Neil deGrasse Tyson and Kate the Chemist Answer Chemistry Questions

What is chemistry? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comedian Chuck Nice take fan questions on exothermic reactions, PFAS, ice cream, sugar, fire, and more with Kate Biberdorf, aka Kate the Chemist.
Fundamentally, what is a chemical reaction? Kate breaks down the basis of chemistry, how it overlaps with thermodynamics, and exo- versus endothermic reactions. Why is Gallium a liquid in the US but listed as a solid in the UK? Plus, Kate schools Neil on how adding salt to ice can help you make homemade ice cream.
If hydrogen and oxygen are both flammable, why isn’t water super flammable? We discuss how chemists predict a molecule’s properties. Learn about activation energy and how elements manage to even bond with each other. We break down combustion reactions and why sugar gets hard when you heat it to a certain temperature.
Are PFAS as dangerous as we think they are? We explain what PFAS are and what makes them problematic for our health. What gives colors to the elements? We talk about quantum dots, visible light, and what happens when you put sodium in water. All that, plus, what makes oxygen so special?
Thanks to our Patrons Mark Baum, Ezequiel Adatto, James Wright, Vector169, Ray Rimes, Christopher Haws, Ruben Ramen, Kim Fletter, Daniel Brown, and Joy Pinero-Deniz for supporting us this week.
NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.
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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
#StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson
00:00 - Introduction: Kate the Chemist
5:57 - What is a Chemical Reaction?
10:29 - Endothermic v. Exothermic Reactions
15:14 - Can You Predict a Chemical’s Properties?
18:34 - What is the Role of Activation Energy?
23:51 - The Chemistry of Candy
29:38 - Are PFAS as Dangerous as We Think?
34:05 - What Gives Things Color?
36:17 - Why Isn’t Water Flammable?
39:04 - Seeking a Scientist
40:53 - A Cosmic Perspective

[@StarTalk]

What's your favorite household chemistry experiment?

[@figueroalabs]

Grab an ice cube and put it on the counter. Then very lightly sprinkle a bit of table salt. Now put a piece of string on top of that salt, and observe. The salt will melt and it will look as if there is a puddle of water. But the -2C will make the ice freeze the string inside of it, and you can lift the ice cube with the string. Totally relevant to the whole ice-salt-temp discussion in today's show.

[@Highlyskeptical]

Using my enzymes to lower the activation energy needed to exergonically and catabolically metabolize chocolate.

[@FourMypersonaluse]

In ventive ness 👹🎤🙏👑🖼️👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸

[@w13rdguy]

Americium nuclear reactors 😂

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

Kate is the Texas version of Aotearoa's Dr Michelle Dickinson. These are what good people look like.

[@tdome3000]

Dear StarTalk organizers: we want more chemistry episodes, like this one. Preferably with prof. Kate Bieberdorf. Thank you!

[@charlescheeseborough298]

I have a feeling that Chuck is the coolest dude in 99.9 percent of the rooms he is in. Smart and funny is a deadly combo.

[@genore1993]

He is a "comedian" and every interested on the vast majority of space science nerds 🤓. Like you and I and muh others!

[@DeborahSchneider-ng7dv]

Agree, NGT is fortunate to have him on his programme.

[@johncaputo5538]

Chuck is there for the typical viewer to make it less nerdy, dorky, whatever. Love having him on Star Talks. He often says what I'm thinking. Thanks, Chuck.

[@danielludlow8960]

The time flew by watching this. All of a sudden it was over. I'm thinking... Wait! More please!

[@shewhosucceeds]

Yes!

[@MeezMiah]

I wish i had a chemistry teacher like her when i was in school. So passionate and fun to listen to

[@raymondrobbins9495]

I think all of us wish we had a teacher like her my Chem teacher was some 65 y/o man who was just waiting to retire it was the most boring class i took.

[@MeezMiah]

@@raymondrobbins9495 😆 wow mine was the exact same

[@hadtopicausername]

Our chemistry teacher told us the basic recipe for how to make...uhm...a mind altering substance. She was awesome.

[@sreneethomas]

@@MeezMiahsame here

[@raymondrobbins9495]

@@hadtopicausername I learn that in Mycology

[@michaeljohn7398]

Ok, l will admit it, I am now addicted to Science and Technology. Learning is so much fun with these three brilliant people. Cheers from Michael. Australia.

[@alswedgin9274]

You just said what i call ''being an eternal student.. And you gotta love being so. The open-mind..

[@ShauriePvs]

Hey vsauce, Michael here

[@666MaRius9991]

@@ShauriePvs Hey Michael,here vsauce

[@aletra2885]

😢que não þ😂0⁹​@alswedgin927k😮4

[@amanhaman8568]

Her enthusiasm and energy is infectious! I first listened to the podcast and knew I had to watch her on youtube.

[@dota2fan670]

She is hot

[@muhammadyassin346]

14:14 I love this. When presented with a new/differing information from what was initially understood, you note it down, you go back, you study and do experiments. And you know what, you just know that after Neil is done with the experiment, he'll feel so happy that he learns something new, rather than feeling crushed because he got his understanding wrong all this time.

[@1st-Law]

I also loved this moment. NDT was so confident… Then she dropped an equation on him.

[@michelemerick599]

Am I the only one taking pleasure in seeing NDT being challenged? “No, sir! You’re wrong!” 😂 love the show btw

[@kyusshead]

Legend!

[@4acrehome168]

Yes!

[@machinarum]

I was LOL!!! I said “Don’t do it!!!” And then he challenged the expert on her subject!!! 🤦‍♂️

[@nealemarquardt7144]

I like that Dr Tyson admitted his uncertainty and said he'd do the experiment. He knows how to prove who is right and will wait until then. I expect an explainer later on how it works

[@Woody2Shoe]

Nah, I'm with you.

[@newtongh]

Kate is a Chemistry monster like Neil is an AstroPhysics monster, damn

[@FourMypersonaluse]

I like to drink monster drinks 👶🎤🙏👑🥤👶🎤🙏👑🥤🖼️🩸👩‍💻👨‍💻🧑‍💻📡📡📡📡📡📡📡📡📡📡🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🩸🥤🩸🥤🩸🥤🩸🥤🩸🥤🩸🥤👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👅👅👅👅🩸🩸🩸🩸🥤🥤🥤🥤👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👅👅👅👅🩸🩸🩸🩸🥤🥤🥤🥤📡📡📡📡📡🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️👩‍💻👨‍💻🧑‍💻🥤🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🦖🦖🦖🦖🩸🩸🩸🩸🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦👨‍👩‍👦‍👦🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🏘️🌐

[@BrainWorm4president2024]

Im a cookie monster dork.

[@yewhanlim8916]

Monsters spewing formulas. 😅

[@truthBreal2030]

Not when it comes to PFAS

[@thestigglet]

Too scared of DOW chemical to call them out for poisoning our future tho.

[@DRob70]

Kate is a great guest. Engaging, knowledgeable and a sense of humor

[@dota2fan670]

She is hot af

[@jeffreyjackson4742]

I love startalk, Neil and Chuck are the greatest! And I do enjoy the other hosts, I do, but it almost doesn't feel like startalk without Chuck 💯🧠💯

[@aguywhogames1695]

get out of my head 🤣

[@kyusshead]

I agree. Chuck is half the show!

[@Solenya1111]

💯

[@Scantronacon]

Chuck a HUGE part bc of his comic relief and saying ish us "normies" would say even though we know Chuck is being the "I'll ask that question guy" He seems very intelligent and nowhere near as dumb as he jokes about. Neil and his chemistry are so enjoyable to listen to, I don't even have to watch the pod sometimes bc it's such good conversation all around.

[@MrSkinkarde]

Chuck is annoying And unfunny

[@juanignacioluquesandoval]

Effectively, heating the sweetened condensed milk is a way to make "Dulce de leche". Greetings from Argentina!

[@JustDoIt-xq9pi]

Imagine having every kid on school enjoying these type of teachers. Nobody would say science is boring and we would all be smarter because of it.

[@peglegjim57]

I found this absolutely educating, and in a humorous way. You slayed this episode. Switching it up sometimes, is the reason I enjoy Star Talk. Kate is a fantastic guest, and I hope you have her back! (When she’s talking about elements, I have to slow the video down to 25%, and listen to it 4 times, just to begin to wrap my little toy brain about it.) She’s very gifted. 😎 Keep these great sessions coming!

[@sdonnervt826]

She was referring to freezing point depression but describing enthalpy of mixing instead. Freezing point depression is not a decrease in temperature of the solution, it is the decrease in the freezing point of the mixture. Enthalpy of mixing is why solutions will change temperature when the components are mixed together.

[@marcd1981]

"How is freezing point depression used in everyday life?" "It is used in making ice cream, where salt is added to ice to lower its freezing point and make the ice cream mixture colder. It's also used in antifreeze for cars, where a substance is added to water to lower its freezing point, preventing the car's engine from freezing in cold weather." Isn't this what was being discussed?

[@sdonnervt826]

​​@@marcd1981No, I was referring to a part earlier in the interview when NDT asked her if simply mixing a solution will change its temperature, and she said, yeah that's freezing point depression. 14:00

[@MrBrew4321]

Indeed, I believe she is a little confused. I don't think the amount the water will cool is the same as the amount of freezing point depression the water will attain from that formula. But I give her points for one realizing Neil was confidently telling her the water wouldn't cool and was wrong, and two points for at least coming up with a formula even if it is the wrong one lol!

[@johncaputo5538]

The salt in ice cream making is used to melt the ice (lower its freezing point) and maintain the salt water at or below freezing while distributing that temp more efficiently over the container the cream mixture is in. Next time you want to chill your beer in your cooler, add some water after the ice and it will cool much quicker because of the contact being all around the can rather than just the places the ice touches the can. You could add salt, but that might be overkill for beer.

[@TheMattin92]

PFAS and PFOA ( C8 chemical ) is something to look up and a movie called: Dark Waters with Mark Ruffalo is worth watching.👍

[@HaggenKennedy]

I watched it when it came out. Great movie. There's a Graham Norton episode with Mark Ruffalo to promote the movie, and the actual guy (on whom the movie was based) was also in the audience. That particular episode is worth watching, too.

[@davespain7716]

This is the best Startalk I’ve seen, Kate is so knowledgeable and engaging I had no interest in chemistry before I saw this. Great video thank you all.

[@intergalacticangler]

Never seen her till now. I'll have to check her out

[@gregorys1545]

This episode just reminded me of my chemistry classes and how damn happy I was to learn all of that!!! The happiness in the eyes of the guest talking about chemistry is just great and makes me nostalgic of my chem classes!!😢😅

[@domdela5217]

Great guest, great questions, and great answers. Her enthusiasm on the topic is fun to watch.

[@dojam123]

Please let the can fully cool down to room temperature before opening.

[@ubserrano8180]

I was planning on watching a bit now and the rest later in the evening, it got me hooked until the end. Great episode!

[@jamesduncan578]

Excellent, I'm sure that I have never enjoyed learning as much as the last 43 minutes. Kate is absolutely charming, I would love to be in her classroom.

[@lamontwatson6967]

I love her energy. And its especially awesome when you add neil & chuck

[@demetriomaniau9249]

just discovered this podcast holy moly this was a great conversation

[@Raz.C]

I really love that she's not dumbing it down all that much. She's displaying the complex beauty of chemistry so that people aren't misled into thinking that it's something other than what it really is.

[@davidbeverly9894]

This was an amazing episode !!!

[@LarsDJ]

Brilliant episode. I could listen to this stuff every day.

[@joppadoni]

Loved the show. What a great guest to have on it. One of the best.

[@MissAdventurzzz]

This was such an entertaining discussion! Great minds having fun... inspirational!

[@NightowlNS]

I really enjoyed meeting Kate. I will look for here videos. My chemistry teacher in high school made me like chemistry. It is great to have a teacher the excites her students. This was a very exiting episode.

[@jasonirvin6782]

Thank you for this channel and thank you for Dr. Kate! This was so fun!

[@franktadley1810]

That was great. All three of you interacted like good atoms. And Kate was the catalyst. Entertaining and highly informative. Thanks.

[@donmilland7606]

Awesome! More chemistry and biology episodes please.

[@tomhoyer2313]

Thanks for having so many great guests on your show. Go Neil and Chuck.

[@sandrataylor3723]

I enjoyed this interview! Thanks.

[@joshkent4888]

Such a fantastic interview. Chemistry is so important. Thank you

[@dancooper8551]

Episodes with Kate are always the best!🧪

[@trothaksharkpuncher1059]

This was an excellent episode!

[@towesc]

Brilliant stuff really enjoyed that one, thanks guys for sharing.

[@jwiderstra]

17:36 "I'm looking down at my nucleus..." Chuck , you're the man, lol

[@chrisbarr4157]

Enjoyed this chat, awesome.

[@rparker7710]

Great guest. Thanks to all of you.

[@masonwank3332]

Hey guys! Just thought I’d shoot an answer out there for the question at 16:05 because I do research in this field at my university. We currently use deep learning neural networks and machine learning algorithms using schrodingers equation to predict the stability and properties of newly developed molecules. We run massive simulations on a supercomputer on campus to generate and process data. From the data, we draw conclusions on aforementioned subjects.

[@DCocco43]

My Argentinian mother in law have been making making Dulce de Leche through sweeten condensed milk cans. It's a staple for sweets in the Argentinian culture.

[@payasobudy7643]

The best intro till today congratulation!!!

[@gabrielrochasantana]

So good to see her enthusiasm with Chemistry, I am big fan now from Brazil.❤

[@JJs_playground]

Kate is a beast, the fact that she can ramble off those equations off the top of her head is incredible.

[@crss29]

We CAN control how molecules meet each other. That's what enzymes do. And that's why they reduce activation energies and speed up reactions.

[@eunicemwicigi8104]

I was also surpr by that answer. Regioselectivity anyone??

[@advaith_arun]

I think Neil Tyson sir was asking about exactly orienting the atoms and colliding them.. that isn't possible but ya catalysts and enzymes do the work kinda but we arent pinpointing single atoms

[@kevincedeno8899]

There are different levels of control in reactions. I think the type of control Neal was talking about is the type that we're hoping nano machines would be able to provide, at the individual molecule.

[@tyrone4u559]

Awesome segment

[@dioburtophoto]

I love this channel/show for all the nerd talk but Chuck fits so perfectly - the timing is always on point lol

[@SheSweetLikSugarNSavage]

Bruh, Kate Biberdorf straight rocked this show! ⭐😎👩🏼‍🔬🧪

[@TwistedStitchesShow]

I so very enjoyed this episode. Thank you all!! I feel like I learned so much! And at 54! Well everytime I watch Startalk I have a 🤯time!! Thank you… makes me wish I had pushed harder when I was in school!!

[@shewhosucceeds]

Please start including the guests online handle/social media links in the description of the vids!

[@nolaformentin1982]

Brilliant episode. Thanks! Neil, you rock. Chuck, I love you. 😊

[@Optimus19]

I liked her so much.. She's do full of energy and bubbly. Great teacher and students lucky to have her

[@gooneybird808]

I’d like to hear a talk about the chemistry involved in making a blue LED. The history is very interesting and the chemistry is ground breaking

[@JoeySchmidt74]

Veritasium has a good video on this.

[@Mr_Kyle_]

Many non-stick cookwear is essentially made with PFAS, which is very insidious because you're cooking and eating these chemicals directly. But as she said there are many sources - many PFAS also get into groundwater from industrial manufacturing - 3M is one notable company that makes all kinds of PFAS materials.

[@robert-jason-king]

Clothing in the laundry is probably the big one. Wrinkle-resistant stuff puts forever chemicals in the water, and also microplastics if it's a synthetic material.

[@fictionalhitman]

Ever heard about Dupont? Teflon? Rob Bilott? Then you should watch Dark Waters 2019.

[@js887744]

Don’t the people working at 3M or DuPont have kids???

[@pavellambracht5823]

Dow DuPont are more notorious.

[@johncaccioppo1142]

DuPont tried to overthrow the government in '42 and succeeded in '80 through his support of the American Liberty League and a helluva lot of wicked corporate propaganda, including the creation of the modern megachurch.

[@JT_771]

Good episode. This segment on chemistry was quite good.

[@wheresmyoldaccount]

One of the most prominent sources of PFAS contamination is fire retardants. Consequently PFAS contamination is known to be especially serious in proximity to sites where firefighter training has occurred because of repeated use and exposure.

[@MissAdventurzzz]

Lots of talk about this now in the fire service... especially where our hood comes in contact with our skin. For years guys didn't wash their gear out of pride ("look at the fire activity I've been in")... I'm glad for the research to keep us safer now.

[@hardcoreherbivore4730]

Take a look at the PFAS levels in freshwater fish.

[@riggitywrckd4325]

Something that some may not know is that because California had mandated fire retardant in furniture until 2013 many older couches are made with lots and lots of fire retardant in them. This leeches into your body as you sit or just touch it. It is supposedly easier to figure out today now that the law is gone and replaced with a new one but it is still a very really possibility that if you sit on a couch you could be getting the chemicals inside of your body. Watch out for those PFAS, they'll get you.

[@RichardRider-cf9fh]

thank god you brought her back! she is so much fun.

[@Kiltylake]

I loved chemistry in school and still find it fascinating!

[@JediGillGaming]

I found it hilarious that Neil doesn't like the feeling of not being the smartest or corrected on his own podcast. Kate was an amazing guest and his equivalent as a chemistry educator. I will definitely follow her from now on. She's so good at explaining things and her passion comes through in her words and excitement.

[@JediGillGaming]

Go to 13:55 for the moment when Neil tries to make a claim and is educated on the facts. He still wasn't convinced and like a true scientist states he will do the experiment tonight to prove to see if she was correct or not.

[@mangalover9000]

I would love to see a conversation between quantum physicist and a chemists. Such a great insights.

[@judyp9141]

“Don’t bring your girl around Oxygen” 😂😭

[@NicholasNerios]

Great episode

[@rickspencer3839]

I guess a lot has changed since I have taken chemistry but I have never heard of elements referred to as different species. Very interesting! Great show!

[@feldegast]

PFAS has been used in fire fighting foam etc, I remember there was a PFAS issue related to fire fighting training near an airport

[@markybob_bassplaya1462]

Now that I am retired (from engineering), my brain hungers scientific principles. These videos are awesome to keep my brain fresh and occupy my thoughts. Thanks Startalk, Neil and Chuck.

[@EspeVCC]

This was beautiful. Kate is such an inspiration!

[@johnherron3961]

Excellent 1 - TY!

[@firghteningtruth7173]

I absolutely LOVE that UT seems to touch almost every field around the world. From business to microchips to chemical engineering and far beyond. 🤘😃🤘

[@melaniperalta2385]

love you neil!! thank you for changing my view on all things universe!!

[@charleshendry5978]

Awsome show!👌

[@onigvd77]

Great questions Daniel from Tasmania, I’m from Tassie as well :)

[@Plantsandtea]

This is my favourite star talk to date. Please have Kate as a guest soon :)

[@reneev4148]

So cool that deGrasse had not only something she hadn’t heard of but also my absolute favorite thing Dulce de Leche- but i don’t know that we ever boiled the can for just one hour… i was taught by a Brazilian friend when i was young-late teen we would boil the can between 2 and 4 hours, depending on what we wanted it for; the longer u boil the thicker and more solid the caramel becomes, so only 2 hours to make a spread or dip for something like apples or pretzels, and 4 hours to make more ‘chewy’ caramel texture -i’ve even gone up to 5 hours to make chocolate caramel truffles; where we took scoops of the thick globs (after can cooled and was opened) and dipped into chocolate or ganache-another fun kitchen chemistry recipe to try btw- now i want to try just an hour- i imagine that would be really good on a kind of coffee cake or something… I’ve edited this many times as i was remembering, the time i did use, after a 2 hour boil, as a filling in a cake, but it didn’t quite drizzle and pour like he described

[@truk784]

It’s called Dulce de leche. Nestle sells it. Or you can do it on your own, can of sweet condensed milk. Boil in water ( cover sealed can) for a couple hours, let cool ( do not open till cool) and BANG! You have caramel. It’s delicious.

[@judyperodeau4945]

Loved this show😃👏🏼🤯

[@A.R.P.15]

This might be my favorite video

[@kamigoroshi9459]

14:17 The temperature will go down but not due to the reason stated, "freezing point depression". It's in the name. It's the decrease in the freezing point of water, i.e. it's temperature of water will need to be lowered beyond 0 degree Celsius to freeze it. The reason dissolving NaCl in water lowers the temperature is because the NaCl molecules break down into ions in water and thus absorb energy from the water, i.e. it's an endothermic process

[@christopherschubert1239]

I was just researching this because I was also confused about the reasoning. Energy is absorbed (endothermic) when salt is dissolved in water which is why the temperature of the solution will drop, not because of freezing point depression. Unless maybe you could calculate how much the temperature of the solution would drop by using the freezing point depression formula? Then the freezing point depression reasoning would make more sense. But I'm not sure.

[@Gruskinator]

This is what I thought as well. I don't know how you would use the freezing point depression formula to calculate the energy used in that reaction or why you would do it that way. I think maybe what she meant was that if you add salt to ice there freezing point depression causes the ice to melt and the energy needed for melting makes the temperature go down. This works in the ice cream scenario but wouldn't happen with room temperature water though, so them describing an experiment with a cup of water after doesn't make sense.

[@navneetbiswal707]

I had to type about a 300-words explanation to this problem and then i posted the comment before deleting it after 5 minutes. It felt too cocky for me. Glad to see someone else did it. Good job!

[@voxp]

Great discussion! While it's true that we can't control the orientation of every single molecule individually, we can indeed influence reactions creatively. For example, chemists often use inhibitors to block unfavorable reaction sites and enhance the efficiency of desired reactions. Additionally, by designing specific reaction environments, like using solvents or surfaces that favor certain orientations, we can significantly improve reaction rates and outcomes. So, while we can't precisely "dock" every molecule, we have clever ways to guide them to react in the right direction! About PFASs, they are persistent because they resist breakdown in the body. Once inside, they're processed by the liver and kidneys. However, these organs often can't eliminate PFASs efficiently, leading to accumulation in tissues and organs over time. So, it's not just about them "sticking" in the body, but rather their resistance to being broken down and excreted. Loving these episodes! Please bring Kate the Chemist back more often.

[@jhodge16]

good episode mane

[@stevein.]

That short heated debate really had me. Love the show and the brilliant chemistry expert

[@seanpowell1163]

I studied this in industrial hygiene. A very complex and difficult field you have to know so much.

[@sdehues]

One of the best StarTalk episodes I've ever seen. wish I could like like like like like

[@ianboyes4414]

This is great. I loved the “suck it and see” reference. This is a genuine UK expression and is in no way rude. So funny to see someone else’s reaction to this catalyst.

[@grapesofhypocrisy9842]

PFAS is on alot of cardboard food packaging... Also they have designed a high electrical use way to breakdown PFAS in water, but it needs to be added to all water treatment plants.

[@franklentz5388]

About PFAS, they use them in firefighting foam, the foam floats on top of petroleum and deprives the fire of fuel, I was in the Navy and we use this to fight shipboard fires. Now, at 68 years old and having been retired over 30 years I was just diagnosed with tumors in both kidneys. The PFAS stays in the blood system, it has an extremely long half life, they suspect this is what caused my cancer.

[@Friedafterbirth]

Sir, I know its only the internet, but I salute you for what you've gone through and continue to go through. Stay strong man 🙏

[@deppam]

Good info man. Hope you get better.

[@flyfree78644]

Loved Kate! More chemistry!

[@sharayalynice]

my 2 fav Sciences collide!! 🥰🤗 I always loved Chemistry since I had a awesome high school teacher and he also talked about Astronomy at the end of the year too.

[@SageRites]

77 Fahrenheit (ca. 25 degree Celsius)

[@hardcoreherbivore4730]

The rest of the world: 🙄

[@smokeyninja9920]

36:45 I'm imagining a pair of glasses that allow you to visualize different ranges of the spectrum, and how beyond amazed Neil will be when he first wears a pair.

[@hic_tus]

we kind of do that already, we translate invisible parts of the spectrum in something that our brain can understand on a screen. the point is we don't need to see that kind of light, it's too much! our brain would be too busy and we would be constantly blinded by wi fi, our oven, our phones, the uv light from the sun, the cosmic rays, our own body temperature... not great. we can use a screen and technology just fine! we could use some kind of augmented reality glasses instead yeah! but it's basically like a screen. our eyes are already fantastic for what we need to do as a species!

[@Kleyguerth]

Well, it's not like Neil works in a field that points telescopes that can see outside the visible light spectrum and map it to the visible light spectrum to create pretty pictures for the press, right?

[@aero1000]

Regarding of why PFAS can stay long in the body I have heard that the Fluoride atom takes the space of another atom in an important molecule chain. For example a simplication using a CFC, the fluoride atoms take the position of H atoms, (simplified) CH4 becomes CF4. For important long molecule chains the body cant distinguish if a fluoride atom took the place of an hydrogen atom but the important function of the molecule is lost. Therefore the impact on our body is that DNA doesnts form, Cell division is irregular etc.

[@antplace]

You are pretty well on point. Its an enormously damaging class of substances that we are manufacturing 1000s of tons each year and their concentration in the environment raises relentlessly. Those fluorine chains are not slow to break down. They will NEVER break down in the natural environment. They require extreme energies, like from a laser beam to be broken. That is why it is so difficult to even test for them. they don't react with much at normal temperatures.

[@Zlist1994]

I LOVE LEARNING! 😁🖤

[@Eclipce051]

love this show😊

[@TheStormerman]

I loved chemistry! My mother bought me a chemistry set when i was a kid, this was back in the day when they didn't neuter them. Mine had a freaking vial of radium in it. It had everything necessary to make pretty much anything as i learned when i went to the library to look up how to make thing.

[@mjcrow75]

Dr. Kate is absolutely brilliant. Definitely going be following her on Instagram.

[@petedawg]

Chocolate chips are in Cassata cakes. They’re from Sicily and have white cake with quartered cherries mixed in, cannoli dip and mini chocolate chip filling, with marzipan (and/or white) frosting. If you can get a slice it’s wonderful to have. It’s very much a premium cake so expect to pay accordingly.

[@fluid1614]

That closing!!!