Chemistry For Your Life

#199

In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry behind the popular belief that eating carrots improves night vision. They take a deep dive into the scientific processes, including how beta carotene from carrots is converted into vitamin A, then into rhodopsin, and how this helps with night vision. They also discuss the historical context of this belief, dating back to World War II propaganda, and expand their discussion to include other fall foods rich in beta carotene, such as pumpkins and sweet potatoes. The episode also touches on fun facts, personal anecdotes, and a special shout-out to a new community member.

00:00 Introduction to the Fun Chemistry Topic

00:17 The Carrot Myth and World War II Propaganda

01:19 Matching Outfits and Personal Stories

06:36 Shoutout to New Community Member

07:14 The Science Behind Carrots and Vision

26:22 Vitamin A and Night Vision

27:47 Explaining the Chemistry of Beta Carotene

29:07 The Process of Beta Carotene Conversion

30:27 Understanding Rhodopsin Formation

31:07 The Role of Vitamin A in Vision

41:29 Fun Facts and Fall Foods

48:56 Supporting the Podcast and Community

50:11 Acknowledging Supporters and Conclusion

References from this episode:

1. 
   Organic chemistry by David R. Klein


2. 
   https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-wwii-propaganda-campaign-popularized-the-myth-that-carrots-help-you-see-in-the-dark-28812484/


3. 
   https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/a-wwii-propaganda-campaign-popularized-the-myth-that-carrots-help-you-see-in-the-dark-28812484/


4. 
   https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/beta-carotene/3005712.article


5. 
   https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2181967#:~:text=The%20key%20step%20in%20vitamin,of%20all%2Dtrans%2Dretinal.
   

We want to give a special thanks to Bri McAllister for illustrating molecules for some episodes! Please go check out Bri’s art, follow and support her at entr0pic.artstation.com and @McAllisterBri on twitter!

Thanks to our monthly supporters

• Scott B


• Jessie Reder


• Ciara Linville


• J0HNTR0Y


• Jeannette Napoleon


• Cullyn R


• Erica Bee


• Elizabeth P


• Sarah Moar


• Rachel Reina


• Letila


• Katrina Barnum-Huckins


• Suzanne Phillips


• Venus Rebholz


• Lyn Stubblefield


• Jacob Taber


• Brian Kimball


• Emerson Woodhall


• Kristina Gotfredsen


• Timothy Parker


• Steven Boyles


• Chris Skupien


• Chelsea B


• Bri McAllister


• Avishai Barnoy


• Hunter Reardon

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife