Researchers identify gene mutation capable of regulating pain

Pain afflicts at least 1.5 billion people worldwide, and despite the availability of various painkilling drugs, not all forms of pain are treatable. Moreover, pain medications can have side-effects such as dependence and ...

Why some like it hot: The science of spiciness

Spiciness, or its perception, occurs in most cuisines worldwide. The chili pepper of the genus Capsicum (family Solanaceae) is one of the world's most widely used spices, found in thousands of recipes and sometimes eaten ...

Video: Why it hurts to eat hot peppers

You have probably had the burning sensation of eating a jalapeno or other tear-inducing pepper. What causes this painful fire in your mouth? The short answer is capsaicin. But what exactly is capsaicin? How does it work? ...

ACS chemistry mavens stir up hot sauce science

The chemistry of Sriracha or "rooster" sauce joins the list of topics of interest for the American Chemical Society, which recently delivered a "Reactions" video on the sauce. Huy Fong Foods' Sriracha sauce has attracted ...