Title: That's the way the cookie crumbles : 62 all-new commentaries on the fascinating chemistry of everyday life /
Authors: Schwarcz, Joe
Publisher: ECW Press ; Independent Publishers Group,
Year: 2002
Subjects: Chemistry Popular works; Chimie Ouvrages de vulgarisation.
Abstract: Interesting anecdotes and engaging tales make science fun, meaningful, and accessible. Separating sense from nonsense and fact from myth, these essays cover everything from the ups of helium to the downs of drain cleaners and provide answers to numerous mysteries, such as why bug juice is used to color ice cream and how spies used secret inks. Mercury in teeth, arsenic in water, lead in the environment, and aspartame in food are discussed. Mythbusters include the fact that Edison did not invent the lightbulb and that walking on hot coals does not require paranormal powers. The secret life of bagels is revealed, and airbags, beer, and soap yield their mysteries. These and many more surprising, educational, and entertaining commentaries show the relevance of science to everyday life.
Contents: Healthy science: Microwaved socks, and other tales from the airwaves -- Yes, scientists are allowed to change their minds -- I'll take the yogurt, but hold the enema machine -- Professor wonder and nutraceuticals -- For some, a diet goes against the grain -- Saccharin: From back alley to tabletop -- Aspartame: Guilty or innocent? -- Ode to the oat -- Secret life of bagels -- Toast to toast -- Gassing green bananas -- Summertime buccaneers -- Agitate for ice cream -- Man cannot live on corn alone -- Lessons from Popeye -- Paprika's peppery past -- Bring on the crucifers -- Beer science is still brewing -- Scoop on booze -- Hard lessons about soft drinks -- When DNA come out to play -- Frankenfuror -- Sunshine vitamin -- That's the way the cookie crumbles -- Coenzyme Q10 is worth remembering -- Sticking in your memory -- Take it with a grain of salt -- Botulin: Deadly poison and fascinating medicine -- From the jungle to the operating room -- Growing growth hormone industry -- Strong poison -- Mouth full of mercury -- Get the lead out -- Our daily dioxin -- Don't sweat it -- Everyday science: Stainmaster -- Strike one for matches -- Cookware chemistry -- Nervous about nerve gas -- How many people does it take to invent a lightbulb? -- Run on stockings -- Rubber match -- Oobleck and beyond -- Eyes have it -- From torpedoes to airbags -- Soap story -- Detergents and drowning fleas -- Untangling the web of spider lore -- Bolt out of the blue -- Looking back: A-fair to remember -- Lydia Pinkham to the rescue -- Mauving on -- Creator of good and evil -- Dark side of radium's glow -- Faraday effect -- From alchemist to scientist -- Poppycock: Not too hot to handle -- True deceptions -- Medicine and malarkey -- Pi water and erect electrons -- Hogwash and balderdash -- Hucksters selling health.