Reactions

Science and Nature Series / 11 Seasons

Reactions is a show that uncovers the chemistry all around us. We answer the burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask, blending the worlds of science and every-day life.

9m 47s

How Much Does a Cloud Weigh?

S5 E79 / 3m 26s

Imagine 300 midsize cars floating above your head--that’s how much your average fluffy cloud weighs. So why doesn’t it come crashing down on you? We explore the chemistry behind how a cloud stays lofted in the sky and how it got there in the first place.

Don't Mix These Things with Birth Control!

S5 E78 / 5m 30s

Many forms of birth control are hormone-based--but not everything mixes well with those hormones. So, learn about some common products that could make your birth control less effective or cause dangerous side effects. If you have any concerns, be sure to consult your doctor.

What Exactly Happened at Chernobyl?

S5 E77 / 8m 54s

On April 26, 1986, in modern day Ukraine, the Soviet Union’s Chernobyl Power Complex nuclear reactor 4 exploded. This week on Reactions, we talk about the chemistry behind this catastrophic event.

Can a Fecal Transplant Save You From This Dangerous Bacteria

S5 E76 / 4m 16s

Every year around half a million people in the United States get sick from the bacterium C. diff, often after taking antibiotics. Sound counterintuitive? On Reactions, we break down why that happens, and how an unlikely hero could save the day.

How Do We Fight the California Fires?

S5 E75 / 6m 26s

When wildfires break out on hot, windy days they pose a serious threat to people and the environment. On this episode of Reactions, learn how we’re using fertilizer to keep dangerous blazes at bay.

What Happens When You Overdose?

S5 E74 / 5m 42s

Your body is a delicately balanced chemical system, and if you take too much of a drug you destroy that balance. That’s what happens when you overdose. We learn how to spot an overdose and the ways different types of drugs wreak havoc.

The Top 5 Strangest Poisons That Can Kill You

S5 E73 / 4m 48s

There are some crazy poisons in this world of ours, and they’re often found in things you’d least expect. In this week’s episode of Reactions, we break down our top 5.

Can We Make Ocean Water Drinkable -- and Should We?

S5 E72 / 4m 13s

We need water to survive--and Earth is covered in it! Unfortunately, almost all of that water is salty. In this week’s episode of Reactions find out why getting freshwater from ocean water is a lot trickier than you might imagine.

How Pee Helped Win the Revolutionary War (Maybe...)

S5 E71 / 5m 9s

Old school gunpowder is really called “black powder,” and it was so crucial to the Revolutionary War effort that we went to great (and gross) lengths to try and make it. This week on Reactions, find out what exactly those lengths were.

What Does the Moon Smell Like?

S5 E70 / 5m 48s

After walking on the Moon astronauts hopped back into their lunar lander, bringing Moon dust with them. They were surprised, and perplexed, to find that it smelled like spent gunpowder. This week on Reactions, learn why Moon dust might smell like the aftermath of a Civil War reenactment.

What is Ringworm and How Do You Get Rid of It?

S5 E69 / 4m 11s

Did you know ringworm is not actually a worm? This week on Reactions find out what ringworm is, how the culprit feeds on your skin, hair, and nails, and learn how to not be its next meal.

Could CBD Make You Fail a Drug Test?

S5 E68 / 3m 43s

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non psychoactive compound produced by the marijuana plant that seems to be everywhere these days. Maybe you’ve even been asked if you’d like it added to your morning cup of joe! THC, also marijuana-derived, is what gets people high and is screened for by drug tests.

What Causes Auroras?

S5 E67 / 4m 34s

Every winter thousands of tourists head north hoping to catch a glimpse the luminous auroras dancing in the sky. In this episode of Reactions, we’re sharing tips on how to increase your chances of seeing one and breaking down the chemistry behind the colors of this awe-inspiring wonder.

Why is Carbon the Key to Life? (On Earth, Anyway)

S5 E66 / 8m 15s

One element is the backbone of all forms of life we’ve ever discovered on Earth: carbon. Number six on the periodic table is, to the best of our knowledge, impossible to live without. In this episode of Reactions, discover what makes carbon so exceptional, its nearly infinite capabilities, and potential intergalactic implications.

That Fresh Cut Grass Scent is Really a Signal of Distress

S5 E65 / 3m 10s

Spring is in the air! It’s time to mow the lawn and breathe in the smell of freshly cut grass. But this pleasant springtime scent may actually be a chemical cry for help. We explain how plants communicate, their chemical response to being damaged, and how bugs play a part.

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

S5 E64 / 3m 16s

There are many ways to find out if you’re pregnant. One is to wait and see. For those of us who are a little less patient, there’s the take-home chemistry kit known as a pregnancy test. But how do a little strip of paper and a few drops of urine tell you whether or not you’ve got a bun in the oven?

How Does Pepper Spray Work?

S5 E63 / 3m 41s

Personal safety is something we all should take seriously. Whether it’s walking down a dark street at night or fighting off grizzly bears on the trail, pepper spray is an effective tool to fend off an attacker and get safely away. We’re taking a look at what’s going on inside these little canisters, and we’ll give you some tips on what to do if you accidentally spray yours.

How to Get Rid of Skunk Smell

S5 E62 / 3m 40s

Skunks are nocturnal animals that prefer to keep to themselves. However, when they sense danger, this lurking purveyor of biochemical warfare unleashes its primary defense mechanism: a nasty-smelling spray. Similar to tear gas, the scent is so strong it can cause your eyes to start dripping and make you throw up.

Why Do Clothes Shrink in the Wash?

S5 E61 / 4m 15s

Knowing the do’s and don’ts of washing your clothes can be difficult, but chemistry has got your back. With a quick lesson in textile chemistry, you’ll be able to understand the different fabrics that make up your clothes. This week on Reactions, we’ll explore whether it’s safe to wash your favorite new shirt at home or if you really need to take it to the dry cleaner’s.

White, Green, Black, and Oolong Tea: What's the Difference?

S5 E60 / 4m 32s

Did you know that many different types of tea come from the same plant? It’s pretty amazing, considering the various flavors and colors, but what really sets each tea apart are the chemical changes that happen in the leaves during production. This week on Reactions, we’re going to debunk a couple of myths behind the healthful and flavorful compounds found in each type of tea.

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