Is Superhero Strength Real?

You’ve probably heard stories about mothers lifting cars to save their baby trapped underneath--but is that just an urban myth? This week on Reactions we talk about “superhero strength” and the chemistry behind what’s possible.


Subscribe! http://bit.ly/ACSReactions
Facebook! http://facebook.com/ACSReactions
Twitter! http://twitter.com/ACSReactions
Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/acsreactions/


You might also like:
Can Radiation Give You Superpowers?
https://youtu.be/GbmSmgTIQ8s

What Happens When You Overdose?
https://youtu.be/xLSz3wEgwJ8

The Science of the Avengers
https://youtu.be/Gr3ov7R89Xo

How Does Protein Build Muscle?
https://youtu.be/L5-tKciXEG8

Does Melatonin Do Anything?
https://youtu.be/qjUKsW93qRU

Genetically Modified Humans? CRISPR/Cas 9 Explained
https://youtu.be/5gQGWJraptU


Credits:
Producer: Melissa Salpietra
Writer: Samantha Jones, PhD
Scientific Consultants: David Weinshenker, Ph.D.
Executive Producer: George Zaidan

Music:
Adventure Theme - YouTube Audio Library
Hero in Peril - YouTube Audio Library
Saving the World - YouTube Audio Library
7th Floor Tango - Silent Partner

Sources:
Understanding stress response
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response

Extreme fear and superhuman strength
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/extreme-fear-superhuman/

Gut-Brain Axis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27512962

Adrenomedullary response to maximal stress in humans.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6496531

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20817354

Science and Practice of Strength Training
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236454948_Science_and_Practice_of_Strength_Training

Epinephrine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29489283

Our brain’s adaptation to stress
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17615391

Circulating catecholamines
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25589262

Endorphins in fight or flight
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5802279/

Endorphins and morphine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3104618/


Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others' butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it's OK to pee in the pool? We've got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Produced by the American Chemical Society. Join the American Chemical Society! http://bit.ly/Join_acsmembership

Next episode

S06E36 - We Tested Google’s Tips for Getting Stains Out of Your Clothes. You’re Welcome.