Back to Show
Reactions
Why Do Hot Peppers Cause Pain?
Season 2
Episode 55
Reactions is taking a look into spicy science. That's right--the chemistry of capsaicin and why hot peppers cause pain. You have probably had the burning sensation of eating a hot jalapeno or other tear-inducing pepper. What causes this painful fire in your mouth? The short answer is capsaicin. But what exactly is capsaicin? How does it work? Why do people drink milk and not water?
Support Provided By

11:15
George tries to make a new discovery in a huge field of science... and he might have.

12:00
This week Alex takes to the lab and investigates the stable isotopes in 20 different honeys.

20:29
Rubbing two balloons together leads George to a shocking discovery.

11:25
Is baking soda a legal, performance enhancing drug?

8:10
George tries to make electricity using dialysis tubing, toilet parts, and a baby turbine.

13:59
Alex wonders what happens when hot water freezes quicker than room temperature water?

9:56
Could a seemingly magical 300-year-old technology save us from climate change?

14:50
Fluoride is everywhere in the discourse but here’s what the research actually says.

9:47
How does a lifesaving drug vanish into thin air?

9:36
is there really a difference in the Coca-Cola from Mexico?

11:57
Alex made some kidney stones at home and tested prevention methods to keep them at bay.

10:38
An email from a subscriber made us question everything we thought we knew about trees.