Sam the Scientist
@samthescientist.bsky.social
R&D Scientist / Science Educator / Free Information Advocate
Environmental Chemist/Materials Scientist with specialties in biodegradable materials synthesis, biodegradation, and toxicology
He/Him
www.samellman.org
Environmental Chemist/Materials Scientist with specialties in biodegradable materials synthesis, biodegradation, and toxicology
He/Him
www.samellman.org
Pinned
Your Friendly Neighborhood Scientist
Being a scientist is just a job. In fiction and popular media, scientists are often portrayed as being the only elite minds capable of solvi...
thoughtssate.blogspot.com
I've decided it's time to put my science communicator money where my mouth is, so I started a blog that will forever be 100% free to access and 100% ad-free.
I also regularly take questions about science, chemistry, and the environment from anyone.
thoughtssate.blogspot.com/2024/09/your...
I also regularly take questions about science, chemistry, and the environment from anyone.
thoughtssate.blogspot.com/2024/09/your...
🧪 Can we move beyond our reliance on plastics?
I explore this question in my Ask a Scientist video series. Give it a look if you're curious!
(I know we've all got busy lives, so this series is designed for each video to be 5 minutes or less.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pflF...
I explore this question in my Ask a Scientist video series. Give it a look if you're curious!
(I know we've all got busy lives, so this series is designed for each video to be 5 minutes or less.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pflF...
Can we stop relying on plastic? | Ask A Scientist
YouTube video by Sam the Scientist
www.youtube.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:40 AM
🧪 Can we move beyond our reliance on plastics?
I explore this question in my Ask a Scientist video series. Give it a look if you're curious!
(I know we've all got busy lives, so this series is designed for each video to be 5 minutes or less.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pflF...
I explore this question in my Ask a Scientist video series. Give it a look if you're curious!
(I know we've all got busy lives, so this series is designed for each video to be 5 minutes or less.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pflF...
🧪 Reddit user u/Blahblah987369 asks:
What are your personal buying habits?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What are your personal buying habits?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
November 7, 2025 at 10:38 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/Blahblah987369 asks:
What are your personal buying habits?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What are your personal buying habits?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Reposted by Sam the Scientist
The CDC's covid vaccine considerations for health care professionals page was updated with last month's decisions: www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/va...
Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines and Vaccination
Learn about types of COVID-19 vaccines and find recommendations, dosage, and overview of schedule.
www.cdc.gov
November 4, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The CDC's covid vaccine considerations for health care professionals page was updated with last month's decisions: www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/va...
🧪 Reddit user u/ubet13 asks:
How worrisome do you find astroturf artificial grass?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
How worrisome do you find astroturf artificial grass?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
October 31, 2025 at 8:52 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/ubet13 asks:
How worrisome do you find astroturf artificial grass?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
How worrisome do you find astroturf artificial grass?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 My goal as a science communicator is always to expand understanding of our shared world while putting hazards in their proper context. People are often scared of chemicals for good reason, but too much fear leads to paralysis. I explore this more here:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/the-...
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/the-...
October 25, 2025 at 7:54 PM
🧪 My goal as a science communicator is always to expand understanding of our shared world while putting hazards in their proper context. People are often scared of chemicals for good reason, but too much fear leads to paralysis. I explore this more here:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/the-...
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/the-...
🧪 Reddit user /buttercup_mauler asks:
Do you know what kind of information and studies have been done on the tox side of microplastics?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Do you know what kind of information and studies have been done on the tox side of microplastics?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
October 18, 2025 at 7:41 PM
🧪 Reddit user /buttercup_mauler asks:
Do you know what kind of information and studies have been done on the tox side of microplastics?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Do you know what kind of information and studies have been done on the tox side of microplastics?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 I'm going to be answering chemistry questions live today 2PM - 4PM EST:
youtube.com/live/FTJVfBv...
Come join me if you want to talk science or just do some virtual coworking with me!
youtube.com/live/FTJVfBv...
Come join me if you want to talk science or just do some virtual coworking with me!
Ask a Scientist Live!
I'm a chemist with specialties in biodegradable materials and environmental toxicology. Join me for a casual hangout, where I take your questions live, do a little bit of work, and play some piano for...
youtube.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:22 PM
🧪 I'm going to be answering chemistry questions live today 2PM - 4PM EST:
youtube.com/live/FTJVfBv...
Come join me if you want to talk science or just do some virtual coworking with me!
youtube.com/live/FTJVfBv...
Come join me if you want to talk science or just do some virtual coworking with me!
🧪 Reddit user u/dscoZ asks:
I've read that most "biodegradable" plastics need special environments to break down. Is that true?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
I've read that most "biodegradable" plastics need special environments to break down. Is that true?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #19 ["Biodegradable" Greenwashing]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/dscoZ Q: I’ve read that a lot of “biodegradable” plastics need special environments to break down which are not c...
environment.samellman.org
October 10, 2025 at 10:40 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/dscoZ asks:
I've read that most "biodegradable" plastics need special environments to break down. Is that true?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
I've read that most "biodegradable" plastics need special environments to break down. Is that true?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 Reddit user u/AngryBPDGirl asks:
I checked plasticlist.org and noticed some milk bottled in glass had higher chemical counts than milk bottled in plastic. Why is that?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
I checked plasticlist.org and noticed some milk bottled in glass had higher chemical counts than milk bottled in plastic. Why is that?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #18 [Plasticizers in Milk]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/AngryBPDGirl Q: I was checking out plasticlist.org and noticed milk bottled in glass had higher counts of some of...
environment.samellman.org
October 3, 2025 at 8:58 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/AngryBPDGirl asks:
I checked plasticlist.org and noticed some milk bottled in glass had higher chemical counts than milk bottled in plastic. Why is that?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
I checked plasticlist.org and noticed some milk bottled in glass had higher chemical counts than milk bottled in plastic. Why is that?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪
The CDC's National Wastewater Surveillance System landing page got a big makeover: www.cdc.gov/nwss/
NWSS Wastewater Monitoring in the U.S.
U.S. wastewater monitoring, National Wastewater Surveillance System
www.cdc.gov
September 27, 2025 at 7:40 PM
🧪
Reposted by Sam the Scientist
If you have functioning organ systems, you are *detoxing* all day. Every day.
Liver
Kidneys
Lungs
GI tract
You’re all good, boo.
Stop buying into conspiracies and claims from wellness profiteers who don’t know basic science.
Liver
Kidneys
Lungs
GI tract
You’re all good, boo.
Stop buying into conspiracies and claims from wellness profiteers who don’t know basic science.
September 27, 2025 at 12:48 AM
If you have functioning organ systems, you are *detoxing* all day. Every day.
Liver
Kidneys
Lungs
GI tract
You’re all good, boo.
Stop buying into conspiracies and claims from wellness profiteers who don’t know basic science.
Liver
Kidneys
Lungs
GI tract
You’re all good, boo.
Stop buying into conspiracies and claims from wellness profiteers who don’t know basic science.
🧪 Reddit user u/oklevel3 asks:
Could you talk about silicone? It's presented as harmless but I've also heard that it's not.
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Could you talk about silicone? It's presented as harmless but I've also heard that it's not.
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #17 [Silicone]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/oklevel3 Q: Could you talk about silicone ? It's presented as harmless but I've also heard that it's not. ______...
environment.samellman.org
September 26, 2025 at 10:23 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/oklevel3 asks:
Could you talk about silicone? It's presented as harmless but I've also heard that it's not.
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Could you talk about silicone? It's presented as harmless but I've also heard that it's not.
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 Reddit user u/lunalovegood asks:
For laundry detergent - which is the best option? Do detergent sheets release microplastics into the water?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/03/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
For laundry detergent - which is the best option? Do detergent sheets release microplastics into the water?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/03/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #16 [Laundry Pods]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/lunalovegood Q: For laundry detergent - which is the best option? I recently started using detergent sheets but h...
environment.samellman.org
September 20, 2025 at 5:24 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/lunalovegood asks:
For laundry detergent - which is the best option? Do detergent sheets release microplastics into the water?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/03/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
For laundry detergent - which is the best option? Do detergent sheets release microplastics into the water?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/03/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Reposted by Sam the Scientist
Today's brand new final_final_final CDC ACIP meeting agenda dropped: www.cdc.gov/acip/downloa...
Plus, more slide decks: www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...
Plus, more slide decks: www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...
www.cdc.gov
September 19, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Today's brand new final_final_final CDC ACIP meeting agenda dropped: www.cdc.gov/acip/downloa...
Plus, more slide decks: www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...
Plus, more slide decks: www.cdc.gov/acip/meeting...
🧪
The CDC's Science Clips page -- their weekly publications digest -- seems to be offline? It loads briefly, then redirects to a MSFT sign in page instead. phgkb.cdc.gov/PHGKB/cdcSCS...
The wonderful WayBack Machine has a snapshot from July 18th, 2025: web.archive.org/web/20250724...
The wonderful WayBack Machine has a snapshot from July 18th, 2025: web.archive.org/web/20250724...
CDC Science Clips
phgkb.cdc.gov
September 15, 2025 at 8:32 PM
🧪
🧪 Reddit user u/Avalanc89 asks:
Is it true that microwaving food in a plastic container contaminates the food with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is it true that microwaving food in a plastic container contaminates the food with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #15 [Plastic Food Containers]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/Avalanc89 Q: It's that true you shouldn't heat up ANY plastic container because stuff that made plastics bonds ...
environment.samellman.org
September 12, 2025 at 8:47 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/Avalanc89 asks:
Is it true that microwaving food in a plastic container contaminates the food with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is it true that microwaving food in a plastic container contaminates the food with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Reposted by Sam the Scientist
September 12, 2025 at 1:14 AM
🧪 Reddit user u/cheerful_altruist asks:
Do you have any tips for a new graduate on finding jobs in Environmental Chemistry?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Do you have any tips for a new graduate on finding jobs in Environmental Chemistry?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #14 [Environmental Careers]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/cheerful_altruist Q: I have a similar background, so my first and off-topic question would be whether you have ...
environment.samellman.org
July 18, 2025 at 6:35 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/cheerful_altruist asks:
Do you have any tips for a new graduate on finding jobs in Environmental Chemistry?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Do you have any tips for a new graduate on finding jobs in Environmental Chemistry?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 Reddit user u/That_Boysenberry4501 asks:
What do you think of bioplastics? Why are we not more urgently finding/implementing plastic replacements?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What do you think of bioplastics? Why are we not more urgently finding/implementing plastic replacements?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #13 [Bioplastics Deep Dive]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/That_Boysenberry4501 Q: I am very interested in algae bioplastic and I've been experimenting with my own for ar...
environment.samellman.org
July 11, 2025 at 8:41 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/That_Boysenberry4501 asks:
What do you think of bioplastics? Why are we not more urgently finding/implementing plastic replacements?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What do you think of bioplastics? Why are we not more urgently finding/implementing plastic replacements?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Reposted by Sam the Scientist
🧪 Reddit user u/That_Boysenberry4501 asks:
How can I minimize my exposure to toxins when I make art with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
How can I minimize my exposure to toxins when I make art with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #12 [Recycled Plastic Art]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/That_Boysenberry4501 Q: So I'm an artist and want to make more works about overconsumption and plastic pollut...
environment.samellman.org
June 27, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/That_Boysenberry4501 asks:
How can I minimize my exposure to toxins when I make art with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
How can I minimize my exposure to toxins when I make art with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 Reddit user u/That_Boysenberry4501 asks:
How can I minimize my exposure to toxins when I make art with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
How can I minimize my exposure to toxins when I make art with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #12 [Recycled Plastic Art]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/That_Boysenberry4501 Q: So I'm an artist and want to make more works about overconsumption and plastic pollut...
environment.samellman.org
June 27, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/That_Boysenberry4501 asks:
How can I minimize my exposure to toxins when I make art with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
How can I minimize my exposure to toxins when I make art with plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 Reddit user u/Emergency_Bet_7090 asks:
When brands write "recyclable" or something similar..do they greenwash us?
Answer:
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
When brands write "recyclable" or something similar..do they greenwash us?
Answer:
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #11 ["Recyclable" Labels]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/Emergency_Bet_7090 Q: When brands write "recyclable" or something similar..do they greenwash us? ______________...
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com
June 20, 2025 at 8:50 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/Emergency_Bet_7090 asks:
When brands write "recyclable" or something similar..do they greenwash us?
Answer:
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
When brands write "recyclable" or something similar..do they greenwash us?
Answer:
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2025/02/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
It can get confusing when people use different words to refer to various environmental crises. The Climate Crisis, the Biodiversity Crisis, the Sustainability Crisis. If you want some help untangling these ideas in plain English, give this a look.🧪
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2024/07/huma...
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2024/07/huma...
Humanity's Unpaid Debt: The Climate, Pollution, Sustainability, and Biodiversity Crises
Conversations surrounding the environmental crises that we face today can often feel confusing and muddled--as though Expert A's recommendat...
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com
June 13, 2025 at 5:53 PM
It can get confusing when people use different words to refer to various environmental crises. The Climate Crisis, the Biodiversity Crisis, the Sustainability Crisis. If you want some help untangling these ideas in plain English, give this a look.🧪
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2024/07/huma...
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2024/07/huma...
🧪 Reddit user u/binders4588
Is tap water better than bottled? What’s the best way to get drinking water with the least amount of harm?
Answer:
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2024/06/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is tap water better than bottled? What’s the best way to get drinking water with the least amount of harm?
Answer:
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2024/06/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Environmental Question #10 [Tap Water]
Courtesy of Reddit user u/binders4588 Q: Drinking water. Is tap water better than bottled? What’s the best way to get drinking water with t...
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com
June 6, 2025 at 7:23 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/binders4588
Is tap water better than bottled? What’s the best way to get drinking water with the least amount of harm?
Answer:
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2024/06/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is tap water better than bottled? What’s the best way to get drinking water with the least amount of harm?
Answer:
environmentalismsate.blogspot.com/2024/06/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Reposted by Sam the Scientist
As I’m reading “No More Tears” about J&J’s decades of lies about talc, I decided to take a short scroll break. Now I’m crying again. Occupational hazards should matter — PEOPLE should matter — but, y’know, profits…
I wrote a little piece of emotional nonfiction that I think will resonate with everyone, not just scientists, and not just chemists. I'm pretty proud of it, so give it a look if you have the chance. 🧪
Junior Won't Meet His Grandkids:
thoughtssate.blogspot.com/2025/05/juni...
Junior Won't Meet His Grandkids:
thoughtssate.blogspot.com/2025/05/juni...
Junior Won't Meet His Grandkids
There's a blue collar worker who goes by Junior working in the chemical plant with me. He's been working at the plant for 20 years, so every...
thoughtssate.blogspot.com
May 22, 2025 at 12:53 AM
As I’m reading “No More Tears” about J&J’s decades of lies about talc, I decided to take a short scroll break. Now I’m crying again. Occupational hazards should matter — PEOPLE should matter — but, y’know, profits…