Skip to main content

Up Next

Back to Show
Reactions

How Seashells Are Made

Season 5 Episode 20

If you know that seashells are made of basically the same stuff as chalk, you might have wondered why chalk is crumbly but seashells are super tough. This week on Reactions, we explain: The secret’s in the biochemistry.

Support Provided By
Season
The Invisible Tsunami That Killed 1,500 People in One Night
11:28
We investigate how a lake could explode and shoot out a gigantic wave of deadly CO2.
The Terrifying (but Awesome) Science Behind Red Tides
11:39
We dive into the science behind this somewhat terrifying, sometimes glowing phenomenon.
The Great MOLASSES Flood of 1919
12:52
We get into the science behind what created that 25 foot wave!
Challenger: The Real Story of an Avoidable Disaster
14:37
We explain the science behind this tragic, avoidable accident.
The Loneliest Whale
15:21
we bring you the story of the Loneliest Whale and other fascinating mammals.
The Ultimate Coffee Roasting Chemistry Throwdown
10:33
How hard could roasting beans at home really be?
You’re Using Disinfectants Wrong
6:11
Doing these 3 things are critical.
How Does Tear Gas Work?
3:53
And did you know it's not actually a gas? We investigate.
We Surprised a Llama Antibody Researcher with a Llama
2:33
Scientists are considering some less-conventional approaches to tackle COVID-19.
Why Aren’t COVID Antibody Tests Better?
8:24
Learn how these tests work and why a test that’s 96% accurate is actually bad.
How Do Antiviral Drugs Work?
6:53
We called a few virologists to find out.
The Early Plan to Fight COVID with the Polio Vaccine
5:26
The COVID-19 pandemic has scientists considering a few less-conventional options.
Active loading indicator