Topic: Pharmaceutical and Medicinal

Why Alex is terrified of antibiotic resistance, and what chemists are doing about it.

Join George as he hunts for an antidote to deadly mushrooms.

This video shows how the cinchona tree bark could be a major contributing factor to WWI.

In this video, we’ll see how close chemists are to making synthetic, transfusable blood.

Nanomachines are many orders of magnitude smaller than a human cell, but they have huge promise. In the future, they could deliver drugs anywhere in the body, clean up oil spills and might even be used as artificial muscle cells.

This video shows us why opioids are great painkillers, that risks addiction and overdose.

Watch as Reactions uses some acid know-how to tell a chemistry detective story and sort real gold from the imposters.

Valentines Day's almost here! For all you chocolate lovers out there, we put dark and milk chocolate together in an end all be all faceoff.

Before you go to the beach, can sunscreen prevent wrinkles, skin cancer and sunburn?

A year later after COVID-19 pandemic began, what do we know now that we didn’t back then?

This week, Sam and George add different things to the tea, with its spectacular colors?

This episode has a surprise guest for our Llama researcher.

We talked with David Kroll to learn how these tests work and why it’s actually pretty bad.

We called a few virologists to find out how Antiviral drugs could help us fight COVID-19,

We checked to see if polio vaccine might provide protection against COVID-19.

This video shows why CDC wants people to wear masks to decrease the spread of COVID-19.

We chat with Benjamin Neuman, to find out when to expect a vaccine against COVID-19.

This video explains chemistry behind why soap is effective against viruses like COVID-19.

Today we’re going to test how well you can tell a perfectly safe Mushroom from the poisonous ones.

Watch some cartoons with our host Sam and learn whether their chemistry checks out.

In this episode, we break down the chemistry of cryogenic and reanimating a frozen corpse.

This Halloween season, we unpack the chemistry of the vampires.

In this video, we talk about “superhero strength” and the chemistry behind what’s possible.

This episode shows some products that could cause dangerous side effects to birth control.

This video explains the effects of overdosing.

In this Reactions video, we break down our top five strangest poisons you’d least expect.

This video shows what ringworm is, how it feeds on skin and how to not be its next meal.

In this video, we use science to see if using Cannabidiol, (CBD) make you fail a drug test?

In this video, we’re going to debunk some myths behind the many different types of tea.

This week, we’ll explore how much helium is left to see if this element will go extinct.

Ms. Beautyphile helps us tackle the science behind perms and overall big 80s hair.

This video shows why aspirin works in a baby-sized dose, but doesnâ t work for pain relief.

In this episode, we explore how astronauts survive the deadly radiation of deep space.

This week on Reactions, we explain the chemistry of drug expiration dates.

How does Melatonin work? In this video, we go into the chemistry of this sleep aid.

Thanks to our amazing fans for asking! Got more chemistry questions? Drop ‘em in the comments and we might answer them in future episodes.

What is it about this little plant that makes Cilantro is one of the most polarizing herbs the planet? The answer's in the chemistry folks!

Whether or not you have anxiety, you’ve probably heard of Xanax. But what’s in this popular and widely prescribed drug, and how does it work?

We're taking a closer look at hand sanitizers, what this goo is made of, and just how effective it really is against viruses and bacteria.

Good news! Your body works hard to remove toxins, so there’s no need for expensive products. Toxicology expert Raychelle Burks explains “detox.”

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Reactions describes what’s changed about treatment options, and what patients can expect in the future.

What’s the difference between fluorescence and bioluminescence? We illuminate the biochemical distinctions.

Chemists have found fantastic drugs in nature—like the blood from the Komodo dragon—that could save your life.

Anti-wrinkle creams claim they keep the skin surface fresh, making a younger more perfect-looking you, but do they REALLY work?

Get hyped! This episode talks, not only about Bicycle day – but the psychedelic effects of LSD, discovered by chemist Albert Hoffman.

Vegetables are full of essential vitamins and minerals, but how should you eat them to get the most nutritious bang for your buck?

In this episode, find out why cats love catnip so much and why the catnip plant really makes the kitty drug.

Online entrepreneurs will try to sell you bottled human pheromones, but do these even exist?

Mucusm, despite being icky, has a germ-fighting goo that helps us power through a cold and gives clues about the inner workings of our immune systems.

Reactions is joining PBS Digital Studios! We’re celebrating with a video on how the chemistry of the universe is surprisingly like your cup of coffee.

While presidents tweet, money talks. In this episode, we look how Trump’s economic stances could affect the dollars and cents of chemistry.

If you reach for cough medicine, you're not alone. But does it work? In this video, we explain the chemistry to find out which remedies actually work.

Ryan Cross explains the fierce dispute over who holds the patents to CRISPR gene-editing technology and what the possible outcomes could mean.

Reactions runs through the science of distance running: why muscles burn, how sweat cools the body and the chemistry of Marathons.

Anesthesia now allows thousands patients to avoid the pain and memories of their procedures. Reactions explains how it works and what happens when you go under.

In this episode of Speaking of Chemistry, we look at how three molecular machinists earned this year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Check out this video to get an inside look at how CRISPR works, and the sorts of wild medical advances are just around the horizon.

Recent news of Olympic doping scandals have led to strict penalties and a closer look at steroid testing and chemistry plays a huge role on both sides of the performance-enhancing drug battle.

Most people don’t realize that that sun bathing is the world's most common carcinogen. Let’s look at how (UV) rays affect your body, and the chemical defense systems working to stop any potential damage.

Fluoride has helped reduce cavities in children for decades. Some worry that fluoridated drinking water can lead to health issues, but what is the scientific consensus?

Many people have turned to over-the-counter teeth-whitening treatments, while some have made a trip to the dentist. This week, Reactions looks at the chemistry of a brighter smile.

In this episode, Sophia Cai chats about the chemistry of your why natural hair color turns white, and how scientists may be able to slow that graying down.

We know poisonous snakes are dangerous, but what exactly makes venom so powerful? Reactions sheds some light on the proteins in venom, as well as its potential medical uses.

In another installment of our Reactions Q and A series, you use it everyday, but do you know how toothpaste works? Thanks for subscribing and keep the questions coming in the comments.

Why are these synthesized drugs so dangerous, and why aren’t there more regulations?

In the food industry, peanut allergies are some of the most dangerous food allergies out there and scientists recently may have found out the reason why.

How do shampoos work? “Ms. Beautyphile” Trina Espinoza and Lex Fleming from “Made U Look” explain the science behind hair care.

Why are some people choosing to dump the lather altogether? “Ms. Beautyphile” Trina Espinoza and Lex Fleming from “Made U Look” explain the science behind hair care.

Thanks to chemistry, the products we use to style our hair has evolved over the years. But how do hairsprays protect your hair while keeping it flexible and light?

Improper lens care can sometimes have serious consequences. Reactions collaborates with Gross Science to explain why contacts can cause problems and how to prevent them.

For folks with seasonal affective disorder, the changing seasons can make them sadder than most, to the point of depression. Why does this happen and what are some possible treatments?

You’ve seen Vitamin and supplements in commercials and at your pharmacy. Pills that claim to cure your cold or help you lose weight. But do they work?

You might not believe it, but there was a time when urine helped shape the modern world. Reactions looks at the reasons why pee was once the “number one” material in chemistry.

When we stink, we have deodorants and antiperspirants to help us, but how do these products actually work? This week, we're talking body odors, and how we drape a tarp over them with chemistry.

In support of National Recovery Month, which calls attention to substance abuse issues and treatment services, Reactions takes a look at the chemistry behind addiction.

In this week’s Reactions video, we answer all your foot-focused questions and share some tips to stop the smell.

This week, Reactions talks about the chemistry of HRT and what happens when the body undergoes major shifts in estrogen and testosterone — two very powerful hormones.

This week, Reactions explains how amphetamine (Adderall) helps you focus.

We all hate the sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes of allergy season. Why do we get allergies and what can we do about it?

Jennifer Novotney, winner of the 2014 Chemistry Champions competition, breaks down what it is about poison ivy that makes us so itchy.

People have turned to “vaping” with electronic cigarettes. But is that vapor you’re inhaling any safer than taking a drag on a cigarette?

Is there such a thing as love at first smell? Reactions has the answers in this week’s episode.

Chemist George de Hevesy’s work transformed medicine. He also foiled the Nazis along the way.

It can reduce fevers, eliminate aches and pains and relieve cough and cold symptoms. But how does it work?

Here are four amazing science facts about pregnancy.

Dr. Raychelle Burks shares her thoughts on using pop culture in science communication.

It killed the hated King Joffrey, but how? We explore the chemistry of the Game of Thrones poison, the Strangler.

We explain the chemistry behind marijuana's high, and investigate what scientists are doing to ensure that newly-legalized weed won't send users on a bad trip.

From coffee to gum to energy drinks, we get caffeine from a lot of different places. Come along as we explore the science of the world's most popular drug.

The survivors on "The Walking Dead" can learn a lot from chemistry when fighting off walkers. In this video, Dr. Raychelle Burks explains her idea for a "death cologne".