Hey, Cotton...Nitric and sulfuric acids OWN your ass! The aforementioned cellular ass-owning was recently demonstrated by Dr. Chris Schrempp and myself on Wired Science. While this experiment would have no doubt led to accusations of witchcraft and bodily crushing by stones as directed by a 17th-century Middlesex court, today's Science has rendered its exhibitors little more powerful than a party clown. Lance Burton was unable to comment, mainly because we never asked him to.
Many years ago, Rainn Wilson and I were skillfully carved up by Rob Zombie in a movie. Now, reunited in the name of science, we peel back the enigmatic layers of a common household item to reveal the pulpy chemical center. Rainn was kind enough to take an afternoon away from The Office to donate some time to Public Broadcasting because he is, quite simply, a terrific guy. Or it was part of a court-ordered community service...but probably the former.
Going to a rave in 1993? You need a glow stick! I can't help you with the Dr. Seuss hat and clock necklace, but I did manage to dig up some chemicals on the web that were flagged as hazardous materials three whole times before they were delivered. All you need is hundreds of dollars and a good explanation for the FBI and you're on your way to a homemade glow stick!
My two least favorite thing about this video: 1) I somehow forgot to put on safety gear. Brilliant! 2) The segment is called "Hack," a word that every comic wants in giant letters right next to them when they're talking. Oh well. The glowing part is cool.
This was a particularly fun segment to shoot. It's part 1 of a 2 part series of exothermic reactions. Dr. Chris Schrempp, professor of chemistry at Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucumonga, was kind enough to drop by and make the most of the WiSci flask and hot plate set.
I am pleased to announce the premiere of the new television program Wired Science, from the mutantly smart humans at Wired Magazine, this Wednesday, October 3rd at 8pm on PBS. I would watch the crap out of this show even if I weren't hosting it, which I am. Please watch and feel your brain wrinkle with delight!
