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...
🧪 Reddit user u/uncivilized_engineer asks:
What household chemicals and popular items have the greatest impact on pollution in storm and sanitary wastewater?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/11/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What household chemicals and popular items have the greatest impact on pollution in storm and sanitary wastewater?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/11/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
February 6, 2026 at 8:41 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/uncivilized_engineer asks:
What household chemicals and popular items have the greatest impact on pollution in storm and sanitary wastewater?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/11/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What household chemicals and popular items have the greatest impact on pollution in storm and sanitary wastewater?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/11/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 Reddit user u/nifsea asks:
What do you think about those plastic eating microbes? Can they actually break down plastic, and are the broken down compounds safe?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/11/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What do you think about those plastic eating microbes? Can they actually break down plastic, and are the broken down compounds safe?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/11/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
January 31, 2026 at 4:42 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/nifsea asks:
What do you think about those plastic eating microbes? Can they actually break down plastic, and are the broken down compounds safe?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/11/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What do you think about those plastic eating microbes? Can they actually break down plastic, and are the broken down compounds safe?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/11/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Reposted by Sam the Scientist
Apple & Google removed ICE tracking apps in their app stores.
TikTok reportedly suppressed videos criticizing ICE & the shooting of Alex Pretti.
Meta blocked Facebook groups tracking ICE & links to a database of agents that the government wants to keep secret.
Big Tech is enabling Trump's regime.
TikTok reportedly suppressed videos criticizing ICE & the shooting of Alex Pretti.
Meta blocked Facebook groups tracking ICE & links to a database of agents that the government wants to keep secret.
Big Tech is enabling Trump's regime.
January 29, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Apple & Google removed ICE tracking apps in their app stores.
TikTok reportedly suppressed videos criticizing ICE & the shooting of Alex Pretti.
Meta blocked Facebook groups tracking ICE & links to a database of agents that the government wants to keep secret.
Big Tech is enabling Trump's regime.
TikTok reportedly suppressed videos criticizing ICE & the shooting of Alex Pretti.
Meta blocked Facebook groups tracking ICE & links to a database of agents that the government wants to keep secret.
Big Tech is enabling Trump's regime.
Reposted by Sam the Scientist
Second amendment advocate Stephen Gutowski reposted by conservative Christian radio guy Erick Erickson.
January 25, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Second amendment advocate Stephen Gutowski reposted by conservative Christian radio guy Erick Erickson.
🧪 How much poison is in our food?
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 short, clear, and actionable.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKCd...
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 short, clear, and actionable.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKCd...
How much poison is in our food? | Ask A Scientist
YouTube video by Sam the Scientist
www.youtube.com
December 20, 2025 at 5:35 PM
🧪 How much poison is in our food?
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 short, clear, and actionable.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKCd...
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 short, clear, and actionable.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKCd...
🧪 Reddit user u/what_to_do_what_to_ asks:
Is there any way to remove microplastics from the environment?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is there any way to remove microplastics from the environment?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
December 19, 2025 at 9:28 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/what_to_do_what_to_ asks:
Is there any way to remove microplastics from the environment?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is there any way to remove microplastics from the environment?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 Are microplastics killing us?
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=WcMZ...
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=WcMZ...
Are microplastics killing us? | Ask A Scientist
YouTube video by Sam the Scientist
www.youtube.com
December 13, 2025 at 8:06 PM
🧪 Are microplastics killing us?
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=WcMZ...
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=WcMZ...
Reposted by Sam the Scientist
🧪 Reddit user u/PollardPie asks:
Is it safe to store food in plastic deli containers?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is it safe to store food in plastic deli containers?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
December 12, 2025 at 5:20 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/PollardPie asks:
Is it safe to store food in plastic deli containers?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is it safe to store food in plastic deli containers?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 Reddit user u/PollardPie asks:
Is it safe to store food in plastic deli containers?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is it safe to store food in plastic deli containers?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
December 12, 2025 at 5:20 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/PollardPie asks:
Is it safe to store food in plastic deli containers?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Is it safe to store food in plastic deli containers?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
I'm a sustainability scientist and I've been having trouble finding steady work since Trump got elected. Last night my friend told me:
"You should pivot from working on Green Energy to working on White Power."
I hate how funny that is...
"You should pivot from working on Green Energy to working on White Power."
I hate how funny that is...
December 8, 2025 at 4:06 PM
I'm a sustainability scientist and I've been having trouble finding steady work since Trump got elected. Last night my friend told me:
"You should pivot from working on Green Energy to working on White Power."
I hate how funny that is...
"You should pivot from working on Green Energy to working on White Power."
I hate how funny that is...
🧪 Is tap water safe?
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 short, clear, and actionable.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNRO...
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 short, clear, and actionable.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNRO...
Is tap water safe? | Ask A Scientist
YouTube video by Sam the Scientist
www.youtube.com
December 6, 2025 at 11:44 PM
🧪 Is tap water safe?
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 short, clear, and actionable.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNRO...
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 short, clear, and actionable.)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNRO...
🧪 Reddit user u/headgyheart asks:
What effect does PFAS have on our bodies and our environment?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/06/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What effect does PFAS have on our bodies and our environment?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/06/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
December 5, 2025 at 9:41 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/headgyheart asks:
What effect does PFAS have on our bodies and our environment?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/06/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
What effect does PFAS have on our bodies and our environment?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/06/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪So many of the questions I receive pick at the edges of the much more fundamental question of "What are fossil fuels? Why do we use them? Can they be replaced?"
So this week I answer the question in plain English:
What even is crude oil?
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/what...
So this week I answer the question in plain English:
What even is crude oil?
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/what...
November 30, 2025 at 10:16 PM
🧪So many of the questions I receive pick at the edges of the much more fundamental question of "What are fossil fuels? Why do we use them? Can they be replaced?"
So this week I answer the question in plain English:
What even is crude oil?
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/what...
So this week I answer the question in plain English:
What even is crude oil?
environment.samellman.org/2025/10/what...
🧪 Can plastic recycling be improved?
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=IEul...
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=IEul...
Can plastic recycling be improved? | Ask A Scientist
YouTube video by Sam the Scientist
www.youtube.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:24 PM
🧪 Can plastic recycling be improved?
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=IEul...
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=IEul...
🧪 Reddit user u/ElementreeCr0 asks:
Should I be worried sticky adhesive residue on baby toys?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Should I be worried sticky adhesive residue on baby toys?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
November 22, 2025 at 12:19 AM
🧪 Reddit user u/ElementreeCr0 asks:
Should I be worried sticky adhesive residue on baby toys?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Should I be worried sticky adhesive residue on baby toys?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 Will microplastics ever break down?
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=gEz_...
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=gEz_...
Will microplastics ever break down? | Ask A Scientist
YouTube video by Sam the Scientist
www.youtube.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:09 PM
🧪 Will microplastics ever break down?
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=gEz_...
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=gEz_...
🧪 Reddit user u/ElementreeCr0 asks:
Should I be worried about the smell of "offgassing" plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Should I be worried about the smell of "offgassing" plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
November 15, 2025 at 4:22 PM
🧪 Reddit user u/ElementreeCr0 asks:
Should I be worried about the smell of "offgassing" plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
Should I be worried about the smell of "offgassing" plastic?
Answer:
environment.samellman.org/2025/04/envi...
If you have a question for me about chemistry or the environment, just ask!
🧪 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!