Biochemistry

You shouldn't store open cans in the fridge because metals and BPA can leach into food. (maerzbow) — When you don’t finish an open can, you may be tempted to put some plastic wrap over it and put it in the refrigerator for later. However, it’s not a good idea to store open cans in the fridge. No, it won’t grow Salmonella or give you botulism. The risks […]

Why You Shouldn’t Store Open Cans in the Fridge Recently updated !

This entry was posted on April 13, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on April 23, 2018)

When you lose weight, fat doesn’t magically vanish or convert into muscle or even energy. Your digestive system does not excrete it in feces. In a survey of 150 health professionals (dieticians, doctors, personal trainers), 98% didn’t understand fat metabolism. Only three people in the study knew where fat went! […]

Where Does Fat Go When You Lose Weight? Recently updated !

This entry was posted on March 28, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on April 19, 2018)

Daffodils (Katherine McCormack) — Daffodils, jonquils, and other types of narcissus are the harbingers of spring, so you may be tempted to bring them indoors to brighten a room. Go ahead and put them in a vase! However, it’s not just an urban legend that daffodils poison other flowers. Take a look at the […]

Do Daffodils Poison Other Flowers? Recently updated !

This entry was posted on March 24, 2018 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on April 20, 2018)

Toothpaste isn't the only everyday source of fluoride. (Photo Mix) — If you’re looking to reduce your intake of fluorine and fluoride (one is the element, one is the ion), it may help you to know what everyday products contain them and what steps you can take to limit your exposure: Don’t drink unfiltered public water. Assume it’s fluoridated unless you know otherwise. […]

How to Reduce Fluoride Exposure

This entry was posted on December 27, 2017 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on December 27, 2017)

Chip pan fire demonstration in a laboratory. — Have you ever experienced a chip pan fire or other kitchen grease fire? This photograph actually is a simulated chip pan fire, produced as a demonstration. I have to wonder if the simulation was intended to be that spectacular. Also, I bet that fire was pretty intriguing to people passing by the […]

About the Chip Pan Fire Demonstration

This entry was posted on December 25, 2017 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 1, 2018)

Blue (left) is butterfly pea flower in water; purple (right) is flower tea dripped into white wine. Pink (center) is lemonade colored with the flower. — Many flowers, fruits, vegetables, and spices are natural pH indicators. Examples include rose petals, red cabbage, beets, onions, violets, and blue morning glory flowers. These substances change color in response to acidic or alkaline ingredients. Some natural pH indicators taste terrible, while others are expensive, hard to find, or weakly […]

Easy Color Change Drinks That Actually Taste Good

This entry was posted on December 22, 2017 by Anne Helmenstine (updated on January 6, 2018)