What Gives Hot Peppers Their Heat?
Clip: Season 47 Episode 17 | 8m 22sVideo has Closed Captions
"Beyond the Elements" host David Pogue explores the science of hot peppers—viscerally.
When you eat peppers, the chemical capsaicin fits into the heat pain receptors in your mouth, sending a false signal that’s identical to the one your brain would receive if you ate something literally burning hot.
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
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What Gives Hot Peppers Their Heat?
Clip: Season 47 Episode 17 | 8m 22sVideo has Closed Captions
When you eat peppers, the chemical capsaicin fits into the heat pain receptors in your mouth, sending a false signal that’s identical to the one your brain would receive if you ate something literally burning hot.
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Providing Support for PBS.org
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National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.