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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

This animation reviews ways in which certain medications function as treatments for specific viral infections.

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…

In nature, living things die, decompose, and eventually become nutrients for other life. Yet humans use embalming, coffin-based burial, or cremation in typical after-death practices, which may interfere with this “circle of life.” This video…

Neuroengineer Nima Mesgarani is using a form of artificial intelligence called neural network modeling to 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…

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,…

Opioids are powerful, yet highly addictive, painkillers. This video explores whether we will ever have as strong painkillers as opioids without the risks of addiction and overdose. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

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…

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

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 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…

April 22, 2015 was 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…

Could lead toxicity have produced behavioral changes in Ancient Rome’s population and caused the collapse of the Roman Empire? This video explores the use of lead by the ancient Romans, archaeological findings supporting high levels of lead…

This video explores how diseases may have spawned the folklore of vampires as far back as the 18th century. Pale skin, sensitivity to light, weakness, and other vampire-like characteristics are symptoms mostly related to rare blood disorders.…

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…

Those who have diabetes have excessive levels of sugar glucose in their bloodstream. This video explores the various types of diabetes as well as the roles of sugar and obesity in leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Credit:…

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 video explores some of the many things you could do with your body after you die, including embalming and burial, cremation, composting, and donation to a medical school, among others. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

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

Cute or not, these five venomous animals—slow loris, blue-ringed octopus, duck-billed platypus, box jellyfish, and pufferfish—could potentially kill you. This video explores the chemistry and physiological responses behind the toxins these…

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…

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…

This animation describes a classic experiment conducted by two leading biologists in 1952, which demonstrated that DNA is the genetic material.

Nerve agents have a surprising history, and it’s just as morbid as you might expect. Although they were not invented as chemical weapons, nerve agents such as sarin have been in use since World War I, and unfortunately are still in use…

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…

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…

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…

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:…

Commercial sunscreens have been available for nearly a century and are recommended by dermatologists. This video takes a long, research-based look at how sunscreen actually prevents wrinkles and skin cancer. The key is to block DNA-damaging…

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:…

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…

Chocolate-chip cookies are nearly universally adored. People enjoy them in all sorts of textures, sizes, and tastes. So, how can you make a perfect cookie? By using science, of course. This video features Science News magazine's Bethany…

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…

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…

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 compares two different strategies that viruses use to infect bacteria.

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

If there’s one man in Hollywood who 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 cause box office success. This video explains the…

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.

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 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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

A drug overdose tips the human body's chemical system so far off balance that the body cannot recover. This video offers advice on how to spot an overdose and explores the ways depressants, stimulants, and pain relievers affect the brain and…

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…

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…

Many people want to have a whiter, brighter smile. While one option to achieve this involves a trip to the dentist for a professional whitening, some people have turned to over-the-counter teeth-whitening treatments. How do these work, and…

Breakouts are a challenge for some people, and can happen well into your 40s. While there’s no cure to make acne instantly go away, there are a few science-backed tips you can use to help minimize the number of pimples that pop up. This…

Dogs—they can be our best four-legged friends, and they’re the stars of many Internet videos. This video investigates the chemistry behind a dog’s amazing sense of smell, and why wet dogs stink. And have you ever noticed that dog food smells…

It’s colorless, it's odorless, and it 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…

One saved the U.S. space program, another invented a better treatment for leprosy, and a third spawned an agricultural industry in the American Midwest. Mary Sherman Morgan, Alice Ball, and Rachel Lloyd all had amazing accomplishments in…

When outside on a beautiful summer day, most people don’t realize that they’re bathing in the world's most common carcinogen—the Sun's rays. This video looks at how ultraviolet (UV) rays affect your body, and what built-in chemical defense…

Poisons are substances that by chemical action and at low dosages can kill or injure living organisms. This video explores five deadly poisons, three of which have no antidote and two of which are used in medicine. Credit:…

Diseases from mosquito bites kill hundreds of thousands of people every year worldwide. In 2015, another mosquito-borne illness began to make headlines: the once-rare Zika virus. The virus spread throughout Brazil, and the World Health…