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Unlike its name, Bicycle Day is not a holiday honoring your favorite two-wheeled, environmentally friendly vehicle. This holiday celebrates the day chemist Albert Hofmann first discovered the psychedelic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide,…

Is gluten good for you, or is gluten bad for you? This video breaks down the chemistry and science behind this controversial food ingredient. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

People have turned to “vaping” with electronic cigarettes as an alternative to puffing on the real thing. But is the vapor they’re inhaling any safer than smoking a cigarette? This video examines what we know, and what we don’t know, about…

Are you breathing air molecules that were once exhaled by Caesar, Joan of Arc, or Madame Curie? Why did Albert Einstein try to break into the refrigerator business? In this video, writer Sam Kean, author of science books "Caesar’s Last…

This animation shows how a barometer measures atmospheric pressure.

Some ice burns because it’s actually methane trapped in water. This video discusses the chemistry of methane hydrates as a source of energy and a climate change threat. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

An estimated 133 billion pounds of food gets thrown away every year in the United States. Understanding when your food goes bad is important to help reduce waste. Unfortunately, consumers can’t just check the expiration date on the packaging,…

Every medicine we buy has an expiration date printed on it, but does that pill or tablet actually go bad? This video explains the chemistry of drug expiration dates. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

Researchers at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, popularly known as Virginia Tech, helped prove that lead levels were dangerously high in Flint, Michigan tap water, even when government officials denied the problem. This…

When temperatures fall along with snow, you know you're in the middle of winter. This video has seasonal advice on keeping your windshield fog-free, getting unstuck from the snow, and even how to make your own hand warmer. [Credit:…

This video explores the chemistry of, and pain response to, pepper spray. Watch for some important tips on what to do if you accidentally spray yourself with this debilitating substance. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This video tracks the formation of snowflakes from their origins in bits of dust in clouds that become droplets of water falling to Earth. As each snowflake rises and falls through warmer and cooler air, it develops its own distinctive shape.…

This video takes science to the skies and checks out the chemistry behind chemtrails, or—more accurately—contrails. It’s easy to look at the white trail behind a jet aircraft and imagine all manner of chemicals raining down from above.…

When winter holidays come around, feasts and festivities cause many people to gain weight. But did you know that freezing-cold weather during those winter months can actually help people lose weight? This video talks about fat, and whether or…

This animation describes several ways to make vaccines: with killed or inactivated pathogens, with live attentuated pathogens, with subunits of pathogens, and with recombinant DNA technology.

This animation explains continental drift and shows how continents on moving tectonic plates drift slowly across the Earth's surface.

On December 16, 1773, American colonists, frustrated and angry at Britain for imposing "taxation without representation," dumped more than 340 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor in Massachusettes. Dubbed "the Boston Tea Party," this…

This video explores the chemistry behind whether using cannabidiol (CBD)—a non-psychoactive compound produced by the marijuana plant—could make you fail a drug test. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

Some science-fiction fans have already caught a glimpse of a world with super-powered humans secretly living among us, capable of physical feats far beyond the norm. Now, with the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, are we looking at a future…

Yes, you read that correctly. Comets may have helped seed life on Earth. Far out, right? Sarah Everts of C&EN has the chemical clues that back up this out-of-this-world hypothesis. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

Would you like a younger, more perfect-looking you? Young skin is firm and stretchy because of protein fibers, called collagen and elastin, in the tissue beneath the surface. As we age, environmental factors, such as smoking or ultraviolet…

This video tackles the fad that never dies—low-carbohydrate diets. There's a lot of science that goes with the keto diet and cutting out carbs. Low-carb diets were a thing in the late 1990s and they are still a thing now. But why does this…

You may have seen them in late-night commercials or 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, generating billions of…

What do you do when you have a bad cough? If you reach for the cough syrup, you're not alone. Every year, people spend billions of dollars on cough medicines. But do any of them actually work? This video explains the chemistry behind those…

Homeopathic remedies have been used for nearly 200 years, but science has progressed much over that time. That progress has shown us that the foundations of homeopathy are bunk. Watch this video to find out more about this unscientific…

Chemists have found potential drugs and other useful compounds in some truly bizarre places in nature. Who would have thought that blood from the Komodo dragon could have a secret inside of it that could possibly save your life? This video…

This animation shows how currents of molten iron in the Earth's outer core generate the planet's magnetic field.

This animation shows how earthquakes radiate from focus points on fault lines.

This animation shows how the El Niño weather pattern arises from changes in atmospheric and oceanic flows.

Centuries after the discovery of the simple microscope, biomedical engineer Elizabeth Hillman has developed a cutting-edge microscope that can “see” inside the brains of living organisms and create 3D movies that answer fundamental questions…

This video explores what ringworm is, how to avoid contracting the infection, and—if you do—how to get rid of it. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

A bar of chocolate contains hundreds of compounds, many with beneficial properties. This video explores a list of five chemical facts about why chocolate, in moderation, may be good for you. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society…

We all want to be healthy, but some food myths can actually get in the way of good nutritional decisions. Some people say that eating frozen vegetables means losing some nutritional value. But are those people right? [Credit:…

With all the hard hits and tough tackles in the sport of football come concerns about safety. In the U.S., every professional player is required to wear a helmet, but the helmets of today are a far cry from the leather creations from decades…

This animation shows how volcanic islands form over hot spots arising from deep within Earth's mantle.

When used properly, household cleaners are perfectly safe. If mixed together, however, the chemicals in household cleaners can quickly lead to disaster. This video shows how being wise about chemistry can prevent potential hazards during…

These days, more attention is being paid to the transgender community. A big part of gender transition is hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. This video talks about the chemistry of HRT, and what happens when the body undergoes major shifts…

Each October 16, World Anesthesia Day celebrates the anniversary of the first successful demonstration of surgical anesthesia. Prior to then, surgery was really unpleasant, to put it mildly. Surgeons turned to alcohol, narcotics and even…

Did you know that the ocean launches bacteria into the atmosphere? And that those bacteria can seed clouds and help make rain? Atmospheric chemist Kimberly Prather of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography drops some serious atmospheric…

One thing everyone on Earth has in common is that we all stink sometimes. Fortunately, we have deodorants and antiperspirants to help us deal with that fact, but chemically speaking, how do these products actually work? This video looks at…

Hand-sanitizer labels may claim they kill 99.99 percent of germs, but does the science back this up? This video takes a closer look at the chemistry of what this goo is made of, and just how effective it really is against viruses and…

A large snowstorm could produce trillions of tiny snowflakes. Through advances in crystallography, scientists have learned much about the structure of this form of precipitation. Although snowflakes all start out similarly, once they begin…

This video explains the chemistry and science behind how we know how old the Earth is. Geologists have deduced the age of the Earth thanks to a handful of radioactive elements. With radiometric dating, scientists can put an age on really old…

More than 25 million people rely on Adderall™ and other similar drugs to help treat narcolepsy, depression and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But how does amphetamine, the active ingredient in Adderall™, work? This video…

This video looks at the the chemistry and science of how chemotherapy and other cancer treatments work on breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Fortunately, the rate at which we are learning about…

Vegetables are full of essential vitamins and minerals, but how should you eat them to get the most nutritious value? Raw? Sauteed? Frozen? The answer is, it depends. Let this video help you navigate the ins and outs of cooking vegetables.…

The cold weather of winter can also mean dry, cracked skin. Many people reach for moisturizers to keep their skin soft, but how do these products actually work? This video has the answers. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society…

For people striving to build muscle, protein is essential. While this fact is obvious to many athletes and gym-goers, the biological and chemical processes between drinking a protein shake and getting "swole" may not be so clear. This video…

Winter weather often brings treacherous driving conditions. Road crews may spread rock salt all over the highways and byways, but why? This video breaks down the chemistry that keeps the roads safe when severe winter weather hits. [Credit:…

Thanks to chemistry, the products we use to clean our hair have evolved over decades—even centuries. In this video, "Ms. Beautyphile" Trina Espinoza and Lex Fleming from "Made U Look" help explain the science behind shampooing. Credit:…

You use it every day, hopefully twice, but do you know how toothpaste works? This video talks about what gets your teeth clean. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol™, is one of the most popular pain relievers in the world, selling more than 27 billion doses in 2009 alone (the most recent year for which figures are publicly available). Acetaminophen can…

Whether or not you have anxiety, you've probably heard of Xanax®. This video uncovers the chemistry behind this popular and widely prescribed drug, and answers the question of how Xanax works in the body. Credit: Reactions/American…

Do you have a sweet spot for sweets? The next time you are tempted to stuff your face with candy, ask yourself how much is too much. This video explores how many pieces of candy can kill you if eaten in one sitting. Credit:…

This video explores the chemistry behind how clouds develop and how they stay aloft in the sky, despite their tremendous weight. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

You may have heard of deadly poisons, such as arsenic, cyanide, and even the devilishly hard-to-detect polonium-210. But did you know that even drinking water could kill you? In this video, Deborah Blum, Ph.D., author of “The Poisoner's…

This animation explains how an abnormally folded version of a protein called a prion may cause neurological disease.

Jellyfish seem serene, but the pain that comes from a run-in with their tentacles is anything but tranquil. You may have heard a certain rumor about how to treat a jellyfish sting to make the pain go away, but does that icky old-wives' tale…

Ninety-nine percent of adults who wear contact lenses admit to breaking some cardinal rules: sleeping in them, washing them in water, and so on. Many contact-wearers may brush off these accidents, but improper lens care can have negative—and…

Stanford University’s Zhenan Bao and her research team are developing electronics that could revolutionize wearable devices and prosthetics. In this video, Matt Davenport and Noel Waghorn get a glimpse behind the scenes at Stanford, and learn…

This video explains much of what you need to know about snow and ice chemistry, such as how to get your car unstuck from ice and how artificial snow is made. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This video examines some novel proposals for combating climate change—including space mirrors, seeding the ocean with iron, and feeding cows seaweed. In reality, these ideas may or may not be feasible, but they are all supported by valid…

It’s in our tap water, toothpaste, and even in tea. Fluoride has helped reduce cavities in children for decades. Still, more than 70 years after the first American city fluoridated its drinking water, the practice remains controversial. Some…

Many people have done it, but few admit to it. This video explains why, from an environmental perspective, it is absolutely acceptable to urinate in the ocean. (Correction: At 1:50, the narration and text should read "250 gallons," not…

Swimming pools are full of disinfectant chemicals that keep them free of microorganisms, but what you might not realize is that those same chemicals are interacting with you. This video answers that age-old question that's been pondered in…

This animation shows the life cycle of the Plasmodium malaria parasite.

This animation shows how the shape of the eyeball or thickness of the lens can cause common vision defects.

How can your nose go blind to certain smells? Why don’t hand sanitizers dissolve your skin cells? What’s the science behind mouthwash? This video answers all three questions. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This animation describes the phenomenon of bone remodeling and explains how osteoporosis results from the loss of bone density.

This animation explains how periods of glaciation and deglaciation alter the balance of oxygen isotopes found in seawater.

Peanut allergies are some of the most dangerous food allergies in the human population, due to how commonly they are found in the food industry. For the past couple of decades, peanut allergies have been on the rise in the United States. This…

During cold and flu season, or for those with allergies, excess mucus can make many of our lives miserable. Despite being a little gross, though, phlegm can be useful. This germ-fighting goo contains cells and chemical compounds that help us…

This animation explains how heat and pressure from Earth's interior cause tectonic plates to move.

This animation describes prions, which are abnormally folded proteins in neurons that cause some neurodegenerative disorders.

This animation shows how retroviruses reproduce by integrating their genetic material into the DNA of a host cell.

Studying odors from corpses may sound macabre, but it's actually a virtuous vocation. Researchers studying death aromas are helping to find missing bodies lost in natural disasters or hidden by murderers. If you are considering a career in…

This video explains the science behind calories and nutrition facts labels. Find out how scientists first determined the calorie content of food in the 1800s, and how fat, protein, and carbohydrate levels on nutrition facts labels are found…

This video explains how artificial snow is made to sustain the Winter Olympics. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society (www.youtube.com/acsreactions)]

It's not just in coffee anymore. From drinks to jerky to gum, caffeine is everywhere. This video looks at the science behind the world's most popular drug, including why that little molecule keeps you awake, and reveals just how much caffeine…

Recent news of Olympic doping scandals have led to strict penalties and a closer look at steroid testing. Chemistry plays a huge role on both sides of the performance-enhancing drug battle. On one side are officials and scientists, aiming to…

The ocean is a gigantic reservoir of water, but that water is not drinkable. As this video demonstrates, attaining freshwater from salty ocean water is more difficult than it might seem at first. The video also reviews potential negative…

This video looks at nanomachines such as nano-sized motors, rockets, and even cars. Though many orders of magnitude smaller than a human cell, nanomachines have huge promise. In the future, they could deliver drugs anywhere in the body, clean…

Getting to Mars is on some people's minds here on Earth. When it comes to space travel, recycling is a space traveler's best friend, urine included. This video looks at a brilliant new potential use for urine in space. It flows a bit farther…

The Statue of Liberty is an iconic blue-green symbol of freedom. But did you know she wasn’t always that color? When France gave Lady Liberty to the United States, she was a 305-foot statue with reddish-brown copper skin. Her color change is…

Did you know that seashells are made of basically the same stuff as chalk? So why is chalk crumbly but seashells are durable? This video explains that the secret is in the shells' biochemistry. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

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 table sugar? This video answers these sweet questions. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society…

This video investigates some sushi chemistry. Take a deep dive into the science of rice, fish, and seaweed. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

Total synthesis is the quest to make any molecule found in nature. This video follows the University of California's Hosea Nelson to learn how chemists are trying to copy nature for a brighter, healthier future. Credit: Reactions/American…

This animation explains how various drugs function as treatment for HIV.

This animation shows how undersea earthquakes cause tsunamis.

This animation shows how a volcano forms as pressure builds up from within Earth's interior.

There are many misconceptions about what causes auroras as well as when, where, and how they occur. Watch this video to learn the true answers. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

We place a lot of trust in modern thermometers, but do you know how those instruments actually work? The answer involves thermodynamic principles. Physical chemists and engineers have taken temperature-measuring tools from the simple—but…

Thanks to chemistry, the products we use to clean and style our hair have evolved over decades—even centuries. Today, some people are choosing to dump shampoo altogether. In this video, "Ms. Beautyphile" Trina Espinoza and Lex Fleming from…

Even after you depart, there's plenty of chemistry that still goes on inside your body. Mortician and author Caitlin Doughty demystifies death and talks about what happens postmortem. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society…

It’s the most important meal of the day... or is it? Breakfast has been the topic of much debate. For years, people were told to eat a complete breakfast. But what does that mean? Should a complete breakfast include eggs, or should you avoid…

Relative humidity, dew point, heat index. Trying to figure out what to wear from all those technical weather words is enough to make you sweat. Fear not, this video describes how to use the local weather report to your advantage. Credit:…

It's a much-loved, protein-packed, Japanese food. It's also made of slimy, foul-smelling soybeans. This video is all about the chemistry of natto. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

There are many different types of dog-food formulas on the market. Some are designed for weight loss, long shelf life, or making sure that your dog eats a balanced diet. This video explains the chemistry behind what’s being used to make the…

There’s a sweet smell in the air after it rains, whether it’s been a spring shower or a summer storm. This video explains the chemistry of petrichor, the smell of rain. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society