77 (via ccmixter.org); Creative Commons licensed audio from freesound.iua.upf.edu includes sound by koops and zerolagtime.

Sweatpants, blue jeans and T-shirts with a brain? It sounds difficult to imagine, but scientists are now working to make these unusual kinds of clothing a reality.

Intro theme and various sound effects by Adam Dylewski; music by M12 (via ccmixter.org); Creative Commons licensed audio from freesound.iua.upf.edu includes sound by xythe, halleck, ERH, thecheeseman, simon.rue and jobro.

We’ve got a special New Year’s surprise for you in store — a video podcast!

Santa might soon leave candy canes and holiday cookies that are a little duller, but better for your health as food color manufacturers go natural. That’s because food manufacturers worldwide are increasingly turning to more natural colors in an effort to replace brightly-colored yet potentially harmful artificial colorings now used in some foods and beverages.

Intro theme and various sound effects by Adam Dylewski; music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com); Creative Commons licensed audio from freesound.iua.upf.edu noisecollector, kjackson and koops.

Good quality stereo speakers are usually big, bulky and heavy, but people put up with their size to get sound with a BOOM. But now, scientists may have come up with a way to shrink speakers without sacrificing that sonic kick.

Intro theme and various sound effects by Adam Dylewski; music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com); Creative Commons licensed audio from freesound.iua.upf.edu ljudman, jppi, daveincamas and pitx.

Find out how chemists are speeding up swimmers with high-tech new swimwear. The final episode in our four part celebration of National Chemistry Week.

Intro theme and various sound effects by Adam Dylewski; music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com); Creative Commons licensed audio from freesound.iua.upf.edu and SoundSnap.com include sounds by SFX Bible, Fred Weinberg, Shriek Productions, man, FranciscoPadilla and Radio Mall.

Have you ever wondered what happens when we sweat? Or why we even sweat at all? Listen to this episode to find out! Part three of four episodes celebrating National Chemistry Week.

Intro theme and various sound effects by Adam Dylewski; music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com); Creative Commons licensed audio from freesound.iua.upf.edu and SoundSnap.com include sounds by SFXsource, luffy and sagetyrtle.

Chemistry has helped improve sports gear dramatically over the years, making your favorite games faster, more exciting and much safer. Part two of four episodes celebrating National Chemistry Week.

Intro theme and various sound effects by Adam Dylewski; music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com); Creative Commons licensed audio from freesound.iua.upf.edu and SoundSnap.com include sounds by Totya, SFX bible, Stuart Duffield, thanvannispen, Justine Angus, UncleSigmund, Shriek Productions, Blastwave FX and SFXsource.

Find out how chemists have improved the stuff below every athlete’s shoes — artificial turf. Part one of four episodes celebrating National Chemistry Week.

Intro theme and various sound effects by Adam Dylewski; music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com); Creative Commons licensed audio from freesound.iua.upf.edu includes sounds by unclesigmund, thanvannispen, Freesound, acclivity, Sruddi1, scarbelly25 and reinsamba.