Hydrogen Peroxide: It fizzes, it stings, but does it actually do you any good? Find out on this week's Quick Question!

Inside our cells, each of us has a second set of genes completely separate from our 23 pairs of chromosomes. And this isn't just true for humans— it's true of every animal, plant, and fungus on Earth. This second genome belongs to our...

High elevations can be a problem for humans. Since the air is thinner, you get less oxygen with every breath, leading to all kinds of negative side effects. But there are millions of people around the world who spend their whole lives at...

In this video Paul Andersen explains how stratospheric ozone protects humans from ultraviolet light. He explains how stratospheric ozone is formed when diatomic oxygen absorbs an ultraviolet photon and is split into two free oxygen...

Oxygen is so essential for animals that every multicellular species we’ve ever studied has the ability to use oxygen to create energy... except one.

Mercury thermometers are handy and useful, but they could be extremely dangerous to bring on planes.

If you're wearing contacts, you might want to take a look at this.

Thanks to the St. Croix Watershed Research Station for sponsoring this video! To learn more about their work, visit

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Water covers over 70% of the Earth, cycling from the oceans and rivers to the clouds and back again. It even makes up about 60% of our bodies. But in the rest of the solar system, liquid water is almost impossible to find. So how did our...

We've all been flying high ever since the development of the jet engine in the mid-1950s. But why were jets were designed to fly at those high altitudes in the first place?

We’re all excited about the Mars rover Perseverance this week, but scientists are also working on some other exciting things!

Photosynthesis is an essential part of the exchange between humans and plants. Amanda Ooten walks us through the process of photosynthesis, also discussing the relationship between photosynthesis and carbohydrates, starch, and fiber --...

You ever think about where your trash goes? How long it takes to decompose? And whether your garbage can become ... dangerous? You should! Hank explains the science of trash, how we've dealt with it (or not) over the ages, and both the...

What happens when you can't do aerobic cellular respiration because oxygen isn't available? Explore fermentation with The Amoeba Sisters! This video focuses on alcoholic fermentation and lactic acid fermentation, and it also mentions how...

Ketones and aldehydes are all around and inside us, from the strong smelling component of nail polish remover, acetone, to hormones in our bodies, to drug treatments for allergies, COVID-19, and even cancer! We’ve already learned a bit...

Humans’ experiences with ventilators have taught us that sighing isn’t just a way to express yourself: it’s a vital part of our everyday breathing.

Paul Andersen explains how catalysts can speed up a reaction without being consumed in the reaction. Catalysts can lower the activation energy of reaction be stabilizing the transition state. They can also create new reaction pathways...

It’s summertime and people are out camping, barbecuing, and using FIRE! But what’s a better fuel to use for your summer activities? Wood or charcoal? There are pros and cons to both fuels, so check out this episode of SciShow to decide...

SciShow takes you to Centralia, Pennsylvania, site of one of the oldest, biggest coal fires in the United States, and explains the chemistry of spontaneous combustion.

Why do apples turn brown after you cut them, or when they rot? Basically for the same reason that human hair, eyes and skin is brown, too. Not that we're calling you rotten. Quick Questions explains!

If you want to be able to breathe underwater, you're going to need to get creative. So some turtles, dragonfly nymphs, and sea cucumbers decided to use their butts.

Why does ice float? You might not think about it, but this special property of frozen water is what makes your iced tea tinkle and makes a lot of aquatic life possible. Hank gets in touch with his inner Olaf to explain the wonder that is...

Heavy water, or deuterium oxide, has some important scientific applications, but let's say you're reeeeaallly thirsty... is it safe to drink?

Whether it's from a box or a bottle, letting your wine 'breathe' can actually make a difference in its taste.