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

Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder

S2 E60 / 3m 48s

Reactions is shedding some light on the science behind Seasonal Affective Disorder. As the days get shorter, darker and colder, people seem to be getting gloomier. For folks with seasonal affective disorder, the changing seasons can make them sadder than most, to the point of depression. Why does this happen? What can someone with the condition do about it?

Nerding out on Star Wars Science

S2 E59 / 4m 22s

Reactions is all about that Star Wars science. There's a lot of chemistry in the universe, but is it actually possible to create a real-life lightsaber or build a functioning Death Star laser? To answer these questions and more, Reactions explores the science behind the Star Wars franchise.

How to Sharpen Your Knife Without a Sharpener

S2 E58 / 1m 37s

Reactions takes a look at some dull science, as in dull knives. Who knew by using a chemistry life hack you can sharpen your knife without a sharpener! Dull knives are a drag. Not having a knife sharpener is an even bigger drag.

How to Tell if Your Oven is a Liar - Chemistry Life Hacks

S2 E57 / 1m 55s

Reactions turns up the heat on science. We're looking at a chemistry life hack to tell if your oven is accurately reading its temperature. Have you ever felt suspicious about whether or not your oven is actually reaching the same temperature as the dial is set to? Well this chemistry life hack is for those you out there who yearn for the truth, but don't have a thermometer to do so.

How to Save Smelly Wine - Chemistry Life Hacks

S2 E56 / 1m 56s

Wine drinkers rejoice, if you've got a bottle of wine on hand that's pumping out bad, sulfury smells, we've got a cheap chemistry life hack to help you save your wine and save your relaxing evening.

Why Do Hot Peppers Cause Pain?

S2 E55 / 4m 27s

Reactions is taking a look into spicy science. That's right--the chemistry of capsaicin and why hot peppers cause pain. You have probably had the burning sensation of eating a hot jalapeno or other tear-inducing pepper. What causes this painful fire in your mouth? The short answer is capsaicin. But what exactly is capsaicin? How does it work? Why do people drink milk and not water?

What is the Future of Fake Meat?

S2 E54 / 3m 43s

Reactions takes a look into the science behind fake meat and where the chemistry might lead us in the future of this industry. That's right folks, we're on a new horizon of creating fake meats that taste and feel just like the real thing. So while some of you carnivores out there might cringe over the sight of a Thanksgiving tofurkey opposed to a real turkey.

Do Vitamin Supplements Really Work?

S2 E53 / 4m 48s

Reactions is taking a look at the science and chemistry, or lack thereof, behind supplements. You’ve seen them in late night commercials and at your local pharmacy—little pills that claim to cure your cold, help you wake up or maybe help you lose weight. Vitamin and mineral supplements are everywhere and generate billions of dollars in revenue in the U.S. each year. But do they really work?

How to Survive a Real-Life "Fallout"

S2 E52 / 4m 7s

Reactions is checking out some Fallout science. Does chemistry allow you to survive a real fallout? It’s a big week for gamers now that the long-anticipated Fallout 4 video game is out. The series takes place in a world decades after nuclear war has destroyed most of civilization. Only those who hid in fallout shelters survived.

The Science of the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich

S2 E51 / 3m 15s

We're giving you some science based tips on how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. Consider this a chemical ode to one of the finest comfort foods ever created, the grilled cheese sandwich. Cheese making is an incredibly complex chemical process, and at a certain point, you may have learned the hard way that some cheeses simply don't make the grill grade.

What Happens When You're About to Die?

S2 E50 / 3m 26s

Reactions is checking out some scary slasher science and what happens when you're about to die. Your body chemistry does a lot of crazy stuff when you're in the face of danger. This one goes out to all of our slasher flick fans out there. We love horror films here at Reactions, so in honor of all of those chased by monsters, villains, and zombies out there, we decided to take a closer look at what

What is the Blackest Black?

S2 E49 / 3m 22s

Reactions is taking a look at the nanoscience behind the worlds blackest black. Chemistry and its carbon nanotubes helps to create a black that will melt your mind. Go to any paint store or nail-polish shelf and you’ll see a dozen or so variations of the color black. Even inside a crayon box, there are a lot of shades. But what is the blackest black out there?

The World's Smallest Robots: Rise of the Nanomachines

S2 E48 / 4m 46s

Nanomachines have some very tiny chemistry at play with some big results. Nanomachines – including nano-sized motors, rockets and even cars – are many orders of magnitude smaller than a human cell, but they have huge promise. In the future, they could deliver drugs anywhere in the body, clean up oil spills and might even be used as artificial muscle cells.

How Pee Brought You The Modern World

S2 E47 / 3m 43s

Reactions looks at the reasons why pee was once the “number one” material in chemistry. You might not believe it, but there was a time when urine, yes urine, was prized by chemists. Pee played a part in some of the most significant discoveries in science, and it helped shape the modern world.

How to Cookie with Science

S2 E46 / 4m 2s

Reactions is baking up some cookie chemistry. Science can help us make that perfect chocolate chip cookie. Chocolate chip cookies are nearly universally adored. People like them in all sorts of textures, sizes and tastes. So how can you make your perfect cookie? Using science, of course. October 1 is National Homemade Cookies Day.

How Do Deodorants and Antiperspirants Work?

S2 E45 / 2m 55s

Reactions is getting into some stinky science. We're looking at the chemistry of body odor and how deodorants work. If there is one thing everyone on Earth has in common, it's that we all absolutely stink. Luckily we have deodorants and antiperspirants to help us get over that fact, but chemically speaking, how do these products actually work?

What is Addiction?

S2 E44 / 3m 28s

Reactions is taking a look at addiction science. What's going on brain chemistry that can cause addiction? 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,

Football Helmets: The Last Line of Defense?

S2 E43 / 3m 35s

Reactions is tackling the science of helmets on football players. Is this foam chemistry enough to save lives? 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.

What is a Complete Breakfast?

S2 E42 / 3m 57s

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?

How to Stay Awake Without Caffeine

S2 E41 / 3m 15s

Reactions is telling you how to stay awake with science. You’re tired and you need an energy boost, but you don’t want the jitters from caffeine. What to do? We give you some chemistry-backed tips — one of which involves cats — to boost your productivity and stay awake without refilling the coffee cup.

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