#168Continuing our series on "forever chemicals" aka PFAS, we explore how we got into this situation. Where did PFAS come from? Why were they made? Were there any signs of PFAS being a problem early on? Let's investigate. References from this Episodehttps://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/ptfe/3005920.article?adredir=1https://www.teflon.com/en/news-events/historyhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7530144/https://www.investors.dupont.com/news-and-media/press-release-details/2023/Chemours-DuPont-and-Corteva-Reach-Comprehensive-PFAS-Settlement-with-U.S.-Water-Systems/default.aspxWe want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter! Thanks to our monthly supporters

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The history of “forever chemicals,” how did we get here? (PFAS part 2)

A podcast that helps you understand the fascinating chemistry hidden in your everyday life.

Have you ever wondered why onions make you cry? Or how soap gets your hands clean? What really is margarine, or why do trees change colors in the fall? Melissa is a chemist, and to answer these questions she started a podcast, called Chemistry for your life!

In each episode Melissa explains the chemistry behind one of life’s mysteries to Jam, who is definitely not a chemist, but she explains it in a way that is easy to understand, and totally fascinating.

If you’re someone who loves learning new things, or who wonders about the way the world works, then give us a listen.

Science

Chemistry

#189
In this episode, Melissa and Jam delve into the crucial role of Vitamin C in the body, focusing on its importance for collagen production. They discuss how collagen, a key structural protein found in tendons, cartilage, bones, teeth, skin, and blood vessels, relies on Vitamin C to form strong, functional structures. The conversation explores the process of how Vitamin C enables enzymes to add essential alcohol groups to collagen strands, allowing them to twist into strong triple helices, which then form a robust matrix in the body. The hosts also touch upon the connection between Vitamin C deficiency and scurvy, and tease further exploration of Vitamin C's role in the immune system and as a preservative in future episodes. The episode is dedicated to new community member Jesse, and acknowledges listener Nicole B. for inspiring the topic.
00:00 Introduction to Vitamin C Myths
00:13 Exploring Vitamin C in Skincare and Food Preservation
00:32 Vitamin C and Pets: A Curious Case
00:45 Diving into Scurvy and Vitamin C
01:28 Podcast Introduction and Dedication
01:38 Special Announcements and Episode Structure
06:02 The Chemistry of Collagen
10:27 Understanding Collagen Structure
13:30 The Role of Intermolecular Forces
18:02 Connecting Vitamin C to Collagen Formation
19:57 The Role of Hydroxylase in Collagen Formation
20:42 Vitamin C: The Essential Co-Factor
23:10 The Consequences of Vitamin C Deficiency
23:31 Debating Collagen Supplements
32:50 The Historical Struggle with Scurvy
37:53 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
References from this episode:


 	
Biochemistry, 4th edition Garrett & Grisham 
 	
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/
 	
https://youtu.be/3e2JYMNS_W4?t=477s
 	
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2019/ob/c9ob01646e
 	
https://thispodcastwillkillyou.com/2019/02/05/episode-19-scurvy-thanks-a-lot-evolution/


 
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How does Vitamin C keep our bodies from turning into mush?

#099 Rebroadcast
In this special re-release episode, Melissa and Jam dive deep into the world of Vitamin A (retinol) and its role in anti-aging skincare. They revisit a popular episode that explores whether anti-aging products genuinely work. The hosts break down the scientific functions of the skin, the impact of UV radiation, and the importance of sunscreen. They also discuss how retinoids (vitamin A) can help repair and maintain the skin's structure, backed by peer-reviewed studies. This episode is a blend of chemistry, practical skincare tips, and personal anecdotes.
00:00 Introduction to Vitamin A and Anti-Aging
00:10 Revisiting the Anti-Aging Episode
00:36 Personal Reflections on Skincare
02:06 Acknowledging Influences and Inspirations
04:57 Understanding Skin and Aging
07:55 The Role of Fibroblasts and Proteins
10:55 Impact of UV Rays on Skin Aging
14:10 Importance of Sunscreen
15:56 Retinoids: The Gold Standard in Anti-Aging
19:50 Retinoid Study Results
20:31 Retinoids: The Antidote to Sun Damage
21:34 The Importance of Sunscreen
23:45 Understanding Skin Structure
26:08 How Retinoids Work
29:44 Fun Facts and Warnings About Retinoids
34:02 Personal Stories and Reflections
38:33 Conclusion and Listener Engagement
References from this episode

 	https://www.jidonline.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0022-202X%2815%2940798-5
 	https://www.jidonline.org/article/S0022-202X(15)40798-5/fulltext
 	https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/#:~:text=Retinoids%20are%20also%20commonly%20known,and%20promotes%20angiogenesis%20%5B13%5D
 	https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/molecule-of-the-week/archive/v/vitamin-a.html
 	https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
 	https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6791161/#:~:text=Firstly%2C%20retinol%20is%20converted%20to,to%20the%20retinoic%20acid%20receptors.&text;=Retinol%20concentration%20in%20the%20cosmetic,the%20oxidized%20form%20of%20retinol
 	https://youtu.be/grxmyM7EuDk
 	https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.0c02102
 	https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3790843/
 	https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/#R60
 	https://cen.acs.org/articles/95/i10/Periodic-graphics-anti-aging-creams.html
 	https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/reactions/videos/2017/are-anti-aging-creams-legit.html

 
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Do anti-aging products work?

#188
In this episode, hosts Melissa and Jam dive into the basics of vitamins. They discuss the origins of vitamins, why they are labeled with letters, and the difference between water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. The episode also touches on the history of vitamin regulation, the necessity of supplementing vitamins, and the impact of diet on vitamin intake. Finally, they challenge listeners to assess the variety of plant-based foods they consume in a week to promote a healthier diet.
00:00 Introduction to Vitamins
00:27 What Are Vitamins?
01:40 Types of Vitamins: Water Soluble vs Fat Soluble
07:10 Sources of Vitamins
10:19 The History and Naming of Vitamins
20:16 The Importance of Vitamins and Supplements
24:51 Optimal Vitamin Intake
25:10 The Role of Multivitamins
26:04 Diet Trends and Nutrient Deficiency
28:39 Understanding Vitamins
31:14 Fat-Soluble vs. Water-Soluble Vitamins
32:50 The Importance of Dietary Variety
36:57 Personal Diet Challenges
43:07 Engage with Us!
References from this episode:


 	

 
We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter!
 
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What even ARE vitamins? And do we actually need them?

Question and Response 56
In this bonus edition of Chemistry for Your Life, hosts Melissa and Jam engage with their listeners by answering a variety of chemistry-related questions and addressing listener comments and reviews. They read and discuss both positive and constructive reviews, and provide important updates about joining a network for the podcast. They also talk about the introduction of advertisements, the benefits of becoming a patron for an ad-free experience, and some behind-the-scenes improvements to enhance the show. The episode includes shout-outs to long-time listeners and special mentions of devoted classes and followers. Key discussions cover effective materials for hot baths, making water drinkable in emergencies, and the process of making yogurt, among other chemistry inquiries. The show wraps up with a reminder about the importance of engaging in scientific and political processes to promote environmental safety.
00:00 Introduction and Listener Questions Teaser
00:49 Podcast Reviews: The Good, The Bad, and The Funny
02:31 Sponsorships and Exciting Updates
07:37 Shoutouts and Special Mentions
11:02 Chemistry Q&A;: From Yogurt to Water Safety
20:02 Fun Chemistry Facts and Final Thoughts
 
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Ask a Chemist: Why do you need yogurt to make yogurt? (And other questions)

#187
This episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life' delves into the fascinating world of gray hair, exploring its chemistry and biological processes. Hosts Melissa and Jam share personal anecdotes about encountering gray hair before diving into a detailed explanation of how hair turns gray. They discuss the roles of melanin, melanocytes, and enzymes like tyrosinase in hair pigmentation, and how an imbalance in hydrogen peroxide levels within hair follicles can lead to gray hair. Additionally, the episode touches on the impact of genetics and the possible effects of stress and cigarette smoking on graying. They wrap up with some fun discussions on making pizzas and interacting with their community of listeners.
00:00 Opening Banter: Discovering Gray Hair
00:26 Diving Into the Science of Gray Hair
01:22 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts
02:49 Exploring the Chemistry of Hair Color
03:26 Understanding Melanin and Hair Pigmentation
07:07 The Process of Hair Coloration
09:59 Unraveling the Mystery of Gray Hair
11:27 A Deep Dive into the Molecular Mechanisms
19:18 Explaining the Gray Hair Phenomenon with an Analogy
26:28 Diving into Project Blueprint: A Self-Experimentation Journey
27:05 The Science of Reversing Gray Hair: An In-Depth Look
32:38 Exploring the Impact of Stress and Smoking on Hair Color
36:02 The Fascinating World of Hair Under a Microscope
39:59 Sharing Personal Stories and Tips for Outdoor Adventures
44:29 A Culinary Adventure: Making the Perfect Pizza
50:51 Supporting Chemistry Education: A Call to Action
References from this episode:


 	Hair under a microscope pics - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/hair-under-the-microscope-knots-and-splits-can-you-fix-them--99642210476262734/

 	https://faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1096/fj.08-125435

 	https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Simplified-pathways-of-tyrosine-derived-melanin-synthesis-showing-enzymatic-steps-subject_fig2_337820571

 	https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8610071/

 	https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033715/
 	https://cen.acs.org/articles/87/i10/Gray-Hair-Blame-Natural-Bleaching.html
 	https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/melanin/3008682.article
 	https://youtu.be/oCtdFSAgKCY

 
We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter!
 
Thanks to our monthly supporters

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 	J0HNTR0Y
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 	Katrina Barnum-Huckins
 	Suzanne Phillips
 	Nelly Silva
 	Venus Rebholz
 	Lyn Stubblefield
 	Jacob Taber
 	Brian Kimball
 	Emerson Woodhall
 	Kristina Gotfredsen
 	Timothy Parker
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The history of “forever chemicals,” how did we get here? (PFAS part 2)

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