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

The Dawn of Chemical Warfare

S2 E20 / 5m 25s

There's a lot of science behind chemical weapons. April 22, 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the first large-scale use of chemical weapons in modern warfare. Some of the best minds in chemistry at that time, including a Nobel Prize winner, used their knowledge of science to build humanity’s new weapons of mass destruction. We take a sobering look at the chemistry behind the modern wo

DIY Cleaning Hacks (CLH Vol. 6)

S2 E19 / 2m 53s

Ever run out of your go-to cleaning product and you’ve got a mess that you just can’t leave alone? Have no fear, chemistry is here. Our latest Chemistry Life Hacks video explains how to make your own glass cleaner, keep red wine from staining your carpet and why spit, yes spit, can also be a great cleaning product.

How Can You See an Atom?

S2 E18 / 5m 35s

Reactions takes a close up look at the science of how we can see an atom. Since ancient Greek times, philosophers and scientists have tried to figure out what an atom looks like. For a couple thousand years, humans could only speculate on the structure and other properties of the smallest unit of matter. It wasn't until the 1980s that chemists could see individual atoms.

Game of Thrones Science: Sword Making and Valyrian Steel

S2 E17 / 3m 33s

Reactions takes a look at the science and chemistry behind Game of Throne's Valyrian steel. The fantasy epic Game of Thrones is back this Sunday night, and it is sure to be chock full of intrigue, indiscretions and, of course, swords. The most sought-after blades in Westeros are made from Valyrian steel, forged using ancient magic.

Why Too Much Stress Is Bad For You

S2 E16 / 2m 51s

It’s supposed to help keep your body healthy in stressful situations. But the constant stress of our everyday lives means we’re getting overexposed to cortisol. Raychelle Burks, Ph.D. explains why too much cortisol is bad for you in the latest episode

Chemistry Jokes! (Round 2)

S2 E15 / 1m 55s

Reactions is giving you some good old chemistry and science jokes. Last year, Reactions shook up the comedy world with a video featuring nothing but chemistry jokes. After overwhelming public acclaim, we’re back for this April Fools’ Day with round two, featuring a number of fan submissions. Be sure to leave your chemistry jokes in the comments, and you might be featured in our next compilation!

The Difference Between Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup

S2 E14 / 2m 41s

It seems like it's in just about every product on store shelves: High fructose corn syrup. What is it and how is it different from regular old sugar? Reactions is here to answer those sweet questions.

Craft Beer Chemistry

S2 E13 / 3m 6s

Ahh, science has never tasted so delicious. It’s been around for centuries but it seems like beer has never been more popular. Microbreweries are cranking out special stouts, IPAs, lagers and pilsners. And the flavors and aromas of each of those brews all come down to chemistry. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Reactions takes on craft beer chemistry.

The Chemistry of Poison Ivy

S2 E12 / 3m 23s

Leaves of three, let them be, right? But what happens when you get covered in poison ivy and can’t stop scratching? Jennifer Novotney, winner of the 2014 Chemistry Champions science communications competition, breaks down what it is about that dreaded vine that makes us so itchy and cooks up a remedy for the poison ivy’s itch using the power of chemistry.

Why is Carbon Monoxide So Deadly?

S2 E10 / 3m 13s

Reactions takes a look at the science behind why carbon monoxide is so deadly. It’s colorless, odorless and can be deadly. Carbon monoxide is no joke, especially in the winter when people will do just about anything to warm up. Raychelle Burks, Ph.D., explains why carbon monoxide is so dangerous, and how you can stay safe.

How Do Jeans Get Blue?

S2 E9 / 3m 6s

Blue jeans are among the most popular clothing items in the entire world. But how did Levi Strauss get his “workwear,” as he called it, so blue? Through chemistry, of course. In this episode, we look at the chemistry of everyone’s favorite pair of pants.

Mind-Blowing Movie Explosions Explained

S2 E8 / 3m 13s

Reactions takes a look at the science behind big movie explosions. If there’s one man in Hollywood that knows the value of chemistry, it’s Michael Bay. He’s taught society that in the face of a half-baked plot and thin script, big budget explosions can save your box office bacon. In our latest episode, we're going Hollywood and explaining the chemistry behind those spectacular big budget booms.

Why Do Roses Smell So Sweet?

S2 E7 / 3m 6s

Reactions is checking out the chemistry of roses and why they smell so sweet. People spend people billions on their sweethearts. Much of that cash will be dropped on sweet-smelling roses. But did you know that one minor chemical change would make that rose not smell as sweet?

How Do Pheromones Work?

S2 E6 / 2m 59s

Is there such a thing as love at first smell? There are hundreds of spray-on pheromone products that claim to put you on the fast track to romance. But can they really help humans land a mate? Reactions has the answers in this episode.

The Woman (and Others) Who Saved the U.S. Space Race

S2 E5 / 5m 55s

One saved the U.S. space program, another invented a better treatment for leprosy, and a third spawned an industry in the American Midwest. Mary Sherman Morgan, Alice Ball and Rachel Lloyd all had amazing accomplishments in chemistry, but their work was nearly lost to history.

How Does Moisturizer Work?

S2 E4 / 2m 57s

The cold weather of winter can also mean dry, cracked skin. Many reach for the moisturizer to keep their skin soft, but how do these products actually work? Before you head to the beauty aisle, Reactions has the answers in this week’s episode.

Chemistry Life Hacks for Winter Survival (CLH Vol. 5)

S2 E3 / 3m 26s

With temperatures falling along with snow, we’re smack in the middle of winter. While you wait out the winter months, we’ve got advice on keeping your windshield fog-free, getting unstuck from the snow and even how to make your own hand warmer. It’s all in the latest installment of our Chemistry Life Hacks series.

Tricking the Nazis and Transforming Medicine: George de Heve

S2 E2 / 6m 32s

Reactions takes a look at the science behind the Nobel Prize. Chemist George de Hevesy’s work in this area transformed medicine. His discovery of radioactive tracers earned him a Nobel Prize. He also foiled the Nazis along the way.

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