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This project uses a sensitive light-detecting resistor to detect small changes in the light beaming through your finger as your blood pumps through tiny arteries in the finger. This device is not the same as the heart-rate monitors typically used in…

This animation shows how the hormone epinephrine causes liver cells to secrete glucose without crossing their cell membrane.

This animation explains how glucocorticoid hormones influence nutrient metabolism by altering gene expression in cells.

This animation explains how an electrical signal (action potential) stimulating skeletal muscle triggers changes that enable muscle contraction.

This animation explains the difference between addition mutations, in which nucleotides are added to DNA sequences, and deletion mutations, in which nucleotides are lost.

For decades, the U.S. government issued a chemical shark repellent to pilots, sailors, and even astronauts to fend off potential shark attacks. The problem was, that substance did not actually work. This video explains why developing an…

This animation shows how the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm leads to pressure changes in the alveoli of the lungs during inhalation (inspiration) and exhalation (expiration).

This animation summarizes the molecular structure of amino acids, peptides, and proteins.

This animation shows the different ways in which proteins are broken down and presented as antigens to the immune system.

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 explains the phenomenon of attenuation, which turns off unneeded gene expression, using the example of the trp operon and tryptophan biosynthesis.

This animation demonstrates how B vitamin coenzymes must be present to enable some enzymes to function.

Neuroengineer Nima Mesgarani is using a form of artificial intelligence called neural network models to a develop improved hearing aids. If successful, hearing impaired individuals will be better able to identify and focus on a speaker of…

Do you know someone with red hair? Perhaps you have those fiery locks yourself. This video takes a close biochemical look into what makes redheads stand out from the crowd. It's not just the color of their hair. Credit: Reactions/American…

This animation shows how thin communities of microorganisms (biofilms) can organize themselves and grow on surfaces.

This animation covers the three different types of RNA and how they relate to protein synthesis.

A figure skating performance often begins with a moment of quiet focus to mentally "upload" a routine, consisting of a linked series of complex movements—such as jumps and spins—that must be executed expertly and automatically. This video…

When it’s time to vote on Election Day, how do you decide on a candidate? In this video, neuroscientist Michael Shadlen explains how our brains secretly do math in order to make decisions. Credit: Columbia University’s Zuckerman Institute

Thanksgiving is a holiday when many people look forward to a tasty home-cooked meal. According to neuroscientist Charles Zuker, not only is that sense of taste in the brain, but it is a matter of life and death. This video takes you on a…

This animation shows the steps involved in the breakdown of ATP molecules that provides energy for the contraction of muscle fibers.

Toxin-producing strains of C. difficile bacteria can be a source of aggravated diarrhea, and—if unchecked—may ultimately lead to kidney failure and death. What’s worse is that antibiotics can make the situation even more life-threatening.…

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,…

Is there such a thing as love at first scent? Hundreds of spray-on pheromone products claim to put you on the fast track to romance, but can they really help humans land a mate? This video has the answers. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical…

Some clothing makers try to harness the antibacterial power of silver to combat the smell of sweat from people's workouts. Now, some manufacturers are adding nanotechnology to the mix. This video asks: does it work? Credit:…

Chemistry can let you taste food in an entirely new way. This video shows how you can actually taste raw garlic with your feet. No, your feet don't have any secret taste buds. It's all about the ability of chemicals to penetrate your skin.…

Cryogenic freezing of a dead body is possible, but reanimating that body in the future is a different story. As you will see in this video, cells themselves can be reanimated after freezing, but bringing a human back to life is not so…

This animation shows how different parts of the heart are involved in a full cardiac cycle, which represents a single heartbeat.

This animation describes binary fission in prokaryotes and mitosis in eukaryotes, two different forms of cell division.

This animation describes how living cells use growth factors to regulate their growth and division.

What do chameleons have to do with nanotechnology? You'll find out when you watch this video. These color-changing lizards are some of nature’s most interesting animals, all because they are masters of pigment and light. Explore the chemistry…

This animation shows how chaotic systems are unpredictable because of their extreme sensitivity to their initial conditions.

This animation shows how an action potential in a neuron stimulates the release of neurotransmitters into synapses and allows the neural signal to propagate into other neurons.

Who doesn’t love potatoes? This video offers tips for roasting delicious potatoes and along the way describes the chemistry behind achieving their best texture and consistency. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This video explores the chemistry of hair and the hairstyle known as the permanent wave, which is commonly called a perm or permanent. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

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 brings chemistry to the kitchen, featuring science-backed tips to cook rice with fewer calories, get extra-juicy chicken when you don't have time to marinate, and keep sliced fruit from browning too quickly. Watch and learn how…

This video explores well-known antics in three cartoons and asks the question: Does the chemistry check out? Find out whether slipping on a banana peel, gaining superhuman strength from eating spinach, and dissolving a Toon in solvent, are…

This video uncovers the chemistry behind the spine-tingling sense of fear. Watch as Abigail Marsh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology at Georgetown University, highlights key brain chemicals and hormones involved in fear and the…

If you enjoy barbecues, you'll enjoy this video. It contains chemistry knowledge that will impress your guests, such as why red meat is red. You’ll also learn about the chemical reaction that changes raw meat into grilled brown deliciousness.…

This video explains how certain neurotransmitters fuel lifelong pair bonds in prairie voles, which—along with humans—are the mammalian kingdom's leading monogamists. In the video, Abigail Marsh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology at…

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

What happens when you get covered in poison ivy and you cannot 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…

Poisonous snakes are dangerous, but what exactly makes their venom so powerful? The answer is chemistry. This video sheds some light on the proteins in snake venom, as well as its potential medical uses. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical…

White, green, oolong, and black teas all come from the same plant, but they are vastly different in flavor and color. This video explores the chemistry that happens in the tea leaves during production. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical…

What’s that stuff that collects in the corners of your eyes when you sleep? This video explains the chemistry of the film that protects your eyes. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This animation shows how the long double-helical DNA strands in cells are packaged compactly as bundles of chromatin by its associated proteins and discusses how the condensation of DNA into chromatin affects its function.

It’s one of the most popular beverages in the world, and many of us rely on it to stay awake every day. But not every cup of coffee is created equal. From the bean to the brew, science can help you get the perfect cup. This video goes on a…

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 explains the difference between two types of cell division: meiosis and mitosis.