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Throughout the history of science, many major discoveries came accidentally. Sometimes they came from recognizing potential in an unexpected product or waste. Other times, discovery came out of pure desperation from a seemingly dead-end…

Chemistry research usually involves precise measurements and careful testing in order to get significant results. Sometimes, however, notable discoveries happen by accident. In this video on accidental discoveries, you will get to know the…

This animation explains how the control surfaces on an airplane's wing direct its flight and shows how movements of the ailerons, elevator, and rudder change the plane's flight path.

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

Have you ever wished you could hide under an invisibility cloak, like Harry Potter did? This video explores the science behind light, sight, and invisibility. Though we can’t make ourselves invisible yet, some promising research may light the…

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…

Vanilla is a flavor so common that some people use it as an adjective to describe something plain or ordinary. But watch out! This beloved, flavorful bean may soon become a rarity. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

This animation explains the function of cam mechanisms and shows how cams produce desired physical movements in engines and other machines.

Thanks to the demands of eco-conscious consumers, biodegradable and compostable plastics are cropping up everywhere. Are these green plastics the solution to our throwaway lifestyle? Well, it’s complicated, as this video explains. Credit:…

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:…

This animation shows how a cathode ray tube works and describes some of the basic science behind the control of electron beams.

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 video explores the extraordinary efforts by some individuals to make gunpowder during the American Revolutionary War. It also reviews the chemistry involved in synthesizing and combusting this explosive mixture. Credit:…

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 examines the science behind the most misunderstood spice in the world: allspice. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society (www.youtube.com/acsreactions)]

From the sizzle of the fuse to the boom and burst of colors, this video brings you all of the exciting sights and sounds of fireworks. The video features John A. Conkling, Ph.D., author of "The Chemistry of Pyrotechnics, Basic Principles and…

If you have ever tapped a phone screen to send a tweet, opted for bottled soda because it tastes better than plastic, or drooled over art glass in a gallery, then your life has been changed for the better by the transparent yet durable…

To fire up the grill or a gas stove, we often reach for a match. It turns out there’s a lot of chemistry going on to make those little wooden wonders work. The best way to find out about the chemistry of a burning match is to watch this…

Pepper is one of the most common condiments in the world today, but it used to be more valuable than gold. This video examines how pepper's delectable chemistry made it a key player in the global spice trade. [Credit: Reactions/American…

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

Forget ketchup and mustard—sriracha might be the world's new favorite condiment. Beloved by millions for its unique spicy, garlicky, slightly sweet flavor, the chemistry of "rooster sauce" is the focus of this video. [Credit:…

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…

This video explores how experts use fertilizer and other materials—including water—to fight forest fires. Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society

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.…

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…

Joe DeSimone cofounded a company called Carbon (formerly Carbon3D) to bring chemistry to bear on 3D printing. This video shows how Joe enabled the company to print at unprecedented speeds, and churn out materials that have never been printed…

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

Cows belch up plenty of methane, thanks to the chemistry of their digestion. Because methane is a greenhouse gas, our beef and dairy cattle have huge consequences on climate change. This video covers the gassy science of cow guts. Credit:…

Lint from fleece and other synthetic fibers is getting washed down the drain and entering aquatic ecosystems. Washing your fleece and other favorite synthetic fabrics releases lint, which is no surprise to anyone who’s ever cleaned their…

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…

It’s a legendary piece of playground lore: If you swallow a piece of gum, it stays stuck in your stomach for years and years. So was your elementary-school buddy right? This video looks at the mechanics and chemistry of digestion in order to…

This video features five African-American chemists who changed the world. The video highlights the work of icons such as astronaut and chemical engineer Mae Jemison, the first woman of color to go into space, as well as Percy Julian, a…

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 video presents four chemistry-rich facts about paper money. [Credit: Reactions/American Chemical Society (www.youtube.com/acsreactions)]

Some people enjoy eating meat, while others are vegetarian. The consumption of beef is growing, but cattle are significant contributors to greenhouse gases. What could possibly replace meat in the future? The artificial replacement could be…